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 true 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 Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast delivers a sermon entitled “A Cool Dip That Changes Everything” celebrating the beginning of Jesus’ ministry—a ministry that has changed the world for all people for all of eternity. Come and remember your own baptism in this very special service of celebration and remembrance.
Out of love and concern for our congregation and community, we have temporarily suspended our On-Site Worship and Fellowship Time as an extreme precaution due to the increase in reported cases of Covid-19 post-holiday’s. We are currently offering On-Line Worship—Please check our website and Facebook page for worship access and the latest details and updates.
Our Church Office is closed but we here to answer your phone calls during normal business hours and responding to emails. Please contact us if we may be of assistance and for pastoral care. We are here to help!
The Church Building may be temporarily closed—But the Church is certainly open with so many great missions, ministries and opportunities 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 of O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
