2,000 years ago, an angel announced the birth of Christ…and immediately a heavenly host appeared with the angel and ended their visitation with the words, “Peace on earth, good will to all upon whom God’s favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) Peace on earth…those are beautiful words…words we would all love to have come true. But let me ask you…where is that peace on earth? Where can we find it?
Hear the words of peace from Isaiah, the prophet in his 9th chapter—God is a “wonderful counselor, mighty god, everlasting father and …prince of peace…and of his government and of his peace, there shall be no end!!! Peace will be established with justice and righteousness and the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” And beautiful words about swords turning into plowshares – spears into pruning hooks. Nations not making war against nation anymore. A leopard lying down with a lamb—a cow and a bear grazing together in the same pasture. A little child reaching into a swarm of hornets and not being stung. “They shall not hurt, and they shall not harm one another anyplace in my holy mountain for the whole earth shall know the Lord. . .” (Isaiah 11:9)
Wouldn’t that be amazing … to live in that kind of world? … where there was no hurting or no harming or no injuring of other people? Wouldn’t it be nice to be that kind of person—Who did not hurt others? Where does it begin—Where does it always begin? It begins here with me…with you. Jesus says: I have come to bring you peace, to teach you to walk in the paths of peace. I have come to teach you what you need to learn most…to be a person of peace. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues the Christmas Story with a message entitled “Let It Begin With Me”.
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 Jesus 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! This week we will feature the 12 Soups of Christmas—so come hungry!
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for our Amazing Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Tuesday December 24th at 6PM. Our service will feature The Christmas Story, Carols, and Candlelight and will feature a Brass Quintet from the Cottonwood Community Band. Nursery Care will be provided and a special “Children’s Time” be a part of the service. Come, and “Witness the Wonder”. The entire community is welcomed and invited to attend—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
This Sunday, December 22nd, at 3PM come and hear the beautiful sounds of the Cottonwood Community Band in our beautiful sanctuary. “C’est Noel!” is French for “It Is Christmas” and this is the theme for this special festive concert. Come and enjoy themes from traditional carols, take a “Midnight Sleighride”, watch “Shepherds Dance”, and “Stowaway on Santa’s Sleigh”. All are invited and welcomed!!!
At SUMC, we offer a number of 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!
