It’s hard to leave church on Easter morning and not feel some sense of joy, and to be filled with an abundance of faith. I leave Easter services on a sort of “faith high”—I have been surrounded by God’s abundant love; I feel particularly close to God. Lent is over, and joy has filled the church—Except that’s not always exactly what we get.
The story we read this week comes from that first Easter—After Jesus has appeared to Mary in the garden, he goes to the room where the rest of his disciples are holed up. And they’re afraid. The Gospel writer doesn’t exactly tell us whether Mary had gotten to them yet to tell them the news that he was risen, but I’m guessing she did. And yet even still, they are scared.
And suddenly Jesus appears, despite the locked doors, and they can see the wounds in his hands and his side. And he says, “peace be with you”—And they believe. But one disciple was missing. Thomas wasn’t there when Jesus came back. Maybe he was at the store. Maybe he was stuck on 179 in traffic. For whatever reason, Thomas arrives late, and all the other disciples tell him Jesus was just here. I’ll bet they even said to him something like, “Thomas, you won’t believe this!”
And he doesn’t. Thomas tells them, “Unless I can see it for myself, and can touch his wounds, I won’t believe.” Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast continues a series of Easter sermons with a message entitled, “Unless I Can See-I Won’t Believe”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled!
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 May 4th 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. A great way to make new friends—Bring a canned food item for the Food Bank—All men are welcomed, encouraged and invited to attend.
Join us beginning Tuesday May 7th for an inspirational new study based on Max Lucado’s book study entitled “Grace: More Than We Deserve—Greater Than We Imagine” continuing each Tuesday through June 18th. We will be offering two times and 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 encouraged and welcomed to attend—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We offer several weekly 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. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
