“The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.”—F.B. Meyer. Every faith has some form of prayer. Remote tribes present offerings and prayed for everyday needs like food, water, health, and families. The Incas and Aztecs went so far as to offer human sacrifices in order to attract the gods’ attention. We pray because we have deep needs and concerns over something and/or we want to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us. Prayer is universal because it speaks to some basic human need. Thomas Merton says, “Prayer is an expression of who we are….We are a living incompleteness. We are a gap, an emptiness that calls for fulfillment.” In prayer we break silence, and allow words to flow out from our deepest and innermost parts. Prayer is to the skeptic a delusion; a waste of time—To the believer a critical need; sustenance for the soul; perhaps the most important use of our time.
According to the Bible, there was a time when God and Adam walked together in the Garden and conversed as close friends—A time when prayer was simply a natural conversation that occurred between friends. Today, many people are longing for such a conversation, such a time when they too could stroll with God in an easy, friendly, comfortable conversation as friends. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast concludes a sermon series on prayer in a message entitled “Remember When” an opportunity for each of us to revive and rekindle our conversations, our relationship with our maker looking forward to that time of “full restoration” as described in Revelation 21:3—“they will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God…” We enter the spirit of worship at 9:30am with lively songs and beautiful hymns, touching times of prayer and devotion, and passionate life changing messages that will bring you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Immediately following worship we welcome you to be our guest in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time you will find anywhere.
ALL ARE WELCOME and invited to our Monthly Family Movie Night (TONIGHT!) Friday, June 9th beginning at 6PM. Lasagna, bread sticks, and salad are on the menu along with popcorn, beverages and lots of great movie snacks so come hungry! Our featured film is “The Grace Card”—The riveting story of a police officer who faces the loss of a son that erodes his love for his family, friends, and colleagues, and leaves him angry with God. But every day we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal wounds by extending God’s grace. Never underestimate the power of God’s love and the Grace Card! This is a FREE event open to the entire community, so invite, pick up, and bring your friends and join in the fun.
There’s still a limited amount of space for children and youth ages 4 to 17 to participate in our six-week Theatre Camp beginning June 19th through July 29th. This amazing opportunity is brought to you by the Emerson Theater Collaborative and sponsored and hosted by Sedona United Methodist Church. For more information contact the Emerson Theatre Collaborative (860)705-9711 or visit the website www.emersontheatercollaborative.org. – Scholarships are available.
We offer a number of book and bible studies—So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at 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!
