This week at Sedona United Methodist Church we celebrate the festival of the Baptism of Our Lord—Each year this Holy Gospel reading brings us the account of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan at the start of his earthly ministry. This year we hear the account from the 3rd Chapter in the Gospel of Matthew— “At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.” [Matthew 3:13]

If not for Jesus embarking on this course that would ultimately lead him to the cross, there would be nothing in the water. No forgiveness, no salvation, no washing clean or new creations. We would remain stuck in our sins—Oh, we might have moments of regret and desperation and make our way down to the river to have a dramatic experience, but unless Jesus gets in the water first and then journeys to the cross, there would be nothing in the water to make a real difference for humankind. And—It all depends on who this Jesus is.
Christ’s baptism tells us that he is indeed the very Son of God come in the flesh, come to do the will of his Father, who voices his approval of his beloved Son. The baptism of our Lord tells us that this Jesus is the very Messiah, the promised deliverer, the Christ, the one anointed filled with the Holy Spirit to carry out this messianic mission. Join us this week at as the Rev. Fred Mast delivers a sermon entitled “There’s Something in the Water” celebrating the beginning of Jesus’ ministry—a ministry that has change the world for all people for all of eternity. Come and remember your own baptism in this very special service of celebration and remembrance.

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 welcoming friendship.

ALL ARE WELCOME and invited to our Family Movie Night (TONIGHT!) Friday, January 11th beginning at 6PM. Homemade Beef Stew, delicious desserts and of course popcorn, nachos, beverages and lots of great movie snacks so come hungry! Our featured film is “I Can Only Imagine”— based on the story behind the MercyMe Song of the same name, the best-selling Christian single of all time. The film stars J. Michael Finley as Bart Millard the lead singer who wrote the song about his relationship with his father (Dennis Quaid). 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—Contact us about our Neighborhood 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!