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 

"Glad to Be in the Service (One More Time)"  arr. C. Haley 

Leader: Every generous act of giving is a tribute to God’s love for us.

People: Lord, let us be people of generous and abundant gifts for others.

Leader: Be ready to listen and slow to react in anger.

People: Lord, prepare us to be peaceful people.

Leader: Keep your hearts and spirits ready to serve the Lord.

People: Lord, open our hearts to hear and respond to your words of life in ministries of hope and peace. AMEN.

What is an Invocation?

Compassionate God, we like to think that all we have to do is be “religious”, to speak the words, but that we really don’t have to “walk the walk”. We can be so focused on ritual and rules, that we forget the essence of your word for us. We forget that we are called to truly be people of peace, not just to speak the words, but to practice lives of compassion and hope. So many times, in this world, we are challenged to “take sides,” one against the other; but that is contrary to your will.

You call us to stand for mercy, justice, love, forgiveness, hope, and peace. You want us to be people who care deeply about others and about this world. Help us to be ready to truly and joyfully serve you, O God. Free us from selfishness and self-centeredness. Lift us to lives of peace; for we offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.

All: Amen.

“I Will Bless Thee, O Lord" AAHH #530

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.

“Why We Sing” K. Franklin

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

"This Little Light of Mine" Traditional

Dismissal with Blessing

Postlude

Worship Participants

Worship Leader: Blanche Walls

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

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

For Pat Bailey and Gwen Gibson as they travel with the group on Thursday to the National Action Network March on Wall Street.

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.  

All Metro church Food Pantry leaders are invited by UM Neighborhood Centers to meet and discuss coping with Hunger Ministry and particularly the crisis with Mid-South Food Bank. Join us TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th, 6 to 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s UMC, 480 S. Highland at Midland.

Any questions or suggestions welcome, to Dr. Mark Matheny at 901-428-4633 or memtheny@gmail.com.

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.