Thursday, November 30, 2017

TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. We recently completed a stewardship conversation in our church where our pastor John Branning has been reminding us of our great blessings and how we are called as the church to give out of our abundance. From this conversation, I began to think about how little others have compared to me. I have a nice car to drive, a nice house to live in, a job, and great friends. There are others in our own community that don’t have half of what I possess. Some are homeless. Some have no mode of transportation. Some are not even sure where their next meal will come from. Sometimes we let our abundance take away from our relationship with God. We cannot let our possessions become more important than our relationship with Him. God is the one who allowed us to have those things. Why do we let our stuff cause such a divide? I am convinced that it’s because we are selfish. We want thing we can’t have. We buy things we don’t need. During this season of giving, I encourage you to be a blessing to someone else. Your generosity will mean so much to someone and you will impact yourself in a great way.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness and Patience are the goals of Christian life. The Apostle Paul tells us that it is both an individual’s responsibility as well as a group effort. In the New Testament book of Colossians, we are told to bear with each other and forgive one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. This is what Paul means by “Church”, the temple of the living God, the place where the Holy Spirit is pleased to dwell and the home of miracles. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience aren’t virtues to which we must aspire. No, they are our uniform. Think of them as the pads a football player wears in order to play the game. Mustn’t this be what Paul means when he says, “clothe yourselves?” Forgiveness is the protective gear meant to preserve our fragile selves and relationships in the midst of a world where sin destroys us and causes us to destroy each other. So, today I encourage you to put on the clothes of strength found only in Jesus Christ. Have a great day.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

JOHN
 Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. As we enter the Christmas Season many songs and decorations bring back memories. Some good and others that we would rather leave in the past. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” may be one of those songs that not everyone can relate too. What if it’s not the most wonderful time of the year for you? The good news that as a follower of Jesus, you follow the one that understands your sorrows. Many suffer from things they'll never get over, but our God comes from a place of experience and in the sorrow, can bring healing. Psalm 58:6 says, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." I know that not everyone looks forward to this season of the year. Yet, I offer you the hope that comes from following Jesus. Open your heart and let the healing begin. I remind you that life is truly better connected.

Monday, November 27, 2017

SABRINA
 Most of us are already reeling from our holiday “to do list, Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” The celebration of the birth of God’s most precious gift to humankind is the perfect time for putting this verse into practice. If you have five school programs or parties to go to, take it as an opportunity to invite someone who lives alone to attend with you and revisit Christmas through the eyes of a child. As you are digging through boxes of decorations, what about the elderly neighbor or friend who no longer decorates? Offer a wreath or table decoration to brighten their home. Would it take that long to offer to help to address a few Christmas cards for someone who has difficulty seeing? We know of the many charities asking for donations, but we ALL know of that person on the fringes who is struggling. An anonymous gift card, or maybe just the luxury of lunch could bring unsuspected joy during a difficult season. Remember, the holidays are an excuse to make someone else’s life better.

Friday, November 24, 2017

BENJI
 If I had to venture a guess, many of us are still quite full from yesterday’s Thanksgiving festivities of family and friends and football and feasting. Today is one of the few days of the year I have my wife’s famous green bean casserole for breakfast. Although we are stuffed right now, it’s logical to assume we will be hungry again in the future. We won’t stay satisfied forever. And though it seems that leftover turkey will never be fully gone, even after days of turkey sandwich lunches, it will only sustain us for so long. The Gospel of John, Chapter 6 Verse 35 has these words from Jesus: I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. Though Granny’s sweet potato pie may satisfy for a day, Jesus satisfies our souls for eternity. So, I would like to invite you to join us this Sunday at Central, taste and see that the Lord is indeed good as you experience the peace of Christ.

Thursday, November 23, 2017

JOHN
 Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone this morning. My middle son Aidan was driving my wife Traci crazy wanting her to fix a pumpkin pie. Every time I turned around he was harassing one of us about that pie. Finally, Traci had everything that she needed and made that pumpkin pie that he wanted so much. Unfortunately, I could tell by his expression on the first bite that it didn’t taste exactly like he thought it would. He forced his piece of pie down and didn’t ask for another. Sometimes the thought of something is better than actually having it. Thanksgiving is a time for us to be thankful for what we have and not for what we want. We have been blessed with freedom and the love of others even when we don’t have all of our wants. After all, sometimes what we think would be so great doesn’t match up to the reality. Be blessed today and be thankful.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

GLENDA
Good Morning: A guy named Bill goes to the barbershop. He and the barber talk about lots of different things, then, out of nowhere, the Barber says, “I don't believe God exists.” Bill says, “Why is that?” “Well,” says the barber. “If God really did exist and he's a loving God, there would be no suffering; no neglected children; no sickness, no pain.” Bill doesn't respond because he really doesn't want to get in an argument with the barber. However, as he leaves, he sees a man with long, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He runs back to the Barber and says, “There is no such thing as barbers!” The barber says, “How can you say that? I am right here.” Bill says, “Well, if there were barbers, there would be no people with dirty long hair needing a shave.” The barber answers: “Ah, but barbers DO exist. That's just what happens when people don't come to me.” “Exactly, my point!” says Bill. Think about that and have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

SABRINA
 Here we are - Thanksgiving week. Many of us, we are in panic mode, but still a certain excitement is in the air as we approach the holiday season. Let us be keenly aware, however, that many look to these days with sorrow and dread. Things have changed since last year. Family who gathered around last year are no longer with you. Your marriage may have ended, financial burdens overwhelm your daily thoughts. My personal holidays have changed. My parents are no longer with us and with that, extended family does not come together as often. There are memories of holidays past. But we now have 7 beautiful grandchildren...a glimpse of the future. While this week we celebrate a NATIONAL holiday, as Christians we are keenly aware of the many things God has given to us. God has given us family, friends, memories, futures - no matter what your political preference, your denominational affiliation - we are a blessed people. We are each a part of God’s perfect plan. We are a part of God’s future - as surely as Noah and Abraham. And we have been blessed to be a blessing to others. Let us ALL give thanks!

Monday, November 20, 2017

BOB
 Good Morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community. Little Johnny's Sunday School teacher said, "Johnny, what are you drawing?" He said, "I'm drawing a picture of God." "But Johnny," she said, "nobody knows what God looks like." "They will when I get through," he replied. One day, Philip said to Jesus, "Show us the Father and we will be satisfied." Jesus responded, "He that has seen me, has seen the Father." In the perfect life of Jesus, we see God. Of course, no one can see God with physical eyes, but it is true that wherever people allow Jesus to dwell in them, God is to be seen. Allow people to see God in you, and look carefully around you, and you will see God in His people you meet today.

Friday, November 17, 2017

BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. With the Psalmist I sing: My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. What does it mean to spend a day in the courts of the Lord? It means living with a song of praise in your head and in your heart. It means listening to the prompts of God's voice when you see someone in need. It means seeing the world through the eyes that God would have us see. If you would like to experience a little of what living in God's house can be like with people who are attempting to live in his courts every day, we would welcome you at Central. Sunday morning contemporary worship begins at 8:30 and 9:45 traditional worship begins at 10:55 in the sanctuary.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

TIM - FAITH IN THE HEART
 Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Too many people believe the thought that if you do enough, then you will be good enough. We must accept the fact that we, as humans, will NEVER be good enough. And guess what, it’s okay because God offers us forgiveness. The problem remains that too many people try to earn their way to heaven and it can’t be done. When we finally experience the truth of the Gospel on a personal level, lives begin to change. Grace and forgiveness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ begin to transform us from the inside out. It's when our desires line up with God’s desires that we have an inner want and an empowerment to do. Life change begins with true faith in your heart. The truth is simple: no matter your past, God’s love offers us grace and peace. We don’t have to earn it. We can never earn it. We just have to accept it. The greatest miracle comes in the transformation of the heart.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

JOHN
 Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. The names of Gilbert and Sullivan are well known by all lovers of music. They produced 14 operas together in the period from 1871 to 1896. Gilbert was the word smith while Sullivan was the magic behind the music. The tragedy, however, is that the two men detested each other. The problem arose because Sullivan ordered some carpet for the theater they had bought, and when Gilbert saw the bill, he hit the roof. Neither could control his temper, and the two battled it out in court. They never spoke to one another again as long as they lived. Once they were forced to be together during a curtain call, but they stood on opposite sides of the stage and bowed in different directions so they would not see each other. They knew how to make beautiful music, but they knew nothing of harmony! The Bible teaches us to be in loving relationships with each other and live each day with a heart full of forgiveness. Let us try harder to get along today.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

SABRINA For those of you who are waking up to shrieks, squeals, crying, complaining, sounds that may exceed Grand Central Station, may you be reminded that peace has nothing to do with noise. Homes with children and teens are more often than not, hectic. There is just no escaping it. But remember, as you strive to protect those within your walls, a peaceful home does include: Discipline without screaming and yelling; boundaries; an environment welcoming to friends; words of encouragement rather than criticism; warm and consistent affection; freedom from being compared to others, a place where children can be themselves; and a shame free atmosphere. It is not easy being a child these days. They need respite from the storms of life, school, just growing up in general. Peace does NOT mean quiet, but it can be modeled through love, joy, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You see, peace starts within our hearts and spills over into our homes. This morning, may you be filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding, and may God guard your hearts, minds, and HOMES in Christ Jesus on this day. Have a blessed one!

Monday, November 13, 2017

DENNIS Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. The body is such an amazing thing. It has the ability to heal itself. However, there are some injuries that it cannot fix on its own. Therefore, the body will need assistance from an outside source; like surgery, stitches or medication. The Bible tells us of amazing stories about Jesus healing people who could not cure themselves. He made them walk, he cured blindness, and he even brought people back to life. Sooner or later, we must realize that our souls are in such a state that we cannot cure ourselves and are in need of outside assistance. That’s what God’s grace does. Grace has the ability to heal us from the tendency to do wrong and be wrong. Think about it: if God only forgave us but didn’t heal us, then we’d end up right where we started. The power of grace is also an amazing thing. It is designed to work in our lives every day as long as we walk in faith. See, God wants to give us a different kind of life than we could ever imagine for ourselves. So, are you allowing grace to work in your life? If not, then know this, your soul can be healed and your life transformed. God bless.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

GLENDA
Good Morning! Do you believe that God sends animals to give us comfort? I do. I had a beautiful German Shepherd years ago named Teppi. Teppi was an outside dog and spent most of her hours lying on the front porch. She only barked when something or someone came into our yard. We lived next door to an elderly couple. One night, Teppi barked so much that the lady next door had to slam her window down to keep out the noise. The next day, she let me know about it. This couple walked together every afternoon for exercise. One day, the time came when the man died. The lady didn't walk for many weeks. On the first day that she ventured out on her own, she passed by our house as usual. Teppi got up from the porch, went out to the street, and fell in step beside her. That was the start of a beautiful friendship. Every afternoon from that day on, my neighbor had a companion again to walk with her. Teppi sensed that our neighbor needed someone and she filled that spot. I think it was a God Thing! Yes, God will use any of his creatures when there is a need. After all, He is the Great Comforter! Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, November 11, 2017

TIM - LEARN FROM THE CHILDREN
 Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. As Jesus began to teach about children, people began bringing their children to Him so He could touch them to bless them because they all thought he was the Messiah. There is a lot of frustration over the disciples rebuking those that brought their children – it's not that they were trying to be mean, but in that day, children were seen as not important and not to be taken seriously so they thought they were protecting Jesus from wasting his time. Jesus swoops in like always and sets the record straight. He says to let the children come because the kingdom belongs to such as these. Childlike trust is a quality Jesus wants his followers to have. You see, children trust their family without any thought of why they trust them. Jesus wants us to come to him with childlike faith. Humility is another quality – children are never too prideful to ask for help. He wants the same for us – never being afraid to ask for help from God. So be like the children- trust without question and be humble.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

TIM
 Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. During this time of year, we spend a large majority of our time waiting. We wait for family to come to town. We wait for school to end for the upcoming break. We wait for food to finish cooking. We wait for a small break from work to travel. We wait in line at the bank or the grocery store. How appropriate that during a busy time of year, we spend a large amount of time waiting. Society today is so anxious and impatient (including me). We are accustomed to instant gratification, so when we have to wait, it makes things difficult. I encourage you to be patient in your waiting. Waiting builds our patience. Don’t necessarily expect instant gratification. An entire nation waited centuries in silence for the coming of the Messiah, and you may be expected to wait too. During the season of Advent, we wait with anticipation the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Don’t rush the season. Slow down and take time to remember the reason for this season.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

BENJI
 In the late 1730’s, small bands of men and women were gathering to encourage and counsel one another, and John Wesley noted this about them: “They wanted to pour out their hearts without reserve, particularly with regard to the sin which still easily beset them, and the temptations that were most apt to prevail over them.” We may throw around that we are tempted by this or that, but I fear we miss the gravity of it, and to paraphrase the words of Inigo Montoya, I don’t think that means what WE think it means. It is more than just an impulse, it is our selfish desire to do wrong, but 1 Cor 10:13 offers encouragement, it says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” So, seek strength in God’s word, find freedom in God’s presence, and rest in God’s peace.

Monday, November 6, 2017

BOB Good Morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Are you a Sunday morning Christian? Many of us are. We come to church each Sunday morning, attend Sunday School, sing a few hymns and endure a sermon - then we rush off to our real lives beginning with a nice lunch prepared by someone else. It often seems our Christianity ends when we step out of the doors of the church. God wants so much more from us. He wants a week-long relationship with each of us. The early church worshiped daily. Paul urged us to pray continually. God rent the curtain in the temple at Jesus' death to show us that he would not be contained in a building built by man. This Sunday, as you leave church, take God with you. He wants to be in your presence. You will find a much richer and more rewarding life if you live each day - not just Sunday mornings - in His presence. Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.

Friday, November 3, 2017

JOHN
 Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Benjamin Franklin came to a personal conclusion that the lighting of streets would not only add beauty to his city but also make it safer. In seeking to interest the people of his native Philadelphia in street lighting, however, he didn’t try to persuade them by talking about it. Instead, he hung a beautiful lantern on a long bracket outside his own front door. Then he kept the glass brightly polished and diligently lit the wick each evening just before dusk. People in the town found its glow not only friendly and beautiful but helpful as well. Before long, other neighbors began placing similar lights in the front of their own homes. Soon, the entire city was dotted with lights and everyone awoke to the value of the street lighting. While words are valuable and important, there is no substitute for leading by example. Our children aren’t the only ones who pay more attention to our actions than our words.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

GLENDA
 Good Morning! “We give thanks to you, oh God. We give Thanks!” “It is good to give thanks to God.” “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless his name.” “Give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy name.” “Oh, give thanks to the Lord. Call upon His name.” “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” These are just a few verses from the Bible that remind us that for all the ways we have been blessed, we are always to thank God. November is the month for Thankfulness. A time for remembering that first Thanksgiving Day so long ago. It has become the month that we take time to thank God for all He has done for us. This is the month of Thanksgiving. And that's good. But, how about the rest of the year? This November, let this be the start of giving thanks to God every day and all year long. After all, He doesn't just bless us in November. Count your blessings, give God the glory, and tell him simply, “Thanks, God.” Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

DENNIS
 Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever watched someone make pottery? I have a friend who has made a lot of beautiful bowls, plates, and cups. The image of a potter is also a great way to describe God. He is like a potter, and all of his creation is like the clay. If someone hated clay they would certainly destroy it. But God obviously doesn’t hate his clay, for we are all still here. Instead, he loves it and wants to make something beautiful and very useful. The Bible teaches us that we are the work of God’s hands and he loves us. Just like the clay, there is nothing we have to do to earn God’s attention. Clay doesn’t ask the potter to be shaped into a useful cup. Instead, the potter shapes it out of his or her love for creativity. God’s mercy and grace are shed upon everyone, and therefore, no one is excluded. Now, our potter does give his clay a very unique opportunity that regular clay does not have. Our God gives us the ability to resist Him. Are you finding yourself resisting the potter? If so, understand that unconditional grace is being offered to you. Just come to him as you are.