Friday, March 30, 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

Some people feel like a small pebble lost in the immensity of the Grand Canyon.  But no matter how insignificant we may feel, we can be greatly used by God.

In a sermon early in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. quoted Jesus' words from Mark 10 about true servanthood.  Then he said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.  You don't have to have a college degree to serve.  You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.  You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve.  …You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” Jesus said, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.

Is the purpose of our serving to please our Lord, rather than to gain people's applause?  If we're willing to be a servant, we can achieve true greatness.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Thursday, March 29, 2012

SABRINA



During this season of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, we are to turn our focus on Jesus time on this earth and what He did for us.  It is about giving up in remembrance of what Jesus gave up for us.  To help us in this walk, different downtown churches in the Meridian area host a Lenten Service followed by a light lunch each Thursday at noon.  We remember that Christ came for each of us…regardless of religious affiliation.  Our churches come together to serve as a reminder of this during this time of year.  The service is designed so that persons who work can come during their lunch hour, worship, eat, and be back at work by one.



Today's Lenten service will be held at First Christian Church.  Rev. Brian Ponder will deliver the message.  I encourage you to take time out of your schedule today to take time to reflect on the gift of this special season…the gift of God's son.   Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

JIM CAIN



Alone.

It was as if the word was written on her forehead.



She wore a vinyl jacket, a mini skirt, and Doc Martins.

She requested a seat at the counter, she had places to be.



After ordering a salad with poached eggs and cheese,

She declared in an overly loud voice, “It's bad when they know what you are going to order.”



She noted that she was addicted to salad; it was the whole, “healthiness thing”.

She was not.



Her attempts at small talk with the busy staff were unreciprocated.



When her salad arrived, she prayed and prayed and prayed some more.



That was one blessed combination of iceberg lettuce, cheese, and poached eggs.



She asked for a “to go” box, after all, she had places to be

She mentioned she would be back tomorrow

The man at the counter made no reply

She briskly walked away, alone, holding a black Styrofoam box of salad her Doc Martins clicking on the pavement as she walked

After all, she had places to be



We hope your place to be tonight is at WNL at Central UMC. The meal begins at 5:00 followed by Bible Study and activities for all ages.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

RAMBO



Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.



Next week is “Holy Week”, the week that begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday.  In between are some special days for Christians:

Maundy Thursday, which remembers Jesus' last meal with his disciples [and the night he was betrayed and arrested]

Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified



Many congregations will observe these special days.



This year, Central will offer a unique Good Friday observance.  From noon-3 p. m., seven area pastors will offer brief reflections on Jesus' last words from the cross.  You are invited to part or all of this special worship service.  As we transition from one speaker to the next, you will be able to slip in or leave as you need to.



I invite you to join us at Noon on Good Friday for this special event.



Make it a GREAT day!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

Now is a great time to be alive.  Discoveries that have taken place within our lifetime are both wonderful and terrifying.  The possibilities of what man can yet do seem unlimited.  But the value of any new discoveries or inventions will depend upon how they are used - for destructive or constructive purposes, to hurt or to heal, to hinder or to help.

Everyday billions of words and thoughts make their way into the world through all sorts of devices.  I have been told that sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you.  I believe that sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can break your heart.

Be very careful, it's not just our mouth that can be a tool of destruction and heartache.  If you ask me, I believe we are our brother's keeper.  I hope you think so too.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012

RAMBO

Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.  Do you ever feel that you are NEVER able to get away from your phone or your computer or your TV?  Today has been designated by some as National Day of Unplugging.  It's an effort to encourage people - for ONE day - to simply “unplug” and “be.”

These days it's easier than ever before to constantly be in touch with one another and access information.  But that also means it can be HARD to “disconnect.”  And let's face it - today's a WORK DAY for most of us and we can't just “unplug.”

But what about tomorrow - or the next day - or the next?  Could we, for ONE day, just “unplug” from all our devices and “plug in” to the world around us - and to others - with our eyes, ears, and mouths?

Today - even if just for a few moments - try “unplugging.”  We might be surprised how good it feels.  We might be surprised at what we see and hear.

Make it a GREAT day!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

BOB

Easter Sunday, April 8th, will soon be here. What have you done this year to prepare yourself to celebrate this joyous and arguably most important Christian holiday?

 For Jesus, the victory of Easter did not come without tremendous suffering. Suffering which involved a long journey towards Jerusalem.  If we are to fully experience the joy of Easter Sunday, we must also follow the path Jesus took towards suffering. That is what the season of Lent is all about - remembering the preparations Jesus made and the suffering he endured that we might experience the triumph of Easter.

 Today at 12 noon, Christians will gather in non-denominational worship at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on 23rd avenue in Meridian. The service will conclude by 12:30 and will be followed by a light lunch. Everyone is invited to attend and prepare themselves for the victory of the Lord that is Easter Sunday.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

SABRINA



It can happen on the spur of the moment, or after days, weeks, often years of agonizing.  It is an apology.  At home, work, and yes, even church we must preserve and nurture friendships and relationships by working to recover our missteps. The truth is we often fail those we care the most about.  In maintaining loving, healthy relationships we must take responsibility for our actions, or our failure to act, even those with unintended consequences.

Jesus reminds us, if you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me.  While at that moment he was talking about kindnesses, the same is true for those times when we have been hurtful.  When we are open to the fact that we may have been hurtful, and respond to the situation, we are demonstrating heartfelt compassion as we say those often difficult words...I am sorry, please forgive me. The same can hold true, even if you are the one who has been wronged.  Let go, forgive an unkindness and continue in our journey with God, knowing that we all need His grace and forgiveness!  Have a blessed day!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

RAMBO

Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.  This weekend, Central welcomes Dr. Ben Witherington III, an author and Biblical scholar known and respected around the world.  He will lecture this Friday and Saturday on the Book of Revelation.  For more information, call us or visit our website.

While he is in Meridian, Dr. Witherington will preach at our 8:30 and 10:55 worship services on March 25th.  Earlier this year, Dr. Witherington's 31-year-old daughter, Christy, died unexpectedly of natural causes.  In the days following her death, he blogged each day about his loss, his grief, and how his faith has sustained him.

This Sunday he will speak at Central about this experience.  If you or someone you know has felt the pain of grief or is struggling with grief, I want to personally invite you to join us at 8:30 or 10:55 - or BOTH - and hear Dr. Witherington share his story.  I believe it can touch and help all who are dealing with grief.

Please join us at Central - where everyone is welcome - this Sunday for this special day of worship.

Make it a GREAT day.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Monday, March 19, 2012

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Tomorrow is the first day of spring.  I love this time of year.  Not too hot.  Not too cold.  I feel like

Goldilocks…it's just right!  And, I believe, it's just like God meant it to be.  But, I'll let you in on a little

secret.  I feel just the same way on a cold, winter day; a hot, steamy day; a cool, crisp day; or a gloomy rainy

day.  One of my favorite bible verses says: “This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in

it.”  That verse explains very well my feelings.  Because God made it, it is perfect.  It is amazing to me how

God thought of everything like He did.  How boring this world would be if every day were the same.  So

today, no matter what the weather, REJOICE!  Because, this is the day the Lord has made!  Have a

wonderful day!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Friday, March 16, 2012

BOB RAMBO


Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.  

Recently, Sports Illustrated did a story on Elena Della Donna, the best women's college basketball player in the nation.  As a high school star, she was offered scholarships at the top basketball schools in the country - Connecticut, UNC, Tennessee, Rutgers - but she chose to attend Delaware, which was only 10 miles from her home. She chose Delaware in order to be closer to her sister Elizabeth, who was born blind and deaf.  By playing at Delaware, she could see her sister regularly and help with her needs.

I'm sure she wouldn't consider it a “sacrifice” - but Elena Della Donna made the decision to put someone else's needs and wishes above her own.  According to the Bible, that's what “ministry” is all about - loving God and serving others.

Today, we have a choice about how we will live our lives.  Will we seek to make ourselves happy and please ourselves?  Or will we seek to serve others to God's glory?

Make it a great day!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Thursday, March 15, 2012

SABRINA

Several days ago I spoke about Central's Prayer Shawl Ministry and our endeavor to provide 1000 blankets, hats and scarves to Lifeline Children's Services orphanage in China.  Most children in this orphanage will spend their childhood there. They are so far away, and it makes me very sad to think that a child, any child, would think themselves unlovable.

However, if you think about it, we have all, at one time or another, thought ourselves unlovable... and then, hopefully, realize that God, our God of love and grace...loves us and to God we are never unlovable. We are, in fact, made in His image. We are given gifts and talents. And in using those gifts and talents, we most often, take the focus off of ourselves and make the lives of others better.  

If God has given you the ability to knit or crochet or quilt...we would love to have you help us in providing these 1000 blankets...as a tangible sign of God's love to a child many miles away.  It will make there day...perhaps their life, brighter, and you will be using God's gift to you in service to others...For more information visit our website at www.cumcmdn.org or phone me at 601-693-1521.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

BOB PEDEN

The Revelation of John of Patmos is one of the most confounding books of the Bible. For one thing it is a type of writing, Apocalyptic Literature, the like of which has not been written in more than 15 hundred years. 

For another, so much of what has been written and said about the book seems to assume it was written just for those of us who are alive today. This would assume that God did not intend the message in this book of the Bible to apply to Christians of the last 1900 years.

If you would like to come to a better understanding of the book of Revelation, and it's meaning for all Christians, I would encourage you to come to the seminar we will be hosting at Central United Methodist Church. It will begin Friday, March 23rd, at 3:00 pm and conclude at 6:00 pm on Saturday the 24th. Cost for the event including meals is 75 dollars. Leading the seminar will be Dr. Ben Witherington, professor of New Testament Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. See our Website or call the church office for more information.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

JIM CAIN

GOOD MORNING!

Brother Steve was dying. He sent a message for his IRS agent and his lawyer (both church members), to come to his home. When they arrived, they were ushered up to his bedroom. As they entered the room, Steve held out his hands and motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed. The preacher grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled, and stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything. Both the IRS agent and the lawyer were flattered that their preacher would ask them to be with him during his final moments. However, they were also puzzled because the preacher had never given any indication that he particularly liked either one of them.

Finally, the Lawyer asked, "Preacher, why did you ask the two of us to come?" Brother Steve mustered up some strength, and then said weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go, too.”

Who do you surround yourself with in your daily life?

Monday, March 12, 2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

A doctor was working in a remote area of Minnesota many years ago when a Native American family begged him to come and help their elderly grandmother who was gravely ill.

He went, diagnosed her condition, and gave them detailed instructions for her care.

The woman recovered, and a few weeks later, the entire family made the journey to the doctor's office in town.  They ceremoniously presented him with a 150- year-old pair of moccasins made by a great-great grandmother.  

When the doctor protested, because the gift was cherished and valuable, the head of the clan replied, “You saved my mother's life.  We do not express great appreciation with a cheap gift.”  So, when you give of yourself and your resources to the Lord, give generously.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Friday, March 9, 2012

SABRINA

Recently in a conversation concerning someone gravely ill, a friend reminded me...“You know Sabrina, we are all terminal.”  As I contemplated that very sobering statement, I began to think past the initial gloom of “being terminal,” and to seriously think of how differently we might live our lives if we truly lived it remembering our life on this earth is but a brief moment in time. My guess is that our lives would change dramatically.  Time spent with family and friends would be more important than work and accumulating things.  Time to watch the sun rise and set would take precedence over surfing the net.

I challenge you to begin living with the realization that we have no way of knowing what the future holds, but we do have the ability to live each day enjoying the many gifts and blessing that God has given us for this day, all the while knowing that when our time on earth is done, we still have eternity with God.  Go and have a blessed day.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Thursday, March 8, 2012

JIM CAIN

GOOD MORNING!

Dylan was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the house towards the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and carrying a baseball and bat. “I'm the greatest hitter in the world,” he announced once he was outside. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. “Strike one!” he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said it again; “I'm the greatest hitter in the world!” he tossed the ball into the air again and missing it yelled, “Strike two!”

Dylan then paused for a moment to examine his ball and bat carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together, straightened his cap, and said, “I'm the greatest hitter in the world!” Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed yet again. “Strike three! Wow!” he exclaimed. “I'm the greatest pitcher in the whole world!”

Our attitude determines how circumstances impact our lives. If we can't change our circumstances, we can always change our attitudes. Let me encourage you to do this, you'll be glad you did!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

BOB RAMBO


Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.

In two weeks, Central will welcome Dr. Ben Witherington III of Asbury Theological Seminary.  He will teach Friday March 23rd and Saturday March 24th on “The Book of Revelation.”  Lay people and pastors are welcome.  Call our church office or visit our website to register for this event.

On Sunday, March 25th, Dr. Witherington will preach at our 8:30 and 10:55 worship services.  He will do this despite the recent death of his 31-year-old daughter, Christy.  In our worship on March 25th, Dr. Witherington will share of his own grief and the hope that has sustained him through faith in Jesus Christ.  

We invite everyone to join us for the Revelation event and for worship on March 25th - but especially those who have struggled with grief.  It will be a time of healing and hope for those who are there.

Make it great day!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

The Bible tells us as Christians to “care for one another” by using the gifts God has given each of us by His grace. 

One of the ways we can care for and serve each other is to listen.  Listening is not the job of a talented few, but the privilege and responsibility of us all.

Someone needs to tell you something today.  It may be a deep confession of failure, an expression of faith, an old joke, or a comment about the weather; but it needs to be said.

The person could be a child or a senior adult.  Are you ready and willing, for Jesus' sake, to lend an ear?  

Hear this poem by De Haan:

A caring heart, a listening ear

A thoughtful word, a gentle tear

Will help to lift the heavy load

Of weary souls along life's road.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Monday, March 5, 2012

  BOB PEDEN 

Each moment of our lives is crowded with eternal significance, yet our eyes are often blind: we expect only what is predictable. We miss God's grace in the moment, the Father's gift in the simple, and Heaven's glory in the ordinary. We lose the Lord's presence in the sunrise, his joy in the smile of a child, his whisper in the wrinkles of the aged, and his glory hidden in a spider's web.

So, when John tells us his story of Jesus turning water into wine, he wants to do more than tell us history. Yes, what he writes is true, but even more he wants us to know it is truth -- authentic to real life. Each encounter with Jesus tells us, not just what he did, but also what he longs to do now… in us… among us… through us. The unpredictable Savior wants to show us how water can become wine.

This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. My question for you this morning is: Where in your life is God waiting to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary?

Friday, March 2, 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012

BOB RAMBO

Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central UMC.  Alexandra Levine, a doctor in Los Angeles, tells of being a young intern in medical school.  She was assigned to follow a “resident” around during visits.  A patient on her floor had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. She came into the hospital healthy and vivacious; but when they did surgery, there was nothing they could do.

The next day the “resident” told the patient:  It's cancer.  We really couldn't do anything, so we just opened and closed.  The woman laid there in bed in disbelief and repeated: Let me get this straight: you just opened and closed?  Opened and closed?  Then the woman shooed them away saying: I don't feel like visiting.

That night this woman - vivacious and healthy before surgery - DIED.  Alexandra Levine says: I'm absolutely convinced she died because all hope had been taken away from her.  

Hope - the conviction that despite our present circumstances, the future will be better - is ESSENTIAL for survival.  As Christians, we hope because we believe the future is in the hands of a good and gracious God.

Today - may you be filled with HOPE.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Thursday, March 1, 2012

SABRINA

This is the blanket that I was brought home from the hospital in.  It was wrapped around me during my baptism.  It held each of my children as they were baptized...and now has held each of my grandchildren.  It is a tangible reminder of God's presence in my life days after I was born and in the lives of my family today.  

At Central, we have a prayer shawl ministry that allows some of our members to use their talents and gifts, making shawls to be given to people in times of both joy and grief.  We have recently expanded our ministry, working in conjunction with Lifeline Children's Services, crocheting and knitting baby blankets to be given to babies and their families at the time of adoption.  We have also committed to make 1000 blankets that will be given to children in a China orphanage through Lifeline.  These children, are unfortunately, for the most part, labeled unadoptable, and will spend their days in a place where they will be loved and cared for...but without a family.  It is our hope that one of these blankets will serve as a tangible reminder that someone does love and care for them...God loves them, and people, though far away, care for and have prayed for them.

If you would like to be a part of this mission endeavor, please contact me at www.cumcmdn.org, or by phone 601-693-1521.