In a recent conversation on the topic of serving and witnessing to Jesus Christ in the world today, one participant reminded the group that many opportunities for witnessing, in fact probably the most powerful ones, are given without any words. Usually not by the pastor in the parish or the most polished and tenured servant—but often, instead it’s the quiet, unassuming “rookie” in the faith sharing the hope and love of our Lord by the way they live, by the way they walk their journey.
That’s what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the early Christians in Rome, “Brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2) In other words, let your faith in Jesus make a big difference in the way you live this life.
Jesus has always demanded one’s all in following him. He never made an exception. Even the time a rich young man came to follow Jesus, a man who outwardly had all the trappings that would make for a great follower—Jesus recognized that inwardly, however, he was holding back. Jesus does not want a partial commitment. He didn’t then; he doesn’t now. The apostle Paul provides a theological framework for what it means to follow Christ “totally” and the consequential changes it makes in a person’s life. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues a series of messages focused on “Spiritual Gifts” in a message entitled “Do the Hokey Pokey”— Paul’s way of saying, ‘Put your whole self in’.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful and 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.
The PUMPKINS ARE BACK—Beginning October 13th Sedona UMC is partnering with Young Life in bringing back our ever popular “Annual Pumpkin Patch” at the church with all the proceeds going toward supporting YL youth campership. We will offer a great variety of shapes and sizes of pumpkins and there will be many other activities happening around this event including our annual “Trunk or Treat” celebration on Wednesday October 31st – a great celebration for the entire community. Come and get a great pumpkin and support this important mission.
Sedona UMC is currently offering a new six-week adult study based on the work of National Interdenominational Teacher Dr. Charles V. Bryant entitled “Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts—Building Up the Body of Christ Through the Gifts of the Spirit”. Two times and locations are being offered—Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am in our Fellowship Hall (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.), and Tuesday afternoons at 2 PM at the Gathering Place (1835 W. State Rte. 89A) in West Sedona. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9a.m; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. 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. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
