SABRINA
I still laugh and reflect on an argument that took place between two grandsons several years ago. Hunter came to tell me that Brett said something ugly. After trying to get the truth out of the boys, Brett finally looked at me with earnest eyes and said, “B, IF my voice said it, my ears did NOT hear it.” From this small child came an insightful look at how we, as adults, often reason within ourselves. Do our ears REALLY hear what our voice says? to our spouse, friends, co-workers? The tongue is the most powerful muscle in our body. How is our “voice” HEARD by OTHERS? Do our words, the tone of our voice, build others up or tear them down.
Today, as I still smile thinking of the five-year-old dilemma with truth that day, I am reminded of Psalm 19:14 “May the WORDS of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to you O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.” Have a blessed day!
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church. This weekend we will be taking a church-wide family retreat. Retreat is a not a word we hear much in our society. We all try to put so much in our lives that on down the road, we realize that we have lost touch with ourselves, our families, and most importantly our God.
Quality time with Family is so important, and I believe it is even more important in our time and day. I remember growing up that family was everything, and not only was my immediate family everything, my church family was just as important. If I wasn't with my immediate family, I was with my church family.
We value family life at Central, if you don't have a church family, we would love for you to come and be a part of our family. Let us remember today that spending quality time with families is truly foundational to who we are as followers of Jesus. I hope you have a great day!
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church. This weekend we will be taking a church-wide family retreat. Retreat is a not a word we hear much in our society. We all try to put so much in our lives that on down the road, we realize that we have lost touch with ourselves, our families, and most importantly our God.
Quality time with Family is so important, and I believe it is even more important in our time and day. I remember growing up that family was everything, and not only was my immediate family everything, my church family was just as important. If I wasn't with my immediate family, I was with my church family.
We value family life at Central, if you don't have a church family, we would love for you to come and be a part of our family. Let us remember today that spending quality time with families is truly foundational to who we are as followers of Jesus. I hope you have a great day!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. It seems that many people are not going to church anymore because they view it as hypocritical. Sadly, many are turned off by the notion of becoming Christian.
Folks see the Christians fighting among themselves and questioning one another’s salvation. In Jesus’ day, he faced similar situations. Every time he would do something really good, people in his faith tradition would get very upset. They complained that Jesus was not following religious protocol. Truthfully, all of these rules were keeping people from worshiping God. Every time, Jesus broke away from tradition and did good, the religious leaders accused him of being possessed by demons. Those who want to follow Christ are called to walk in such a way that reaches out to people who are hungry, hurting, and hopeless. Jesus sets hearts free from all sorts of chains.
If you do not have a church home and you are longing for a personal encounter with Jesus and others, then I want to invite you to Central as we strive to live an authentic Jesus filled life. God bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. It seems that many people are not going to church anymore because they view it as hypocritical. Sadly, many are turned off by the notion of becoming Christian.
Folks see the Christians fighting among themselves and questioning one another’s salvation. In Jesus’ day, he faced similar situations. Every time he would do something really good, people in his faith tradition would get very upset. They complained that Jesus was not following religious protocol. Truthfully, all of these rules were keeping people from worshiping God. Every time, Jesus broke away from tradition and did good, the religious leaders accused him of being possessed by demons. Those who want to follow Christ are called to walk in such a way that reaches out to people who are hungry, hurting, and hopeless. Jesus sets hearts free from all sorts of chains.
If you do not have a church home and you are longing for a personal encounter with Jesus and others, then I want to invite you to Central as we strive to live an authentic Jesus filled life. God bless.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
GLENDA
Good Morning: Next week at the Children's Center, we will be involved in a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Our theme for the week is “Children Helping Children.” During the week, our children will be collecting donations for the Hospital. Last year, our children raised over $8,000 for St. Jude.
On Friday, April 7, we will have a sidewalk parade at 11:00 a.m. beginning in front of the church, walking downtown and then back to the church. There will be floats made from little red wagons, children in costumes, and lots of enthusiasm. We invite you to come downtown and join in the fun. Come watch our children and give them your support. Your young children will love it! And, if you'd like to make a donation to St. Jude, just make a check out to St. Jude Children's Hospital and mail it to the church. St. Jude Hospital is worth it! Have a wonderful day and see you next Friday!!
Good Morning: Next week at the Children's Center, we will be involved in a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Our theme for the week is “Children Helping Children.” During the week, our children will be collecting donations for the Hospital. Last year, our children raised over $8,000 for St. Jude.
On Friday, April 7, we will have a sidewalk parade at 11:00 a.m. beginning in front of the church, walking downtown and then back to the church. There will be floats made from little red wagons, children in costumes, and lots of enthusiasm. We invite you to come downtown and join in the fun. Come watch our children and give them your support. Your young children will love it! And, if you'd like to make a donation to St. Jude, just make a check out to St. Jude Children's Hospital and mail it to the church. St. Jude Hospital is worth it! Have a wonderful day and see you next Friday!!
Monday, March 27, 2017
Monday, March 27, 2017
BOB
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Those of us who are baby-boomers once dreamed of making the world a better place. Now, all we seem to want to do is complain. We complain about all the things that are not just as we wish they were, forgetting about all the things that are so much than they were in our youth.
With the Psalmist of the 71st Psalm we say, “Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.” And we pray that we can have a better retirement income and economic security. We ask that we can have good health and a comfortable lifestyle.
But that is not what the Psalmist asks for. He continues: “Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” That is our task as Christians. Not complaining about the failures - but proclaiming the greatness of God.
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Those of us who are baby-boomers once dreamed of making the world a better place. Now, all we seem to want to do is complain. We complain about all the things that are not just as we wish they were, forgetting about all the things that are so much than they were in our youth.
With the Psalmist of the 71st Psalm we say, “Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.” And we pray that we can have a better retirement income and economic security. We ask that we can have good health and a comfortable lifestyle.
But that is not what the Psalmist asks for. He continues: “Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” That is our task as Christians. Not complaining about the failures - but proclaiming the greatness of God.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Friday, March 24, 2017
JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. In the life of the church, we’re in the season of Lent – 40 days before Easter Sunday; not including Sundays. It began March 1st with Ash Wednesday – a day when Christians will place a cross of ashes on their foreheads or hands to symbolize the frailty of life and the reliance on God for eternity.
When I began this journey, I read the temptations of Jesus after he fasted 40 days. I learned three things necessary for this season of self-reflection. First, Jesus says we shouldn’t just live on normal food; that we should read Scripture as it nourishes our soul. Second, we should trust God; especially when we’ve given up something that is difficult to give up. Finally, we should worship God. After all, God comes to us and invites us to respond; and that to me, is worship. Have a wonderful season of Lent.
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. In the life of the church, we’re in the season of Lent – 40 days before Easter Sunday; not including Sundays. It began March 1st with Ash Wednesday – a day when Christians will place a cross of ashes on their foreheads or hands to symbolize the frailty of life and the reliance on God for eternity.
When I began this journey, I read the temptations of Jesus after he fasted 40 days. I learned three things necessary for this season of self-reflection. First, Jesus says we shouldn’t just live on normal food; that we should read Scripture as it nourishes our soul. Second, we should trust God; especially when we’ve given up something that is difficult to give up. Finally, we should worship God. After all, God comes to us and invites us to respond; and that to me, is worship. Have a wonderful season of Lent.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Thursday, March 23, 2017
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. I will admit that it can be pretty hard, at times, being a Christian. In today’s world, we are told not to associate with a certain group, because they do not believe like us. We are told to only be with people who are just like us. So, we naturally set up boundaries and safety nets to ensure that we never come in contact with that group. And if we do? Well, we are given a set of responses on how to deal with them.
When we are doing these things we somehow believe we are actually doing God’s will. However, Jesus never implied this kind of living from his followers. Instead, he said, if you are going to follow me then you must love your neighbor as yourself. He would also go on to say that he wanted his followers to be merciful and not so rigid or doctrinal.
When we start to implement love and mercy into our daily lives we begin walking in the will of God. Today, be determined not to get caught up in all of the hate that divides and segregates you and I. Instead, be determined to reach across the divide with love and mercy. God bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. I will admit that it can be pretty hard, at times, being a Christian. In today’s world, we are told not to associate with a certain group, because they do not believe like us. We are told to only be with people who are just like us. So, we naturally set up boundaries and safety nets to ensure that we never come in contact with that group. And if we do? Well, we are given a set of responses on how to deal with them.
When we are doing these things we somehow believe we are actually doing God’s will. However, Jesus never implied this kind of living from his followers. Instead, he said, if you are going to follow me then you must love your neighbor as yourself. He would also go on to say that he wanted his followers to be merciful and not so rigid or doctrinal.
When we start to implement love and mercy into our daily lives we begin walking in the will of God. Today, be determined not to get caught up in all of the hate that divides and segregates you and I. Instead, be determined to reach across the divide with love and mercy. God bless.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
SABRINA
It can happen on the spur of the moment, or after days, weeks, often years of agonizing. An apology. At home, work, and even church, we must preserve and nurture friendships and relationships by working to recover our missteps.
What better time than in the season of Lent to repair broken relationships? The truth is, we often fail those we care the most about, and we must take responsibility for our actions or our failure to act even those with unintended consequences.
Jesus reminds us, if you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me. While at that moment he was talking about kindnesses, the same is true for those times when we have been hurtful. When we are open to the fact that we may have been hurtful, even unintentionally, and respond to the situation, we are demonstrating heartfelt compassion as we say those often difficult words...I am sorry, please forgive me.
The same can hold true, even if you are the one who has been wronged. Let go, forgive, and continue in your journey with God, knowing that we all need grace and forgiveness! Have a blessed day!
It can happen on the spur of the moment, or after days, weeks, often years of agonizing. An apology. At home, work, and even church, we must preserve and nurture friendships and relationships by working to recover our missteps.
What better time than in the season of Lent to repair broken relationships? The truth is, we often fail those we care the most about, and we must take responsibility for our actions or our failure to act even those with unintended consequences.
Jesus reminds us, if you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me. While at that moment he was talking about kindnesses, the same is true for those times when we have been hurtful. When we are open to the fact that we may have been hurtful, even unintentionally, and respond to the situation, we are demonstrating heartfelt compassion as we say those often difficult words...I am sorry, please forgive me.
The same can hold true, even if you are the one who has been wronged. Let go, forgive, and continue in your journey with God, knowing that we all need grace and forgiveness! Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Evil and wickedness lie all around us trying to take us away from goodness and turn us from the path God has planned for us. However, God has given us wisdom and knowledge of these things in his word.
Proverbs 4:10-15 says: “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
So be cautious of those things around you that are not of God. Be conscious of His guidance in your life. And be obedient to the tasks he has called you to. And above all else, guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life.
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Evil and wickedness lie all around us trying to take us away from goodness and turn us from the path God has planned for us. However, God has given us wisdom and knowledge of these things in his word.
Proverbs 4:10-15 says: “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
So be cautious of those things around you that are not of God. Be conscious of His guidance in your life. And be obedient to the tasks he has called you to. And above all else, guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I am proud to be the Father of 3 boys. However, when we are driving down the road it seems that all three of them desire my attention. I constantly hear, “Hey Dad” over and over again. At times it is so overwhelming that I am trying to carry on three conversations at once and I am not giving my complete attention to any single one of them.
I feel that many of us are doing something similar as followers of Jesus. We hear so many differing voices in the world trying to get our attention and to convince us to switch our loyalties. The noise of the world is so loud that at times we lose our focus on following Jesus.
I think it is time for us to drown out the noise of the world with the life-changing call to follow Jesus.
Share your story with someone today and don’t let the noise in the world distract you from following Christ.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I am proud to be the Father of 3 boys. However, when we are driving down the road it seems that all three of them desire my attention. I constantly hear, “Hey Dad” over and over again. At times it is so overwhelming that I am trying to carry on three conversations at once and I am not giving my complete attention to any single one of them.
I feel that many of us are doing something similar as followers of Jesus. We hear so many differing voices in the world trying to get our attention and to convince us to switch our loyalties. The noise of the world is so loud that at times we lose our focus on following Jesus.
I think it is time for us to drown out the noise of the world with the life-changing call to follow Jesus.
Share your story with someone today and don’t let the noise in the world distract you from following Christ.
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