The thin light of dawn began to appear—Another Night of terror was finally over; today he would leave. Today he would run away, back to the only life he knew. Today Peter would leave this bloody city and all the terrible memories behind.
Bang! Bang! His door shook as someone was banging on it—An early morning visitor couldn’t be good news. Peter reached for his sword, and quietly took his place of defense behind the door. “Peter, John, it’s Mary! Let me in.” It was Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ close friends who had been traveling with them for months. He unbolted the door and Mary slipped inside.
She took a moment to catch her breath and then blurted out her message: “They’ve stolen the body! Jesus’ body is gone, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!” John, who was wide awake by now, looked at Peter, and then threw on his clothes. Peter was out the door running, running down the streets, tearing around corners, headed for the garden tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid. “What if … he is risen?”
We want to invite you to join us this Easter Sunday at Sedona United Methodist Church for a very special day of celebrations as Rev. Fred Mast presents a message entitled “Running Toward Our Savior”— How often have we been where Peter was—how often have we been ready to run from Jesus, instead of toward Jesus? This is why this time, this story, this season is so critically important for us to experience once again! We hope you won’t miss it.
On “Good Friday” April 19th at 7:00PM, don’t miss the most powerful service of the entire year with our presentation of the “Passion of Christ” in a service of remembrance. This service will feature our Chancel Choir, our Bell Choir, and will prepare us to receive and celebrate the Risen Christ on Resurrection Sunday.
Easter Resurrection Sunday, April 21st, we will begin with our 6:30am Sunrise Service on our patio as we greet the new day and rising sun out in the beauty of nature with spectacular views. We will continue our celebration with our Traditional 9:30am Service in our beautifully decorated sanctuary featuring organ and brass accompaniment of some of our favorite Easter celebration hymns. Both services will offer Holy Communion (all are welcome) and be followed by a time of Fellowship featuring delicious continental breakfast items and amazing coffee/beverages.
And we will emphatically answer Peter’s question—YES, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
Sedona United Methodist Church is located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road in Sedona. For more information, please visit http://www.sedonaumc.org or call 928-282-1780.
