DENNIS
Good Morning. Tonight is the time when kids will dress up in their costumes, knocking on doors and saying, “Trick or Treat.” Then adults will be filling all of the youngsters’ bags with candy and other treats. Even with the scary overtones of Halloween, this can be a great way to demonstrate Christian charity and generosity. There is no other time of the year that we give to complete strange-looking strangers so openly. People, who would never talk to each other otherwise, will be caring on a pleasant conversation tonight.
This is a rare time when vanity takes a back seat to simple human relationships.
It is important for us to develop such things within our lives each day. Richard Rolle once wrote just because people may seem to have it all together does not mean that is the case. On the other hand, “the person’s whose heart is aglow with charity, ever eager to love God and indifferent to vanity” is the one who is genuine and real. Jesus said, “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light.” Friends, let your light shine tonight, even to the scariest people. And in the morning, let us continue to be generous, kind, and charitable. This is Dennis Gossett.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Thursday, October 20, 2014
JIM CAIN
Is Oprah’s HARPO studio in Chicago, IL, haunted? Many of her staff believe so, and the head lady herself will no longer go on record to speak about the haunting.
How did this storage building that once housed weapons become haunted? July 24, 1915, this is the date Chicago suffered one of its most notable tragedies. The Western Electric Company held its annual picnic. The WEC employees and their families had boarded the Eastland Steamer for the 20 minute ride.
Prior to pulling out, the passengers lined up on one side to take a picture, which caused the steamer to be off balanced. The engineer then attempted to correct the problem by opening up the ballast, but rather than stabilizing, the steamer capsized causing 800 passengers to die. Their bodies were pulled from the water and placed in the Second Battalion Armory’s Gym, the building now known as HARPO Studios.
For many this would explain the sounds that sometimes echo through the building or the “Lady in Gray” who is often seen moving around the building. Is she still looking among the dead for her lost love, or is she too one of the victims? We may never know for sure, but what we do know is what the Bible says in 1 John 4:4, “Because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world”. So no matter what you see or hear during this time of Fall Harvest remember that God is greater than them all!
Is Oprah’s HARPO studio in Chicago, IL, haunted? Many of her staff believe so, and the head lady herself will no longer go on record to speak about the haunting.
How did this storage building that once housed weapons become haunted? July 24, 1915, this is the date Chicago suffered one of its most notable tragedies. The Western Electric Company held its annual picnic. The WEC employees and their families had boarded the Eastland Steamer for the 20 minute ride.
Prior to pulling out, the passengers lined up on one side to take a picture, which caused the steamer to be off balanced. The engineer then attempted to correct the problem by opening up the ballast, but rather than stabilizing, the steamer capsized causing 800 passengers to die. Their bodies were pulled from the water and placed in the Second Battalion Armory’s Gym, the building now known as HARPO Studios.
For many this would explain the sounds that sometimes echo through the building or the “Lady in Gray” who is often seen moving around the building. Is she still looking among the dead for her lost love, or is she too one of the victims? We may never know for sure, but what we do know is what the Bible says in 1 John 4:4, “Because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world”. So no matter what you see or hear during this time of Fall Harvest remember that God is greater than them all!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
PEDEN
This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Have you noticed the changing of the leaves. How could you not have noticed. The red, orange, yellow of the autumn leaves is always a treat. But not all trees embrace that change. Some hold onto their green leaves until winter hits and they just turn brown. And here in Mississippi we are blessed with lots of pine trees that hold onto there old needles until they are pushed away by the new ones sprouting in the spring. People respond to change in those ways too. Some of us turn bright and cheerful at the prospect of something new. We release the old and anticipate the new. Others of us hold onto the old for as long as we possibly can. We avoid any change whatsoever. This fall as you watch the leaves change, think about which kind of tree you are like. God created us all. Change is life. How do you respond to change.
This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Have you noticed the changing of the leaves. How could you not have noticed. The red, orange, yellow of the autumn leaves is always a treat. But not all trees embrace that change. Some hold onto their green leaves until winter hits and they just turn brown. And here in Mississippi we are blessed with lots of pine trees that hold onto there old needles until they are pushed away by the new ones sprouting in the spring. People respond to change in those ways too. Some of us turn bright and cheerful at the prospect of something new. We release the old and anticipate the new. Others of us hold onto the old for as long as we possibly can. We avoid any change whatsoever. This fall as you watch the leaves change, think about which kind of tree you are like. God created us all. Change is life. How do you respond to change.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
RAY
Good Morning!
Medical research has discovered your heart health and mental health may depend on your ability to reduce hurt and anger by forgiving others and forgiving yourself.
The Lord commands us to forgive one another when we’re wronged or when we do others wrong.
We as humans can forgive others, although we’re not capable of completely erasing the bad memory from our brain. We’re all human so we mess up sometime. So, why is forgiving yourself a lot harder than forgiving others?
It’s a lot easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves because, after all, they don’t live in our head, always reading us the same old riot act about the wrong we committed.
These wonderful forgiveness instructions have been in our Bible for a long, long time. Eph 43-25 tells us, “I alone am He who blots away your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”
How tempting it is to remind someone of a past offense! But when God forgives our sins He totally forgets them. Thank you Lord!
Good Morning!
Medical research has discovered your heart health and mental health may depend on your ability to reduce hurt and anger by forgiving others and forgiving yourself.
The Lord commands us to forgive one another when we’re wronged or when we do others wrong.
We as humans can forgive others, although we’re not capable of completely erasing the bad memory from our brain. We’re all human so we mess up sometime. So, why is forgiving yourself a lot harder than forgiving others?
It’s a lot easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves because, after all, they don’t live in our head, always reading us the same old riot act about the wrong we committed.
These wonderful forgiveness instructions have been in our Bible for a long, long time. Eph 43-25 tells us, “I alone am He who blots away your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”
How tempting it is to remind someone of a past offense! But when God forgives our sins He totally forgets them. Thank you Lord!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
SABRINA
Before the week is out, ghosts, goblins, superheros and princesses will take to the streets, and for a short period of time, go from door to door, not as themselves, but disguised as the person they want to be.
As adults, we often find ourselves in disguise – and not for fun! Does today find you with a smile on your face, laughing and joking with those around you, when inside you are crying and alone? When Robin Williams recently died at his own hand, the world was stunned! How could a person who brought so much laughter and joy to the world ever think of himself as alone and unworthy? The fact is that at different times in our lives we have all worn a mask, not wanting the world to know our inner thoughts and feelings.
If today finds you feeling alone, desperate and depressed, I encourage you to reach out to someone close to you. NOTHING is so bad that given time it will not get better. I also invite you to find love and acceptance here at Central. We are a COMMUNITY of faith, not without warts and problems, but walking ALONGSIDE each other, following our God! Come join us. For more information about Central, visit our website at www.cumcmdn.org!
Before the week is out, ghosts, goblins, superheros and princesses will take to the streets, and for a short period of time, go from door to door, not as themselves, but disguised as the person they want to be.
As adults, we often find ourselves in disguise – and not for fun! Does today find you with a smile on your face, laughing and joking with those around you, when inside you are crying and alone? When Robin Williams recently died at his own hand, the world was stunned! How could a person who brought so much laughter and joy to the world ever think of himself as alone and unworthy? The fact is that at different times in our lives we have all worn a mask, not wanting the world to know our inner thoughts and feelings.
If today finds you feeling alone, desperate and depressed, I encourage you to reach out to someone close to you. NOTHING is so bad that given time it will not get better. I also invite you to find love and acceptance here at Central. We are a COMMUNITY of faith, not without warts and problems, but walking ALONGSIDE each other, following our God! Come join us. For more information about Central, visit our website at www.cumcmdn.org!
Friday, October 24, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. At Central, we believe in having spiritual influence in the lives of others. What we mean by this is that since God’s love was made visible to us through Jesus Christ, we should also imitate Christ and share his truth and love with others.
Many people feel that faith is something that is so personal that it is to be cultivated in the privacy of ones on heart. However, if we follow the example of Jesus, we see that he spoke from mountain tops, he didn’t mutter in the valleys.
When the Roman soldiers, uncertain of which man they were to grab, arrested all the disciples, Jesus stepped forward and said, “I’m the one you’re looking for, let the others go. He did not hide who he was.
D.L. Moody the great evangelist said that before he spoke, he would pray for the Lord to set him on fire. A light should be set on a hill, not hidden under a bushel, and since Jesus was not a low profile person, then neither should we. I hope you will be visible today sharing the hope of Jesus.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. At Central, we believe in having spiritual influence in the lives of others. What we mean by this is that since God’s love was made visible to us through Jesus Christ, we should also imitate Christ and share his truth and love with others.
Many people feel that faith is something that is so personal that it is to be cultivated in the privacy of ones on heart. However, if we follow the example of Jesus, we see that he spoke from mountain tops, he didn’t mutter in the valleys.
When the Roman soldiers, uncertain of which man they were to grab, arrested all the disciples, Jesus stepped forward and said, “I’m the one you’re looking for, let the others go. He did not hide who he was.
D.L. Moody the great evangelist said that before he spoke, he would pray for the Lord to set him on fire. A light should be set on a hill, not hidden under a bushel, and since Jesus was not a low profile person, then neither should we. I hope you will be visible today sharing the hope of Jesus.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
PEDEN
Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Early in the gospel of Luke Jesus uses Peter’s boat to teach the crowds and then has Peter let down his nets, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. When Peter sees what power Jesus has he says “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Often when we experience God’s power we react the same. Frightened by the reality of our sinfulness in the face of God’s power. But Jesus invited Peter and invites us to use our skills in a new way, for the good of the gospel. Central is a community of believers who lay our skills and talents before Jesus, asking him to show us how we might use them for good. You are invited to join as at Central. You too may experience the power of the risen Lord and hear his call to use your abilities for His kingdom.
Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Early in the gospel of Luke Jesus uses Peter’s boat to teach the crowds and then has Peter let down his nets, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. When Peter sees what power Jesus has he says “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Often when we experience God’s power we react the same. Frightened by the reality of our sinfulness in the face of God’s power. But Jesus invited Peter and invites us to use our skills in a new way, for the good of the gospel. Central is a community of believers who lay our skills and talents before Jesus, asking him to show us how we might use them for good. You are invited to join as at Central. You too may experience the power of the risen Lord and hear his call to use your abilities for His kingdom.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
GLENDA
Good Morning:
What's your favorite season of the year? Is it Spring, with its new blossoms of life springing up everywhere? Or the lazy, hazy, crazy, days of Summer? Or is it Fall with the lovely autumn hues that God with his paintbrush splashes over the trees....or winter may be your favorite, with glowing fireplaces to keep you warm and cozy.
The year is always changing. Whatever your favorite...or least favorite season...know that there is a never-changing Lord who sees the year from the beginning to the end; who will be with you in each season of your life. So whether you are in the middle of a wonderful season, or thinking a dreadful season will never end, remember, it is all just for a season and this will pass, but He remains. Enjoy His presence no matter the time of year. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
What's your favorite season of the year? Is it Spring, with its new blossoms of life springing up everywhere? Or the lazy, hazy, crazy, days of Summer? Or is it Fall with the lovely autumn hues that God with his paintbrush splashes over the trees....or winter may be your favorite, with glowing fireplaces to keep you warm and cozy.
The year is always changing. Whatever your favorite...or least favorite season...know that there is a never-changing Lord who sees the year from the beginning to the end; who will be with you in each season of your life. So whether you are in the middle of a wonderful season, or thinking a dreadful season will never end, remember, it is all just for a season and this will pass, but He remains. Enjoy His presence no matter the time of year. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
JIM CAIN
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love” Ephesians 1:4
Don’t we all long to be accepted, to belong? So many messages tell us we do not. We get cut from the basketball team, the social club invitation never comes, and we’re dropped from the honor roll, or lose the big promotion we thought was in the bag at work. Everything from acne to anorexia leaves us feeling like the little kid with no date to the prom.
We react. We validate our existence with a flurry of activity. We do more, buy more, and achieve more. We try to say the right things, wear the right clothes, and hang out with the right crowd. We try to get in and fit in. All of it is a way of asking that age old question, “Do I belong? Do I have worth?”
God has the answer. His grace, His outrageous, overflowing, stretching beyond the limits of our human imagination - is the definitive reply, “Be blessed, my child. I love you. I accept you just the way you are. I have adopted you into my Family.” Adopted children are chosen children.
Consider this, make sure you can wrap your mind around it. Accept it, enjoy it. There is something about you that God absolutely adores. You cause his eyes to widen, His heart to beat a little faster, He chose you to be in His family, never doubt it, and never forget it.
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love” Ephesians 1:4
Don’t we all long to be accepted, to belong? So many messages tell us we do not. We get cut from the basketball team, the social club invitation never comes, and we’re dropped from the honor roll, or lose the big promotion we thought was in the bag at work. Everything from acne to anorexia leaves us feeling like the little kid with no date to the prom.
We react. We validate our existence with a flurry of activity. We do more, buy more, and achieve more. We try to say the right things, wear the right clothes, and hang out with the right crowd. We try to get in and fit in. All of it is a way of asking that age old question, “Do I belong? Do I have worth?”
God has the answer. His grace, His outrageous, overflowing, stretching beyond the limits of our human imagination - is the definitive reply, “Be blessed, my child. I love you. I accept you just the way you are. I have adopted you into my Family.” Adopted children are chosen children.
Consider this, make sure you can wrap your mind around it. Accept it, enjoy it. There is something about you that God absolutely adores. You cause his eyes to widen, His heart to beat a little faster, He chose you to be in His family, never doubt it, and never forget it.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Today is going to be full of choices. Each one of you will have a variety of choices to make. Some of those will be simple-no-brainers, while others will be complex and require a bit more thought. Along our journey today, we all will have the choice to do good or do bad. We can choose to say a kind word when someone is being mean. We will have the choice to give when someone is taking away. The life we lead is ultimately up to us. I can choose not to do what everyone else is doing. I can choose to stop and go in another direction. It is up to me whether or not to blame my problems on other people or to take responsibility for my life. God has created each one of us in a unique way by giving us free will. With free will comes the responsibility that each one of us will have to answer for. Have we worked for the greater good in the world or have we torn down lives? The Apostle Paul is one who chose a life that made a difference. He wrote, “I have not reached my goal, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” His choice was to be a follower of Jesus no matter the cost. What will you choose today?
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Today is going to be full of choices. Each one of you will have a variety of choices to make. Some of those will be simple-no-brainers, while others will be complex and require a bit more thought. Along our journey today, we all will have the choice to do good or do bad. We can choose to say a kind word when someone is being mean. We will have the choice to give when someone is taking away. The life we lead is ultimately up to us. I can choose not to do what everyone else is doing. I can choose to stop and go in another direction. It is up to me whether or not to blame my problems on other people or to take responsibility for my life. God has created each one of us in a unique way by giving us free will. With free will comes the responsibility that each one of us will have to answer for. Have we worked for the greater good in the world or have we torn down lives? The Apostle Paul is one who chose a life that made a difference. He wrote, “I have not reached my goal, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” His choice was to be a follower of Jesus no matter the cost. What will you choose today?
Friday, October 17, 2014
Friday, October 17,2014
GLENDA
Good Morning:
When Moses meets God at the burning bush, God identifies himself as the Great I Am. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense until we move to the New Testament and we find many instances where Jesus tells us who “I Am” truly is. He says, “I Am! And I became flesh..I was given a name above every name—the name of Jesus. He also says, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; I am your Shepherd, Your Counselor, Your Redeemer; I Am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end; I am the Door; I am the Bread of Life; I am Your Provider; I Am Love, Life, Truth, Joy, Hope, Peace. I Am! He is the eternal tri-une God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the I AM for yesterday, today, and forever...and for whatever you need right now. Trust the true “I AM” of your life and you will have a God – filled day!
Good Morning:
When Moses meets God at the burning bush, God identifies himself as the Great I Am. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense until we move to the New Testament and we find many instances where Jesus tells us who “I Am” truly is. He says, “I Am! And I became flesh..I was given a name above every name—the name of Jesus. He also says, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; I am your Shepherd, Your Counselor, Your Redeemer; I Am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end; I am the Door; I am the Bread of Life; I am Your Provider; I Am Love, Life, Truth, Joy, Hope, Peace. I Am! He is the eternal tri-une God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the I AM for yesterday, today, and forever...and for whatever you need right now. Trust the true “I AM” of your life and you will have a God – filled day!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
PEDEN
This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Have you noticed the changing of the leaves. How could you not have noticed. The red, orange, yellow of the autumn leaves is always a treat. But not all trees embrace that change. Some hold onto their green leaves until winter hits and they just turn brown. And here in Mississippi we are blessed with lots of pine trees that hold onto there old needles until they are pushed away by the new ones sprouting in the spring. People respond to change in those ways too. Some of us turn bright and cheerful at the prospect of something new. We release the old and anticipate the new. Others of us hold onto the old for as long as we possibly can. We avoid any change whatsoever. This fall as you watch the leaves change, think about which kind of tree you are like. God created us all. Change is life. How do you respond to change.
This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Have you noticed the changing of the leaves. How could you not have noticed. The red, orange, yellow of the autumn leaves is always a treat. But not all trees embrace that change. Some hold onto their green leaves until winter hits and they just turn brown. And here in Mississippi we are blessed with lots of pine trees that hold onto there old needles until they are pushed away by the new ones sprouting in the spring. People respond to change in those ways too. Some of us turn bright and cheerful at the prospect of something new. We release the old and anticipate the new. Others of us hold onto the old for as long as we possibly can. We avoid any change whatsoever. This fall as you watch the leaves change, think about which kind of tree you are like. God created us all. Change is life. How do you respond to change.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Jesus walked up to the fisherman and said, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. They dropped their nets and followed him.
He met a woman at a well and said, Follow me and you will never be thirsty again. She dropped her bucket and ran to get all of her friends.
History repeatedly has shown that people hunger for something larger than themselves. In fact the idea of having a higher purpose is a vital ingredient to the human psyche. The reason that this exists in all of us is because we have been created with a divine mark upon us. We long for something more. We hunger for relationships that will bring meaning and purpose.
Jesus told his disciples that he had come to change people’s lives to fill the void within them and to give them the direction that they were longing for. I hope that you have found the higher purpose for God created you, and if you are still searching, then I invite you to continue your journey with us at Central and together we will follow the one that calls us to be fishers of people.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Jesus walked up to the fisherman and said, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. They dropped their nets and followed him.
He met a woman at a well and said, Follow me and you will never be thirsty again. She dropped her bucket and ran to get all of her friends.
History repeatedly has shown that people hunger for something larger than themselves. In fact the idea of having a higher purpose is a vital ingredient to the human psyche. The reason that this exists in all of us is because we have been created with a divine mark upon us. We long for something more. We hunger for relationships that will bring meaning and purpose.
Jesus told his disciples that he had come to change people’s lives to fill the void within them and to give them the direction that they were longing for. I hope that you have found the higher purpose for God created you, and if you are still searching, then I invite you to continue your journey with us at Central and together we will follow the one that calls us to be fishers of people.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
RAY
Good Morning!
A well-known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20 bill. "Who would like this $20 bill" he asked?” Hands started going up.
He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it...?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, we’ve all learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it didn’t decrease in value. Many times in our lives, we’re crumpled, and ground into the dirt by our decisions and circumstances that come our way. But no matter what happens, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or crumpled, you’re still priceless to those who LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE.
Good Morning!
A well-known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20 bill. "Who would like this $20 bill" he asked?” Hands started going up.
He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it...?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, we’ve all learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it didn’t decrease in value. Many times in our lives, we’re crumpled, and ground into the dirt by our decisions and circumstances that come our way. But no matter what happens, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or crumpled, you’re still priceless to those who LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Monday, October 13, 2014
SABRINA
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us this Sunday Evening for Central’s annual Trunk or Treat Street Party which begins at 4:30 p.m. on 10th Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenue. Many of our members and friends will have decorated their cars, set up games – all to allow children AND adults to enjoy an afternoon of fun and fellowship! We encourage children and adults to come dressed as their favorite, “non scary” character, jump in the jumpies, play laser tag, get their face painted or get a new look at the crazy hair booth. We will have cotton candy, popcorn, hamburger and hot dogs, and lots of music!
If you are currently looking for a church home, I encourage you to come, visit, and get to know our church family. It is easy to slip in and out of worship and miss that sense of family and belonging! THIS is an opportunity to get to know each other a little better and to reflect and enjoy the fun of the season through the eyes of a child! OH, and don’t forget – we have worship Sunday morning at 8:30, 9: 45, or 10:55! Come be a part of our family!
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us this Sunday Evening for Central’s annual Trunk or Treat Street Party which begins at 4:30 p.m. on 10th Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenue. Many of our members and friends will have decorated their cars, set up games – all to allow children AND adults to enjoy an afternoon of fun and fellowship! We encourage children and adults to come dressed as their favorite, “non scary” character, jump in the jumpies, play laser tag, get their face painted or get a new look at the crazy hair booth. We will have cotton candy, popcorn, hamburger and hot dogs, and lots of music!
If you are currently looking for a church home, I encourage you to come, visit, and get to know our church family. It is easy to slip in and out of worship and miss that sense of family and belonging! THIS is an opportunity to get to know each other a little better and to reflect and enjoy the fun of the season through the eyes of a child! OH, and don’t forget – we have worship Sunday morning at 8:30, 9: 45, or 10:55! Come be a part of our family!
Friday, October 10, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014
JIM CAIN
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Lately everywhere you look, there are posters or t-shirts with the words "Keep Calm and...." emblazoned on them and you fill in the blank depending on your mood or situation at the time. The original phrase was "Keep Calm and Carry On," which was on a poster issued in the UK as a morale booster during World War 2. I have even seen some that say "Keep Calm and Eat Cake" or "Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate." That’s advice I can live by.
The more I think about those sayings, the more I am reminded how much the Lord can keep me calm. It was at the beginning of the summer when I wrote down some of my thoughts, but now with all of the continuing violence in the Middle East and all the political unrest here in our own country, it makes me have a need to keep calm more than ever right now. I'm just so glad that I have the Lord to go to for that calming. The Lord grounds me and helps me to be able to "carry on". After all, He has "...overcome the world." John 16:33.
So, how do you keep calm? Come to Central this Sunday
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Lately everywhere you look, there are posters or t-shirts with the words "Keep Calm and...." emblazoned on them and you fill in the blank depending on your mood or situation at the time. The original phrase was "Keep Calm and Carry On," which was on a poster issued in the UK as a morale booster during World War 2. I have even seen some that say "Keep Calm and Eat Cake" or "Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate." That’s advice I can live by.
The more I think about those sayings, the more I am reminded how much the Lord can keep me calm. It was at the beginning of the summer when I wrote down some of my thoughts, but now with all of the continuing violence in the Middle East and all the political unrest here in our own country, it makes me have a need to keep calm more than ever right now. I'm just so glad that I have the Lord to go to for that calming. The Lord grounds me and helps me to be able to "carry on". After all, He has "...overcome the world." John 16:33.
So, how do you keep calm? Come to Central this Sunday
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Thursday, October 9, 2014
SABRINA
Recently I was looking over a lesson for our Jr. High Youth on comparison in the “Land of Er” I am smartER, biggER, cutER. We know this is a HUGE issue for children from the time they enter Kindergarten. There is always the latest toy, doll, clothing – it never ends. But there is an old cliché’ “keeping up with the Joneses” that reminds us this is NOT just a problem with children, AND It is not just a monetary thing.
I go to the gym and see the girl 20 years my junior and desperately want that body; we go to the symphony or any concert, and dream of having the talent of the person on stage. As adults, we fail to remember the Parable of the valuable coins, where the master handed out five coins to one servant, two to another and one to yet another. We are to remember God gives EACH of us gifts, not of equal value, but as individuals made in HIS image. What we do with our gifts is a reflection of OUR response to God. Where does today find you? For me, I am going to NOT look at the younger girl at the gym today, but look at MY reflection in the mirror and remember, I am EXACTLY who God wants me to be on THIS day – a few pounds heavier maybe, but blessed BEYOND words. I just need to use the gifts HE gave me to HIS glory! Join me today in the celebration of YOU!
Recently I was looking over a lesson for our Jr. High Youth on comparison in the “Land of Er” I am smartER, biggER, cutER. We know this is a HUGE issue for children from the time they enter Kindergarten. There is always the latest toy, doll, clothing – it never ends. But there is an old cliché’ “keeping up with the Joneses” that reminds us this is NOT just a problem with children, AND It is not just a monetary thing.
I go to the gym and see the girl 20 years my junior and desperately want that body; we go to the symphony or any concert, and dream of having the talent of the person on stage. As adults, we fail to remember the Parable of the valuable coins, where the master handed out five coins to one servant, two to another and one to yet another. We are to remember God gives EACH of us gifts, not of equal value, but as individuals made in HIS image. What we do with our gifts is a reflection of OUR response to God. Where does today find you? For me, I am going to NOT look at the younger girl at the gym today, but look at MY reflection in the mirror and remember, I am EXACTLY who God wants me to be on THIS day – a few pounds heavier maybe, but blessed BEYOND words. I just need to use the gifts HE gave me to HIS glory! Join me today in the celebration of YOU!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
DENNIS
Good Morning. During our last time together, I talked about the importance of prayer. Hopefully, some of us have become more intentional. Have you ever noticed that some time prayer can be a wonderful experience when our minds are sharp and we are emotionally charged. Then there are the other moments when our intellect is dull and our emotions are flat. That is when we want to beat ourselves up. We think that something must be wrong with us.
Spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill recognized this very natural symptom and said this, “We are in a dangerous place, if the worth of our prayer life depends upon a constant high level of feeling or understanding.” But, she encourages us by saying, “Even when our hearts are cold and our minds are dim, prayer is still possible for us.” In the bible, we are told that many people, whose minds were dim by pagan worship, were enlightened by the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the preaching of Paul. See, the power of prayer does not depend upon how you and I are feeling. The affects are not relying upon human effort. The simple act of praying opens us up to something greater than ourselves. This is Dennis Gossett for Central United Methodist Church.
Good Morning. During our last time together, I talked about the importance of prayer. Hopefully, some of us have become more intentional. Have you ever noticed that some time prayer can be a wonderful experience when our minds are sharp and we are emotionally charged. Then there are the other moments when our intellect is dull and our emotions are flat. That is when we want to beat ourselves up. We think that something must be wrong with us.
Spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill recognized this very natural symptom and said this, “We are in a dangerous place, if the worth of our prayer life depends upon a constant high level of feeling or understanding.” But, she encourages us by saying, “Even when our hearts are cold and our minds are dim, prayer is still possible for us.” In the bible, we are told that many people, whose minds were dim by pagan worship, were enlightened by the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the preaching of Paul. See, the power of prayer does not depend upon how you and I are feeling. The affects are not relying upon human effort. The simple act of praying opens us up to something greater than ourselves. This is Dennis Gossett for Central United Methodist Church.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. If you could be President for a Day, what would you do? Think about it, if you could be the most powerful person in the world for a day, what would you do with that rare opportunity?
Leonard Sweet tells a true story concerning one day, which fell between the presidencies of James Polk and Zachary Taylor. Zachary Taylor was to be the next president, but since inauguration fell on the Sabbath, Taylor didn’t want to be sworn in until Monday. President James Polk officially concluded his duties on Saturday, which left Sunday, March 4, 1849, a day without a president.
To fill the vacancy, President Pro Temp of the Senate, David Atchison, became president for a day. How did he spend his day as president? Asleep! Exhausted from concluding the affairs of Congress on President Polk’s last day, he arrived home late Saturday night and went to bed. He slept through his one day as president.
Don’t sleep through this day, make the most of it.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. If you could be President for a Day, what would you do? Think about it, if you could be the most powerful person in the world for a day, what would you do with that rare opportunity?
Leonard Sweet tells a true story concerning one day, which fell between the presidencies of James Polk and Zachary Taylor. Zachary Taylor was to be the next president, but since inauguration fell on the Sabbath, Taylor didn’t want to be sworn in until Monday. President James Polk officially concluded his duties on Saturday, which left Sunday, March 4, 1849, a day without a president.
To fill the vacancy, President Pro Temp of the Senate, David Atchison, became president for a day. How did he spend his day as president? Asleep! Exhausted from concluding the affairs of Congress on President Polk’s last day, he arrived home late Saturday night and went to bed. He slept through his one day as president.
Don’t sleep through this day, make the most of it.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Have you ever heard the saying, “If life gives you lemons, just make lemonade?” You know lemons are kinda sour by themselves, but if you add a little sugar and water to it, you can change that sourness to something sweet and refreshing.
That's what God can do for us. He will take the real lemons of life—the sour situations we can't deal with.. and, in all His creative wisdom and love, work it for our good, turning sour to sweet, creating something of sweetness and beauty for you and for the world around you. Hand over the lemons to Him! Give that hurt, disappointment, or tragedy to God and let Him handle it. Then sit back and watch what He makes of it.....and have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
Have you ever heard the saying, “If life gives you lemons, just make lemonade?” You know lemons are kinda sour by themselves, but if you add a little sugar and water to it, you can change that sourness to something sweet and refreshing.
That's what God can do for us. He will take the real lemons of life—the sour situations we can't deal with.. and, in all His creative wisdom and love, work it for our good, turning sour to sweet, creating something of sweetness and beauty for you and for the world around you. Hand over the lemons to Him! Give that hurt, disappointment, or tragedy to God and let Him handle it. Then sit back and watch what He makes of it.....and have a wonderful day!
Friday, October 3, 2014
Friday,, October 3, 2014
PEDEN
Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Early in the gospel of Luke Jesus uses Peter’s boat to teach the crowds and then has Peter let down his nets, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. When Peter sees what power Jesus has he says “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Often when we experience God’s power we react the same. Frightened by the reality of our sinfulness in the face of God’s power. But Jesus invited Peter and invites us to use our skills in a new way, for the good of the gospel. Central is a community of believers who lay our skills and talents before Jesus, asking him to show us how we might use them for good. You are invited to join as at Central. You too may experience the power of the risen Lord and hear his call to use your abilities for His kingdom.
Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Early in the gospel of Luke Jesus uses Peter’s boat to teach the crowds and then has Peter let down his nets, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. When Peter sees what power Jesus has he says “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Often when we experience God’s power we react the same. Frightened by the reality of our sinfulness in the face of God’s power. But Jesus invited Peter and invites us to use our skills in a new way, for the good of the gospel. Central is a community of believers who lay our skills and talents before Jesus, asking him to show us how we might use them for good. You are invited to join as at Central. You too may experience the power of the risen Lord and hear his call to use your abilities for His kingdom.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
GLENDA
Good Morning:
I look in the mirror and I see …..WRINKLES! Where did they come from? I don't want them! It makes me sad, but then I remember, they don't matter to God!! Ask Abraham and Sarah who in their wrinkled up years gave birth to a beautiful son! Or ask Moses...the man who at 80 years old, became a leader of God's people. How about the elderly prophetess Anna who waited in the Temple to bless the promised Messiah.
Wrinkles don't matter when you are happily doing the Will of God. We serve an ageless God..and if he can use Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Anna, He can use me....and you...righteous wrinkles and all. And if you don't have those wrinkles, yet, don't despair, for your day is coming!
Enjoy the blessings and love of the Lord....be a proud member of the “wrinkled righteous! Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
I look in the mirror and I see …..WRINKLES! Where did they come from? I don't want them! It makes me sad, but then I remember, they don't matter to God!! Ask Abraham and Sarah who in their wrinkled up years gave birth to a beautiful son! Or ask Moses...the man who at 80 years old, became a leader of God's people. How about the elderly prophetess Anna who waited in the Temple to bless the promised Messiah.
Wrinkles don't matter when you are happily doing the Will of God. We serve an ageless God..and if he can use Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Anna, He can use me....and you...righteous wrinkles and all. And if you don't have those wrinkles, yet, don't despair, for your day is coming!
Enjoy the blessings and love of the Lord....be a proud member of the “wrinkled righteous! Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
JIM CAIN
One day a man pulls up to an old country store on the outskirts of town, hops out of his automobile and 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 stinking place." The old man nodded his head and replied,” Well, that's how you'll find the people in this town."
The man drove away in a cloud of dust and the old man settled back down in his rocking chair in front of the store. 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 said," How were the people in the town you just left?" The stranger smiled and answered,” They were warm-hearted and kind, always willing to help a person out. We hated to leave." The old man nodded his head and replied,” That is how you'll find the people in this town."
The lesson to be learned from this can be found in Luke 6:31and is often called the golden rule,” do unto others as you would have them do unto you." If this lesson is learned by all of us, we may be surprised at how nice a place the world becomes!
One day a man pulls up to an old country store on the outskirts of town, hops out of his automobile and 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 stinking place." The old man nodded his head and replied,” Well, that's how you'll find the people in this town."
The man drove away in a cloud of dust and the old man settled back down in his rocking chair in front of the store. 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 said," How were the people in the town you just left?" The stranger smiled and answered,” They were warm-hearted and kind, always willing to help a person out. We hated to leave." The old man nodded his head and replied,” That is how you'll find the people in this town."
The lesson to be learned from this can be found in Luke 6:31and is often called the golden rule,” do unto others as you would have them do unto you." If this lesson is learned by all of us, we may be surprised at how nice a place the world becomes!
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