“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). When we hear these words, we tend to think about times of sadness and grief. The loss of a loved one—Difficult health news—Troubles seemingly surrounding us on every side.

Amid these experiences, we tend to mourn, and we pray that we might experience the presence and comfort of God. We worship a gracious and glorious God who comforts us in all of our afflictions. A God who is our constant companion, shepherd, and savior.

But it doesn’t appear that Jesus is talking about this kind of mourning in Matthew 5:4. He’s talking about something else altogether—A deep self-realization of our sinful nature and the overwhelming conviction that Jesus alone is our hope and our salvation. Jesus is inviting us into the sweet grace-filled life of repentance and when we understand this kind of mourning and the grace we receive—It transforms our lives!

Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast continues a sermon series on the “Beatitudes” with an inspired message entitled “Amazing Grace”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled! Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay after worship and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere—Lots of delicious refreshments! Come hungry—You will be fed both spiritually and physically.

Sedona UMC offers several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s @ 1:45pm Adult Studies at The Gathering Place in West Sedona (Revelations Study); and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am (Priscilla Shriver’s- “The Armor of God”). 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.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating a campaign to raise money for Yavapai-Apache SGT Preston Brogdon and family.  Sergeant Brogdon was involved in a February 9th shooting in Camp Verde.  If you would like to donate, send cash, check or cashier’s checks to YCSO Headquarters, 255 E. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301. Click here for more information and to read the flyer.

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!