God did what the law could not do—He sent his own Son in a body just like our bodies. And in that body God declared victory over our shortcomings by giving his Son—our savior—as a living sacrifice capable of covering everything that we have or will do—what an amazing gift! (Romans 8:3 paraphrased) What is the greatest gift you have ever been given in your own life? Maybe you say it’s your soul mate; or your children; or maybe renewed health—all great and amazing gifts. But God’s greatest gift of all—his greatest act of love for us—was sending Jesus into our world. Author Ann Voskamp put it this way: “You alone are God for us, because you alone are the God who has been one of us. You felt what we feel, you touched the death that we know, and you came to us as Immanuel: God with us!”

Join us this week as Pastor Fred Mast begins a five week “Lenten” sermon series based on the Max Lucado book “He Chose the Nails”. Every gift from God reveals his love for us—but no gift reveals his love for us more than the gift of Jesus Christ and the passion of the cross. This week Rev. Mast will focus on the gift of Jesus walking and living among us in a sermon titled “He Chose to Be One of Us”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring joyful music, special times of prayer and passionate 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.

Everyone is welcome and invited to our Family Movie Night (TONIGHT!) Friday, March 10th. Pastor’s homemade “Chicken Pot Pie” is on the menu and will be served beginning at 6:00PM followed by a tremendous featured movie “Risen”—A manhunt that changed a life and the whole course of human history. There will be lots of movie treats, desserts, and beverages so come hungry. This is a FREE event open to the entire community, so invite your friends and join in the fun. On Saturday morning, March 11th the men of the Verde Valley are invited to join us for a delicious SUMC Men’s Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. at The Golden Goose Restaurant in West Sedona. Our featured speaker will be Kim Girard a “Search & Rescue” volunteer who will share stories of working in the Grand Canyon. Guests are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Pastor Fred will begin a Lenten Book Study based on renowned author Max Lucado’s book, “He Chose the Nails”. This study will begin Tuesday, March 14th at 10:30am and run for 5 weeks. All are welcome and invited to join in this meaningful time of study and conversation. We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday join our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening 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. Come and grow with us!