Friday, April 29, 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

Amy 

Good morning.

Did you know that there are approximately 40 million people currently living below the poverty line in the United States? Poverty and hunger are overwhelming worldwide problems. 

Yet there are things we can do to help.  Earlier this week, Central United Methodist Church helped package 10,000 meals with Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief organization. These meals will be shipped to people around the world who need them the most.  

Your church or organization can also help by hosting a meal packaging event or by donating money. One full meal costs only 25 cents. 

To find out more information visit the Stop Hunger Now website www.stophungernow.org 

Jesus knew the importance of meeting people’s physical needs as well as the spiritual and he calls us to do the same.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

GLENDA

Good Morning:

When I was in elementary school, we had to answer roll call with a bible verse…and it couldn’t be the same as anyone else. The verse most used was the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” Back then, we didn’t pay too much attention to the significance behind it, we just wanted to be the first to use it.

Now, I know and am moved by this verse. Jesus had been called to Judea because his good friend Lazarus had died. When he arrived he saw many weeping and felt their pain and grief, thus Jesus wept. This shows the great compassion and love our Savior has for everyone, as many there were non-believers.

Isaiah 54:10 tells us: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

As a Child of God, just think about the enormous love and compassion Jesus has for you! Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

Yesterday was my 63rd birthday, and my wife and I were planning to go out to dinner to celebrate.  As we were dressing, I stood in front of a mirror and asked, “Diane, I don’t look 63 do I?”  She said, “No, Darling, not anymore!”  Well, that was a major let down – until we started laughing. 

I enjoy the glories that come with age, things like wisdom, fruitfulness, spiritual strength, and maturity.  Well, in my case, maturity may be a little questionable.  But there is one thing I never question.  That’s God’s love for you and me. 

No matter how old we become, we will forever be children of God.  And I pray that no one will ever feel let down by God.

In Proverbs you’ll find, “Let your heart keep God’s commandments.  For years of life and peace will be added to you.”

Remember, gray hair or no hair, you can still glorify God.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

JIM CAIN

GOOD MORNING!

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15

James Spangler was a janitor who got tired of pushing a broom to clean the floors at Zollinger’s Department Store, so he invented the Hoover vacuum cleaner.

A farmer who had to do laundry one day for his sick wife realized how hard it was and invented the mechanical washing machine. 

A stay-at-home mom invented the Q-tip. 

The Wright brothers, young bicycle mechanics, invented the first manned flying machine.

We don’t have to be brilliant to be successful in life. God can use us even if we aren’t an Albert Einstein. Who, by the way struggled with mathematics himself in his early life, and who once had a teacher tell his father that he wouldn’t amount to much academically speaking.

Study hard, work hard, do the best that you can, and God will give us the rest of what we need in order to succeed!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

BOB PEDEN

Jesus loves to tell parables.  He begins many of his parables with the words “The Kingdom is God can be compared to . . .” a tiny mustard seed, a bit of yeast buried in a mound of flour, wheat scattered on the ground. The end results of this tiny kingdom is the largest of all shrubs, the yeast affecting the whole mass of flour, a wheat harvest of 30, 60 even 90 fold. The message is clear the Kingdom of God when placed within humans, and given even a little encouragement -   grows at amazing rates.  How about you?  Has the Kingdom of God been planted within you?  If so, where is the amazing harvest the Kingdom inevitably yields?  If you do not see the harvest, what are you doing to stifle the growth?  Re-read the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8 – that may help you answer the question.  The kingdom of God – Is it multiplying in and around you?

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday, April 22, 2011

Bob Rambo

Hi!  I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.  Today is GOOD FRIDAY.  Worldwide, Christians observe this day and remember Jesus’ death on the cross.
It’s tempting to skip over the sadness and pain of Good Friday and rush to the joy and wonder of Easter – but without the darkness of Good Friday, there is no light of Easter.  Without experiencing Good Friday, we cannot truly experience Easter resurrection.
You may already have plans for observing Good Friday.  But if not, I invite you to join us this evening at 7:00 in the Sanctuary at Central.  Together we will sing choruses, read Scripture, pray, and also engage in brief periods of silent reflection as we ponder the death of Jesus.
If you don’t have a place to observe Good Friday, we invite you to join us tonight at Central – where everyone is welcome.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Jim Wall

Good Morning!
A young boy and his stepfather had difficulty communicating.  The man was outgoing; the boy was quiet.  The elder loved to fish; the youngster loved to read.
The stepfather, wanting to get close to the boy, took him on a fishing trip.  The boy hated it, but didn’t know how to tell his stepfather directly.  So he wrote him a note saying he wanted to go home.  The man looked at it and stuck it in his pocket.
The fishing trip continued four more days.  When they finally returned home, the boy shared his frustration with his mother and told her that his stepfather had paid no attention to his note.  His mother said to him, “Son, your father can’t read.”  The man had never shared this with the boy.
Good communication occurs not only when we know what we want to say, but also when we know the person to whom we are speaking.
And that requires a willingness to let others know our weaknesses and limitations.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Amy Roller

Good morning.
This week is what the Christian tradition calls “Holy Week”.  It is the week, starting with Palm Sunday that leads up to Easter. During this time, we focus heavily on the suffering, death, and what we call the “passion” of Christ.
Observing this week is significant to our faith.  As we remember the steps that Jesus took toward the cross, we see his sacrificial love for us and are reminded that we are to follow him, whatever it takes. 
Where ever the way of the cross may lead for us, we can trust in the hope of resurrection. We look forward to this coming Sunday, Easter Sunday, when we celebrate our Lord’s resurrection.
If you do not have a church home, I invite you to come worship this Easter at Central United Methodist Church. We will have three worship services to choose from at 8:30, 9:45, and 10:55 am Easter Sunday morning.
Come and let us celebrate our Risen Lord.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Glenda Thomas

Good Morning,
In children’s Sunday School at Central, we recently studied how to pray. You know the best teacher on prayer was Jesus. He prayed often. His disciples saw him praying on many occasions. I think that they saw that it made a difference and so they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. The prayer he taught them is called “The Lord’s Prayer”. It’s a model for us all to use. There are 5 elements to this prayer: Praise: We should praise God for all things. Hope: He offers us hope that there is life eternal and that one day Jesus will return; Depend: we should depend on him for our needs; Forgive: we should forgive others and ask God to forgive us; and Goodness: we should turn away from sin and try to be good and to do good to others. If prayer made a difference in the life of Jesus, it can certainly make a difference in our lives. We can pray about anything and everything, anytime, anywhere and God will hear. So, don’t forget to say your prayers! Have a wonderful day!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Monday, April 18, 2011

 Jim Cain

GOOD MORNING!
Having to grow up in the church my two boys Junior and Doc have pretty much seen everything that could possibly happen under a steeple however now and then something happens that causes us all to pause for a moment of reflection.
One Sunday morning several weeks ago, Reverend Bob noticed little Doc was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church.
It was covered with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.
The seven-year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so Bob walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning, Doc."
"Good morning," replied the young man, still focused on the plaque.
"What is this?" Doc asked.
"Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service."
Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Doc’s voice was trembling and barely audible when he asked, "Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:55?"
Is your spiritual life felling dead and routine as of late? Then let me encourage you to reconnect with our Creator through prayer, you’ll be glad you did!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Friday, April 15, 2011

Bob Peden

This Sunday Central United Methodist Church we will host Dr. Ben Witherington the 3rd at both the 8:30 and 10:55 worship services. Dr. Witherington is a gifted author, lecturer and professor at both Asbury Theological Seminary and St. Andrews University in Scotland. He is also an engaging preacher. Our entire church is looking forward to hearing him preach. We would invite you as well to come hear
Dr. Witherington.  He will be preaching that morning from the Gospel of John. As we begin our preparations for Easter Sunday morning it will be helpful for us to remember what this beloved disciple wrote about his experiences with Jesus Christ. Come join us for either 8:30 worship in the Fellowship Hall or traditional worship at 10:55 in the Sanctuary.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thursday, April 14 2011

Sabrina Williams

Following a recent sermon about legacy, I have thought a lot about what legacy I will leave for my precious children and grandchildren. The passing down of wisdom from parent to child, to grandchild gives character a chance to take root in each new generation.  If watered, nourished and pruned regularly, this heritage seedling will grow into a beautiful tree...one that will provide and protect all who gather under it. Wisdom shows up best, not in the things that you choose and do, but the things you don’t choose.  That is when your legacy comes into fruition, flourishing in the place where you are, whatever your circumstance.  In doing so, your life is so blessed and enriched, but even more, it enriches the lives of those surrounded by you. My prayer is for wisdom found in a loving heart, in becoming wise beyond fears, living each day to it’s fullest...basking in all that God has done for me.  What legacy do you want to leave? It is an awesome, yet privileged position to be in.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

 Glenda Thomas

Good Morning:
We often find ourselves too busy to stop and say a prayer when we have a rough day. In this life everything seems like it has to be accomplished A.S.A.P. (as soon as possible) which only adds to our stress. Here’s a new way to use the abbreviation A.S.A.P.:
There’s work to do, deadlines to meet; you’ve got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry ASAP--Always Say a Prayer.
In the midst of family chaos, “quality time” is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest. ASAP--always say a prayer. God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, And he’ll respond to all your needs ASAP--always say a prayer.
Have a wonderful day and remember, Always Say a Prayer!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Bob Rambo

Hi!  I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Central will present a unique event.  We will be joined by Dr. Ben Witherington III, a gifted Biblical scholar who has written over 40 books and who teaches at Asbury Theological Seminary.  Dr. Witherington will share his wisdom and knowledge to help us learn more about “The Gospel of John.”  This is an event for pastors OR lay persons.
The cost for the event is $75, but this includes:
1. Dinner on Friday night
2. Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday
3. Continuing Education credit for pastors or church professionals
Whether you’re a pastor who prepares sermons or a lay person who teaches a Bible study group, this will be a great opportunity to learn and grow in our knowledge of the Bible.
For more information, call our offices at 601.693.1521.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Monday, April 11, 2011

Amy Roller

Good morning.
Someone recently asked me, “How do you navigate the life of ministry, being a young clergy person, a wife and a mom?” My answer is, “I don’t know, but God is faithful.” I wish that I could say I had it all figured out, but I don’t.
Fortunately for all of us, we don’t have to know it all, we just have to trust in God’s faithfulness.  Jesus is the One who came and taught us how to walk, how to live, and how to love. This Christian season of Lent is a time for us to prayerfully reflect on the road that Jesus traveled and consider our commitment to following in his way.
When we follow Jesus, the road will not be easy.  There will be those who disagree with us, who challenge us, and even those who hate and persecute us.  But again, the good news is that God is faithful, regardless of the circumstances that surround us.
Go today, knowing that in good times and in bad, God is faithful.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Friday, April 8, 2011

Jim Cain

GOOD MORNING!
About a year had passed since my Aunt’s amicable divorce, and Nina decided it was time to start dating again. Unsure how to begin, she thought she’d scan the personals column of the Jackson paper. After awhile she came across three men who seemed like they’d be promising candidates. A couple of days later, she was checking her voice mail and discovered a message from her ex-husband. “I was over visiting the kids yesterday,” he said. “While I was there I happened to notice you had circled some ads in the paper. Don’t bother calling the guy in the second column. I can tell you right now it won’t work out. That guy is me.”
Do you ever feel like you keep going back to the same old habits and mistakes? Then maybe it’s time to make a new start. There is no better way to do that than in God’s house. If you don’t have a church home I’d like to invite you to join us at Central this Sunday, our worship times are at 8:30 and 10:55. I hope to see you here!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Bob Rambo

Hi!  I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
During the season of Lent, several of the downtown Meridian churches are offering a Lenten Luncheon series.  Each Thursday during Lent, one church hosts a Noon worship service while a pastor from another congregation brings a brief message for the Lenten season.
Today’s Lenten Luncheon is at Central in our Sanctuary.  We’ll sing hymns of faith, offer prayers, and the speaker will be Father Frank Cosgrove of St. Patrick Catholic Church.  Following our time of worship, we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall for a soup-and-sandwich lunch.  There is NO COST for the meal, but donations will be given to Wesley House Community Center.
There is something very good that happens when people gather together in God’s name and worship him together.  We invite you to join us today at NOON for the Lenten Luncheon at Central.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Glenda Thomas

Good Morning:
At Central’s Children’s Center, we are in the middle of a fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. St. Jude Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made here have completely changed how children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases are being treated. Over my 26 years as Director of the Children’s Center, at least three of our children have benefited by the research done at St. Jude’s. Our theme for the week is “Children Helping Children.” Come join us this Friday at 11:00 a.m. for our annual St. Jude parade. Bring your children. Our children will be dressed in costumes and each class will have a float made from a little red wagon. It’ll be a lot of fun. So come join us--this Friday, 11:00 a.m. in front of the church on 23rd Avenue. See you there! Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Jim Wall

Good Morning!
A missionary wrote a newsletter to thank his supporters for being “prayer warriors.”  Because of a typing error, he called them “prayer worriers.”  For some of us, that might be an accurate description.
I was once a prayer worrier.  Many of my prayers were of the gloomy desperation type.  I would beg, “Oh Lord, please keep our neighbor from causing problems,” or “Please God, don’t let that person treat me this way.”
At some point in my life, I realized that it was better to pray for people rather than against them.  A better prayer would be, “Lord, bless and encourage my neighbor and help him to sense your love.”
When you pray for others, watch how God works in their lives and in yours.  If nothing else happens, it will surely bring you peace.  Try it, you’ll like it!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Mondy, April 4, 2011

Sabrina Williams

Does this morning find you feeling like the David in Psalm 13:3 “Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.  Give light to my eyes.”  Most things are endurable as long as we know we will soon have relief.  But if today finds you with no idea of when or if your circumstance will have a resolution, it can be discouraging.
You are not only dealing with your situation, but you are also wrestling with the uncertainties of time.  Everything could change in an instant or endure interminably.
As hard as it may be...as empty as these words may seem...be patient.  God hears you and is the master of both time and of your situation.  You may not know how long your valley may last, but God does.  Rest assured...you are resting in God’s hands.  Trust His divine power, knowing that your future rests with The One who knows and loves you most of all. Simply put your faith in Him. In this moment... feel His peace.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Friday, April 1, 2011

Amy Roller

Good morning.
I would like to invite you to come experience the music and witness of the African Children’s Choir tomorrow night, at 7:00pm and Sunday morning at 8:30am at Central United Methodist Church.
The African Children’s Choir is made up of some of the neediest and most vulnerable children in African countries. Many have lost one or both parents to poverty or disease. This choir helps these children break away from the everyday cycle of poverty and hopelessness and is committed to helping the children physically, spiritually, emotionally and academically, giving each child an opportunity to reach their God-given potential.
There is no cost for the concert, but any donations given go directly to help these children and other orphans.
Don’t miss this opportunity tomorrow night at 7 to hear these talented and enthusiastic children sing and share their message of hope.