The Gospel lesson for this week has Jesus telling his disciples: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it simply will remain a grain. It will not produce any wheat!” (John 12:24) The grain is essential. However, the process of being put into the ground and dying to its current state is what allows the grain to become much more than its present form. The grain has the great potential to grow, to flourish, become food and nourish many more people. However, if it remains in its current state, it will never produce any fruit.
Jesus then goes on to talk about human beings. In a sense, we also are a grain of wheat that has much potential to grow and produce food that can nurture and feed many others. But to see this come to fruition, we also must “die to ourselves”—to sin and self so that we also may bear fruit. Jesus says we must “lose” our lives—and the fruit we will bear in this process will be phenomenal, beyond our imagining!
The process of dying to anything is not easy. It often is painful, sad, and bewildering. Our lives change in this process and so do we. However, Jesus promises that through our dying, we will bear much fruit. Do we trust and believe Jesus’ promise? His disciples struggled with this teaching, this reality—and truth be told so do we.
This week you are invited to look back on your life. Remember the many times you have suffered loss—and reflect on the “new life” that invited you to love once again, laugh again and be joyful once again. Truly, there is life after death — even in this physical earthly life. God gifts us with new life every day! Be attentive to it! Look for it! Expect it!
Join us this Sunday at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast returns bringing an inspired message of hope entitled “Better Than Miracle Grow! Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30am for (On-site/In-Person) 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. We look forward to seeing you!
As we strive to keep our congregation and community safe and healthy, we will observe physical distancing and limited seating worship. Additional precautions per CDC and AZDHS recommendations will be in place and details can be found on our website as well as the opportunity to reserve your seat for worship.
We will continue to also offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week—You are invited to access worship or information through our website (www.sedonaumc.org) or by calling the church office (928-282-1780).
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for our special Palm Sunday/Holy Week/Easter Services. Palm Sunday March 28th @ 9:30am join us for a moving celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem; Maundy Thursday – April 1st @ 6PM your invited to remember the Passover Feast with Holy Communion; Good Friday April 2nd @ 7PM features the most powerful service of the entire year as we journey the Delarosa with Jesus remembering His sacrifice for all of us—Preparing the way for Resurrection/Easter Sunday April 4th @ 6:30am (Sunrise on the patio) and 9:30am in the sanctuary.
We offer 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!—Come and grow with us!
