SABRINA
Thanksgiving has come and gone, and this Sunday marks
the first Sunday in Advent. Over 2000 years ago, the world waited
generations for prophesy to be filled through the birth of Jesus.
WE have this time of Advent to wait and prepare for the CELEBRATION
of our Lord and Savior, all the while remembering, that because of that
birth over 2000 years ago, our world forever changed.
Close your eyes for a moment, take a deep breath,
and thank God for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon you.
As you continue through your day, waiting in lines, in traffic, remember
this IS a time of joyful anticipation of a birth that was foretold to
a people desperate for hope and salvation. Is it really any different
today? “For unto US was born a Savior, Christ the Lord.” Go today
in peace and joy.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
JOHN
Good Morning! I'm John Branning the Lead Pastor
of Central United Methodist Church. Let me begin first by wishing a
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the Meridian area. Many today will
gather with family and friends and celebrate this holiday with plenty
of food and laughter. We may even have a little nostalgia today as we
remember past Thanksgivings and the wonderful memories that we have
of the people and places that made it so special. However, the true
purpose of this holiday is for us to stop and give thanks to our God
for all the blessings that he has given unto us. We have been blessed
beyond measure, and I hope we are able to see all that God has given
us.
I do hope that this year we will not hoard these blessing for ourselves.
We should share with others that have less than us. Let us share a meal,
a prayer and a good word to those in need. We are commanded to love
God and our neighbor as ourselves. I invite you to come live a life
that is thankful with us at Central.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Did you know that if you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on
your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than
75% of this world? If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and
spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy?
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are
more blessed than many who will not survive this day. If you have never
experienced fear in battle, loneliness of imprisonment, agony of torture,
or pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in this
world. If you can attend a church or synagogue without fear of harassment,
arrest, torture, or death, you are envied by and more blessed than three
billion people in the world. You didn't know you were so blessed, did
you? Before you walk out your door, stop, count your blessings, and
say “Thank you, God.” Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
jim cain
Good Morning!
A man pulls up to an old country store on the
outskirts of town, hops out of his car & asks the old man sitting
out front,” How are the people in this town, old man?"
The old man looked at the stranger and asked,”
How were the people in the town you just left?" The man looked
at him with a puzzled expression and replied,” They were mean and
hateful people, hard to work and live with. We were glad to get
out of that place." The old man nodded his head &replied,”
Well, that's how you'll find the people in this town."
The man drove away & the old man settled
back down in his rocking chair. A little while later another car pulls
up and a man gets out and says,” Excuse me sir, but how are the people
in this town?" The old man looked at the stranger and asked,"
How were the people in the town you just left?" The stranger smiled
answering,” They were warm-hearted and kind, always willing to help
a person out. We hated to leave." The old man nodded & replied,”
That is how you'll find the people in this town."
Luke 6:31 shares this basic message as the 'golden
rule.” Changing surroundings will do nothing to change our problems
unless we are willing to first change ourselves.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning:
How does the bible describe “hell”? A place of torment, a place
of wailing and gnashing of teeth, a place of everlasting fire and everlasting
destruction, a place you don't want to be.
In Mark Chapter 5, there's the story of the man possessed with legions
of demons. Those demons recognized Jesus immediately and begged him
not to send them to hell. You see, even demons are afraid of hell. I'm
convinced that we don't hear enough about the dangers of hell and that's
why there's so much crime these days. You want to save your children?
Get them in church. Surround them with God's love and others who love
God. Give them something concrete to believe in. Give them a strong
foundation and they'll be able to handle anything life throws at them
as they grow older. Teach them that there are two paths to eternal life...the
one to Heaven and the one to Hell. It's up to you, parents, to make
sure your child is on the right path. Think about that and have a wonderful
day!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Matthew 10:29-30 tells us: “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So, don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
It's a little-known fact, but every day the average person loses about a hundred hairs from his or her head. If you rolled that up over a year's time, that would make a pretty big hair ball. Now if you multiply that by the other 6 billion or so people in the world, well....that's a pretty hairy thought, don't you think? But here's the really amazing thing: Somehow God numbers and keeps track of every single hair on every single person in the whole wide world. You see, God loves you so much that he cares about every detail of your life--even the number of hairs on your head. Think of that each time you brush your hair. Have a wonderful day.
Good Morning:
Matthew 10:29-30 tells us: “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So, don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
It's a little-known fact, but every day the average person loses about a hundred hairs from his or her head. If you rolled that up over a year's time, that would make a pretty big hair ball. Now if you multiply that by the other 6 billion or so people in the world, well....that's a pretty hairy thought, don't you think? But here's the really amazing thing: Somehow God numbers and keeps track of every single hair on every single person in the whole wide world. You see, God loves you so much that he cares about every detail of your life--even the number of hairs on your head. Think of that each time you brush your hair. Have a wonderful day.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
BOB
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church.
Our culture loves to rank things. Just take a look at all the top ten
lists that are published. There are lists ranking the best -- or worst
-- songs, movies, jobs, places to live, and things to see. We rank people
too. There are lists covering looks, bodies, popularity, effectiveness,
and abilities. It even happens when thinking about God.
We can always find someone we think is worse than us. It is as if
God is going to let people into heaven based on some kind of top ten
list where the goal is to be better than other people so that you make
the cut. And there is the problem. No one is good enough to live with
God forever. Not me. Not you. Not anyone. That is why God sent his son
Jesus to take away our sins. And that is why there are only two places
on God's list: those who trust Jesus, and those who do not.
Join us at Central as together we strive to trust Jesus more and more
each day.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
JOHN
Good Morning! I'm John Branning
the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Do you consider
yourself a blessed person? When, I mention that to most people our minds
drift most often to our financial situation. We seem to equate blessing
with wealth. I will not argue that all the wealth that we have in our
life is from God and some people do have more than others. However,
we seem to be forgetting the little things in life that are such a blessing
to us.
When we awaken to a new day
that is a blessing! When we are able to enjoy a cup of coffee
with someone that we love, surely that too is a blessing. I personally
love to hear the laughter that comes from my children and when one of
them says Dad I sure do love you.
Life is full of blessings,
and I hope that you can count them one by one. I invite you to visit
us at Central and celebrate your blessings with us.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
jim cain
Good Morning!
“Eighth grade, away football game. There's a chill in the air, mouthpieces and Gatorade. My shoulder pads are too small. My helmet's way too big. I haven't touched the ball. O God, please make the coach put me in.” -- Wes King
How many of us have ever felt that way? It may not have been at a football game or even a sporting event, but almost all of us have felt the way Wes King felt when he wrote his song entitled “Second String.” Unfortunately, the second stringer is rapidly disappearing in our society. No longer is it enough to belong to something greater than ourselves. Sacrifice for the common good or striving to achieve a common goal are no longer important in this “I, me” world. Playing time and statistics now overshadow team goals and won loss records as everyone strives to be in the spotlight.
Though many of us have had the privilege to be starters or even stars in one area or another while growing up, eventually adolescence is over and we begin jobs, and the chances to run with the ball or sing the major solo are replaced with the everyday affairs of raising a family, keeping a job, & maintaining a home. These are the lessons of the team player. The one who kept showing up for practice every day whether he got to play much on Friday night or not. These are the lessons of life.
Good Morning!
“Eighth grade, away football game. There's a chill in the air, mouthpieces and Gatorade. My shoulder pads are too small. My helmet's way too big. I haven't touched the ball. O God, please make the coach put me in.” -- Wes King
How many of us have ever felt that way? It may not have been at a football game or even a sporting event, but almost all of us have felt the way Wes King felt when he wrote his song entitled “Second String.” Unfortunately, the second stringer is rapidly disappearing in our society. No longer is it enough to belong to something greater than ourselves. Sacrifice for the common good or striving to achieve a common goal are no longer important in this “I, me” world. Playing time and statistics now overshadow team goals and won loss records as everyone strives to be in the spotlight.
Though many of us have had the privilege to be starters or even stars in one area or another while growing up, eventually adolescence is over and we begin jobs, and the chances to run with the ball or sing the major solo are replaced with the everyday affairs of raising a family, keeping a job, & maintaining a home. These are the lessons of the team player. The one who kept showing up for practice every day whether he got to play much on Friday night or not. These are the lessons of life.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
DENNIS
Good Morning everyone. I'm Dennis Gossett, Associate
Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Well, the holidays are right
around the corner. In just a few weeks many of us will be traveling
to see our families for Thanksgiving. We will finally get to talk with
those whom we haven't seen in a while. We can catch up on things like
how work has been, what sports our kids have been involved with, and
where we went on vacation.
It is truly a blessing to have people around you
to share life with. They stick beside you when the-going-gets-tough
and they are there to help celebrate your successes.
Comedian Milton Berle once said, that “laughter
is an instant vacation.” I hope the time you spend with your family
and friends will be filled with laughter and good times. From your friends
at Central United Methodist Church, Happy Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Jim Cain
Nehemiah's countrymen, the Jews, were living in destitution. The once powerful walls of Jerusalem
were little more than scattered rubble and her great gates that once protected the people and welcomed
their friends were reduced to char & ash. This broke him, and he began praying earnestly for God to
work mightily on the Jew's behalf. However, Nehemiah didn't stop there; rather, he started planning
for the day when God would answer his prayer.
Many of us wait for God to work and answer prayer, like Nehemiah, but unlike him, we aren't
prepared for when he does. God uses that time of waiting to prepare us, which he did with Nehemiah.
Nehemiah served king Xerxes as a cupbearer, a trusted position. The king, sensing his brokenness,
asked him, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?” Nehemiah didn't retell the sad tale, but
gave the king a well thought out solution.
Are we preparing for the day when God moves? Have we been praying for God to move in our
churches this Sunday? Let's start planning today for our prayers to be answered, and it is my prayer to
see you in church this Sunday!
Nehemiah's countrymen, the Jews, were living in destitution. The once powerful walls of Jerusalem
were little more than scattered rubble and her great gates that once protected the people and welcomed
their friends were reduced to char & ash. This broke him, and he began praying earnestly for God to
work mightily on the Jew's behalf. However, Nehemiah didn't stop there; rather, he started planning
for the day when God would answer his prayer.
Many of us wait for God to work and answer prayer, like Nehemiah, but unlike him, we aren't
prepared for when he does. God uses that time of waiting to prepare us, which he did with Nehemiah.
Nehemiah served king Xerxes as a cupbearer, a trusted position. The king, sensing his brokenness,
asked him, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?” Nehemiah didn't retell the sad tale, but
gave the king a well thought out solution.
Are we preparing for the day when God moves? Have we been praying for God to move in our
churches this Sunday? Let's start planning today for our prayers to be answered, and it is my prayer to
see you in church this Sunday!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
SABRINA
We often forget that worship is an offering of our life to God in response to His life in us. In Exodus
34:6 we are told “God passed in front of Moses and called out, “God, God, a God of mercy and grace,
endlessly patient - so much love, so deeply true.” Hearing these words, Moses bowed his head, bent his
knee and worshiped the one who had shown His presence.
Truly, worship is the only reasonable response when we begin to know God. Worship IS indeed an
offering of our lives to God in response to God's life in us.
If you do not have a church home, I invite you to join me in worship at Central this Sunday. We have
Contemporary Worship at 8:30… Sunday School at 9:30...Traditional worship at 10:55... Central is a
family- friendly church with two distinct styles of worship. Come...and worship...finding friendship,
fellowship, and acceptance as you worship God...the God of peace and life.
We often forget that worship is an offering of our life to God in response to His life in us. In Exodus
34:6 we are told “God passed in front of Moses and called out, “God, God, a God of mercy and grace,
endlessly patient - so much love, so deeply true.” Hearing these words, Moses bowed his head, bent his
knee and worshiped the one who had shown His presence.
Truly, worship is the only reasonable response when we begin to know God. Worship IS indeed an
offering of our lives to God in response to God's life in us.
If you do not have a church home, I invite you to join me in worship at Central this Sunday. We have
Contemporary Worship at 8:30… Sunday School at 9:30...Traditional worship at 10:55... Central is a
family- friendly church with two distinct styles of worship. Come...and worship...finding friendship,
fellowship, and acceptance as you worship God...the God of peace and life.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
BOB
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I have my very own
Smartphone. It is valuable as a means of communication with other people and for organizing my daily
life. However, I am grateful that I do not need it to talk to the most important person in my life. Jesus
taught us that in talking with God we should begin, Aour Father in heaven.@ More specifically, our
"Abba in heaven." Abba is an intimate, tender, folksy, pedestrian term, the warmest of the Aramaic
words for "father." Formality stripped away. Proximity promised. Jesus invites us to approach God like
a child approaches Daddy. No special training required. No monthly plan needed.
Stunning, don't you think, that the highest conversation in life requires nothing but an open heart and
a "Dear Father?" How gracious of God to keep it simple.
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I have my very own
Smartphone. It is valuable as a means of communication with other people and for organizing my daily
life. However, I am grateful that I do not need it to talk to the most important person in my life. Jesus
taught us that in talking with God we should begin, Aour Father in heaven.@ More specifically, our
"Abba in heaven." Abba is an intimate, tender, folksy, pedestrian term, the warmest of the Aramaic
words for "father." Formality stripped away. Proximity promised. Jesus invites us to approach God like
a child approaches Daddy. No special training required. No monthly plan needed.
Stunning, don't you think, that the highest conversation in life requires nothing but an open heart and
a "Dear Father?" How gracious of God to keep it simple.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, the Associate
Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. In the last chapter of Mark,
Jesus commands his disciples to go into all the world preaching the
gospel. Then he adds that certain signs would accompany them.
Often, we want to focus on the signs themselves,
while forgetting the prerequisite for them. In order for anything to
be tangible and real, we must be with other people. If there is to be
a driving out, speaking with, picking up, and putting hands on, it will
require that we be among people.
Jesus went out to where the people were so he could
heal them. And that is what he is expecting out of his church. We are
called to be his hands and feet.
We live in a time where the love of Christ needs
to be demonstrated more than any other.
Everyone watching today is invited to come and be
a part of the Christian body at Central. There is always room for more
hands and feet.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
John
Good Morning! I'm John Branning the Lead Pastor
of Central United Methodist Church. Many people will say that today
is a depressing day. After all it is the day after New Years, and we
must go back to work and start all over again. Yet, it should be exciting
for all of us because now we get to live out our resolutions that we
made yesterday. For some the weight loss plan begins. For others, it
is the year of physical fitness.
I hope that for all of us that this will be the year of our greatest
spiritual moments. No matter what 2013 was like, 2014 can be completely
different and new. Jesus was all about new things. He said that he came
to make us new and our lives new. Yet, if this really is a new year
for you then you must take different steps than the year before. Let
us be intentional with our faith. Let us share it with others and offer
the peace that passes all understanding. I invite you to begin again
this Sunday at Central UMC with us. Have a most blessed second day today.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning:
When I was a little girl, we had a maid who could chew gum and make it pop as she chewed. I thought
that was the most wonderful talent for someone to have! I wanted to be able to do it, too. So, while she
ironed, I sat under the ironing board with her giving me instructions on how to chew and pop gum. I
never learned to do it. I was very disappointed because I really liked that sound. However, I learned as
I grew up that there are some things that we don't need to learn from others--no matter how much we
admire them--popping your gum was one of those things. Of course, it was my mom who taught me
that popping gum was not something a young lady should do.
My point today is that as a parent, you are the most important teacher your child can have. The Bible
says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and in his old age, he will not depart from it.” Be a
good teacher for your child and have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
When I was a little girl, we had a maid who could chew gum and make it pop as she chewed. I thought
that was the most wonderful talent for someone to have! I wanted to be able to do it, too. So, while she
ironed, I sat under the ironing board with her giving me instructions on how to chew and pop gum. I
never learned to do it. I was very disappointed because I really liked that sound. However, I learned as
I grew up that there are some things that we don't need to learn from others--no matter how much we
admire them--popping your gum was one of those things. Of course, it was my mom who taught me
that popping gum was not something a young lady should do.
My point today is that as a parent, you are the most important teacher your child can have. The Bible
says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and in his old age, he will not depart from it.” Be a
good teacher for your child and have a wonderful day!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
A little girl's father had been seriously injured in an accident and was in the hospital. The girl was
anxious and worried at bedtime, so she asked her mother if she could sleep with her.
In the darkness of the room, the little girl asked, “Mommy, is your face turned towards me?” Her
mother responded, “Yes,” and soon the mother could hear the rhythmic, peaceful breathing of a little
girl asleep.
Then, the mother quietly slipped from the bed and went to the window. She looked to the sky and
asked, “Father, is your face turned towards mine?”
Sometimes, God seems so very near, but other times, we experience uncertainty and insecurity as we
face challenges that sap our strength and test our faith.
In times of trouble, we are challenged to remember that the only true security is found in God through
Jesus Christ. And how comforting it is to know that the Father's face is, indeed, always turned toward
us.
Good Morning!
A little girl's father had been seriously injured in an accident and was in the hospital. The girl was
anxious and worried at bedtime, so she asked her mother if she could sleep with her.
In the darkness of the room, the little girl asked, “Mommy, is your face turned towards me?” Her
mother responded, “Yes,” and soon the mother could hear the rhythmic, peaceful breathing of a little
girl asleep.
Then, the mother quietly slipped from the bed and went to the window. She looked to the sky and
asked, “Father, is your face turned towards mine?”
Sometimes, God seems so very near, but other times, we experience uncertainty and insecurity as we
face challenges that sap our strength and test our faith.
In times of trouble, we are challenged to remember that the only true security is found in God through
Jesus Christ. And how comforting it is to know that the Father's face is, indeed, always turned toward
us.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
RAY DURDEN
Nothing can ever separate you from the love of Jesus. Let this divine assurance trickle through your
mind and into your heart and soul. Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this
unconditional promise: “Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus.”
Most of mankind's misery stems from feeling unloved. In the midst of adverse circumstances, people
tend to feel that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken. This feeling of abandonment is
often worse than the adversity itself. Be assured that He will never abandon any of you, not even
temporarily. He will never leave you or forsake you! His Presence watches over you continually.
Romans 8:39 says: There is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of
God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Nothing can ever separate you from the love of Jesus. Let this divine assurance trickle through your
mind and into your heart and soul. Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this
unconditional promise: “Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus.”
Most of mankind's misery stems from feeling unloved. In the midst of adverse circumstances, people
tend to feel that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken. This feeling of abandonment is
often worse than the adversity itself. Be assured that He will never abandon any of you, not even
temporarily. He will never leave you or forsake you! His Presence watches over you continually.
Romans 8:39 says: There is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of
God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
DENNIS
Good Morning. As a child, I could not swim. At a local lake, I once ventured out further and further
away from a beach where my mother was seated. She warned me to not go out too much further. I
ignored her calls. Suddenly, my footing gave way and I was under the water. I began sinking under
that dark water. Fortunately, my mother was a very good swimmer; a former life guard as a young girl.
She rushed out into the deep water and reached down to save me.
Later on, she taught her son to swim. And her son was willing to learn.
The world needs more lifeguards! It needs Christians who are willing to call out to those in the deep
end and to jump in after them if one goes under.
Perhaps today, you are the one struggling to stay afloat on the stormy sea and you are sinking down.
Call out to Jesus; to the one who walks on the water, regardless of how high the waves are. I'm Dennis
Gossett, Associate Pastor, at Central UMC.
Good Morning. As a child, I could not swim. At a local lake, I once ventured out further and further
away from a beach where my mother was seated. She warned me to not go out too much further. I
ignored her calls. Suddenly, my footing gave way and I was under the water. I began sinking under
that dark water. Fortunately, my mother was a very good swimmer; a former life guard as a young girl.
She rushed out into the deep water and reached down to save me.
Later on, she taught her son to swim. And her son was willing to learn.
The world needs more lifeguards! It needs Christians who are willing to call out to those in the deep
end and to jump in after them if one goes under.
Perhaps today, you are the one struggling to stay afloat on the stormy sea and you are sinking down.
Call out to Jesus; to the one who walks on the water, regardless of how high the waves are. I'm Dennis
Gossett, Associate Pastor, at Central UMC.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
BOB
Good morning! Today is All Saints Day the day we celebrate the lives of all of God=s saints. This
Sunday at Central United Methodist Church, as in many churches, we will light candles and ring the
bells for those saints of our church who have gone on to heaven within the last year. We will also light
candles for those saints who have joined our congregation in the last year. And we will celebrate the
sainthood of us all.
For you see, the definition of a saint is not Aa dead Christian.@ Rather the definition of a saint is a
faithful, living Christian. We are all saints who believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and are
trying to live into his will for our lives. So, there are saints in heaven and there are saints here on earth,
and together we join with the angels in singing the praises of our God.
Join us this Sunday to be a part of that celebration at either 8:30 or 10:55. Oh, and don=t forget to move
your clock back an hour.
Good morning! Today is All Saints Day the day we celebrate the lives of all of God=s saints. This
Sunday at Central United Methodist Church, as in many churches, we will light candles and ring the
bells for those saints of our church who have gone on to heaven within the last year. We will also light
candles for those saints who have joined our congregation in the last year. And we will celebrate the
sainthood of us all.
For you see, the definition of a saint is not Aa dead Christian.@ Rather the definition of a saint is a
faithful, living Christian. We are all saints who believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and are
trying to live into his will for our lives. So, there are saints in heaven and there are saints here on earth,
and together we join with the angels in singing the praises of our God.
Join us this Sunday to be a part of that celebration at either 8:30 or 10:55. Oh, and don=t forget to move
your clock back an hour.
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