You know the story, don’t you? The Easter story I mean. You know that on the first Easter morning Jesus rose from the grave. Oh, you may not know all the details, but you know the story. You knew the story this morning when you got up; you knew it last night when you went to bed; you have known it for years; you may have known it for so long that you can’t remember a time when you didn’t know it. I was baptized as an infant and have attended Church and Sunday school ever since; I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning. I’m glad so many people know the story. I’m glad you know the story.
But that poses a little problem for me and every other preacher on Easter morning each year. Because almost everyone already knows the story with its spectacular ending it is hard for preachers to come up with new ways to tell it. How do we make it new or surprise you with the ending? We certainly can’t make the story end any better, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia.”
If Jesus had not risen he would have been a great teacher and a form of Christianity may have sprung up based on his teachings and his martyrdom, but it wouldn’t be the same would it? I suspect that my life and probably all of yours and the whole world would be radically different. We want to invite you to join us on Easter Sunday at Sedona United Methodist Church for a very special day of celebration as Rev. Fred Mast encourages each of one of us with a special Easter message entitled “Don’t Go Home Without Him!”
Rise early and join us on our patio at 6:30am for our “Sunrise Service” experiencing another amazing and beautiful Sedona Sunrise—Or sleep in a bit and join us for our traditional 9:30am worship service. Both services are spirit filled and will feature Holy Communion, beautiful traditional Easter hymns, touching times of prayer and devotion, and passionate life changing messages that will bring you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Immediately following worship, we welcome you to be our guest in Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time you will find anywhere featuring a continental breakfast with some very special and delicious snacks, juice, and always great coffee.
Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Piano on the Rocks Festival—April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) at Sedona UMC. All performances begin at 4PM in our beautiful sanctuary and are free to the public. Visit pianoontherocks.org for more details.
Sedona UMC offers several weekly book and bible studies and so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities—Call for details (928-282-1780 or visit our website www.sedonaumc.org –“Like” us on Facebook. 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!
