The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way—a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
It was getting towards the end of the day—a time when the bright light of the sun softens into a deep orange. You know that time of day when everything glows with warmth that lasts only a few minutes. If you are a photographer, it is that time of day when you take most of your pictures, during those few short minutes before everything cools into the darkness of the night, it was at such a time that a figure watched from the edge of the shore.
He wore a robe hiked up above his knees; his feet wide apart, he was burrowing into the silt of the riverbed. The man was hardly distinguishable, except that he was directing other people from the shore towards the one who stood waist deep in the cold water. He looked over with admiration, he had known him for several years, which now seemed an eternity—for he had met him in this exact place before. Join us this week at Sedona UMC as the Rev. Fred Mast delivers a sermon entitled “Preparing the Way—For Christmas” finding ourselves once again joined into this incredible story, our whole selves, our life experiences, our hunger, and our faith.
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 and always friendship.
ALL ARE WELCOME and invited to our Family Movie Night/Christmas Party (TONIGHT!) Friday, December 8th beginning at 6PM. All are invited to bring their favorite appetizer to share—We’ll provide desserts and of course popcorn, nachos, beverages and lots of great movie snacks so come hungry! Our featured film is Max Lucado’s “Christmas Child”—A touching story about coming home and finding second chances. This is a FREE event open to the entire community, so invite, pick up, and bring your friends and join in the fun.
We offer a number of book and bible studies—So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona United Methodist Church—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!