Sometimes it seems we live in a flood of words so loud that they threaten to wash us away. Hundreds of news sources 24/7 invading our televisions our radios, and our publications. There is Facebook, Twitter, Facetime and millions of other technological advances tracking people and events of all types. I cannot help but think that even though all this urgent noise is quite normal, most of humanity is longing for a much quieter, slower pace. It is easy to become cynical about changes in society, and to complain about how much worse things are now compared to “the good old days.” People have been bemoaning change for hundreds of years.
When the Bible was printed in English rather than Latin, some were so upset they put the translators to death! Then when new translations replaced the King James Version, again some were sure that this was a plot by Satan to weaken the faith. When drums and guitars became regular parts of Christian worship all these changes upset some people, even as they excited others. So, we’ve become a bit more used to change, realizing how flexible people are, and how they can adjust to new ways of doing things. But doesn’t our uneasiness at rapid change signal something important, namely that change isn’t always positive, and that there is always a danger that in letting go of a familiar way of thinking, we will give up too much?
Our scripture this week repeats a frequent theme found in the Bible, that for ancient Israel and early Christians, the constant in their lives was the Word the commandments, the ordinances, the promises, the good news given to humankind by God. Join us this week as Rev. Fred Mast presents a sermon entitled “The Word Matters” based on Psalm 119:105-112 and the arable of the sower found in the gospel of Matthew chapter 13. God’s divine word serves as an anchor and stimulus, a sharp, two-edged sword (Rev. 1.16), which can both stabilize and energize today’s communities of faith and even this world. 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 and others. 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.
Saturday Afternoon 7/29 @ 2 PM we will present our Summer Youth Theater production “Stolen Fire” a Cate Mullen play. Directed by Brienne Reider and produced by Camilla Ross of The Emerson Theatre Collaborative this production is sponsored and hosted by Sedona UMC. Information and tickets available by calling (860)705-9711 or through the church office (928)282-1780 or at the door day of event.
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 9:45 am. 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!
