To be a diverse community of faith, committed to worship, spiritual growth, and service through Christian love.

The Centenary Family is honored that you are visiting with us. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless each of us as we open ourselves to God's presence, Word, and Holy Spirit. If you are new to our congregation, please share with us your contact information so we can share with you information about the church's varied areas of ministry.

Centenary United Methodist Memphis

584 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106, USA

Sunday 10:30 AM

Live Stream on YouTube

Check in and let us know if you are worshiping with us on Sunday online or in-person! This helps with our records! You may also send prayer requests, update your contact information, or join our email list!

* If able, please stand.

**Worshippers may enter.

†Please refrain from walking

The Flame of God

Introit 

"He Reigns Forever" M. Carpenter         

Leader: Whom do you seek here in this place?

People: We seek God, the Creator, who brought us to life.

Leader: Who has told you of God?

People: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has shown us the love of God through his life.

Leader: Discipleship is difficult. Are you ready?

People: We want to be ready. Lord, strengthen and sustain us this day. 

AMEN.

What is an Invocation?

Where has the time gone, Lord? It seems as though we just got started with summer, having plans for rest and recreation, leisure and celebration. Then suddenly we are at the end of the summer. We know, as we begin to focus more closely on our daily planners, that time fills up fast with duties, meetings, organizations, and just generally getting back into the “swing of things.” It is easy for us to get lost in other priorities and to neglect our commitment to you. 

You have girded us for the journey, giving us armaments of faith. Your beloved Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, has poured out blessings upon blessings in his teachings that we might be made whole and be in good and faithful service to you by serving your world. Open our hearts and spirits, Lord, to faithful ministries in which we may take part. Let us take the extra steps into the wondrous mission to which you have called. Heal, restore, and prepare us for service. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.  

All: Amen.

What is The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 

Amen.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen. Amen.

"Awesome" C. Jenkins      

"Your Grace and Mercy"  F. Williams

Soloist: Bobby Merriweather, Tenor

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.                                 

Extinguishing the Light 

Closing Song

"Make Us One” C. Cymbala

Dismissal with Blessing

Postlude

Worship Participants

Worship Leader: Rev. William Frank Jones 

Music: Mass Choir 

Musicians: Cynthia Haley, Gerard Harris, Autry Parker, Jr., Roney Simelton

Sound Technician: David Parker

Online Worship Team: James Haley, II, LaRue Keller,

Robin Mathews, Charles Parker, Denise Parker, Nicole Parker,

Rosalyn Ross, Glenese Scales, Geralyn Seals,

Renee Parker Sekander, Kierra Taylor, Stephanie Walker

Beginning TODAY, Centenarians will have the opportunity to be interviewed by Dr. Shatavia Wynn, Professor at Rhodes College, for a special project titled "Black Religious Life in South Memphis." Interviews will take place after worship in the sanctuary. 

These interviews will be done in conjunction with Pastor Keith Caldwell's dissertation on Centenary Memphis/Rev. Dr. James Lawson, during the Civil Rights Movement. If you or someone you know who was present and/or involved with Centenary and the Civil Rights Movement, and would like to participate, please contact the church office for more information and to schedule an interview.

Women’s Chorus will rehearse at 6 pm as follows to sing September 14th:

• Tuesday, August 19th
• Tuesday, August 26th
• Tuesday, September 2nd
• Tuesday, September 9th 

Men’s Chorus will rehearse as follows in preparation for Men’s Day, September 28th:

• Tuesday, September 2nd, 7 pm
• Tuesday, September 9th, 7 pm
• Tuesday, September 16th, 7 pm
• Tuesday, September 23rd, 7 pm
• Saturday, September 27th, 10:30 am

Dr. Linda Wynn, Asst. Director for State Programs, estimates that the marker will be going into production within the next month. Production time is projected to be 3-4 weeks, and additional time is required for delivery and installation.  

The marker is nearing completion, and we look forward to celebrating Centenary's great history.  

Thomas Milam, Church Historian

There is a great opportunity for Centenary UMC to be involved with one of the Orpheum Theatre’s education programs, Neighborhood Play Program.

The Neighborhood Play Program is a community play-making program that explores the stories of a local neighborhood and collaboratively creates a play with and about the community. The Orpheum Theatre Group facilitates a series of free interactive story-based workshops between neighborhood residents and artists, creates a fictional play inspired by the stories, and invites community members to audition and participate in the production alongside professional Orpheum teaching artists. The program culminates in a free public performance.

Last year, the program created a play within the Binghampton community called We All We Got (video linked below). The next neighborhood will be the Soulsville community. Once I heard where the next play will be centered, I immediately recommended Centenary UMC as a source of getting stories from the members due to our rich history.

Here is a link to learn more: https://www.orpheum-memphis.com/education-community/community-programs/neighborhood-play-program

If you are interested in participating or would like to know more information, please contact the church office.              

Eboni Cain, Social Media Manager, Orpheum Theatre Group

Rev. W. Frank Jones is available for Grief Counseling. 

Persons in need of guidance and support during their bereavement may contact him at 219-789-4923.

Our Capital Campaign continues. Thank you for your pledges and contributions to date.

NAN March on Wall Street 

Join us for the National Action Network historical March on Wall Street in New York City, Thursday, August 28, 2025. We will have a bus leaving Memphis. If you are interested in attending or would like to know more information, please contact the church office. We would love for you all to join us.  

We Need Your Help!

We are in the process of organizing and assisting the pastor in supporting as well as caring for our sick-and-shut-in members. If you are aware of any homebound members, please call the church office and give their contact information {name, address, phone number} to the secretary. We welcome the opportunity to care for our members. Thank you in advance for your prayers as we undertake this endeavor.

Billie Hansbrough, Chairperson

The Worship Leader, Ushers, Communion Stewards, and Acolyte Ministry can use you. If you are interested in serving in one of these ministries, please contact the church office at 901-774-7604.