Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (John 20:1-4)

On this Easter Sunday our focus is fine-tuned, isn’t it? We gather realizing that as we come and visit the Easter tomb, we find it the same as we do each and every year—The Easter tomb is empty. It is easy to have a clear focus on a day like today. But what about our focus the rest of the year? What about next week or the week after that? Sometimes we lose our focus on the empty tomb and what it means for all of us. Sometimes we just get so caught up in all of the things of this life that this fine-tuned focused joy of Easter is snatched away from us, not completely, but just a bit.

Easter is the time that we are reminded of racing to that Easter tomb—Focused not just on today, but also on every day and every week of every month of every year. The Lord reminds us in Scripture: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). Christ reminds us to keep our focus on this empty Easter tomb.

Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church for two incredibly special Easter Celebrations—6:30 am Sunrise on the patio and 9:30am in the beauty of our sanctuary. Rev. Fred Mast will share an inspirational Easter message entitled “He Is Alive!” We will also celebrate Holy Communion at both services as well as singing the Easter favorites.

On April 7th @ 7PM you’re invited to our Good Friday service which features the most powerful worship experience of the entire year as we journey the Delarosa with Jesus remembering His sacrifice & gift for all of us—preparing the way for Resurrection/Easter Sunday.

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 encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring lots of great and delicious brunch treats, and always great hot coffee. This is the friendliest and most welcoming congregation & fellowship time anywhere!

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 at the church. So many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities at Sedona UMC—Call our office for additional details.

We offer so many great missions, ministries and opportunities at Sedona UMC—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.