In the Gospel of Luke 9:27 at the end of an address to his twelve disciples, Jesus says to them, “There are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” This has often been viewed as a prophecy that the end of the world would occur before the first generation of Christians died out. But, this phrase “kingdom of God” can also refer to other things including the Church–the outward expression of God’s invisible kingdom. The kingdom is embodied in Christ himself and thus might be “seen” if Christ were to manifest it in an unusual way, even in his own earthly life.
The three disciples who accompany Jesus up the mountain—are promised that they will personally witness the coming of the Kingdom of God ‘in power.’ “On the mountain the three of them see the glory of God’s Kingdom shining out of Jesus. On the mountain they are overshadowed by God’s holy cloud. On the mountain—in the conversation of the transfigured Jesus along with the Law and the Prophets—they realize that the true Feast of Tabernacles has come. On the mountain they learn that Jesus himself is the living Torah, the complete Word of God. On the mountain they see the ‘power’ of the Kingdom that is coming in Christ” (Jesus of Nazareth, vol. 1, p. 317).
Join us this Sunday as Pastor Fred Mast continues a sermon series based on “The Lives That Jesus Touched” focusing this week on the Transfiguration of Jesus and the impact this event had on his closest and most trusted disciple Peter in a sermon entitled “On This Rock”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring joyful music, special times of prayer and life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Immediately following worship you are invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time you will find anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee.
Who loves pancakes—especially for dinner? The community is invited to our “Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper”, February 28th 4:30-6:30 PM. Tickets available in the Church Office or at the door day of event. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students. Children under age 5 are FREE. Proceeds from the supper will go to our Children’s Ministry-Heifer International Project. Dinner includes pancakes, ham, and fruit salad. (Diabetic and Gluten Free options will be available). Ash Wednesday is an integral part of the Lenten season in many Christian traditions including Protestant traditions; it is the official beginning of our Lent. Lent is the time period of 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday in which we focus ourselves in prayer, penance, and a renewing of our faith. We invite you to join us for this intimate Ash Wednesday evening service March 1st at 6:00PM, a service which will offer the imposition of ashes. Come and invite a friend to join in this tradition of the Church.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday join our Men’s Bible Study at 9 am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Like us on Facebook and visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org. 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. Come and grow with us!
