Sunday, January 3, 2010 – Epiphany Sunday / Sacrament of Holy Communion
Dear Centenary Church Family:
Happy New Year!
As you will note from the information below, there has been a change in the Worship service for this Sunday, January 3, 2010. I will not be preaching, as originally planned, but the Chancel Choir and supporting musicians/instrumentalists, will present the “Candles and Carols” Cantata which had been scheduled for Sunday, December 20…when our service was cancelled because of the significant snowfall. We will also change the order within the service. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered earlier in the service, and the children will be encouraged to remain in Worship until after Communion is served. They may then participate in a special activity for this first Sunday in the New Year…or they may remain for the Cantata, which will compose the final part of the Worship service. We look forward to sharing in this special musical experience which will offer you the opportunity to hear once again the Christmas story and to sing many of your favorite carols with the Chancel Choir.
Read MoreThe Man Who Hated Christmas
A Sermon Delivered by The Rev. John D. Painter at Centenary United Methodist Church Metuchen, New Jersey December 24, 2009 (Christmas Eve)
Text: Luke 2:1–20
2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be regis-tered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, be-cause there was no place for them in the inn.
Sunday, December 20, 2009 – 4th Sunday of Advent / Chancel Choir Cantata
Dear Centenary Church Family:
This Sunday at Centenary: December 20, 2009
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:00 AM – Adult Study – The Best Songs Come at Night (Sunshine Room)
10:15 AM – Worship & Sunday School(Pre-K through Grade 6)
An Advent Cantata: Candles & Carols: A Service of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
by Mark Hayes & Pamela Martin
with Chancel Choir, Instrumental Ensemble, and Congregational Singing
Lectionary Readings: Micah 5:2-5a Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:46b-55 Luke 1:39-45
Celebration of Found Coins:Centenary Music Ministry
Children’s Time:Michael Savoia
11:30 AM – Fellowship Time (Room 20)
11:45 AM – Junior Choir Rehearsal(Music Room)
12:00 Noon – Confirmation Class(Youth Room)
Celebration of Found Coins for Sunday, December 20:
Read MoreSunday, December 13, 2009 – 3rd Sunday of Advent / Sunday School Pageant
Dear Centenary Church Family:
This Sunday at Centenary: December 13, 2009
The Third Sunday of Advent / Annual Sunday School Pageant
9:00 AM – Adult Study – The Best Songs Come at Night (Sunshine Room)
9:00 AM – Sunday School Pageant Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
10:15 AM – Worship
Starry Night, Noisy Night
A Christmas Musical for Children
Written by Ruth Elaine Schram and Scott Schram
Presented by our Centenary Sunday School Children, Youth & Teachers
Lectionary Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Philippians 4:4-7
Isaiah 12:2-6 Luke 3:7-18
Celebration of Found Coins: Centenary Children’s Ministries
11:30 AM – Fellowship Time (Room 20)
11:45 AM – Junior Choir Rehearsal (Music Room)
12:00 Noon – Ying Yu Swatzel Shower (Sunshine Room)
6:30 PM – Carol Sing and Cookie Exchange (Sanctuary & Room 20)
Reminder for Pageant Participants:
Pageant Rehearsals: Saturday, December 12, from 1:00-3:00 PM
and Sunday, December 13, at 9:00 AM.
Sunday, December 6, 2009 – The Second Sunday of Advent / Sacrament of Holy Communion
Dear Centenary Church Family:
This Sunday at Centenary: December 6, 2009
The Second Sunday of Advent / Sacrament of Holy Communion
9:00 AM – Adult Study – The Best Songs Come at Night (Sunshine Room)
10:15 AM – Worship & Sunday School (Pre-K through Grade 12)
United Methodist Bishops’ Pastoral Letter:
God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action
Lectionary Readings: Malachi 3:1-4 Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 1:68-79 Luke 3:1-6
Children’s Message: Pastor John Painter
Music: Harris Ringers: Carol of the Bells by Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovich
Chancel Choir – Advent Prayer Arranged by Hal H. Hopson
Celebration of Found Coins: UM Global HIV/AIDS Fund
11:45 AM – Advent Pot-Luck Lunch and Advent Crafts Workshop (Room 20 & Hallways)
11:45 AM – Junior Choir Rehearsal (Music Room)
6:30 PM – United Methodist Youth Fellowship (Grades 7-12)