Wednesday, February 28, 2018

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. Promises. We hear people make promises to us all the time. Print media, television, radio, and signs are full of ads making all sorts of promises. Politicians glibly make false promises. People we love make promises to us. Promises seem to fill the air around us. Broken promises often break our hearts. A deep cynicism slowly seeps into our hearts. Before long, the protective side of our minds warns the open side of our hearts about phony promises and how they have disappointed and hurt us in the past. But I can assure you that God has made you a promise that will not fail. His promise comes in the form of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. God does not promise us health and wealth and fame, but God does promise us that He will be with us in all things. And I can assure you that God does indeed fulfill that promise.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Psalm 119 tells us that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Sometimes we, as Christians, find ourselves a bit lost wandering aimlessly with no sense of direction. Sometimes we struggle with decisions and whether we choose the right thing or the wrong thing. The struggle is shared by everyone. Even some of the simplest decisions can be difficult, but we have help! Luckily the word of God can act as both a light and a compass. It offers us all sorts of advice on where to go, how to act and even what our purpose is. If we utilize the Bible to guide us, then our path becomes visible and our directions become clearer. His word unshields our blinded eyes and illuminates our path. Then as we gain our bearings, we can find others to take on our journey with us and use our light to guide others.

Monday, February 26, 2018

DENNIS Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. While looking at some pictures one day, my mother commented that my son looked just like me. Interestingly, I have been told that I look a lot like my father. You too have probably heard these types of comments. We all favor those in our own families. The Judeo-Christian faith teaches that we were created by God, and, therefore, bear his likeness. In other words, we look like our Father, God in heaven. If that is true, then we have an enormous family with whom we have a lot in common with. Within our family is every past and present person on the face of the earth. We all may not look exactly alike, but we all have the same humanity that connects us together. People have often wondered what God looks like, and have come up with some pretty wild images. However, to see the likeness of God is no further than the person in front of you. Sadly, some do not behave as if they bear His divine image. Nevertheless, Jesus told his disciples to love your neighbor as yourself, because we are all bound mysteriously together. Come to church and hear the one whom you favor.

Friday, February 23, 2018

SABRINA Have you ever felt as if God is fed up with you? Perhaps you feel your mistakes are too great to be forgiven. You wish you could go back to a time when things were better. In Isaiah 43:18, Isaiah spoke these words to Israel during a time when they had lost everything and felt God wanted nothing more to do with them. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Wherever you find yourself today, God is doing a new thing in your life. This verse from Isaiah teaches us how to embrace all God is doing. Forget the former things. It impossible to see where God is leading if we’re always looking back. Recognize your future now. Just as a seed spouts below the ground before we see evidence of a new flower, God is already at work, we can’t see it yet. Commit to God’s plan. Remember, God doesn’t condemn us, He wants only the best for us. No matter our past, God has already set into motion a new direction and a new purpose for our life. We just have to commit to His plan.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: I'd like to remind you that fall registration for our Children's Center is next week. On Monday, February 26, we will take registrations from Church Members who are not presently enrolled and siblings of former students. On Tuesday, February 27, we will register all new students to our program. We are a half day program and serve ages 1 through 4. The age your child will be on September 1, 2018 will determine the class he or she will be in. Our phone number is 601-693-0830. If you are interested in enrolling your child, please call us or drop by any morning and pick up a registration form. You may also call the church office, and our receptionist will help you get in touch with me. I'd love to give you a grand tour of our wonderful facility. Any questions, please feel free to call. I'm looking forward to meeting you! Have a wonderful day.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. James Chapter 2 says: “If a man wearing fine clothing comes into your assembly and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in but you pay attention to the one wearing fine clothing, then you have made distinctions among yourselves. God has chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith.” This tells us that God views us all as equal in His eyes. We may forget sometimes that we are all sinners, and we are all loved by God. We have been offered the same grace and love as everyone else. We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord And we pray that our unity will one day be restored And they'll know we are Christians by our love. We will work with each other, we will work side by side And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride And they'll know we are Christians by our love. These lyrics from the song by Peter Scholtes reminds us that it is love that identifies us as followers of the way, NOT wealth.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

SABRINA If you are a parent, you have almost certainly dealt with a child whose schedule at one time or another became a middle of the night ritual of trips to the side of your bed. A nightmare, monsters under the bed, fear of darkness, became a bigger than life threat to their security and calm. You become weary and tired, and your patience wears thin. And THEN – we remember and question – are WE really any different? An unexpected diagnosis, the sting of rejection, or shattered dreams. When fear floods our heart, we find ourselves wrestling with our questions in the darkness of disappointment and despair. And we wonder: Will peace, joy, beauty ever grow from this brokenness? Will morning ever come? It’s in these “long nights of the soul” where we can find great comfort in Scripture, especially the book of Psalms. While there are many, David in Psalm 119:84 articulates many of our deepest cries - "How long must I wait?” In Psalm 59:16 we find hope as we are reminded “For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” God’s word reminds us that even when our circumstances sway, God’s love remains the same. And there, in the certainty of His love, we find peace for the present and strength for the days to come.

Monday, February 19, 2018

BENJI President Calvin Coolidge was understood to be a man of notoriously few words. Readers Digest records a story of a young woman who had the opportunity to sit near the President at a party. She remarked to President Coolidge that she had a bet going with her friends that she would be able to draw out of him three words of conversation. The aptly named President coolly responded: You lose. For some of us, me included, being a person of fewer words may not be a bad thing. We have all experienced how wrong the schoolyard cliché is: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Words do hurt! They can cause serious harm to the ones they are aimed at as well as those who get in trouble because of what we say. This week, let’s endeavor to make sure our brains are engaged before putting our mouth in motion, so we can say to those who bet we will put our foot in our mouth, “You lose!”

Friday, February 16, 2018

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. Have you read the story of Jesus Christ? It is the story contained in the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament. He is the center of the story from beginning to end. From creation through Revelation. But His story is not limited to what we read in the Bible, for he continues to live in the hearts and minds of those who believe in Him. Though we read the end of the story in the Bible, we do not read all of the events that continue to unfold in God’s world. So, in a very real way, you and I and believers in every generation, both in the past and into the future, are a part of the story that contained in the Holy Scriptures. In the Bible, we read about scoundrels as well as holy men and women. Likewise, we encounter people today who are both holy and evil. But they all are part of God’s story. The story of salvation. A story that where Jesus is the hero, and a story that God’s love wins. What a wonderful story, and we are a part of it!

Tuesday, February 15, 2018

DENNIS Good Morning. I’m Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever just sat down and watched the birds fly around? It’s fascinating how an entire flock will somehow all fly together and in the same direction. Even more interesting is how geese will often move position in order to help others or to receive help. Similarly, herds of mammals, such as cows will stay together. And if danger comes, they will form a circle in order to protect their young. Isn’t it interesting that no matter what strife or dissention may be going on within the herd, they still remain together; continuing to help each other. Humans, on the other hand, are not as oriented as animals. We allow anger to dictated our sense of community. We will strike out in violence, speak slanderously, and go off living by ourselves. Disciples of Jesus Christ are told to live differently. We are told to be reconciled to our brothers, sisters, and neighbors before we can correctly serve God. We are to mend those broken relationships and help each other. I invite you to come and be reunited with community as we journey together.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

BOB This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian year. This is the beginning of the 40-day period that ends with the great celebration of Easter Sunday. Christians around the world begin this period of preparation by receiving the mark of the Cross upon their foreheads in ashes. This has proven, each year, to be one of the more moving worship experiences at Central. If you are starting a busy day, come by the parking garage at Central on 10th Street. There you can receive the ashes and holy communion to begin your day. The sanctuary will be open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for you to participate during your lunch break. Then, we will gather at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary to begin our prayer walk. This includes ashes, communion, and other prayer stations. Come join us and begin your own 40 days of preparation for Easter Sunday. With full preparation, Easter Sunday becomes an even more meaning-filled experience.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

BENJI As you have no doubt noticed, the stores are bedecked in red and pink (and have been for weeks), balloons, cards, and candy are everywhere; and it would seem that love is in the air, as tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. (Consider this a friendly reminder if you have yet to get something for your significant other.) But unfortunately, so much of the so-called love we see in the world today is in many ways superficial and predicated on what can be received from it and what we can get in return. We see throughout the Bible that love, real love, is selfless not self-seeking. Throughout history and even in our own lives, this has been proved time and time again. In the book of Romans chapter 8, we see a picture of this love and learn that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Monday, February 12, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: February is a month when a lot of attention is given to the topic of love. If you watch a lot of TV or go to the movies, the love that Hollywood is selling is not necessarily God's definition of love. So, what does the Bible say about love? Look at 1 Corinthians 13. It says: “Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, nor does it boast. It is not proud.” In 1 John 4:7-8, we learn that love comes from God, because God himself is love. Matthew 5:44 tells us to “love our enemies”. So, love must also be a choice because it is really hard to love someone who does not love you. Then in John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is very simple when you see it through God's eyes. We may look like everyone else, but as Christians, we are called in a special way and people should be able to see that specialness. Love God with all your heart and love others as yourself, and they'll know you are Christian by your love. Go share that love to someone today.

Friday, February 9, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. It seems nearly impossible to turn on the tv and not be bombarded with images of evil, violence, hatred, and racism from every angle and political spectrum there is. It’s unfortunate that there is so much hatred and anger in our world when we should be striving to live in peace with one another. The question remains, will this hatred ever end? The unfortunate answer is that no, at least not in this world. Only when Christ returns will there be true peace amongst all mankind. What a glorious day it will be when we can all live together in harmony. In the meantime, how do we, as Christians, respond to the blatant hatred within our nation and world? We can ask God to identify any amount of pride and any prejudices within our own hearts. Racism is rooted in pride, and the danger of pride can take root and grow into jealousy, bitterness, and prejudice without any warning. The apostle John puts it like this: Whoever claims to love God but hates a brother or sister is a liar. In a world filled with hate and anger, pray that God’s love will overcome the evil and you will become a stronger follower of Jesus.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning! The Children's Center Registration for the fall will take place the last week of this month...Monday, Feb. 26, and Tuesday, Feb. 27. We are a half day program and serve ages 1 through 4. First and foremost, we are a Christian program. Christ is spoken here! We are a Learning Center from the very youngest to our oldest child who will leave us ready for kindergarten. Our teachers are chosen with care. They must have a genuine love for children; they must be able to teach Christian principals, and then we consider their education and experience. Children know when they are loved. When they are loved, they are secure and confident and ready for learning. Children also learn better in small groups, so we like to keep our classes small. Our facility just had a complete makeover, and it is a wonderful environment for our children. Come, see for yourself. Drop in any morning, pick up a registration form, and I'll be glad to show you around. We'd love to have your child. Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

BENJI Do you remember when your parents would approach you while you were playing, reading, or watching tv? You would hear them talking but only retain half of it and only respond in unintelligible grunts and uh-huh’s. It was then that they would ask for…you guessed it… our undivided attention. I remember how cliché that sounded to me, yet wouldn’t you know, fast forward a few decades and here I am using it with my own kids. In this age of technology and general busy-ness, with the number of different screens to divide our attention among, this phrase has only gotten more relevant. Now, before we go and buy into the stereotype that attention division only ails rambunctious kiddos and mood teens, let’s take a step back and ask ourselves how often we as adults take family recreation time to tend to work matters or check email, must ask our spouse to repeat themselves or even shooed away our child because we were too focused on a screen. May we not place our undivided attention on something that will end up dividing us from those who we love and love us in return.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

SABRINA At Central we are very intentional about the spirituality of children. We believe that a child’s spiritual journey begins at birth, and it is part of our calling as followers of Christ to nurture that journey. Through Central’s Children’s Center Preschool Program, we have the opportunity to not only prepare children for kindergarten, but to also nurture their spiritual journey. This Fall, we will begin using the ABC Jesus Loves me curriculum that focuses on academics, development, and the Bible. We have also done a renovation of our facility making our center an inviting learning environment for your child. Registration for the 2018 Fall semester will begin later this month. You may phone the Children’s Center at 6016930830 for more information concerning registration dates and times. If your child, or someone you know, would like to be a part of our program, visit our church website, or Central’s FB page for more information, or better yet, come visit and get a tour of our facility.

Monday, February 5, 2018

DENNIS Good Morning, I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you noticed the entitlement many people expect nowadays? They want something for nothing, without earning it, and without the consequence. However, the reality is that this type of life is impossible to achieve. See, there will always be consequences for the choices we make. No matter how emphatically we deny it, everyone will ultimately feel the effects of their own personal choices. Some of our choices only affect us personally, but the others affect the rest of society. Each of us will choose today how we will respond to the people and situations around us. It will either be for the good or for the worse. God encourages his children to always choose the good. He said, “Today, I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life!” See, our choices not only affect us and other people, it ultimately affects our relationship with God. So, how will you respond to those situations set before you today? You have a choice to choose the good; choose life! God Bless and have a great day.

Friday, January 2, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Why is it that we seem to notice every flaw, missed step, and wrong turn and never seem to appreciate what we do right? It’s as if we’re looking to put ourselves down before someone else gets a chance. Meanwhile, we put on labels we were never meant to wear. You’re not good enough. You’re too much. What a fool. Ugly. Rejected. We seem to be our worst critic. Of course, the enemy of God is right there affirming those false identity statements in an effort to hold us back from the abundant life God has promised. Imagine what would happen if we put an end to believing the enemy’s lies? What if we could see ourselves as God see’s us? The Holy Bible tells us that when God looks at us, he sees his creation with all its flaws but not unredeemable. In fact, that is why Jesus came to us as a human to teach us that we are worth more than we think. If we thought about ourselves in this way maybe then, the harshest critic within each of us would fade away, and we can truly start enjoying the fullness of this life God has promised.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

BENJI Good Morning! I’m Benji Riddle, Youth Pastor - Central United Methodist Church. Happy is the one who finds wisdom and obtains understanding. From 1st to the 34th time I read this passage from the book of Proverbs chapter 3, it seems to birth into my mind that God not only uses the great and wise but also the every-day people in our lives to be the source of this wisdom. For me, it seems that it is less often the celebrity experts, and far-away gurus, and more often the people I know personally who act as the catalyst for life-changing wisdom, the people who love and support me, like my wife, close friends, and co-workers. Let me encourage you to seek strength and understanding in these relationships, their words are as honey, they bring cheer to the soul and strength to the body.