Monday, February 29, 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016

BOB

He was called Basil the Great. Bishop of Caesarea in the fourth century; he was a

staunch defender of the idea of the Trinity. He stood his ground against all

opponents, even when the Emperor tried to exile him for his beliefs.

But, Basil may have been best known for his charity work. He built what many

consider to be the first hospital, a complex known as the Basiliad. It had room

for more than 300 patients. The poor could come and eat at a soup kitchen on the

grounds of the Basiliad.

The project was funded by wealthy ChristiansY including the very Emperor that

tried to exile Basil. The ruler disagreed with Basil on doctrine, but couldn't argue

with the things he saw Basil was doing.
The Archbishop of Constantinople, said about Basil: "His words were like

thunder because his life was like lightning."

Don't just talk about being a Christian; live like one! Live in such a way that you

won't have to tell people that you're a Christian; they'll be able to see it for

themselves.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Friday, February 26, 2016

 DENNIS

Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever heard the saying, “Honesty is the best policy?” Most of us probably have been told that at one time or another. We all should want to be truthful, because we want others to tell us the truth. But, to be honest, telling the truth can be difficult at times.

There are all kinds of reasons why we sometime avoid being honest. For example: We don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. We just want people to like us. Or we don’t want to get into trouble.

Did you know that Jesus got into trouble for telling the truth? No matter how bad any situation was, Jesus was honest. More times than not it upset most people. However, no one could ever accuse him of lying. The reason he spoke the truth was not because he enjoyed hurting people’s feelings. But rather, it was because he loved them, even if it put his life in danger.

Jesus teaches us to always speak truth with love in mind. So, I challenge all of us today. When you are tempted to say something that is false to someone, think of the truth that Jesus spoke. And be strengthened to say what is true. God Bless!   

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Thursday, February 25, 2016

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” Here is a neat poem by Shirley Hile Powell based on that Bible verse: Let not your heart be troubled. Give your worries and cares to me. I am your Heavenly Father who suffered and died for thee. There are times throughout your earthly life when you are filled with doubts and fear. Always come to me in prayer and know that I am near. The love I have for you, dear child, can never be bought or measured. It's a gift I freely give to you. It is My most precious treasure. When sorrow or pain come your way and life seems to be unfair, Let not your heart be troubled....just come to me in prayer.

Have a wonderful day and Let not your heart be troubled.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. As a parent, I often wonder what my children will be when they grow up. I want so hard for them to succeed in life and to love and be loved by others. However, I realize that I cannot deicide their lives for them, I can only guide them (as imperfectly as that is), in the hopes that they will make wise choices in life.

If you are a parent this morning, you need to know that God has allowed you to be in a very special position in the life of your child. They will observe the way that you speak, what you like to eat, and the things that you love most. That is why we are told in Scripture to lead them in the right path, so that when they are making choices for themselves they will choice wisely.

As a parent, you are leaving behind a legacy and it is through the life of your child. I pray that all of us would try much harder to guide them to a place of love, hope, and righteousness. If you feel the same as I, then visit us this Sunday at Central and begin your legacy with us.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

SABRINA


This year, 2016, is a Presidential election year.  We hear the debates, the

accusations, the counter-accusations. We are confused and disillusioned. We are

a nation divided.

Whether in November you are happy or disappointed in the outcome of the race,

we have a lot to be thankful for - we have people willing to serve our country,

we have over 200 years of peaceful transitions in power, when in many countries,

power shifts cause chaos and war.

We live in a country where we have the “right” to vote and with it our hopes for

a better tomorrow. Be reminded, though, as citizens of God’s kingdom, we have

a God at work in the world no matter who leads our country. A God who wants

health, peace and plenty for all the people of the world. We are part of

something much bigger than one nation; we are citizens of Heaven and we work

on behalf of a much greater cause.

Today and going forward, let’s remember to pray for our country, our leaders,

and all who work to make a better world, remembering Matthew 19:26, “With

man, it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.”

Monday, February 22, 2016

Monday, February 22, 2016

JONATHAN

Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central United

Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Do you ever want to ask God,

“Why?” Perhaps you were taught not to ask God such questions; especially if the

rest of the question is about why did something terrible happen. My question

for us this morning: Why would we not ask God these types of questions? Do

our questions show our lack of faith in God? Do these questions mean we don’t

believe? A mentor once told me: Maybe it’s faith seeking more faith.

Perhaps our questioning is actually God working in us; showing us that this

world is not right. Bad things happening all the time. Jesus asked God, “Why

have you forsaken me?” while he was on the cross. He was quoting Psalm 22. It’s

a question that might be similar to yours. God can handle our tough questions. I

encourage you to ask those tough questions to God, and I invite you to join your

local church or Central and ask these tough questions with others. My final

question for you: Why not?

Friday, February 19, 2016

Friday, February 19, 2016

BOB

Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community

here in Meridian. It is painful to realize but; somewhere through the centuries,

an idea has gained currency that says we can be Christians in the same way most

people are Democrats and Republicans, Rotarians, and Lions Club members. We

show up for meetings, pay our dues, and wear the insignia.

For the most part, however, it is acceptable to be "just like everybody else.@

We're devout Christians on Sunday, but we curse or cheat or tell racist jokes the

other six and a half days of the week.
We have so institutionalized the Christian faith that church membership has

come to count for conversion. It isn't just Vito Corleone of "Godfather@ fame

who could live as a criminal so long as he attended Mass and gave gifts to his

church.

How about you? Does your relationship with Christ influence anything other

than your Sunday mornings?

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Thursday, February 18, 2016

DENNIS

Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you noticed there to be a lot of things in our modern world that are very distracting? Our cell phones are constantly ringing to alert us to some new social media post. Current email alerts on our computers are seemingly endless and the advertisements over our T.V.’s or radios convince us that if we turn away then we will miss out on something life changing.
But wouldn’t it be nice for just a moment to turn off all those distractions. To even consider this may seem impossible for some of you. Did you know that distractions often keep us estranged from our relationship with God?

One time when Jesus tried to be alone in order to pray, there came all of these distractions. It tried to direct his attention elsewhere. However, Jesus overcame those distractions and remained intentional about his relationship with God. That is a great example for all of us. When things start to get a bit overwhelming in your day take a moment, put the phone down, turn off the TV or radio, or just get up from the computer and reconnect with God. Have a great day!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

KRISTINA

Good morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree and I am the Minister of Spiritual

Formation at Central United Methodist Church. We here at Central value the

atmosphere of community. You will hear us say, “Life is better connected.” We

truly believe that life is better connected. Even Jesus was connected to his

community of disciples in his time of earth.

I found this quote by Parker Palmer. It states, “Community is the place where

the person you least want to live with always lives.” You might be thinking to

yourself, “that doesn’t sound like community at all. Well, a community is not a

place where you can sort of love people. You either love them or don’t. With that

said, community is a place where your love is tested and purified.

Who was Jesus’ community? Those whom the world considered nothing.  May

you take your community and truly take those around you in and love freely and

not sort of love. If you don’t have a community, we at Central will joyfully take

you in the midst of imperfections and humanness. Join us at Central, where life

is better connected.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

SABRINA

I recently read that procrastinators are really perfectionists that cannot do

everything they feel they need to do to make something perfect, so ....they just

put off doing it!
That means, I am really a perfectionist! I say that, tongue in cheek, but honestly.

I recently read an acronym to use with life’s struggles. HOPE. A HIGHER

POWER...that would be God, being OPEN to change, knowing you have the

POWER to change, and EXPECT to change.

I can make all the excuses in the world for my struggles in life but in actuality I

simply have to have HOPE, trusting in God, being open to God’s presence in my

life, realizing that through God I have the POWER to change and to EXPECT that

change. Phillipians 4:13 reminds me - "I CAN do all things through Christ who

strengthens me." -and that would be today...not tomorrow!

Whatever your struggles are this morning, I invite you to join me, claiming this

promise God has given to each of us...having hope...and a blessed day!

Monday, February 15, 2016

Monday, February 15, 2016

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Today is President's Day. This day was set aside originally to celebrate the birthday of our first President, George Washington, and it was celebrated on the actual day of his birth. Primarily, for businesses and schools, which closed on his birthday, the day of celebration was moved to the third Monday in Feb.

Along the way, the name was changed to Presidents Day to include Abraham Lincoln whose birthday was also in Feb. Today, we primarily use this date to celebrate all US Presidents. Some folks don't like that because they don't like some of the Presidents we have had. However, we need to celebrate the Office of the President because we are fortunate to live in a country where the people still decide who holds that office. Therefore, as Christians, I think we should use this day each year, as a day of prayer for our President and for our country. God Bless America. Have a wonderful day!

Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday, February 12, 2016

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I am always amazed at the power of words. The words that we use with one another have the power to build up others in their most difficult of moments. The words that we use can also be used to tear down a person’s self confidence and sense of accomplishment.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 that from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Jesus was trying to tell us that the words that come from our mouth are directly connected to the condition of one’s heart.

If you are using your words to build up and to encourage, then your heart is the right place. If you are using your words to tear down and destroy the peace of others, then your heart is in need of renewal.

I hope today that you will watch the words that you share with others and intentionally use their power to lift others up. I assure you that a good word has more power than you will ever realize. Come connect with us at Central this week.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Thursday, February 11, 2016

KRISTINA

Good morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree and I am the Minister of Spiritual

Formation at Central United Methodist Church. Let us look at one theme that is

seen throughout scripture: Forgiveness. Forgiveness is seen over and over again,

especially in the New Testament. In Acts 3:19 it says, “Repent, then, and turn to

God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from

the Lord.”

In this act of forgiveness, we are mere participants of the work of God but we

still have somewhat control. “I Forgive You” is what is stated. We first have to

become vulnerable in our sin to say that we are sorry, which takes a lot of guts.

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by saying Repent, Jesus reiterated

repent in his ministry, and the disciples in the book of Acts proclaimed the same

message of Jesus, Repent.

Maybe you need to ask forgiveness or need to forgive someone today. Let

Forgiveness be a part of today so that the “refreshing” sprit of the Lord can come

upon you once again today!

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

SABRINA

Today is known as Ash Wednesday within the Christian faith and marks the

beginning of the season of Lent.  Lent is a time when many Christians prepare

for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual

discipline.

I am Sabrina Williams, Director of Children and Family Ministries at Central,

and we would like to invite you to worship with us tonight, beginning at 5:45, in

our Sanctuary, as we participate in a Walk of Silence in preparation for the

season of Lent.

During this walk, you will visit seven stations located throughout the church.

The only one you will be talking to is God. Through the quietness, the hope is

that you may see, feel, hear, taste, and smell God's presence within you.

Each of our seven stations are to help you connect with God. At two of the

stations you will have the opportunity to receive communion and the imposition

of ashes.

This is a family event, opened to those Elementary and up.  A nursery is

provided for children birth - Kindergarten.  Please join us tonight as we begin

this season of Lent, walking toward Easter, remembering what God did for us in

the giving of His Son!

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Peter once came to Jesus and asked how many times we should forgive someone who had sinned against us. Peter thought 7 times 7 was a good number, but Jesus said “No, 70 times 7” meaning that we shouldn't even keep track of the number of times we forgive others.

Have you ever really listened to the words in the Lord’s Prayer about forgiveness? It says “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others.” How do you forgive? Would you be willing to ask God to forgive you in the same way? Makes you stop and think, doesn't it? So, let's be more generous in our forgiving, okay? When it's hard to forgive someone, try saying a prayer for that person. That could start you on your way to total forgiveness. Have a wonderful day!

Monday, February 8, 2016

Monday, February 8, 2016

JONATHAN

Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Once upon a time, I tried my luck at gardening. I wanted to plant something, watch it grow, and enjoy the fruit of my labor. I took the necessary steps in preparing the soil, planted a few plants, and then tried to figure out how to use a tomato cage. After a week or so, I noticed some growth in the tomato plants but the cage just didn’t look right. A neighbor wandered by the garden and told me that the cage was upside down. After that, the plant had a more firm and secure growing cage around it. It was growing but not to its full potential because of the cage.

I think life is like that sometimes. We try a new hobby, or perhaps a new healthy habit, and we see some results but not like we could if we have some help from an experienced friend. Has your New Year’s resolution gone to the wayside? If so, look for help. Ask an experienced friend to help you. Have someone walk alongside you as you attempt something new this year. If it’s a spiritual habit, ask God for help.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Friday, February 5, 2016

BOB

Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community

here in Meridian.
We live in a hard world. Wars, natural disasters, murder, disease, crime, death,

loss of possessions, destruction, fear, anxiety, and grief.
It is a world full of uncertainty and evil. How do you survive? How do you

protect yourself, your family, and your possessions? Is there anything you can

count on?

And I can tell you as a Christian that Jesus has overcome the world. He has won

the war. Satan=s greatest weapon is death, and Jesus beat it. Jesus let himself be

crucified on a cross. Then God raised him from the dead.

As a Christian, I believe that Jesus has enabled me to overcome this world also. I

let God know about my worries, and he gives me a peace that I cannot even

adequately explain. All that I possess is from God, and he will see that all of my

needs are met. God is good - all the time.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Thursday, February 4, 2016

KRISTINA

Good morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree and I am the Minister of Spiritual

Formation at Central United Methodist Church. Beloved, this is not a word you

hear too often but is one of the most inspiring words to me. It is the very word

God the Father speaks to his Son. Listen to this account in Matt. 3:16-17, “And

when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the

heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a

dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the

Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

These verses are at the central meaning of being a child of God. You are a

beloved child of God, let that sink in, you are a beloved son or daughter of the

Most High God. I don’t know about you but that will change a person. When you

have an intimate encounter with God as Jesus did, you encounter others much

deeper. You will see other people as beloved children of God. Do you know you

are beloved by God? I hope so! If not, know you are beloved by God. Have a

great day!

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

JONATHAN

Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. I believe music is a global language. Tonight, Meridian has a chance to hear some of the most wonderful music from the other side of the world. The African Children’s Choir will be in concert this evening at 6 o’clock PM in our Fellowship Hall. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-serve; however we will collect a love offering for them. The choir is composed of children all across the continent of Africa, and many of these children have lost one or more parents to poverty-related diseases.

I invite you to come hear the wonderful music from this choir. Again, the concert begins at 6:00 PM; admission is free; seating is first-come, first-serve basis. Don’t miss this opportunity to worship with us, this evening!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. There was a time in my life when I felt that I was not a very good follower of Jesus. I felt that way because I had so many questions, and good people told me that God didn’t like to be bothered with questions and I should just have faith and keep my mouth shut.

However, as I begin to study for myself the great characters of the bible, one trait that all of them shared was a sense that God was not too big for their problems. Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and Job all asked God questions in the most difficult situations of life and all of them were pillars of our faith.

You may be one that at this very moment are filled with questions about life and why things are the way they are. Maybe you don’t even want an answer, you just want to vent. I assure you today, that God is big enough for your questions, and he is big enough for you to vent to and he doesn’t mind you asking anything of him.

If you have questions, we would love to have you visit us at Central. Come and connect with God and others at Central.