Centenary Memphis Worship Guide for 11/30/2025
Celebration of Worship
Mission

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

Welcome

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.

Locations & Times

Centenary United Methodist Memphis

584 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106, USA

Sunday 10:30 AM


Live Stream on YouTube

✅Member and Visitor Check In!

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!


Legend

* If able, please stand.

**Worshippers may enter.

†Please refrain from walking


Prelude

The Flame of God


Introit 

"Glory, Glory, Hallelujah” Traditional  

Call to Worship* (Unison)

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. 

†Morning Invocation
First Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Rev. W. Frank Jones 


The prophet announces the coming of the Messiah to the Jews in exile.

Song of Adoration

"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 

Old Testament Scripture

Ezekiel 47:3-12niv2011

Song of Preparation

"Victory” B. Water


Soloist: Autry Parker, Jr, Tenor 

Doxology and Prayer of Dedication

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.                                 

SENDING FORTH

Extinguishing the Light 


Closing Song

“Soon and Very Soon” AAHH #193


Dismissal with Blessing

    

Postlude

DEPART AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST.

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 Celebration

 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.


Hanging of the Greens Celebration TODAY

This service is one of decorating the sanctuary with the symbols of life - evergreens and lights. 


T- Shirt Orders

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 

Angel Tree

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.

2026 Event Calendar

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

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 


Thanksgiving Givings

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. 

Thank You In Appreciation of Your Support for the Historical Marker Dedication

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

Grief Counseling

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.

Opportunities to Serve

We Need Your Help!

Homebound Visitation Committee

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

 

Do You Want to Serve?

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.

Upcoming Events

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.