From the Pastor

New Wednesday Night Bible Study

Published: 19 September 2023
Written by Centenary Communications
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Categories: Blog, From the Pastor

Beginning on September 27th, at 6:00 p.m. we will meet for our first Wednesday Night Bible Study. This bible study, “The Bible and Its Influence on Contemporary Literature” led by Pastor Keith Caldwell, will meet in the E. J. Cox Hall and online.

As we kick off this new class, we will have light refreshments at 5:00 p.m. and begin a review of the selected book, “Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman.

All are welcome to attend! Register below or call the church office at 901-774-7604 for more information.

From Rules to Righteousness

Published: 29 August 2022
Written by Centenary Communications
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Categories: Blog, From the Pastor

Watch the sermon “From Rules to Righteousness” by Rev. Roger A. Hopson, Senior Pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Memphis, TN.

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Pray for our church, our city, and our world.

Published: 15 August 2022
Written by Rev. Hopson
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Categories: Blog, From the Pastor

Please join me, as a prayer warrior, in setting aside a special time each day through September 15, 2022, as we pray for our church, our city, and our world.

After the 30 days, we will meet and discuss.

Prayer changes things. Your FAITH, DEDICATION and SINCERITY can move mountains when you pray.

Words of Assurance 8-30-2020

Published: 31 August 2020
Written by Rev. Hopson
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Categories: Blog, From the Pastor

Greetings and blessings, Friends,

When I was a boy my grandfather used to say to me at the end of the day “All we have is God and family.” Lately I have been thinking a lot about his words and I find myself constantly giving thanks for my family and my extended family. I am so grateful for you, my Centenary family, for always being there for me and my family, and for the love and care you give to others who find themselves in difficult situations.

Words can never express my gratitude for church members who honor God by embracing His world and modeling what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ. Today we find ourselves dealing with a world we could never imagine. Our young men are being snatched from us, often by those sworn to serve and protect. We have indifferent and apathetic leaders on all levels, a rise in hate groups, a deadly worldwide virus, job loss, financial ruin, and the list goes on and on.

What will it take to turn things around?  I don’t have the answers, but I do know that God is still in control. In the African American tradition, we often say “He may not come when we want Him, but He’s always on time,” so, friends, we must stay the course. We must continue to pray, love, serve, and lean on each other. We must be advocates for those who are oppressed in any way. Together we are a force to be reckoned with. We are the army of God, and there is no obstacle we cannot overcome with God’s help.

We are sons and daughters of a living God and when the world trembles with fear and uncertainty, it will be our witness that turns the tide, (Read Psalms 23 and Luke 4:16-19). The Old Testament text reminds us that we are never alone, and the New Testament’s words are a spiritual reminder of how anointed followers behave. I pray that our Centenary family and Christians all over the world will passionately continue to spread the gospel of hope, healing, and salvation. It might be stormy now, but the sun is guaranteed to come up tomorrow. Praise God!

Words of Assurance – 5-13-2020

Published: 13 May 2020
Written by Rev. Hopson
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Categories: From the Pastor
The Hopsons

Greetings and blessings Friends,

The world has been knocked hard but not knocked out. Over seven billion of God’s children wake up to the realization that they may not see tomorrow. There are no guarantees—death can happen to any of us in a variety of ways but today is different. We all face the same threat with little defense except isolation. We hunger for each other, for love, friendship, family, and fun.

In our physical separation thankfully we are still able to reach out and communicate through our modern technology. God has blessed us with the gift of memory so we don’t have to rely on computers or the Internet for remembrances of each other. We are sustained by our thoughts, fellowship, and relationships that are so vital to our sense of wellbeing.

Until we are able to gather again, let us reflect on our role in the kingdom and seek God’s guidance in being the best we can be.  Will we be empathetic, kinder, gentler, and more engaging with the poor and marginalized?  Will we be less judgmental and more forgiving?

In every historical world crisis God has shown us that he is King and still on the throne. God reminds us that life will go on, storms will eventually end, and the sun will shine again. We are reminded that the church is not a building but a living body of united believers who are shielded by faith and fortified by the love of God and this gets poignantly reflected in how we care for one another.

What does the future hold? Nobody really knows, nor do we need to know so long as “We know who holds the future,” as the popular song says. Remember the children’s prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take?” That prayer takes on extra meaning during this current crisis. In John 14, Jesus reminds us that he goes to prepare a place for us and there’s no reason to be afraid. That promise still stands.

Let us continue to pray for healing in our land and be gently reminded of the power of the cross. We are royalty, sons and daughters of the King. Let us face the future as trusting stewards, thankful to God for an opportunity to love and be loved. Let history record that God’s people rallied together, embracing the world, and keeping their eyes on the prize. Amen.

Roger

Words of Assurance – 4/22/2020

Published: 26 April 2020
Written by Rev. Hopson
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Categories: From the Pastor

Greetings and blessings Friends,

When the world is in crises mode, someone will always ask the ancient biblical question “Is there a word from God?” When the crops are abundant, the fields ripe for harvest, and storm clouds are absent, we often take God’s word for granted.

Each generation has had to deal with issues too big or too complex for mere humans, but God never stops speaking to us.  Other voices tell us that we have   a right to all the desires of our heart, even if it comes at the expense of our village. Then there are the times when we allow the world to separate us from our Creator—we miss the beauty of the rainbow looking for that elusive pot of gold. Sadly, sometimes we fail to hear the rich stories of others because we don’t value all God’s people.

During these days of social distancing may we take time to truly answer that age-old question with a resounding “Yes, there is a word from God.” If we listen carefully, we hear God saying, “I love you, and I will never leave nor forsake you.”

God gently reminds us to not let fear direct our steps or dash our dreams. We will survive as a community of faith if we rally with others around the Cross. We are Easter people and Easter people understand the tomb is empty and our journey doesn’t end with the grave.

Jesus gave it all for us and we are expected to tell this awesome story of sacrifice, salvation, and redemption. The word the Master expects us to share is (1) nothing can separate us from the love of God, (2) bad news cannot overcome this “good news,” and (3) we are a part of God’s royal family and we do not feast until everyone is at the table.

When this pandemic is over, will we let God order our steps? Will we sail off to the sea of salvation or drop anchor in the harbor of hopelessness? I pray we find ourselves loving and embracing all God’s people, and maybe then we’ll see the lion lie down with the lamb and we will study war no more. I pray we will love deeper, smile longer, and give ourselves totally to God’s guidance.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord…

Roger