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 

“O, Give Thanks”

Words & Music by Vincent Bohanan

Leader: The Lord calls us to grow in faithfulness.

People:  Take away our greed and selfishness, O Lord!

Leader:  The Lord challenges us to serve others in loving ways!

People:  Help us grow in our service and witness to your mercy and peace.

Leader:  Come, let us worship the Lord, who delights in our witness.

People:  Let us praise God who is always with us. 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 the obligations 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. 

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.

“If Nothing Else, Thank You”

Soloists: Charles Parker, Tenor, Paige D. Parker, Jr, Bass

Words & Music by Pharis Evans

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”

Words & Music by Carol Cymbala

Dismissal with Blessing

Postlude

Worship Participants

Worship Leader: Dr. Charles Parker  

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

The Ushers’ ministry will meet TODAY in the W. A. Miller Room immediately after worship service.  

Pastor Keith Caldwell

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.

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

THANK YOU, CENTENARIANS, AND GUEST!!!!!

We would like to thank you for supporting one of our 160th Anniversary Celebration activities. "JUBILEE" presented by The Hattiloo Theater of Memphis, the only Black theater in the Tri-State area. The closest Black- owned theater to Hattiloo of Memphis is in the Chicago area. We really hope that this was an enjoyable event for you and your guest. The committee pinned its wishes on you taking pleasure in the fellowship before the show, learning the history of "The Fisk Jubilee Singers", and you being engaged for about 2 hours in a great presentation with over 36 A Capella performance by some of the most talented performers you will ever see.

Again, thank you Centenary,

The 160th Anniversary Committee

For receiving the Best of the Burg 2025 certificate in Warrensburg, Missouri. We are thrilled to celebrate your well-deserved recognition as the Best Pediatrician by The Star Journal! Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to children's health and well-being truly set you apart.                                              

Twillie Family

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.