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 

“I Will Bless the Lord at All Times” J. Pace

Leader: Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice!

People: Our joy is in the Lord, who blesses us.

Leader: Shout for joy, for the Lord is near!

People: Our praises ascend to God for the mighty things God has done.

Leader: Let your praise dance and swirl in tribute to God!

People: Surely God blesses and saves us. Hallelujah! Praise be to 

God. 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 get so caught up in 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.

"There Is A Name" K. Carr

"Keep Your Lamps” A. Thomas 

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” UMH #706

Dismissal with Blessing

Postlude

Worship Participants

Worship Leader: Rev. W. 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

 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.

All poinsettias will remain in the Sanctuary until the end of service on Sunday, December 21st (the 3rd Sunday). Those who purchased poinsettias may receive them at that time. 

Outreach will be delivering the gifts to the children of the inmates this Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 between 11 AM and

1 PM. The gifts for those in our church will be given out at the same time. ALL GIFTS SHOULD be RETURNED by TOMORROW. Please return your gifts tomorrow. Thank you for participating in this program.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., for the "Labor in the Pulpit" worship service, we will welcome our local laborer leaders to speak briefly on the important connection between faith and labor.

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Teamsters Local 667 in Memphis actively honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day through longstanding traditions that highlight Dr. King’s connection to labor rights and the 1968 sanitation strike. Each year, the union participates in a commemorative march from North Main and A.W. Willis to the National Civil Rights Museum, often beginning with a ceremony led by Local President James E. Jones, Jr.

These events serve as a time of reflection, recognizing the sacrifices of the sanitation workers and reaffirming the ongoing fight for dignity and respect in the workplace.

• 8:00 am – Opening Ceremony by Teamsters Local 667 Begins in the Park at N. Main & A W Willis Ave.
• 9:00 am – MLK Memorial March From the Park to the National Civil Rights Museum
• Noon -2:00 pm – Mid Day Luncheon at Centenary UMC

Time:

Monday, January 19, 2026

11am – 1:30pm

Location:

Centenary United Methodist Church

When Memphis Rises, The South Will Rise

Go to the MLK Day March in the morning, then join us immediately afterwards for an afternoon of unity and community building. Leave this event ready to take action to make Memphis a better place one neighborhood at a time.

Have you been looking for a way to work with your brothers in a positive and organized way? This is it! There will be lite refreshments, a Resource Center with our Partners and Motivating Speakers. Registration is required.

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. 

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.