It’s an Old Testament story you have likely heard many times. But you might be tempted to dismiss it as just another “Big Fish Story”. But don’t miss this important story—God commanded the prophet Jonah to go and preach a message of warning to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, a pagan nation and an enemy of Israel.
Jonah so opposed the idea that he ran away in the opposite direction, boarding a ship bound for Tarshish, in modern day Spain and as far away from Nineveh as you could get in those days. But God had other plans, we can run from God, but God so often finds ways to get our attention when He has other plans for us.
A ship, a huge storm, and a big fish work together to get the prophet’s attention and get him back on track in completing God’s plan. People who question God’s motives and the Bible’s account could easily miss the point of this important story—That God’s love is so all encompassing, it reaches the sinner and the saint and covers them with God’s abundant grace and mercy.
That’s a message woven all throughout the pages of scripture—Our God is not a vengeful God, but a God who desires that no one be lost, but that all might have the opportunity to change their hearts and lives. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast continues a sermon series “God’—Why Don’t You Do Something!” with a message entitled, “God’s Big Fish Story”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring uplifting music, special times of prayer, and passionate life changing messages that will move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Sunday school offered for children kindergarten to 6th grade.
Immediately following worship, you are invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall this week for a very special fellowship time featuring delicious goodies and snacks, beverages, and always great hot coffee. This is the friendliest and most welcoming congregation & fellowship time anywhere!
Our “Annual Pumpkin Patch” runs thru October 31st! Great Pumpkins and Gourds of many different shapes, sizes and colors are still available. Hours of operation are Noon to 6PM Sunday through Friday and 10am to 6PM on Saturdays (Join our “Special Pumpkin Festival Event—Pumpkin Carving” this Saturday 10/22 from 1 to 4 PM). All proceeds go to support Young Life of Sedona and the Verde Valley for youth camp scholarships. Lots of fun and a tremendous cause!!!
The community is invited to visit Sedona United Methodist Church on Halloween. The church will have their 8th Annual “Trunk or Treat” event in the parking lot from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. It will be a fun time! Trunk or Treat is a fun and safe way for kids to celebrate Halloween. Members of the Sedona UMC congregation will gather in the church parking lot with their car trunks decorated in Halloween fashion and will pass out candy to the trick or treaters. “Trunk or Treat” is a FREE event. Feel free to stop by the church on your way to Trick or Treating in Uptown Sedona! We’ll even have a hot dog stand for those who need a quick dinner.
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s join us @ 1:30 pm for a bible study at The Gathering Place in West Sedona; and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities at Sedona UMC—Call our office for additional details.
Visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org and “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 United Methodist—Come and join this growing faith family! Invite, pick-up, and bring your friends and family.
