The great figures of our biblical traditions are not super-heroes—they are of shepherds. They were outdoorsmen who rescued lost sheep—Many of them were stellar characters, but they were not military strategists or great and powerful kings—they were restoration specialists. They were the ones who left the many to chase after the one that was lost. These shepherds had good hearts, they had compassion, but they were not noble conquerors—they certainly were not super-heroes.
These great Biblical figures were shepherds, blue-collar guys. Think of it … Noah was a super-shepherd, gathering and protecting all the animals on earth in the face of God’s righteous judgment upon a fallen humanity. Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel… was the keeper of great flocks. Moses was tending his father-in-law’s sheep… when God called him to be the vehicle for delivering the Hebrew people from their bondage in Egypt. David was a simple shepherd boy… tending a flock when God anointed him to become the King of Israel.
When Isaiah described the coming Messiah, the symbol he used was the timeless figure of a dutiful Shepherd: He will feed his flock like a shepherd! He will gather his lambs into his arms. Some of the earliest images of Jesus found in churches are of a gentle shepherd. And what may be one of the earliest paintings of all is of a very young Jesus, dressed in a short white tunic, with a snowy-white lamb draped over his shoulders. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14).
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Dick Snider shares a message on this “Good Shepherd”—Forth Sunday of Easter as we continue to celebrate the Resurrected Christ. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring uplifting 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 encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
Mark your calendars for our “Annual SUMC Community Flea Market” on Saturday, April 28th from 8am to 2pm in our front parking lot. Shop for New & Used Household Items, Jewelry, Antiques, Tools, Toys, Crafts, Knick Knacks, Yard Art, Kitchen Items, Books, Artwork, and more—Great Deals galore! Is it Spring Cleaning Time around your house? Is that closet getting out of hand? Kitchen cupboards cluttered? Is your garage a mess? Surplus inventory you want to sell? Get those unwanted items together and call the church office at (928)282-1780 to reserve your space (space limited-and filling up fast)—the community is welcome and encouraged to participate. The day will feature lots of Great Treasures, Music, Food, Fellowship, and a Great Time for all. You never know what treasures you might uncover.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s 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!
