After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said, “I am thirsty.” — John 19:28. What does it mean to be thirsty? All of us have had the sensation at one time or another, and many of us have mistaken the sensation of thirst for something else. Often we mistake it for hunger—I’m starving!” We know our body needs something, but we can’t really name it specifically as “thirst.” It’s common isn’t it? Our bodies are made up of almost 70% water and by the time we have the sensation of being truly thirsty, we could be up to a quart short. This physical reminder is important to help us realize our own needs?
Jesus talked a lot about thirst like when he spoke to the woman at the well in the Gospel of John, chapter 4. Jesus asked the woman to for a drink of water. The woman responded, “How is it, that you, a Jew, asks a drink of me a Samaritan woman?” Jesus answered, “If you only knew who it is that is asking you for a drink you would have asked him, and he would give you life-giving water… Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never thirst again.” Their conversation continued and Jesus through this illustration demonstrated to the woman her own need—her ‘thirst’ for something much more than water—her deep need for a savior!
“I thirst”—Words we could simply dismiss as Jesus showing us his human side. Simple words of a dying man who is suffering a physical death and experiencing all the pains that go with it, and he is simply thirsty. But there is so much more to these seemingly meaningless words. Join us this week as the Rev. Fred Mast continues a series of Lenten 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—A Thirst for Life”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring uplifting music, special times of prayer, and passionate life changing messages that will 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 a very special fellowship time as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day featuring a “Stuffed Baked Potato Feast”, delicious goodies, beverages, and great coffee. This is the friendliest and most welcoming fellowship time anywhere! Invite, pick-up, and bring your friends and family.
Announcing our very special “Holy Week” schedule—
Palm Sunday, March 25th at 9:30 a.m. – Come and sing Hosannas to the King, enjoy the Easter Cantata performed by our Chancel Choir and prepare your hearts to enter into Holy Week.
Maundy Thursday, March 29th at 6:00 p.m. – Join in a Feast of Friends in Fellowship Hall as we begin the evening with a potluck dinner in the theme of the Last Supper followed by a brief Service of Preparation and Holy Communion.
Good Friday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m. – You won’t want to miss this dramatic and powerful “Service of Shadow and Remembrance” as we walk with Jesus through the final hours of His earthly life. Come and prepare for His glorious and incredible resurrection on Easter Sunday!
Resurrection Sunday, April 1st —2 Easter Services featuring Holy Communion – Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. on the patio & Traditional Worship featuring our Bell Choir and Chancel Choirs at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Come sing your favorite Easter hymns and celebrate the Risen Christ!
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!
