“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.”—Mark 1:15.
It’s a humble journey, the one we begin this week—This first Sunday in Lent. It’s oh, so humble, so modest, so unassuming, and it begins so unremarkably, unlike other journeys in our lives, journeys that start off with the excitement of loaded suitcases, wedding licenses or retirement gifts. It’s a humble, humble journey we begin this Jesus-journey. Humble? Really? The scripture from the gospel of Mark seems pretty sensational really. It starts, after all, with a baptism featuring an “other-worldly” voice dressed in animal skins eating a diet consisting primarily of bugs. And then there’s the trek through the wilderness littered by Satan and wild beasts, “cleaned up” by angels. And if that’s not enough, the passage ends with a powerful message booming out from the Super Hero Jesus, who strides into Galilee to change the world for all of eternity.
Oh!—It’s a humble journey we begin—The gospel writer Mark’s terse account of these awesome things isn’t spectacular. No, his telling of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry is remarkably understated, unlike the animated paintings and silver screen renderings—not to mention Matthew’s and Luke’s awe-inspiring accounts. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues a series of messages walking with Jesus and his followers on a journey that will ultimately take them to the cross in a message entitled “Journey to Eternity—Who Would Have Guessed”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
You are invited! —To a very special “Valentines Family Movie Night TONIGHT, February 16th –Beginning at 6 PM a delicious “Italian Dinner” will be served at your table followed by our award winning featured movie “Fireproof”, a moving story of love and relationships starring Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea, and Ken Bevel. This is a FREE event as always so invite, pick up, and bring your friends and family—and of course we will also have amazing desserts and great movie snacks. A great way to top off your Valentines week!
Beginning February 20th—March 27th, we begin our Lenten Study on Tuesdays at two locations: VOC—Join Pastor Fred at the Sedona Gold Resort (restaurant) at 10:00—11:00 a.m. & West Sedona—Join Jan Shuman at The Gathering Place from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Our study will feature Adam Hamilton’s—”Final Words from the Cross”. All are welcome and invited. We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. And coming soon a new study on the Psalms.
So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC a great place for ALL people—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—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. Come and grow with us!
