As Jesus and His disciples, now numbering 11, leave the upper room and walk through the darkness of Jerusalem toward that garden of waiting, Jesus continues to speak to them, and what He says to them is recorded in chapters 15 and 16 of the Gospel of John. Of all these things that He says, nothing is more definitive than the first eight verses of chapter 15. Our Lord here speaks not really in a parable – but in a word picture, a metaphor, a simile.
Listen to what He says, “I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”
Did you know that God is a farmer—the greatest farmer of all! God has planted people, we are God’s garden, and God wants to produce an abundance of fruit in and through us. You and I were created by God for this purpose—to produce fruit for God—But what kind of fruit is God looking for? God is looking for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control—The “Fruit of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:22-23a) Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast concludes a sermon series based on the seven “I Am” sayings of Jesus, this week in a message entitled, “A Bumper Crop”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am 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.
On Saturday morning March 2st the men of the Verde Valley are invited to gather for a delicious SUMC Men’s Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. at The Golden Goose Restaurant in West Sedona featuring our guest speaker Gerry VanKooten sharing insights of a career in Geology. Bring a canned food item for the Food Bank—All men are welcomed, encouraged and invited to attend and come and make a new friendship.
The season of Lent begins next week, and SUMC will offer a couple of great events the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. 1st – Tuesday, March 5th is our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall. This is an annual tradition at SUMC sponsored by our Children’s Ministry and Missions Team and benefits Heifer International! Tickets are available by contacting the church office or at the door ($5 for adults – $2 Students, children under 5 are free). Don’t miss amazing food & great entertainment provided by the Rainbow Acres Choir. 2nd – Wednesday, March 6th join us for our Ash Wednesday Service at 6:00 p.m. with the Imposition of ashes. Our Sanctuary will open before the service at 5PM and remain open until 7PM for the Imposition of Ashes and silent meditation.
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: LENTEN STUDY (The Way-Walking the Footsteps of Jesus) BEGINS Tuesday March 5th at two locations—10:30am at the Church (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.) & 2pm 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 continue our Wednesday Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and our Thursday 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. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
