Happy New Year from Sedona UMC. Holiday time is highway time. A time when we have so much in common with the Magi who packed their bags for Bethlehem in search of a king. We may not travel by camel and sleep under the stars, but we have been known to knock knees with an in-law on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or lay awake all night on that paper thin sofa pull-out mattress. We don’t keep a close eye on the star light, but do watch out for the flashing lights of the State Trooper. We may not travel days on end by massive caravan, but for untold hours with four kids in a minivan. The gospel of Matthew 2:1-2 tells us, “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?’ ”. The writer of Matthew seemed to love the story of the magi, in fact he gave more square inches of text to this story than the entire birth story of Jesus. He doesn’t mention the shepherds or a manger, but he doesn’t want us to miss this story about the star and star-gazers. We are all travelers at one time or another—in order to find Jesus most need direction of some kind. God gives us those needed directions and the story of the wise men shows us how.
Join us this week at Sedona UMC as Pastor Fred Mast presents a sermon entitled “If Only—We’d Look Up” and experience the story of the wise men sent on a mission only to discover they have embarked on the journey of a lifetime. God will not leave us alone or in the dark. God entered our world and brought the message of H-O-P-E and L-I-F-E. He cracks the shell of our world and invites us to peek into his—if only we’d look up! Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, we laugh, we cry, and most of all we welcome all as family. Our fellowship time immediately follows worship and features the best coffee, sweet treats, and friendship you will find anywhere!
NEW BOOK STUDY STARTS JANUARY 10TH—All are invited! A new community book study starts on Tuesdays with two time options: 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. We will be studying the book entitled “Half Truths” by author and Pastor, Rev. Adam Hamilton. Join us for lively discussions as we will delve into some of the most common Christian Clichés that may have some element of truth in them comparing them to the wisdom found in scripture.
So many great ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC so come and join us for a New Year filled with exciting opportunities—Like us on Facebook and visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org. In need of prayer? Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona.
