JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. Waiting is difficult. I’ll admit it. My wife and I are expecting our second child any time now in the next few days. We’re so excited, and we’re ready to see him or her! However, we have to wait. In this case, waiting is super important because so much development needs to take place so the child is prepared to enter the world.
What are you waiting on? Maybe a friendship to be mended or a wound to heal. Maybe you’re waiting on someone to call you or reach out to you. Whatever you’re waiting on, I invite you to hear what Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.”
Whatever you’re waiting on I invite you to pray to God for strength. God will hear your cries. While you wait, why don’t you come join us at Central on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55, and we’ll wait together.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Friday, April 28, 2017
JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. Waiting is difficult. I’ll admit it. My wife and I are expecting our second child any time now in the next few days. We’re so excited, and we’re ready to see him or her! However, we have to wait. In this case, waiting is super important because so much development needs to take place so the child is prepared to enter the world.
What are you waiting on? Maybe a friendship to be mended or a wound to heal. Maybe you’re waiting on someone to call you or reach out to you. Whatever you’re waiting on, I invite you to hear what Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.”
Whatever you’re waiting on I invite you to pray to God for strength. God will hear your cries. While you wait, why don’t you come join us at Central on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55, and we’ll wait together.
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. Waiting is difficult. I’ll admit it. My wife and I are expecting our second child any time now in the next few days. We’re so excited, and we’re ready to see him or her! However, we have to wait. In this case, waiting is super important because so much development needs to take place so the child is prepared to enter the world.
What are you waiting on? Maybe a friendship to be mended or a wound to heal. Maybe you’re waiting on someone to call you or reach out to you. Whatever you’re waiting on, I invite you to hear what Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.”
Whatever you’re waiting on I invite you to pray to God for strength. God will hear your cries. While you wait, why don’t you come join us at Central on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55, and we’ll wait together.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
SABRINA
Did you know that on this day in 1564 William Shakespear was baptized? In 1912, the first home run was hit in Fenway Park, 1986 was the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and in 2015 a 6.7 aftershock of the earthquake in Napal set off an avalanche on Mt. Everest in which 17 people were killed. And today’s news will be tomorrow’s history.
While none of the dates I mentioned may be of significant importance to you, I assure you they are to someone. As the soap opera reminds us “like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. Our lives are a part of history, and history of legacy.
When someone reflects back, it may not be written on “this day in history,” but will you have said or done something that affected the life and perhaps history of someone around you? When thought of in this way, it is a sobering thought. Our words and actions do matter. May we live the words found in Joshua 24:15 “Choose this day who you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Living that verse, our history will assuredly be profound! Have a blessed day!
Did you know that on this day in 1564 William Shakespear was baptized? In 1912, the first home run was hit in Fenway Park, 1986 was the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and in 2015 a 6.7 aftershock of the earthquake in Napal set off an avalanche on Mt. Everest in which 17 people were killed. And today’s news will be tomorrow’s history.
While none of the dates I mentioned may be of significant importance to you, I assure you they are to someone. As the soap opera reminds us “like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. Our lives are a part of history, and history of legacy.
When someone reflects back, it may not be written on “this day in history,” but will you have said or done something that affected the life and perhaps history of someone around you? When thought of in this way, it is a sobering thought. Our words and actions do matter. May we live the words found in Joshua 24:15 “Choose this day who you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Living that verse, our history will assuredly be profound! Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Tueday, April 25, 2017
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Is Jesus real? That is a question people have been asking throughout the centuries. Did you know people who actually followed Jesus asked the same question: Is He real?
After Jesus rose from the dead, he showed himself to a group of his disciples. However, one of them was not there to see him. When the group told the one what he missed, he could not bring himself to believe in something he did not see. Soon enough, the Lord showed up and this disciple believed. Jesus said to him you only believed because you have physically seen me, but those who believe and cannot see me is more blessed.
Why is it better to believe in someone you have never seen? Well, Jesus said he will reveal himself to anyone who wants to see him. He allows us to look at him with the spiritual eyes in our soul.
When we get a spiritual encounter with the risen Christ our belief is made strong and unshakeable. Do you crave an encounter with Jesus? If so, I invite you to Central where that encounter may just happen. God bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Is Jesus real? That is a question people have been asking throughout the centuries. Did you know people who actually followed Jesus asked the same question: Is He real?
After Jesus rose from the dead, he showed himself to a group of his disciples. However, one of them was not there to see him. When the group told the one what he missed, he could not bring himself to believe in something he did not see. Soon enough, the Lord showed up and this disciple believed. Jesus said to him you only believed because you have physically seen me, but those who believe and cannot see me is more blessed.
Why is it better to believe in someone you have never seen? Well, Jesus said he will reveal himself to anyone who wants to see him. He allows us to look at him with the spiritual eyes in our soul.
When we get a spiritual encounter with the risen Christ our belief is made strong and unshakeable. Do you crave an encounter with Jesus? If so, I invite you to Central where that encounter may just happen. God bless.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Monday, April 24, 2017
GLENDA
Good Morning: There is a legend about a water bearer in India who carried two large pots each day to bring water from the stream at the back of his master's house. One of the pots had a crack in it. So each day, when he returned home with the water, only one pot remained full.
One day, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer and told him how sorry he was for not being able to carry his load because of the crack in his side. The water bearer pointed to the side of the path where the water leaked out every day. It was full of beautiful flowers. The other side had none. He told the pot that those flowers were there because of his flaw and without the pot being just the way it was, they would not have had all that beauty to enjoy.
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots, but if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to help make this world a better place. God uses us all just the way we are when we give our lives to him. Have a wonderful day, flaws and all!
Good Morning: There is a legend about a water bearer in India who carried two large pots each day to bring water from the stream at the back of his master's house. One of the pots had a crack in it. So each day, when he returned home with the water, only one pot remained full.
One day, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer and told him how sorry he was for not being able to carry his load because of the crack in his side. The water bearer pointed to the side of the path where the water leaked out every day. It was full of beautiful flowers. The other side had none. He told the pot that those flowers were there because of his flaw and without the pot being just the way it was, they would not have had all that beauty to enjoy.
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots, but if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to help make this world a better place. God uses us all just the way we are when we give our lives to him. Have a wonderful day, flaws and all!
Friday, April 21, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
BOB
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. Twitter has taken over our culture. That cyberspace where messages are conveyed in 140 characters or less.
Have you ever thought about tweeting with God? Oh sure, the ideal prayer time is 30 minutes or more of dedicated conversation with God. But God also loves to hear from us throughout the day. A quick prayer for safety and healing as you hear the siren of a police, fire, or emergency vehicle. A short prayer for the well-being of the person in the car in front of you at the red light. Or perhaps for patience for the person behind you.
A prayer of thanks and praise as some small thing goes to suit you or patience for yourself as something does not go well. Spend your time in deep prayer with God daily, but also take the opportunity to praise, and thank God and to ask for help and guidance. God loves to hear from you.
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. Twitter has taken over our culture. That cyberspace where messages are conveyed in 140 characters or less.
Have you ever thought about tweeting with God? Oh sure, the ideal prayer time is 30 minutes or more of dedicated conversation with God. But God also loves to hear from us throughout the day. A quick prayer for safety and healing as you hear the siren of a police, fire, or emergency vehicle. A short prayer for the well-being of the person in the car in front of you at the red light. Or perhaps for patience for the person behind you.
A prayer of thanks and praise as some small thing goes to suit you or patience for yourself as something does not go well. Spend your time in deep prayer with God daily, but also take the opportunity to praise, and thank God and to ask for help and guidance. God loves to hear from you.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Thursday, April 20, 2017
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church.
Have you ever been in a season of waiting? Waiting for God to move, waiting for the right person, waiting for a family?
Waiting is so hard. With waiting comes obstacles. One of those obstacles is fear. Interestingly though, God speaks a lot to fear. Isa. 41:13 says, “so do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
A few verses later it talks about God taking hold of our right, and he tells us again to not be afraid. You see if someone takes your right hand, they take it with their right hand, which means that they are facing you. God not only upholds us in our seasons of waiting, but he also sees us face-to-face in the midst of our wait.
Can you imagine God looking at you and you both are walking hand and hand through a season of waiting? God is with you today, hand in hand.
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church.
Have you ever been in a season of waiting? Waiting for God to move, waiting for the right person, waiting for a family?
Waiting is so hard. With waiting comes obstacles. One of those obstacles is fear. Interestingly though, God speaks a lot to fear. Isa. 41:13 says, “so do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
A few verses later it talks about God taking hold of our right, and he tells us again to not be afraid. You see if someone takes your right hand, they take it with their right hand, which means that they are facing you. God not only upholds us in our seasons of waiting, but he also sees us face-to-face in the midst of our wait.
Can you imagine God looking at you and you both are walking hand and hand through a season of waiting? God is with you today, hand in hand.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
GLENDA
Good Morning: Two hunters came across a bear so big that they dropped their rifles and ran for cover. One man climbed a tree while the other ran into a nearby cave. The bear was in no hurry to eat, so he just sat down between the tree and the cave. Suddenly the man in the cave came running out, saw the bear still there and ran back into the cave. Then the same thing happened a second time. Then a third time. The man in the tree yelled for him to stay in the cave. The man from the cave yelled, “Can't! There's another bear in there!”
Ever feel like fear is giving us the run around? There are a lot of scary things going on in the world around us, but Psalms 27:1 says this about fear: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” So, let's say “no” to fear and put our hope in the Lord. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: Two hunters came across a bear so big that they dropped their rifles and ran for cover. One man climbed a tree while the other ran into a nearby cave. The bear was in no hurry to eat, so he just sat down between the tree and the cave. Suddenly the man in the cave came running out, saw the bear still there and ran back into the cave. Then the same thing happened a second time. Then a third time. The man in the tree yelled for him to stay in the cave. The man from the cave yelled, “Can't! There's another bear in there!”
Ever feel like fear is giving us the run around? There are a lot of scary things going on in the world around us, but Psalms 27:1 says this about fear: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” So, let's say “no” to fear and put our hope in the Lord. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Easter has passed, and now we are faced with the question of what do we do now? Let me shed a little light on this question. What we have been called to do is to follow the way of Jesus. This means that we get connected with other followers and encourage each other along the way.
We are called to care for those who are hurting, to feed the hungry, and to care for those in need. Mostly, we are called to love our God and one another. You may say, pastor I already know that, and I am sure that you do. However, we all need a reminder every now and then so that we don’t lose our focus and stop running the race.
Your life will find true fulfillment only when you accept the call to follow Jesus. Come and follow him with us at Central, and together we will encourage one another to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Easter has passed, and now we are faced with the question of what do we do now? Let me shed a little light on this question. What we have been called to do is to follow the way of Jesus. This means that we get connected with other followers and encourage each other along the way.
We are called to care for those who are hurting, to feed the hungry, and to care for those in need. Mostly, we are called to love our God and one another. You may say, pastor I already know that, and I am sure that you do. However, we all need a reminder every now and then so that we don’t lose our focus and stop running the race.
Your life will find true fulfillment only when you accept the call to follow Jesus. Come and follow him with us at Central, and together we will encourage one another to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Monday, April 17, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
When you get a new toy or clothing item or accessory, don’t you tend to want to wear it a lot or show it off? That new truck is going to make your neighbor’s car look like a station wagon, those new shoes are going to catch a lot of people’s eyes.
However, once you have had those things for a length of time, they tend to lose their pizzazz. They become normal and less noticeable.
Unfortunately, the same can sometimes be said for our faith. When we first become a Christian, we are super excited about what God has done in our lives, but after a while, our faith becomes mundane and routine. We stop wanting to show off our faith because we have lost the attraction to the reality of what Jesus did.
The fact remains that Jesus died for YOU and for ME!
If you’re guilty of becoming a routine Christian, ask God to renew his spirit and fire within you. Claim the liberation of forgiveness! Accept his gift through faith – don’t put it off any longer.
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
When you get a new toy or clothing item or accessory, don’t you tend to want to wear it a lot or show it off? That new truck is going to make your neighbor’s car look like a station wagon, those new shoes are going to catch a lot of people’s eyes.
However, once you have had those things for a length of time, they tend to lose their pizzazz. They become normal and less noticeable.
Unfortunately, the same can sometimes be said for our faith. When we first become a Christian, we are super excited about what God has done in our lives, but after a while, our faith becomes mundane and routine. We stop wanting to show off our faith because we have lost the attraction to the reality of what Jesus did.
The fact remains that Jesus died for YOU and for ME!
If you’re guilty of becoming a routine Christian, ask God to renew his spirit and fire within you. Claim the liberation of forgiveness! Accept his gift through faith – don’t put it off any longer.
Friday, April 14, 2017
Friday, April 14, 2017
SABRINA
Psalms 139:10 is one of my favorite verses. “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. Even when I'm in places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to do, He is still there.
I can turn to him in repentance and receive His grace. I can turn to Him in need and receive His strength. I can turn to God and know I am not alone.
If today finds you in a place where you are afraid, alone, ill, or just with the weight of the world bearing down on you, find security in knowing that God is with you.
If today you are on the mountaintop, take a moment to thank the God who holds each of us in the palm of His hand. But always remember, whether you are in the valley, or on the mountain top, God is surely there, rising on the wings of the dawn, holding and sustaining you.
Psalms 139:10 is one of my favorite verses. “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. Even when I'm in places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to do, He is still there.
I can turn to him in repentance and receive His grace. I can turn to Him in need and receive His strength. I can turn to God and know I am not alone.
If today finds you in a place where you are afraid, alone, ill, or just with the weight of the world bearing down on you, find security in knowing that God is with you.
If today you are on the mountaintop, take a moment to thank the God who holds each of us in the palm of His hand. But always remember, whether you are in the valley, or on the mountain top, God is surely there, rising on the wings of the dawn, holding and sustaining you.
Friday, April 14, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Today, on the church calendar, we celebrate Good Friday when we remember the death on the cross of Jesus. The cross is a very graphic image of how far the evil of this world will go to extinguish the message of love. The good news is that the power of God is not contained by the evil of this world, and the door of salvation is open to us all through Jesus Christ.
This Sunday we will celebrate the power of God over death and darkness. We call this Sunday Easter, a time of resurrection and hope.
I want to invite you to come and worship with us this Easter Sunday and hear again the message of hope that is found in following Jesus. Our services will be held at 830 and 945 in the Fellowship Hall and at 1055 in the Sanctuary. You are always welcome at Central and you will always be loved by Jesus.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Today, on the church calendar, we celebrate Good Friday when we remember the death on the cross of Jesus. The cross is a very graphic image of how far the evil of this world will go to extinguish the message of love. The good news is that the power of God is not contained by the evil of this world, and the door of salvation is open to us all through Jesus Christ.
This Sunday we will celebrate the power of God over death and darkness. We call this Sunday Easter, a time of resurrection and hope.
I want to invite you to come and worship with us this Easter Sunday and hear again the message of hope that is found in following Jesus. Our services will be held at 830 and 945 in the Fellowship Hall and at 1055 in the Sanctuary. You are always welcome at Central and you will always be loved by Jesus.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Thursday, April 13, 2017
BOB
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Easter is this Sunday. It is a glorious day of celebrating, once again, the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as proclaimed to all by Mary Magdala, and then by the disciples John and Peter.
But Easter would not be the glorious celebration that it is unless Christ first experienced the very real defeat that he endured by His death upon the cross.
Tonight at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary at Central, we will come together for a time of remembrance. First, we will experience the very real presence of the Lord in Holy Communion as His disciples did on that Passover day in Jerusalem. Then we will hear the story of Jesus’s suffering and death, presented by readers and the Sanctuary Choir. Then we will watch in silence as the sanctuary is stripped of its adornments, departing in dark and silence to await the coming Easter.
You are invited to be a part of this meaningful service.
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Easter is this Sunday. It is a glorious day of celebrating, once again, the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as proclaimed to all by Mary Magdala, and then by the disciples John and Peter.
But Easter would not be the glorious celebration that it is unless Christ first experienced the very real defeat that he endured by His death upon the cross.
Tonight at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary at Central, we will come together for a time of remembrance. First, we will experience the very real presence of the Lord in Holy Communion as His disciples did on that Passover day in Jerusalem. Then we will hear the story of Jesus’s suffering and death, presented by readers and the Sanctuary Choir. Then we will watch in silence as the sanctuary is stripped of its adornments, departing in dark and silence to await the coming Easter.
You are invited to be a part of this meaningful service.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church.
Today is Wednesday of Holy Week. This week we have been journeying through scripture, with Jesus, to the cross. I could not help but think about the journey to the cross and how Jesus' love for each and every one of us, even today, was evident in every action, conversation, or lesson he encountered.
He mostly interacted with his twelve disciples, and during this week leading up to cross, he would come across one of his very own beloved disciple and his betrayal. I can't help but think about how Jesus knew one of his very own, whom he loved, would betray him. Most of all I can’t help to think about how Judas' betrayal was and is all of our betrayals toward him, and yet, he still loved Judas and still love us.
That is what always amazes me about God, his love overcomes any hatred toward him or any other person. How great is his love! I hope you know his love today!
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church.
Today is Wednesday of Holy Week. This week we have been journeying through scripture, with Jesus, to the cross. I could not help but think about the journey to the cross and how Jesus' love for each and every one of us, even today, was evident in every action, conversation, or lesson he encountered.
He mostly interacted with his twelve disciples, and during this week leading up to cross, he would come across one of his very own beloved disciple and his betrayal. I can't help but think about how Jesus knew one of his very own, whom he loved, would betray him. Most of all I can’t help to think about how Judas' betrayal was and is all of our betrayals toward him, and yet, he still loved Judas and still love us.
That is what always amazes me about God, his love overcomes any hatred toward him or any other person. How great is his love! I hope you know his love today!
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
SABRINA
Psalms 139:10 is one of my favorite verses. “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. Even when I'm in places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to do, He is still there.
I can turn to him in repentance and receive His grace. I can turn to Him in need and receive His strength. I can turn to God and know I am not alone.
If today finds you in a place where you are afraid, alone, ill, or just with the weight of the world bearing down on you, find security in knowing that God is with you.
If today you are on the mountaintop, take a moment to thank the God who holds each of us in the palm of His hand. But always remember, whether you are in the valley, or on the mountain top, God is surely there, rising on the wings of the dawn, holding and sustaining you.
Psalms 139:10 is one of my favorite verses. “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. Even when I'm in places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to do, He is still there.
I can turn to him in repentance and receive His grace. I can turn to Him in need and receive His strength. I can turn to God and know I am not alone.
If today finds you in a place where you are afraid, alone, ill, or just with the weight of the world bearing down on you, find security in knowing that God is with you.
If today you are on the mountaintop, take a moment to thank the God who holds each of us in the palm of His hand. But always remember, whether you are in the valley, or on the mountain top, God is surely there, rising on the wings of the dawn, holding and sustaining you.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Monday, April 10, 2017
JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. We’re less than a week away from Easter. As we begin this Holy Week, I invite you to read the prayer of Jesus at the Mount of Olives, or Garden of Gethsame, which means “oil press.” I’m referring to Luke 22:39. Jesus prays at a place where the olives were pressed for oil. I wonder why.
Olive oil was important to the culture, but it was also used to fuel the Temple lights, and a lot was needed. The Olives were pressed for the oil so the Temple could have light; a way to move forward. I wonder if Jesus prayed here because He knew that he was the olive to be pressed for the oil so the world could see the true light.
We invite you to our Easter services at 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55 to celebrate Jesus.
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. We’re less than a week away from Easter. As we begin this Holy Week, I invite you to read the prayer of Jesus at the Mount of Olives, or Garden of Gethsame, which means “oil press.” I’m referring to Luke 22:39. Jesus prays at a place where the olives were pressed for oil. I wonder why.
Olive oil was important to the culture, but it was also used to fuel the Temple lights, and a lot was needed. The Olives were pressed for the oil so the Temple could have light; a way to move forward. I wonder if Jesus prayed here because He knew that he was the olive to be pressed for the oil so the world could see the true light.
We invite you to our Easter services at 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55 to celebrate Jesus.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Friday, April 7, 2017
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. One day, Jesus was walking with a group of his followers through the streets of Jerusalem. They were inspired by all the beautiful artwork and architecture they saw in town. Soon, they came to the most beautiful building in all of Jerusalem, the Temple. His followers began discussing how magnificent it was and what such of a marvel man had built. However, Jesus ruined their delightful conversation by telling them that this wonderful temple would soon be destroyed. Then he went on to tell them of many other horrible events that were going to take place.
The disciples were now full of fear and wondered what was going to happen to them. The reason Jesus told these things were not to fill them with fear, but instead to teach them not to trust in the things of this world. He hinted to the fact that things will come and go; there will be good times and horrible times.
However, the one thing that will never go away or change is Jesus love for you. He came to give you an eternal Kingdom, whose streets you can walk down to admire its unending endurance. God bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. One day, Jesus was walking with a group of his followers through the streets of Jerusalem. They were inspired by all the beautiful artwork and architecture they saw in town. Soon, they came to the most beautiful building in all of Jerusalem, the Temple. His followers began discussing how magnificent it was and what such of a marvel man had built. However, Jesus ruined their delightful conversation by telling them that this wonderful temple would soon be destroyed. Then he went on to tell them of many other horrible events that were going to take place.
The disciples were now full of fear and wondered what was going to happen to them. The reason Jesus told these things were not to fill them with fear, but instead to teach them not to trust in the things of this world. He hinted to the fact that things will come and go; there will be good times and horrible times.
However, the one thing that will never go away or change is Jesus love for you. He came to give you an eternal Kingdom, whose streets you can walk down to admire its unending endurance. God bless.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Thursday, April 6, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. How many of you have heard the statement that you have to forgive and forget? I bet most of us have. The funny thing is that for most people the forgive part is a whole lot easier to accomplish than the forgetting part.
What we understand is that forgiveness is a process and you are not a bad person because you remember when someone has hurt you in the past. As a follower of Jesus we don’t ask God to just erase our minds we ask him to give us the grace to overcome the obstacle of hate. This means that we will remember the hurt, but by the grace of Jesus, we choose to forgive.
I imagine that as Jesus suffered on the cross that he remembered all those that rejected him, spit upon him, and beat him. However, he chose to forgive, and this choice has opened the door of salvation for us all.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. How many of you have heard the statement that you have to forgive and forget? I bet most of us have. The funny thing is that for most people the forgive part is a whole lot easier to accomplish than the forgetting part.
What we understand is that forgiveness is a process and you are not a bad person because you remember when someone has hurt you in the past. As a follower of Jesus we don’t ask God to just erase our minds we ask him to give us the grace to overcome the obstacle of hate. This means that we will remember the hurt, but by the grace of Jesus, we choose to forgive.
I imagine that as Jesus suffered on the cross that he remembered all those that rejected him, spit upon him, and beat him. However, he chose to forgive, and this choice has opened the door of salvation for us all.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
God has called us to reach out to those less fortunate than we are. We see the actions of Jesus: he eats with the tax collector; he speaks to a Samaritan woman; he healed a man suffering from leprosy; he forgave the criminal hanging on the cross next to him and offered him salvation.
If Jesus reached to the outcasts, then why do we not do the same? During a time that the basic thrust of religion was to separate the insiders from the outsiders, Jesus crossed the barriers. It appears that not much has changed. It appears that we still remain separated by “us” and “them”.
Micah 6:8 says, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.”
I challenge you to seek justice and encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow. Don’t allow there to be a separation of us and them.
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
God has called us to reach out to those less fortunate than we are. We see the actions of Jesus: he eats with the tax collector; he speaks to a Samaritan woman; he healed a man suffering from leprosy; he forgave the criminal hanging on the cross next to him and offered him salvation.
If Jesus reached to the outcasts, then why do we not do the same? During a time that the basic thrust of religion was to separate the insiders from the outsiders, Jesus crossed the barriers. It appears that not much has changed. It appears that we still remain separated by “us” and “them”.
Micah 6:8 says, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.”
I challenge you to seek justice and encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow. Don’t allow there to be a separation of us and them.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. It’s obvious we live in a digital world in which we can connect with anyone in the entire world at any given time. Our ability to reach each other increases daily, but I think an important question for us to ask when we’re trying to connect with others is: Who are we trying to reach?
Let’s start with the first half of the question: Who are we? Self-identity is important because if we don’t know ourselves, how can we have a relationship with anyone?
The second part of the question is: “…trying to reach?” When we know ourselves, we’ll know what to tell others and in turn build a relationship.
At Central, we believe life is better connected with each other and with God. We are learning who we are, and we are trying to reach you. How about you join us sometime!
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. It’s obvious we live in a digital world in which we can connect with anyone in the entire world at any given time. Our ability to reach each other increases daily, but I think an important question for us to ask when we’re trying to connect with others is: Who are we trying to reach?
Let’s start with the first half of the question: Who are we? Self-identity is important because if we don’t know ourselves, how can we have a relationship with anyone?
The second part of the question is: “…trying to reach?” When we know ourselves, we’ll know what to tell others and in turn build a relationship.
At Central, we believe life is better connected with each other and with God. We are learning who we are, and we are trying to reach you. How about you join us sometime!
Monday, April 3, 2017
Monday, April 3, 2017
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church.
In Matthew's Gospel, a conversation with Peter and Jesus came about. It seems as though Peter and Jesus had lots of conversations. Out of all the disciples, I think Peter and Jesus had a unique relationship.
In Matt. 16, Jesus was asking his disciples, "who do people say that I am?" Out of all the disciples, present Peter speaks up. Jesus then spoke directly to Peter, "who do you say that I am?" I could not help but ponder why Jesus would first ask this question but also to pinpoint Peter’s answer.
I believe there comes a point in our relationship with Jesus, after we have journeyed with Jesus for a while and will ask us personally, one on one, who do you say that I am? Will we give an answer like what others are saying or will we personally be able to answer who Jesus is to us? Imagine with me today if Jesus turned to you and said, who do you say that I am? What would you say?
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree- minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist church.
In Matthew's Gospel, a conversation with Peter and Jesus came about. It seems as though Peter and Jesus had lots of conversations. Out of all the disciples, I think Peter and Jesus had a unique relationship.
In Matt. 16, Jesus was asking his disciples, "who do people say that I am?" Out of all the disciples, present Peter speaks up. Jesus then spoke directly to Peter, "who do you say that I am?" I could not help but ponder why Jesus would first ask this question but also to pinpoint Peter’s answer.
I believe there comes a point in our relationship with Jesus, after we have journeyed with Jesus for a while and will ask us personally, one on one, who do you say that I am? Will we give an answer like what others are saying or will we personally be able to answer who Jesus is to us? Imagine with me today if Jesus turned to you and said, who do you say that I am? What would you say?
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