In His sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9). Into a world that is so often wrought with daily challenges, Jesus calls upon us as peacemakers. We aren’t given the choice of whether or not we would like to be peacemakers and we certainly aren’t always given the choice of what kind of world we would like to live in. As challenging as things may seem, this is the only world we have and as true followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be examples of Jesus by being peacemakers. But, what did Jesus mean by calling us to be peacemakers?
A working definition of a peacemaker is actively seeking to reconcile people to God and to one another. The word peace comes from the Hebrew word “shalom”. “Shalom” is often used as a greeting word or a departing word in much the same way we might say “hello” or “goodbye”. It is also a broad term related to health, prosperity, harmony, and wholeness. It means perfect welfare, serenity, fulfillment, freedom from trouble, and liberation from anything which hinders contentment.
Peacemaking is a divine work and God is the author of peace—And, Jesus is the supreme Peacemaker! Jesus came to establish peace; his message and his example proclaimed peace; his death purchased peace; and his resurrection enables peace. The life of Jesus was the epitome of God’s mission to bring God’s peace and to initiate the healing relationships of peace with God. God gave everything so that we might experience true peace.
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast begins a series of messages focused on Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount “blessed are the peacemakers” in a message entitled “A Higher Calling”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring meaningful and 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.
On Saturday morning August 4th the men of the Verde Valley are invited to gather for a delicious SUMC Men’s Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. at The Golden Goose Restaurant in West Sedona. Our featured speaker will be Jon Linford of Morris Hall, PLLC. Bring a canned food item for the Food Bank—All men are welcomed, encouraged and invited to attend and come and make a new friendship.
Sedona UMC continues an eight-week adult study based on the New York Times Bestselling Book “The Circle Maker—Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears” by Mark Batterson. Two studies are happening—Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am at the church (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.), and Tuesday afternoons at 2 PM at the Gathering Place (1835 W. State Rte. 89A) in West Sedona. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
Starting this Month!—Friday, August 3rd @ 7:30am the Verde Valley community is invited to join Pastor Fred in “Prayer Walking”. Invite neighbors and friends and come exercise your body and your spirit. Walk around the beautiful paths on the property or inside the sanctuary. We will meet each 1st and 3rd Friday of each month so come and enjoy a conversation with God, fellowship with neighbors, followed by a brief time of fellowship in Fellowship Hall—we’ll have coffee, juices, and goodies.
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—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. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
