This week’s scripture from Isaiah Chapter 60 was spoken by the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years before Jesus ever came to earth. His message was for God’s chosen through whom God chose to reveal himself, to tell them about the Messiah, the Promised One, Jesus our Savior.

At the time that God gave Isaiah this message the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for hundreds of years.  God rescued them and brought them out of slavery, releasing them from captivity and serving as their Light to guide them to the land of milk and honey—“The Promised Land.” Then they thanked God and lived happily ever after. NOT!

God did deliver them, and they were grateful at first. They sang praises to him and followed in the instructions he set before them. But as time passed, they began to wander away–Not physically, because there was nowhere to wander in a huge and barren desert with no provisions except what God provided for them each day.

Some of them grew weary and restless and began to grumble and complain. They started thinking up their own ideas, making their own plans, and encouraged others to follow in their self-centered desires instead of God’s way—and that didn’t work well—never does!

It is important for us to know this story because it speaks to us today about our relationship with God and how we respond to his salvation and our journey to the Promised Land of God’s presence, promises, and protection. There are so many important lessons to be learned from this story because it is our story as well. Join us Sunday at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares a message entitled “Rise Up!”

As we strive to keep our community safe and healthy we continue to offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week—You are invited to access worship through our website (www.sedonaumc.org). Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship 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.

Join us for our weekly Book Study—”A Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel (Participant Guides available). This six-week study will meet Tuesdays On-Line via Zoom @ 10:30am & at the Gathering Place at 2:00 pm – 1835 W State Rte. 89A @ 2PM. All are welcome—Call the church office for details.

Check out our Facebook and Website page for the latest details and updates regarding church activities and Re-Opening Plan coming soon!!! Check out our NEW “SUMC Joy Hotline” on our website and share the “Joys & Blessings” happening in your life! Don’t hesitate to contact us if we may be of assistance and for pastoral care. We are here to help!

The Church Building may be temporarily closed—But the Church is certainly open with so many great missions, ministries and opportunities 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—We look forward to seeing you very soon—Come and grow with us!