
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
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* If able, please stand.
**Worshippers may enter.
†Please refrain from walking
The Flame of God
Introit
"Glory, Glory, Hallelujah” Traditional
The prophet Isaiah writes, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Today, let us prepare our minds for the coming of the Christ Child. Let us prepare our hearts for the long-awaited Messiah. Let us prepare God’s house for the birth of God’s Son.
Leader: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the king?
Response: With branches of cedar, the tree of royalty.
Leader: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the eternal Christ?
Response: With a garland of pine and fir, whose leaves are ever living, evergreen.
Leader: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of our Savior?
Response: With wreaths of holly and ivy telling of his passion, death and resurrection.
Leader: How shall we prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior?
Response: By hearing again the words of the Scriptures, which foretold the saving work of God.
Leader: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
Response: Glory to God in the highest.
Rev. W. Frank Jones
The prophet announces the coming of the Messiah to the Jews in exile.
"I Really Love the Lord" M. Biggham
Soloist: Jimmie Brown, Tenor
Lighting of the First Advent Candle
The Cotton-Fanion Family
The Candle of Hope
First Sunday of Advent: Let God’s Love Be Your Constant Companion.
Second Reading: Luke 1:26-33
Dr. Geralyn Seals
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she will bear the Messiah.
Canticle of Mary:
Leader: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
People: My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
Leader: From today all generations shall call me blessed:
People: The Almighty has done great things for me and holy is the name of the Lord, whose mercy is on those who fear God from generation to generation.
Leader: The arm of the Lord is strong, and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
People: God has cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.
Leader: God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich empty away.
All: God has come to the aid of Israel, the chosen servant, remembering the promise of mercy, the promise made to our forebears, to Abraham and his children forever.
Musical Selection
“Silent Night” AAHH #211
Blessing of the Greens:
Presentation of the Garlands and Wreaths
Robin Mathews
Presentation of the Holly and Ivy
Maggie Jones
Isaiah 61:1-3, The Good News of Deliverance.
Presentation of the Poinsettias
Kametris Wyatt
Musical Selection
“Angels We Have Heard on High” AAHH #206
The Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Cecelia Patrick
Musical Selection
“Jesus, the Light of the World” AAHH #217
John 1:1-5, 9-14, John relates to us the coming to the True Light.
Presentation of the Creche and Gifts
Cindy Hull
Musical Selection
"Mary, Did You Know" M. Lowery
Jesus is Truly the Light of the World!
Methodist Moment
Testimonials
Ezekiel 47:3-12niv2011
"Victory” B. Water
Soloist: Autry Parker, Jr, 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
“Soon and Very Soon” AAHH #193
Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude
Worship Participants
Worship Leader: Frances Williams
Music: Men’s Chorus
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
Advent season is the beginning of the liturgical year.
It is a season of expectation and anticipation, preparation
and contemplation. It is four weeks of preparing our hearts
to receive Jesus our Savior, who will bring incredible promise, healing, hope for peace on earth, and joy to the world.
Beginning November 30th, we will have a family to light the
Advent candles on each of the Four Sundays in Advent and read scriptures as part of the Advent Liturgical Celebration.
This service is one of decorating the sanctuary with the symbols of life - evergreens and lights.
Everyone who ordered a T-shirt may pick up their order in the E.J. Cox Hall immediately following the worship service. Additionally, those who wish to place an order may do so at that time as well.
Jackie Fanion
The Angel Tree Tags are on the tree in the Hallway of the FLC. Please take one or more if possible. We need the participation of as many donors as possible.
ONCE YOU HAVE TAKEN A TAG FROM THE TREE; PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER NEXT TO THE CODE NUMBER ON ONE OF THE TRACKING SHEETS.
Please return all gifts with tags, wrapped or in a gift bag (with all gifts in one external bag), no later than 8 Dec 25. Please do not remove any portion of the tag.
Item #1: Each child will receive two (2) gifts: one article of clothing and one toy, or item specifically requested by child.
Item #2: All gifts should cost between $25.00 and $30.00. We request that you try to adhere to the guidelines as close as possible.
Distribution of the gifts will be on Dec 13 at 11 AM.
Thank you for your support.
Attention all Leaders: Please submit your dates and activities to the church office for the 2024 Church Event Calendar. This calendar is currently being prepared and the deadline to submit your information is December 15th.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Tamala Young at 901-774-7604.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and lent a hand with the Hanging of the Greens. Your support and participation made it a truly wonderful event.
Vicki Fanion and Decorating Team
A special thank you to Mr. Lucius McLaughlin and Mr. Thomas Lamon for donating 10 turkeys and 10 hams and to Mr. Gerard Harris for providing over 25 cabbages for our Thanksgiving donations. Your kindness touched many hearts, and the recipients were truly grateful for the support and care shown during this season of giving.
Dear Committee Members and Beloved Church Family,
We want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication during our recent historical marker dedication. This meaningful event would not have been possible without your commitment, hard work, and the spirit of unity that defines our church community.
Your support—whether through planning, volunteering, praying, or simply being present—helped make this occasion a truly memorable celebration of our shared history and faith. The marker stands as a testament not only to the legacy of our church, but also to the love and fellowship that continue to flourish within our congregation.
Thank you for your generosity, encouragement, and for coming together to honor our past while inspiring hope for the future. We are deeply grateful for each of you and look forward to the many ways we can continue to serve and uplift each other as a church family.
With sincere appreciation,
Thomas and Marie Milam, Church Historians
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.
We Need Your Help!
We are organizing to assist 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.
January 4th The Epiphany Brunch will be held on January 4, 2026, 12:00 noon in the Family Life Center.
January 11th (10:30 a.m.) Installation of 2026 Church Officers/Leaders will be held January 11, 2026 during the 10:30 a.m. worship celebration. All officers/leaders are asked to be present.