Everything we know about Mary Magdalene is contained in a dozen references to her in the four Gospels of the Holy Scriptures. So, who was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is one of the most important women mentioned in all the Bible. She is also one of the most slandered individuals in scripture—People have been making up stories about her for over two thousand years. Much of this widespread disparagement of Mary Magdalene’s character can be attributed to those who want to challenge the truth of the Gospels, for she is a key witness who certainly must be discredited.
But Mary Magdalene cannot be held down! People might try to make things up about Mary, conflate her with other women and otherwise attempt to misrepresent and defame her, but you cannot discount her role in Jesus’ death and resurrection. She, along with a couple of other women, and only one of the twelve disciples, was one of the few with the loyalty and courage to show up at the time Jesus needed her the most—When almost every other supporter and follower had gone into hiding.
Mary Magdalene is first mentioned in Luke 8: 1-3. She appears to have been from the town of Magdala; consequently, Mary Magdalene. Here we read of certain women accompanying Jesus and the twelve. We are told that Jesus had healed these women and that they “…ministered unto him of their substance.” Mary Magdalene was one of these women—and a critical figure in the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ.
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares an inspired message entitled “A Portrait of Courage & Faithfulness”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of in-person worship at 9:30am 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! We also offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week accessed at www.sedonaumc.org.
On Saturday morning August 7th the men of the Verde Valley are invited to gather for a delicious SUMC Men’s Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. This month our breakfast will take place in our Fellowship Hall for a “Very Special” program by Jack Ross, a retired Delta Airlines Pilot, who will share with us a behind the scenes look at what it was like as a commercial airline pilot. Bring a canned food item for the Food Bank—All men are welcomed and invited to attend—And come and make a new friendship or two.
Sedona UMC offers several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s @ 2PM Adult Studies at “The Gathering Place” in West Sedona; Wednesday’s Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. We offer so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship 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!
