Tuesday, December 31, 2019

SABRINA Today marks the end of 2019. For some, it was the most glorious year thus far – for others, it brought heartache like never before. But regardless – tonight at the stroke of midnight, this year will take its place in history. SO – tomorrow when you wake up to 2020, may I challenge each of us to walk into this year celebrating the little things in life that make up the big year? Why let the seemingly mundane things slip away? We can never reclaim uncelebrated moments. This next year, why not – go overboard for a friends birthday, take a friend to lunch, surprise your coworkers with happies, or a homecooked lunch, celebrate your anniversary with sparklers – easy, simple, achievable things – but in celebrating both the big – and small – things in life, we live out God’s blessings in 3D and honor and acknowledge all the blessings afforded to us. When we do this, we also begin to see blessings in things we might have otherwise overlooked. My challenge? Go into 2020 with a clear vision, LOOKING and CHOOSING one big and one small thing to celebrate each month – and do just that – CELEBRATE – beginning with a Happy-New-Year!

Monday, December 30, 2019

TIM Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Matthew 2:9-11 says: “The star they had seen in the East went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” I want to encourage you to follow the star to Jesus. Just like the wise men, you will be overwhelmed with great joy! What gifts do you have to bring this newborn king? You can bring him your heart. I leave you with the fifth verse of this Christina Rossetti poem: “What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet, what can I give Him: give my heart.”

Friday, December 27, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. Looking out the window of an airplane, you can see the winding paths of rivers below. Except for some man-made waterways, all rivers have one thing in common—they all are crooked. The reason is simple—they follow the path of least resistance finding their way around anything that blocks their flow because they take the easy way. The same can be said for some people. Because they fail to resist evil, they yield to temptation and deviate from the path God would have them follow. 1 John 4:4 says, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world”. Rather than being overcome, we can be overcomers. Nothing should deter us from the course God wants us to travel. We don’t have to yield to any temptation or foe. The Holy Spirit who lives in us will strengthen us so that we can remain steadfast. We won’t become “crooked” if we refuse to follow the path of least resistance.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

TIM Good Morning and Merry Christmas to everyone! Many of you have celebrated with your families by sharing meals and giving gifts. Others have celebrated by serving the needy, cooking meals, and worshipping together. So, what are you celebrating? Well it's obvious, right? The birth of Christ! In chapter one of John’s Gospel, we read that this season yields another reason to celebrate. Not only is the Christmas story one of the miracles, but also a redemption story, one of forgiveness and reconciliation between God and man. “In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” The light is Jesus, and he is the light of all people. The darkness is our sin, but with the light inside of us, the darkness will not overcome us. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior because he is born, and because he has come to redeem us. This is Tim Wise for Central. Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year!

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. During World War I, in the winter of 1914, on the battlefields of Flanders, one of the most unusual events in history took place. The Germans set trees on trench parapets and lit the candles. Then, they began singing carols, and though their language was unfamiliar to their enemies, the tunes were not. After a few trees were shot at, the British became more curious than belligerent and crawled forward to watch and listen. And after a while, they began to sing. By Christmas morning, the "no man's land" between the trenches was filled with fraternizing soldiers, sharing rations and gifts, singing and (more solemnly) burying their dead between the lines. Soon they were even playing soccer, mostly with improvised balls. Though the war had to continue, as commanders on both sides ordered their troops to restart hostilities, this interval of peace during the war was extraordinary and unprecedented. This is the season of peace. And the Prince of Peace has commanded us to be peacemakers. May we become known for initiating peace—in our homes, in our families, in our workplaces, and in every situation.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in downtown Meridian. I do not think there is any day more filled with anticipation than is Christmas Eve. You may have been getting ready for tomorrow since last year's Christmas Day, and yet, there are still presents to buy and wrap, food to prepare, miles to travel, and people to visit. Yet, with all that you have left to do to get ready for Christmas this year, I want to encourage you to slow down and experience the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ, God with us. One great way to experience that again this year is to join us at Central for one of our three Christmas Eve worship services. We will sing and pray, hear the Christmas story read, and Celebrate Holy Communion at 12 noon, 4 PM and 6 PM. Every year this is the highlight of Christmas for me. I think you will find it to be a highlight for your Christmas too. That is at 12 noon, 4 PM, and 6 PM in the sanctuary at Central on 23rd Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets.

Monday, December 23, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning and Merry Christmas! If you have small children around your home, I am sure the excitement of Christmas morning and Santa Claus coming are almost too much to bear. How fun this time of year is! Let your children have the fun and joy of Santa, but please tell them the story of the birth of Jesus. How exciting it was for the shepherds who were startled by the angels filling up the sky above them and telling them the good news! Tell them how the shepherds ran to Bethlehem to see this newborn king. Tell them how the wise men with great curiosity followed the star a long, long way to find the newborn king. Tell them the first birthday presents and Christmas presents were for a tiny baby born—sent to earth to save us all. Tell them the Good News…that God sent His only son just for them. Merry Christmas and Go tell that Jesus Christ is born!

Friday, December 20, 2019

BOB This is Bob Peden of Central. Christmas is almost here. We have sung about Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and also about a small child born in a rustic stable more than two thousand years ago. The mystery of that event so long ago is beyond our human understanding. We often say that the birth of Jesus is "The Real meaning of Christmas." But what is the meaning of that real meaning? At Central United Methodist Church, we are people who are still growing in our understanding of what it means that God came to be with us, that God's son was born into our world. If you want to learn more and grow along with us, we invite you to join us on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45 or 10:55. And if you really want to experience the mystery of Christmas, join us for communion and candle lighting on Christmas Eve at 12 noon - 4 o'clock or 6 o'clock in the evening. Merry Christmas.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning: During the time that our country was struggling to become a free nation, a general riding along saw a group of men trying to lift some timber. They were shorthanded, and the work was not going well. Their corporal stood by repeatedly yelling orders to them. The general asked, "Why don't you help them?" The lofty corporal answered, "Why, sir! How can you think such a thing? Don't you know who I am? I'm a Corporal." The general got off his horse, removed his coat and helped move the timber, and by his efforts, the soldiers achieved their task. That general was General George Washington. Which of these two officers were more Christ-like? It is obvious, that it was General Washington. In your daily life, are you the corporal or are you the general? Think about that and have a great day!

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

SABRINA Next week, at the end of December 25th, most of us will have opened our gifts. We might have been thrilled, mildly surprised, or even disappointed; but at the end of the day, we are the same person as we were before the gifts. Such is not the case when we have received the Ultimate Gift that we celebrate. In that gift, we receive grace and forgiveness, become a part of an eternal family, receive the precious gift that will protect and empower us, and we receive peace. You see, at Christmas, we celebrate the astonishing love of God – the marvel and the mystery of God loving us so much that He chose to become one of us – coming into the midst of the world’s problems and pain; up until then, invisible, transcendent God came near in the touchable form of human flesh. Our Eternal God stepped into time – so at the end of this time of gifts and giving, let us not lose sight of why we celebrate – let us not focus on tangible gifts that bring only temporary happiness. Let us remember the greatest gift – God stepping into time, becoming human, to save us from ourselves. THAT is truly the greatest gift for all eternity. Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Have you ever imagined how you might react if an angel came down to you and told you “do not be afraid…”? I think we can all agree that we would do quite the opposite...we would be very afraid. Often times God will call us to do things that may seem difficult or downright impossible. In my personal experience, God likes to do that. He likes to make us uncomfortable. If you can honestly tell me you have read the Bible and have not found anything uncomfortable, then I want to read your Bible because mine must be very different. When God calls us out of our comfort zones, we cannot resist. We have to recognize that we are His body and he needs us to do things we may not like. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she would conceive Jesus, her response was, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” So, if you find yourself afraid of what God has called you to do, it’s okay. Be afraid. But accept the calling and acknowledge that you are his servant.

Monday, December 16, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. One of my most cherished roles in this life is being a dad. Like many households with kids, ours is all abuzz with Christmas. It’s finally December and my son is counting down the days with great anticipation. In case you’re wondering, it’s only nine days away. Excitement and Christmas seem to go hand in hand. However, through all the hustle and bustle -of the holiday season, we can lose sight of what truly matters—Jesus. His coming as a babe in a manger is why we celebrate. Between the wrapping and the merry-making, I encourage you to slow down and remember the real reason for Christmas. This is a celebration of a savior. A merry-making gift that was given to all of creation—so, take a moment today to just be thankful for the gift of Jesus.

Friday, December 13, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in downtown Meridian. On Sunday morning, December 15th, at 10:55, the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present a special program of traditional Christmas music and readings entitled, "What Child Is This" in the sanctuary of Central. Later that evening at Central, we will have a special opportunity for you. We will present a special Christmas concert, My Savior Story, led by Jonathan Quigley. Join us at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall on 22nd Avenue. This will be a wonderful evening of inspiring and exciting music. There will be a nursery available for those attending either occasion. That is this Sunday morning at 10:55 in the Sanctuary and Sunday evening at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall of Central. Central United Methodist Church is located on 22nd and 23rd avenues between 10th and 11th Streets. Come join us for both of these exciting events.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in downtown Meridian. I want to give you a very special invitation to an exciting event happening at Central tonight. The two praise bands will join together for a special evening of Contemporary Christian Christmas music. The evening will include lots of music from groups like Casting Crowns, For King and Country, and the Trans-Siberian Light Orchestra, performed by members of Central bands. The music will be interspersed with short messages from various people who encountered Jesus in Bethlehem. Each of them will share about their hopes coming from that first Christmas day. Our nursery is open for those with small children. You may enter the building from either 22nd or 23rd Avenues. Again, that is tonight at 7 PM at Central in Downtown Meridian between 10th and 11th Streets. Everyone is invited to this special event. Come and enjoy the Christmas music and the Christmas spirit.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

SABRINA How often do we question God’s will and plan for our lives? I know I have – and do. We spend way too much time and sleepless nights trying to resource, and in effect questioning our purpose. You know, from all appearances, Mary was an ordinary, small-town girl, when an appearance by an angel, of all things, claimed that she would give birth to God’s son. Mary serves as a model of humble and willing submission to God’s plan – despite the cost to her, despite the public shame, and her derailed dreams. The only glimpse we see of her being upset is followed by Gabriel, in Luke Chapter 1, telling her, “Do not be afraid.” Mary listened, asked a few questions, and then set an example of godly submission and trust, when she replied, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” She released her fears and trepidations to God. In this season of Christmas as we celebrate the coming of God to earth, may we also find assurance and peace in this part of that beautiful story, where a young, unsuspecting girl, was offered a role in the most precious gift to humankind; and willingly, without thought, became His vessel. May we do likewise.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. One of the greatest stories of the Bible is David and Goliath. It's such a good story, in fact, that the world has come to make common use of it! A prime example of this is when the underdog faces an invincible champion in just about any sport on national television, commentators always seem to make mention of David and Goliath. Imagine the scene at the time of David. The children of Israel were small compared to the Philistines and here they are faced with this enormously frightening giant, Goliath, champion of the Philistines. All the Israelites shook in their sandals, saying Goliath's too big for us to hit! All but one–young, little David. Instead of fearing Goliath's enormity, David saw his size to be an advantage! He said, on the contrary—Goliath is too big to miss! It all depends on our point of view—the way we see our circumstances. We can either walk in doubt, asking "Can God do this thing?" or walk in faith, proclaiming "God surely will!"

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning: Have you ever had these thoughts? I’m not perfect. I have all kinds of problems. I have no ability. I have no gifts. I’m just not worthy. Why would God want me? Well, did you know that Moses stuttered; Jacob was a liar; David had an affair and was a murderer; Abraham was old; Timothy was young; Moses was a murderer; Jonah ran from God; Miriam was a gossip; Gideon and Thomas both doubted; Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal; Martha was a worry-wart; and Noah got drunk. The list goes on and on. But God loved them and used them anyway. No, we’re not perfect, but God loves us and can use us no matter who we are, where we’ve been, or what we have done. Isn’t that amazing? Think about these things and have a wonderful day!

Friday, December 6, 2019

SABRINA Christmas is a time for family. That is why our family at Central is reaching out, inviting you to our family celebrations during this season. One of our favorite traditions in the past few years is opening up our church doors during Meridian’s Holiday Parade. Our doors will open at 4:30, inviting our community in for soup, popcorn, hot chocolate, and cookies. Word has it that Santa may even be around before the parade. The SEC Championship Game will be on the big screen in our Fellowship Hall. We encourage parade participants to meet up with their families at Central because we are at the end of the parade route. Come, join us as we celebrate the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. If you do not have a church home, we invite you to join us on Sunday morning as our Praise Band offers a morning of Christmas worship, beginning at 8:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Don’t forget in these busy days of the season to pause and remember the REASON we celebrate – God’s love for us made flesh!

Thursday, December 5, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. One of the greatest verses in the Bible is, "For nothing will be impossible with God." Do you believe it? It's what the angel told Mary, the mother of Jesus, when he announced that she would give birth to God's son as a virgin. If you are facing a particularly tough challenge where you need strength and wisdom beyond yourself, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are in a season of grief and not sure you can make it, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are facing discouragement, disappointment, depression, or despair, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are struggling in your family, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? Mary did and because she did, Jesus came to be our savior. He died and rose, conquering sin and death for you and me. The story of Jesus reminds us of how nothing will be impossible with God.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in downtown Meridian. It is only 20 days until Christmas in case you haven't noticed this morning. I am sure you are deep into decorating, buying and wrapping presents, baking all kinds of treats, and planning your travels for the holidays. There was a young couple many years ago who also were planning for a trip at Christmas time. They had to find dependable transportation, buy and wrap up traveling clothes for themselves, prepare food for their journey, and map their route; and they had one other complicating factor. They were expecting their first child and chances were the child would be delivered while they were away on their journey. You see, 20 days before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph were making their plans for the very first Christmas. Reading the gospels of Matthew and Luke you get a clear idea that things did not work out just as they planned, but we know now that that first Christmas was just perfect. I pray that this year you will have that kind of perfect Christmas, too.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister, and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. During this time of year, we spend a large majority of our time waiting. We wait for the 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 for the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Don’t rush the season. Slow down and take time to remember the reason for this season.

Monday, December 2, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning: Are you getting into the Christmas spirit, yet? Stores have lined their aisles with Christmas goodies and decorations. TV shows have switched to the theme of giving and love, and Santas are floating about. The first Christmas seemed to do without all of these. The very first Christmas started a frenzy without TV, without candy canes, without Santa, and without Christmas sales. Even more amazingly, the first Christmas involved a poor couple (nobodies, really), who would lay the most precious child of all in a manger. His name was Jesus and He was God's gift—not to the deserving, not to the Jews alone, but to everyone. That means you and me! Don't let the commercialization of Christmas fool you. The one and only reason, the undeniable reason, the absolute reason, we have this holiday at all is because of the birth of a child called Jesus Christ. That's why it's called Christmas. It is not a winter break. It is not a seasonal vacation. It is Christmas, the birthday of a King. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Friday, November 29, 2019

TIM Good morning and Happy Friday to everyone! I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister, and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. I am sure that you are feeling a sense of relief as this week closes. If your week was anything like mine, it was full of travels, family gatherings, and lots of people! For those of you that may need an extra boost of confidence, I want to share part of Psalm 40 with you: “I put all my hope in the Lord. He leaned down to me; he listened to my cry for help. He lifted me out of the pit…and set my feet on solid ground. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise for our God. Those who put their trust in the Lord are truly happy!” True happiness in your life isn’t found in work or pleasure or shopping or even holiday traditions. It isn’t found in material possessions or even people. It isn’t found in money or food or clothes. True happiness comes when you put your trust in God. At Central, we want to help you learn how to trust in Him, so, won’t you come join us? We can trust God together and we can be truly happy, and then we can know what it truly means to be thankful.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Roger Babson, a famous statistician, was having lunch with the President of Argentina, Mr. Babson. The President said, "I have been wondering why it is that South America, with all its natural advantages, mines of iron, copper, coal and silver, rivers and great waterfalls is so far behind North America?" Babson replied, "Well, Mr. President, what do you think is the reason?" He answered, " South America was founded by the Spanish who came in search of gold. North America was founded by the Pilgrims who went there in search of God." If we live a life of seeking gold—the blessings of God but not God Himself—we end up losing both. The Pilgrims, who gave us the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving, came in search of God. It is because of this that America has reaped blessing upon blessing. We need to examine ourselves and be careful that we are seeking God in all things, putting Him first, and giving thanks to Him always. Seek first the kingdom of God and He will surely provide from His riches in glory.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. Many times, we can be overwhelmed by life. Situations and circumstances come along that can leave us feeling alone and ruined. Philippians 4:6 and 7 say: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. When we turn our worries over to God and allow His peace to guard us, we began to have a change in perspective. Suddenly our situation seems less dire when we understand that Christ is on our side. If you are struggling with the worries of life, turn to Christ and let his peace cover you.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning: Did you know that if you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world? If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy? If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than many who will not survive this day. If you have never experienced fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, agony of torture, or pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in this world. If you can attend a church or synagogue without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are envied by and more blessed than three billion people in the world. You didn't know you were so blessed, did you? Before you walk out your door, stop, count your blessings, and say “Thank you, God.” Have a wonderful day!

Monday, November 25, 2019

SABRINA There is an old Bill Gaither song – God of the Mountain. The chorus states, “for the God on the mountain, is the God in the valley – the God of the good times is still God in the bad times. The God of the day is still God in the night. This song reminds us, not only of God’s sovereignty but of our own approach to life and the emotions that go with it. Sure, it may be easier, less complicated, but really, how dull and colorless would life be without the mountains and valleys? Emotions are a gift from God. Gaining self-discipline over our emotions does not mean ignoring them – it simply means that when we can identify them through both difficult and happy times, we can truly appreciate those mountaintop days, because we know what it felt like in the valley of life. It reminds us that God, is indeed, with us in the valleys, and also stands with us on the mountains. As the holiday season is upon us, if today you find yourself walking in the valley of life, may I remind you that God is with you today, was with you yesterday, and will be with you tomorrow. His presence surrounds our days, nights, mountains, and valleys. Go today, in His peace.

Friday, November 22, 2019

TIM Good morning, this is Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. As we are nearing the week of Thanksgiving, I want to invite you to reflect on the great blessings God has given each of us. As you reflect on all that God has done for you, find a way to offer him thanks and praise. One opportunity we have for you at Central is this coming Sunday evening at 6 p.m. We are having a Service of Thanksgiving where we will offer thanks to God and give back something as an offering of gratitude. We will have music and worship, an opportunity for missional giving, and plenty of time for prayer. Part of the missional giving will be a collection of kid-friendly non-perishable food items that will be used to help support our Backpack Buddy Program here at Central. We provide backpacks to school-aged children who have been identified as kids in need of food in their homes. These items will be collected and prayed over at a special time during this service. We hope you can make it on Sunday, November 24th for our Service of Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in downtown Meridian. A recent survey of Americans who consider themselves to be Christian uncovered that most consider the fundamentals of Christianity to be: God wants people to be nice and fair to one another. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself. God doesn't need to be involved in your life unless something is going wrong and you need it resolved. Good people go to heaven when they die. If this is your understanding of Christianity, I would encourage you to read the Good news of Jesus Christ contained in the Gospels. You will uncover there the true beliefs Jesus calls us to Jesus was God and man, born of a virgin, died on a cross, resurrected, commands you to love your neighbor as yourself - even if they are very different and live far away, instructs you to die to self, and expects that you will create other followers. But don't take my word for it. Read the gospels for yourself. See what God has there for you.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

SABRINA During this month of Thanksgiving, we are called to remember the many blessings in our lives, but what about the hard, difficult, ugly times we have been or perhaps are going through? We only have to turn to Luke Chapter 15, to the parable of the prodigal son, to fully understand and embrace the answer. It shows us how in the context of being lost, being found is more wonderous, being persecuted, finding acceptance is more precious, in being sick, being healed is more miraculous. If we forget or turn our back on our mistakes, we have failed to be reminded of God’s grace and presence in our lives. All of us have faced a time when the road was difficult. Perhaps, we made less than stellar choices and found ourselves suffering repercussions from choices we had no control over; but when we reflect and acknowledge the difficult times, we come more fully into understanding God’s love and grace for us. It is there that our roots of thanksgiving and gratitude can grow more deeply in the somber soil of remembering our human hopelessness but for God’s grace. And for that – we are thankful!

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. Several weeks ago, I was in a local grocery store. The woman in front of me was struggling to unload the heavier items in her buggy. Noticing the difficulty, she was having, I leaned over and said, “Let me help you with those.” Her response was one of relief and gratitude. She thanked me profusely for the help while explaining that she suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome. I could have chosen not to assist this woman, but my choice to help make an impact on her that day. While we may not always succeed, our desire should be to live a life where the love of Jesus can be seen through our actions. In doing so, others can experience just a portion of the love that Christ has shown us.

Monday, November 18, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in a bind. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia if they would bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. Each piece of jewelry he received, he would exchange for a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. These decorations would be inscribed, 'I gave gold for iron, 18l3'. The response was overwhelming. But more importantly, the women prized these gifts from the king even more highly than their former jewelry! The reason, of course, is clear. They were proof that they had sacrificed for their king. When we come to know our King, we, too should want to exchange the flourishes of our former life for Him. The amazing thing about our King is that He not only takes our jewels, but He takes our rags too and uses them for the good of His Kingdom! Perhaps there are some things we need to sacrifice to him today. There are great things awaiting those who give.

Friday, September 13, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. Why would a prison inmate escape from prison the day before his scheduled release? That’s what a Rhode Island prison spokesman wondered as he answered questions from reporters. He said, “For the life of me, I don’t know what possessed him to leave with only one day of his sentence left to serve.” Once captured, the escapee would be arraigned on charges that could land him back in prison for up to 20 years. Most of us probably would wonder about the shortsightedness of this inmate. But we might not be as conscious of our own nearsighted approach to sin. We might not see the absolute mindlessness of pursuing a few moments of selfish pleasure in exchange for lasting regret. Jeremiah pointed out the folly of such actions. In the fifth chapter of his prophecy, he reminded us of how much we should respect God’s power and that short-term pleasures will bring long-term losses. Sin thrives on self-deception and doesn’t look ahead to the result. May we always look to God for the help to do what makes sense—for today, and for tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

BOB Good morning! God's word assures us that not even one sparrow falls that he is not aware of it. And that we should therefore not worry for we are worth more than a whole flock of sparrows to Him. In a universe so vast, what is our little planet? In a planet so diverse and so full of life, what are simply everyday people? Among all the billions of people alive and who have lived before us, what significance do I have? Jesus reminds us that our significance is great – not because we are so important, but because we are known personally by God. So, rest assured that God is aware of and cares about what is going on in the world and your individual life this day. This is Bob Peden of Central A United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. I assure you; we don't have to be afraid; we are known and loved by the One who is and was and is to come!

Monday, September 9, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Today at Central, we are beginning our first ever Senior Adult Vacation Bible School and I am so excited about it! If you are hearing about this for the first time and are age 55 or over, please consider joining us! We will meet today, tomorrow, and Wednesday from 9 AM until noon. There is no cost to attend, and there will be some fun and exciting times! Our VBS is entitled For the Bible Tells Me So and will focus on the need to Guard the Gospel as it’s described in 1st Timothy. Our guest bible teacher is Rev. Tommy Artmann. In addition to the bible teaching, there will be some activity sessions, food, fellowship, and worship! There is an optional lunch served each day for a cost of $10. Registration is not required ahead of time, so come and join us! Senior Adult VBS is completely free! We will collect a love offering that will go to support the efforts of Senior Adult VBS and will take up mission items to be donated to local missions in Meridian. For more information about Senior Adult VBS, contact our church office at 601-693-1521 and ask to speak to me, Rev. Tim Wise. Come join us for our first ever (and what I hope to become many more) Senior Adult VBS.

Friday, September 6, 2019

SABRINA T-shirts, mugs, bags, key chains, power bands, all with inspiring “be like Jesus” messages - they are everywhere. We sport them proudly. But have we LOVED like Jesus? In John 13, we see HOW we are called to love like Jesus. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” This is more than just wearing a cool T-shirt or posting a meme on social media for a current issue. Jesus displayed His love by showing up where love was needed. Jesus was saying, “Now that you know what My love looks like, include My love in your interaction with others, show up where love is needed, don’t try to be Me, but REFLECT Me in the way you treat others.” Our faith will be most evident behind-the-scenes as we bring a meal to that neighbor in a hard place or when we choose not to reply unkindly to that person on social media who disagrees with our point of view. It’s giving sacrificially to help those who are oppressed. It’s forgiving. It’s kindness. It’s mercy. When we love as we’ve been loved by Jesus, it’s more than a meme.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

BOB Good Morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community. Pascal, the remarkable 17th-century mathematician, physicist, and religious philosopher once wrote, "The sole cause of man's unhappiness is that he does not know how to stay quietly in his room." He might well have been writing about our time. We seem to be continually talking, by phone, by cell phone, by email, Facebook, Twitter, however. And if we are not talking, then we have television, radio, or music playing. Even when we pray; we often have music playing in the background. But Jesus knows the importance of being quiet and of being alone with God. He made time for aloneness during His life on earth, and he encourages us to do the same. Time when we are not even talking to, or listening to God, but rather time to just sit quietly in His presence. Perhaps you have already spent this time today. If not, then find some time to stay quietly in the presence of the Almighty.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Coming up next week at Central, we will host our first-ever Senior Adult Vacation Bible School entitled For the Bible Tells Me So! I am excited about the opportunity to offer this for adults age 55 and over. If you are an adult over the age of 55, I invite you to join us at Central on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, September 9, 10 and 11 from 9 AM until noon. Rev. Tommy Artmann will be leading us in a lesson on 2 Timothy and teaching us about how to guard the gospel. We will also take part together in worship throughout the day and have activity sessions. For activities, we will have yoga, centering prayer, communion bread baking, worship history, crafting, painting lessons with Marsha Iverson, and more! Senior Adult VBS is completely free! We will collect a love offering that will go to support the efforts of Senior Adult VBS and take up mission items to be donated to local missions in Meridian. For more information about Senior Adult VBS, contact our church office at 601-693-1521 and ask to speak to me, Rev. Tim Wise. Hope to see you next week!

Monday, September 2, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. The climax of the United States Declaration of Independence is not the glowing words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” It is the list of names at the end of the document—men who were willing to stake their fortunes, sacred honor, and their lives on a few convictions that changed the world. Jesus changed the world with a few who were willing to die for what they believed. He began with only 12 men whom He chose to be with Him. These individuals were special because they learned from Him in person and He sent them out with the good news of the gospel. But God’s plan for ministry was not limited to these 12; it also included a larger group the New Testament calls disciples. They were the multitude of listeners and learners, men and women who heard Jesus gladly. God’s method is still to use people—people who are willing to be His instruments for change in the world. If you are willing to be used of God, there is no limit to what He can accomplish through you.

Friday, August 30, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. In the end of Deuteronomy, Moses is giving his final thoughts and places a heavy emphasis on passing on the faith to your children. Moses recognized a constant battle we face today: the faith we have is never more than one generation away from extinction. Moses’ words in Deuteronomy play a key role in our faith. If we aren’t investing our energy into building our children’s faith, it will end. There is a lot of concern about a decline in faith in young people, especially in millennials. Haydn Shaw, in his book Generational IQ, reminds us that young adults have often dropped out of church in their late teens and returned when they start having children. He notes that millennials are waiting longer to marry and have children than young people did twenty years ago, which means they are also waiting longer to come back to church. So don’t be discouraged, but also don’t be hindered from investing in your children’s faith! Moses is telling us in Deuteronomy to intentionally invest in children’s faith! And this doesn’t just imply your own, but all of God’s children. Intentionally sharing and living your faith is crucial so that your children and grandchildren know what you believe and how it shapes your life and so that they see a real and authentic faith in you.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

SABRINA There is something extremely calming in throwing a rock in a pond or stream and watching the ripples as they glide across the water. There can be, however, something extremely unsettling when we realize that we reflect God’s character, like the ripple effects on the water, in our daily lives. We are like rocks tossed into a pond, producing ripple effects that can inspire or break down those around us. As Christians, we are reminded that we don’t have to be famous, rich, or successful. We don’t need an impressive degree or lots of followers on social media. A specific age, nationality, or personality is not a requirement, and we are not limited by our job, location, or marital status. We have the power to positively influence others in our sphere and beyond to think and act differently. I believe within the heart of every human is the desire to be influential. It does not matter our stage in life. God uses ordinary people like us to star in extraordinary “God stories” — real-life stories of purpose and influence. Although we’re all imperfect and inconsistent, we can still be influential because of God’s grace and power in and through us. As Jesus said: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b).

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. For a long time, the old church sat empty and abandoned in a Detroit neighborhood. The decaying building blended naturally into the whole area. Grim, unswept, forgotten—that’s how it all looked. Then one night things changed. The old church sparkled with light. Parked cars lined the streets. The sound of music filled the air. What had been dead and abandoned had come to life. I’ve seen people like that. For years they were dark and empty like that old church. There was little inside except anger, selfishness, and pride. Then one day all was changed. Suddenly the darkness was gone. It was as if someone had turned on the lights…and that Someone is God. He forgives those who come to Him through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. He specializes in giving new life to those who seem to be beyond hope. May we never lose sight of the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Monday, August 26, 2019

AIR DATE: 08/26/19 BOB Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. A young mother received a letter recently. It read: "We were the best of friends. Remember? You told me your deepest secrets and I tried to tell you mine. When we were together, the world slowed down just a little. You inspired me…the way you lived life as if each day had a special prize inside. And whatever has happened to change that, it's okay. I just want to go back to the way it was when we were the best of friends. Remember? Love Always, God." If you would like to renew your friendship with God, we at Central United Methodist Church can help you find Him. Our hearts, our minds, and our doors are always open. We will gather for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 9:45 in the Fellowship Hall, and at 10:55 in the Sanctuary. Come and meet my best friend and make Him your best friend too.

Friday, August 23, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. As followers of Jesus, we should take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. When we face times of hardship and trouble, we should turn to God for guidance. But God’s comfort isn’t just for us, but it is also for us to be able to comfort others. As second Corinthians Chapter 1 tells us, “When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” When we find ourselves taking comfort in God, we can then ourselves offer the same peace to those around us. This can be part of our evangelistic mission as followers of Jesus. Take comfort in God’s love and grace, and then may we be empowered to share that love and grace to those with whom we interact. Verse 6 says “For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you.” Take comfort, be comforted, and offer comfort. Amen.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. His contractor was sorry to see such a good employee go and asked him if he would build just one last house as a personal favor. The carpenter agreed but his heart was not in it. He resorted to bad workmanship and using cheap materials. When the carpenter finished his work, the contractor came over and handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "I appreciate all the hard work you’ve done for me all these years and I’d like you to have this house as a token of my gratitude.” The carpenter was shocked! If only he had known he was building his own house, he would have worked much harder! Now he owned a house that wasn’t built very well. We should think of ourselves as carpenters, and our lives here on earth, as our house. Each day we hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall, we must build with care! It is the only life we will ever build. And what we do here will count for eternity! REFLECTIONS #44 WTOK TV: 07/08/19 AIR DATE: 09/12/19 JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I have to admit that this is my favorite time of year. Labor is done and we will soon feel the excitement of fall. I use the word excitement because that is what these next few months will be filled with. Halloween is filled with the excitement of children as they go door-to-door receiving candy. Thanksgiving is filled with the excitement of family and friends thanking God for all that we have been blessed with. Then, of course, there will be the excitement of an unnamed heavy-set fellow that brings gifts to children as they sleep on Christmas Eve. I do believe the word excitement is the best to describe what is coming next. This excitement shouldn’t be reserved for just holidays and seasons for those of us who are followers of Jesus. We should be excited everyday as each new day brings about new challenges and new opportunities to share the love of Jesus with everyone around us. I hope you experience this excitement. I hope that you will come and share it with us at Central, because we love people filled with excitement.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community. There is a little-noted fact in the story of Moses leading the people of Israel out of Egypt. God brought the Israelites out of Egypt through stormy waters. It was clearly depicted by Cecil B DeMille. In the movie Exodus, the waters are foaming and raging on either side of the hurrying Israelites. Now, God could have just flown the Israelites over the sea. He could have raised a mile-high wall to protect them from the Egyptians. He could have kicked sand in the Egyptian bullies' eyes - giving the Israelites time to escape around the end of the sea. But He didn't. He brought them through the raging waters. Likewise, God brings us through the troubles of life. He could keep us from all difficulties, make our lives ideal. But in order to show us how much He loves us, He allows us to experience His protection in the midst of troubles. He walks with us through the shadow of the valley of death. We need fear no evil.

Monday, August 19, 2019

SABRINA Being a parent is one of the most precious gifts and toughest things in life. It’s tough when your children are tiny and sometimes even harder when they are older. Those teen years, as they go off to college, or become young adults, we often yearn for those terrible twos. We often have the tendency to blame ourselves for the choices our children make. It can be hard to try to figure out the right way to help, especially when the situation carries great consequences. What do we do in those times? WE are the parent! Ephesians 6:10 tells us: "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil." You see, God does not call us to find a power within ourselves to overcome the issues we face. He calls us to put on the full armor. Park our runaway minds in the assurance of God's love for our child. Walk in the assurance and peace that even when we can’t see things changing, we are to have faith in God’s timing and His ways. There will be battles our children face that we want to “fix” for them, but it is in those times of uncertainty and heartache, we simply look to the perfect example of parenting, love, and forgiveness – our Heavenly Father. Yes – parenting is tough – but oh so worth it!

Friday, August 16, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. Researchers at the University of Virginia have found that most people perceive a hill to be steeper than it really is, especially if they’re tired or carrying a heavy load. When asked to estimate the slope of a hill, test participants consistently misjudged it by nearly 15 to 20 degrees. When we’re burdened and exhausted, even a minor problem can seem too big for us to handle, and we can become convinced that the grade is too steep for us. That is why we need the encouragement of God’s Word. It draws our attention to our untiring God who knows our needs. Because we so easily misjudge life’s difficulties, we need the courage to keep going when we are tempted to quit. Take a step of faith today and join those who depend on the Lord, who run and are not weary, who walk and do not faint (v.31). In His strength, you can conquer any difficult hill.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. When the twelve spies were sent into Canaan to spy out the land, ten returned with a bad report. Their assessment was that it was impossible to conquer the land that God had promised them. Forgetting how God had led them with a pillar of fire by night, and fed them manna from heaven during the day, brought forth water out of a rock, and parted the Red Sea, they saw the situation with only their natural eyes. They failed to walk by faith and succumbed to fear. Joshua and Caleb, however, returned with a good report. Refusing to be discouraged by what they saw, they fully trusted that their supernatural God was not going to break His promise to His people, Israel. We are living in days where the world looks bleak, and the evils seem to grow more threatening and dangerous. How will we react? Will we be devastated and terrorized like the ten spies with a bad report? Or will we do something extraordinary and walk by faith like Joshua and Caleb– trust in the love and power of our God and seize the opportunities that are at hand? The choice is ours.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

SABRINA When I was younger, I used to listen to those around me who had that “Damascus Road Experience” and yearn for a better story. I grew up in a loving home and was in church since before I could even remember. I often thought my story could never compare to the one who, after years of issues and bad choices, suddenly came into realization of God’s forgiveness and unending love. Some of us hear those stories that make us cry or leave us speechless, and we fight the lies that say our story won’t make a difference. But each of our stories matter. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Unswervingly. That means without getting distracted by drama, glamor, or wishing your story were someone else’s. That means staying true to the perhaps mundane but important work of being faithful. Ordinary living is not easy. It requires dedication, perseverance, and faithful obedience to God’s call. It requires hope in the sometimes hard, everyday experience of following Jesus even though it doesn’t always make for an exciting story. No matter what that little inner voice says, yours is a story worth sharing.

Monday, August 12, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. We all know the story of Jonah, right? He ran away from God, got swallowed up by a fish; finally followed God’s command and lived happily ever after, right? Not exactly… Jonah went to Nineveh, but he delivered what might be considered the shortest and worst sermon ever. He uttered one single sentence: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. What did Jonah do after God decided to spare Nineveh? He went and sat on a hill angrily that God spared the city of Nineveh. Then he got mad about a plant that was conveniently providing him some shade. Verse 10 says: “The Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant…but Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness.” God’s love should be written on our hearts, and we should be preaching the word from our hearts. We shouldn’t be like Jonah who delivered his message out of obligation. We should desire that the word of God should spread to the ends of the earth and change lives. Learn from Jonah’s mistakes…share the message of the Gospel passionately out of love for God and neighbor, not out of obligation.

Friday, August 9, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. A certain monastery enforced a vow of silence. Each monk could utter only two words every five years, and those two words had to be spoken in the presence of the abbot. One of the monks, when give his opportunity to speak, said “Bad food!” Five years later, his two words were, “Bed hard!” When given his third opportunity to speak five years later, he said, “I quit!” “Well,” said the abbot, “you might as well quit. All you’ve done since you’ve been here is complain!” While I’m not sure I would call this monk a heavy complainer, I know that complaining seems to be a part of human nature. We all tend to want what we want when we want it. And when our needs aren’t met on our time schedule, we tend to complain. Gratitude for and awareness of one’s blessings is the best remedy I know of for a serious case of chronic complaining. Gratitude leads to a change of attitude. I bet when you add it all up you have been blessed beyond your needs. Come visit us at Central where we believe that life is better connected.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

SABRINA We have all been there whether in a classroom, sports field, workplace, neighborhood or even church - power plays, unfairness, cruelty, politics, popularity contests, adult cliques, and those who pit people against one another happen far too often. When other people hurt us, especially when it’s intentional, it can cause us to become bitter. It is easy for resentment to take root. In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus was asked “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’” It’s hard to forgive people who hurt and betray our trust time and time again — especially if they don’t admit fault or show remorse for their wrongdoing. Jesus stated, “seventy times seven” just to make the point that forgiveness is ongoing.” It is not about others’ hurtful behavior but rather the joy and ability to love life that is robbed by our unforgiveness and anger. We cannot change the behavior, opinions or actions of others, but we can ask God to change ours. Forgiveness is necessary to release us from bitterness. Through the choice to forgive, even if the problem remains, the poison does not – and with that, the prisoner has been set free.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. In ancient times, foot washing was something that was done by a slave for his master, or by a child for this parent, or even a disciple for his teacher. It wasn’t something a master ever did for anyone else. However, this is exactly what Jesus does in John chapter 13. The scene is so bizarre, that when he was finished, Jesus had to explain what He had done. Within the act of washing this disciples’ feet, Jesus levels the playing field. His actions show us that masters are no more important than slaves in His kingdom; that disciples are no less important than teachers. In the kingdom of God, all ought to serve each other in humility. May we all make it a point to serve others with gladness; because according to Jesus, serving others is beneath no one.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning! School starts back this week for most of the school systems in our area. As you know, I am Director for the preschool program at our church, Central United Methodist Church. We, as teachers, are getting excited by preparing our rooms, gathering supplies, and looking forward to meeting all our children. At Central, we have a wonderful half-day preschool, serving children who will be 1 by September 1 through four-year-olds. We have a wonderful facility, bright and happy and welcoming. We have a dedicated group of teachers who truly enjoy what they do. Our school is a Learning Center. Every moment is a learning experience while we are preparing them for kindergarten. We still have a few openings and would love to welcome your child to our program. Just call the church office for information. I would love to give you a tour. We believe children are special and that specialness comes from God. Come see us!

Monday, August 5, 2019

BOB Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. In the latter part of the fourth chapter of Acts, we met Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus whom the Apostles called Barnabas - which means son of encouragement. Here was a man who spent so much of his time encouraging others in their work in the Lord that encouragement became his nickname. We all need to hear words of encouragement from others. We need to know that others recognize what we accomplish as valuable and worthy. In the 15th chapter of Romans, we learn that God gives us endurance and encouragement. Often times that encouragement comes in the words of those around us. When was the last time you have spoken a word of encouragement to one of your coworkers, friends or family? Next time you see someone doing a good deed, take a moment to praise them. It will cost you nothing, and the pleasure you receive from encouraging another will last you all day long. Be a Barnabas - a son of encouragement - today.

Friday, August 2, 2019

MATT Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. Most people have an opinion as to who God is and how He acts in this world. Historically, many people have distorted who he is and have used His name as license for doing terrible things that have tarnished the image of God and the reputation of His followers. Because of this and a lack of understanding of God’s word, many today do not have a clear understanding of who God really is. In John 14, Jesus made it clear as to how we should discern the true image of God. Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus identified himself with the Father, and he is a perfect reflection of God because He was fully God in human form. Jesus’ words and actions are perfectly unified and together they define the very nature of God. Jesus is our true, exclusive window into God’s heart. As you seek to know God, look towards His son Jesus. His life and actions show us who God is as well as how much the Father loves each and every one of us!

Thursday, August 1, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Things are not always the way they appear at first glance. I read a story the other day that told of a crowded day on a golf course. The first tee was loaded with players and spectators. Over the PA system came these words, “Would the man in the green slacks and the white hat respect the tee markers? Please get behind them.” The player stopped his address and looked around in disgust, and then stepped up to the ball again. Again, the PA system announcer said, “Would the man in the green slacks and white hat respect the markers?” The player stopped, turned around and shouted, “Will someone please tell the jerk on the PA system that this is my second shot!” We’re all guilty of sometimes rushing to a conclusion or making a judgment before we have all the facts. We’ve all felt the embarrassment of speaking first and getting the true picture later. Let’s get the whole picture before we speak. We would love to have you be a part of our Central family. Come visit us this week.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central - a United Methodist Community. In 1779, former slave trader, John Newton, wrote, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found. Was blind but now I see." God's amazing grace does indeed come flooding in upon our lives as we begin our walk with Jesus Christ. But as we continue our walk, our lives are no less grace-filled. It is only by God's all-empowering grace that we are able to be the people God would have us to be. It is only by God's all-encompassing grace that we are able to reach others for Christ. And it is only by God's re-redeeming grace that our spiritual lives can be refreshed when our faith seems small and dry. And so, along with John Newton, I can sing of God's amazing grace saving a wretch like me. And I can also sing with songwriter, Keith Green, "O Lord, You’re beautiful, Your face is all I seek, For when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me."

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

SABRINA I am the worst at running on fumes in my car. It is not until I lose the miles to empty and am left with the blinking light that I realize the dire need for gas and feel some ridiculous satisfaction that I made it with only five miles left. Recently, standing at the pump I thought what if I had encountered bad traffic or had a call that dictated I make an unexpected detour? I would have been stranded. The same is true for us spiritually. Too often we just coast along, living on fumes from day to day, wondering why we have no joy. It never occurs to us that like our cars, when we neglect to keep our spiritual tanks filled. We are simply coasting through life. We refuel with quick prayers, a Bible verse or two, and a weekend church service, which isn’t enough. In Romans 12:1, we are reminded “in view of God’s mercy, to offer bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is our true and proper worship.” When we look to God and realize what He’s done for us, it will change how we approach Him and live our lives. That said, what if each time we fill our vehicles with gas, we use that time reflecting on our spiritual tanks and how to fill them to the fullest? Have a blessed day!

Monday, July 29, 2019

Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Do you believe in the power of prayer? I do. I have witnessed and personally experienced God’s healing power through prayer. Sometimes it may not always come in the ways we expect or desire, but God honors our prayer. James 5 tells us about the power of prayer and reminds us to pray in every instance. And we shouldn’t be afraid of asking for others to pray for us. God wants us to pray and wants others to pray. As James tells us in verse 16, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Pray without ceasing. In all instances, pray. Pray for your friends. Pray for your neighbor. Pray for your enemy. Pray for yourself. Are you weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Jesus Savior is our refuge. Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Friday, July 26, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning! Things look pretty bad for us lately. Right? I follow the news pretty closely and the way people treat each other and the things they say about each other baffles me. I'm not just talking about on the National level. It's right here in Meridian, MS. We don't have to agree on everything, but what happened to kindness? What happened to civility? What happened to people listening to one another? What happened to loving one another even when we don't agree? What we need is a little more kindness in this world. In Ephesians 4:32, we are told how to treat one another: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you.” That's known as The Golden Rule. Let's all try practicing it a little more and, at least, make our little part of the world a better place. Have a wonderful kind-hearted, forgiving day!

Thursday, July 25, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist in Meridian. In 1975, John Molloy wrote a book called Dress for Success, which became the fashion guidebook for many people trying to climb the corporate ladder. Molloy’s advice centered on a basic premise—always dress like your boss. Every day, for work, school, or recreation, we all have to decide what to wear. But we must also make choices about another wardrobe—our attitudes and actions. If we claim to be followers of Christ, our spiritual apparel is of far greater significance than our physical clothing. God’s dress code for us as his followers is compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. When we clothe ourselves in these traits, we are dressed for success in the eyes of God and are ready to show the world around us what it means to live for Christ.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. John Wooden is perhaps the most respected coach in the history of college basketball. He won numerous national championships, but what he is probably more respected for is who he was and what he valued. John Maxwell tells the story about Hall of Fame player Bill Walton’s early years with Coach Wooden. It was in the early 70’s, and Walton had just started his college career under Coach Wooden at UCLA. As a young man, Bill Walton wore a beard. It has been said that Coach Wooden told Walton that players were not allowed to have facial hair. Walton, attempting to assert his independence, said that he would not shave off his beard. Wooden’s no-nonsense response was, “We’ll miss you Bill.” Needless to say, Walton shave the beard. For Coach Wooden, discipline and team focus were more important than individual demands. Respect and integrity were more important than wins or losses! We would love to have you as part of our Central family come visit us this week.

Tuesday, July23, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. As a young child all the way through my current adulthood, I remember my annual eye exam at the optometrist. As a young boy, I began losing quality vision and eventually transitioned into glasses. These glasses made great improvements in my ability to see, and to this day, I am thankful for my glasses. Proverbs 7:2-3 says, “Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” Just like we must take care of our eyes, we must guard our instructions found in scripture. We must take it to heart and apply what it says to our lives. When we guard and utilize scripture, it clears our faith vision and allows us to see, interpret, and understand what God says to us. So, remember to check your faith vision! Take care of your spiritual eyes.

Monday, July 22, 2019

SABRINA I think Waiting is a universal weakness but may be one of God’s best ways to get our attention. Noah waited for the rain. Daniel waited through the night with a den full of lions. Joseph waited 13 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the arrival of their promised son, after waiting an entire lifetime to even get the promise in the first place. Moses waited 40 years to be called by God. Paul waited in prison. They were people just like you and me, trying to please God but often falling short. But think about it - While Noah waited for the rain, he got busy building the ark. As Daniel waited, he remained faithful in prayer and firm in his convictions. While Joseph waited in prison, he did his best with each small task given to him, and he stayed close to God. Likewise, Abraham, Moses, and Paul waited patiently and began the ministry God called each of them to do, caring for the people around them. You see, there is always work to be done while we’re waiting. Sometimes the work is physical and other times it’s a quiet journey of soul-searching. Sometimes the work is that of being alert and aware and sometimes it’s about being patient, loving, and present. But when we remember these moments are part of a larger story, the wait is never wasted.

Friday, July 19, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist in Meridian. Once a week, a truck moves slowly down our street, pausing at every house. Its purpose is to collect the oftentimes overflowing contents of the garbage bins at the end of each driveway. While it’s not a job that most of us think about too often, we are typically gratefully for its completion each week. But what do we make of the garbage that accumulates in our hearts and minds? This inner garbage is what the Bible calls sin. Some of our garbage— like hatred, gossip, bitterness, lust— is obviously foul. But even what looks like good deeds or upright behavior can reek like garbage if contaminated by our selfish pride. In 1 John 1:9, God’s garbage service is outlined: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Thank God, His sin-disposal service is available everywhere and every day, not just at church on Sunday. He wants to get rid of your garbage. Confess your sins today and let God clean up your life.

Thursday, July 18,2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. In Joshua Chapter 1, we see Joshua taking a position of leadership. God promised Joshua that he would be faithful to him. He promised he would be with Joshua and would not fail him or abandon him. Joshua 1:6-7 says, “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people…Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions. Do not deviate from them.” We must remember that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. May these words ring ever true in our hearts. May we view our lives as a leadership position, and may we find strength and courage in our days to come as leaders in this world. As followers of Jesus, our lives are to be a shining example, but we recognize we are imperfect. Take heed the words we find in Joshua. Ask for God’s guidance. Pray for strength. Obey all of God’s instructions. A time will come when we are to take charge as a leader of God’s people. May we learn from the example set by Joshua.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

SABRINA What is your calling? Webster’s definition of calling is “a profession or occupation,” but the one we most commonly think of is “a strong urge toward a particular way of life or career.” Christians identify God as the source of that strong urge, so the word calling sometimes seems too big for us. In Mark 10, however, we hear of a different calling. Jesus, after speaking to a large crowd, is on His way out of town when a blind man, Bartimaeus, shouted to Jesus to have mercy on him. Many tried to quiet him, but Jesus told his disciples to “call him.” They did as Jesus asked, and the blind man jumped to his feet and ran toward Jesus. Bartimaeus didn’t let anything deter him from Jesus’ calling. He didn’t let self-doubt about his social status or his physical hindrance stop him. He simply answered his master's call. Sometimes doubt keeps us stuck; wondering if we really heard God or just imagined it. We can even doubt God would want to use us. Another stumbling block to calling is self-doubt, feeling certain that someone else is better or more equipped. Comparison kills calling. Our first calling is to simply respond to Jesus and go to Him just like Bartimaeus did. While our faith leads us to accomplish good works, our first and highest calling is simply to be near to Jesus. When we do that, everything else — all the doing — begins to fall in place.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. Are you aware of God's presence right now? Whether you are aware or not, God is present in everything around you. In the singing of the birds and clanking of the kitchen dishes. In the beauty of the flowers around your yard, and in the trash in the neighbors. God is present in everything; it is just easier to notice his presence in those things that are beautiful and pleasing. Likewise, God is present in everyone you meet today, whether they are kind and pleasant or not. Make an effort to see God in everyone you encounter today. Also, look for God in yourself today. As you go through the everyday activities of work and play and family, think about making sure that it is easy for others to see God in you. Do your actions reflect his goodness and kindness and love for all people? I know God is present in everything - even you and me.

Monday, July 15, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Do you know anyone who is perfect? That’s an easy question to answer. We probably know someone who thinks he or she is perfect, but such a thought is immediate proof of his or her imperfection. I’ve often said it myself- “nobody’s perfect”! Yet, in the midst of consistently reassuring ourselves that no one is perfect, we hear the sobering words of Jesus of Nazareth “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The word ‘perfect” in the Greek text is “telios,” and its translation helps us greatly. It means to be perfect as a hammer is the perfect tool for hammering a nail. Be the best you can be! Develop and be useful with all you have particularly been given. Fulfill your God-given potential and use what you have been gifted with to make a positive impact on the lives of others. So, be perfect, not in the sense of being without flaw or blemish but be useful as we make the most of what we have been given. We would love to have you visit our community at Central where we live as family.

Friday, July 12, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Identity theft is a big problem in the age of credit cards and the Internet. It’s not hard for someone to retrieve your vital information and pose as you. If that were to happen, however, it would not change the essence of who you are. The thief would not steal your true identity—just some superficial information about you. Your identity goes much deeper than your ID numbers. In reality, you are who God says you are. Nothing really matters except whether or not you are identified as a child of God. That alone will dictate your eternal destiny, and that alone will indicate whether you can live life to the fullest. In 1 John Chapter 2, there are three identity qualifiers—truths that reveal we are followers of Christ: obeying His commands, walking as Jesus walked, and avoiding hatred toward others. Who are you? Do you know Jesus? If so, you will obey His commands, walk as He did, and love others. That identity is one that can never be taken from you.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

BOB This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I have come to realize that Jesus never intended his followers to try to live their life of faith in isolation. He sent his disciples out two-by-two on their mission journeys. He often used inclusive family terms to speak about their life of faith ("our Father," "your brother"). This emphasis on community and family is carried over in the rest of the New Testament as we hear about house churches and our need to be there for each other. The "one another passages" of the New Testament arise out of this background — a recognition that we need each other to walk the Christian talk. We can't do it by ourselves and we were never intended to try to do it by ourselves. It takes a community to live and walk faithfully in the service of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

SABRINA I am sure it comes as no surprise to learn that many people are turning their backs on church because they think we think we are perfect in our walk, in our faith— wanting to be seen as shining examples to be lifted high. When is the last time you picked up a Bible and read Hebrews, Chapter 11? Some of our best-known men and women of faith are listed there. The lists include martyrs and prophets who helped to turn generations back to God. Abraham, Moses, Sarah, Joseph, Daniel. They all died believing in a promise they never saw fulfilled. Then there is Gideon, who never got over self-doubt, David - mmm. Adultery and murder. Rahab was a prostitute - they are ALL there listed in the “Faith Hall of Fame.” In all their human frailty, these ordinary human beings relied on an extraordinary God. These stories make the hall of fame not because their actors are famous, but because the actors lift up our faithful God. You see, we don’t have to be perfect, don’t even claim it. All we need to do is turn our lives over to the one who is perfection – and we have to do it over and over – every single day.

Tuesday, July 9,, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning. Well, this is my last reflection for this go round. I have tried and tried to come up with something cute and witty to say today, but I am having trouble. My brain has quit on me. I even looked on the internet to find something to say. Found plenty of ideas, but nothing fit. I looked through devotional booklets. Plenty there, too, but nothing jumped out at me. I have just drawn a complete blank. Have you ever had one of those days? Well, for the answer, I turned to the Bible. The same word kept jumping out at me....Joy! The word joy in one way or another is mentioned 244 times. That tells me that our happiness is important to God. So, maybe, that's what he wants me to tell you today. Smile! Be happy! Make those around you joyful. And when you can't find the answer to your problems, do what I did...turn to the Bible. God is there. Have a joyful day!

Monday, July 8, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community. Chris Lahr a pastor with Mission Year in Philadelphia Pennsylvania says, "No one does anything great!" He continues, "I am convinced that we do not need to do anything great, but simply do small things with great love. A radical following of Jesus is about the day-to-day grind of life—it is doing small things with great love. Then at some point in your life, you take a step back and you become amazed at all of the ‘greatness' that has occurred." As you prepare breakfast for yourself and your family this morning, do so with great love. As you drive to work or deliver children to their next event or run errands, drive with great love. And as you meet and interact with people throughout the day, just do so with great love. Loving God means loving people. If you will just do all that you would normally do, but with great love, you will look back one day and find greatness has happened in your life.

Friday, July 5, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. A woman once asked John Wesley what he would do if he knew that he would die at midnight the next day. "Why, Madam," he replied, "just as I intend to spend it now. I would preach this evening at Gloucester and again at five tomorrow morning; after that, I would ride to Tewkesbury, preach in the afternoon, and meet the societies in the evening. I would then go to Martin's house...talk and pray with the family as usual, retire myself to my room at 10 o'clock, commend myself to my Heavenly Father, lie down to rest, and wake up in glory." So many people wonder what God's will is for their lives. John Wesley seemed to be quite confident that He was already walking in it! Maybe God has you right where he needs you most. All we have to do is to live his love to others. So today, let's offer our bodies, minds, and hearts again to the Lord and commit ourselves wholeheartedly to His perfect plan for our lives.

Thursday, July 4, 2019

GLENDA Good morning. Throughout the United States today, everyone will be celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The declaration begins: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Our founding fathers recognized that God played a role in the forming of our nation. So, the fourth of July should be more than a celebration of our independence. It should also be a day that we recognize God's participation in our nation's birth. We seem to be forgetting that in this day and age. Psalms 33:12 tells us “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” For our country to stay blessed, we must return to God. Celebrate and have fun today, but remember, we are only blessed as long as we have God as our Lord. Happy Fourth of July!

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

SABRINA For many years now, Readers Digest has featured a humor page entitled, “laughter is the Best Medicine. Many readers turn to this page first – just for the laugh. Laughter can act as a source of inspiration, comfort, and healing. In Psalms we are reminded how God restores the ancient city of Zion. In that memory there is laughter and joy that transforms a people and lifts the lives of others. The same holds true today. We can find healing and hope in laughter – in the positive attitudes that shape our relationships and circumstances. Even in times of deep sorrow, we can discover the comfort that comes from remembering the good, uplifting times. That is so often found, yes, at funerals, as people reminisce about their loved one. When we consider what God has done for us, how God has offered hope through grief, we often discover joy. Wonderful memories of God’s provision shape our faith. Today, consider what God has done for you. Count your blessings. Consider the joy of it all. Surely laughter can be a part of the equation. God is good. God is the author of joy.

Tuesday, July 2, 22019

BOB Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Are you in a rut? We live so much of our lives on autopilot! We often visit with the same people, drive the same way to work, watch the same TV shows; even get up at the same time each day. Most of this is not bad. Putting unimportant things on autopilot allows us to devote our energy and attention to new and important things. But we must turn off the autopilot in our relationships. When we stay on autopilot in our relationships, we catch ourselves not listening as we should, or expecting others to understand us being "just a little late" again or reading the paper (or watching TV) pretending to pay attention to them. Make a commitment to spend quality time with your family and friends. Really listen to them. Do something extra nice for those around you. Get out of your rut. After all, "A rut is simply a grave without ends on it."

Monday, July 1, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister, and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. “Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others,” Jesus said in Matthew 6:1. In other words, check your motivation for why you are doing the good/kind/ generous things you do. The same goes for prayer. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke a lot about prayer and in Matthew Chapter 6, He provided two examples of what prayer should NOT be about: Many religious leaders in Jesus’ day performed their prayers as actors on a stage – to be seen and applauded for their piety. It’s as if they were saying, Look at how spiritual I am! Look at how educated and righteous I am! Jesus said there is a big difference between being a Godly person through actions done for God’s glory versus actions done seeking the approval of others. So, what’s your motive? If you’re striving to “look” like the ideal Christian just for the sake of other’s approval, you need a motivation check. Jesus was referring to the Gentiles, who didn’t know the one true God when He spoke about praying empty prayers. Even Christians can fall into this trap. Instead of repeating words and phrases that sound “spiritual” in hopes of gaining God’s attention – pray honest and sincere prayers. It’s the content and the heart that God cares about. So, what’s your motivation when you pray? Do you pray simply to appear “spiritual” in group settings? Do you have words or phrases you repeat when your heart’s just not in it? We’ve all gone through the motions: blessing a meal, a prayer before bed – it’s easy for our prayer-life to become routine. But Jesus says that prayer is about our hearts connecting with God’s. Maybe it’s time you started praying that God would help your heart better align with His, because that is what prayer is all about.

Friday, June 28, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. When we begin new seasons in life, we envision specific outcomes. For example, newlyweds often share dreams of the quintessential home with a yard, treehouse, and a white picket fence. When we have our first child, we envision raising a young man or woman who loves God and people, is well-adjusted, and independent. Yes, at the onset of any new beginning, we envision how we would like things to turn out. We intend to make our dreams a reality, and in many cases, we succeed. But too often, life has a way of preventing these intentions from becoming a reality. Why? One likely reason is that we were pointed in the wrong direction before we have even started our journey. Or perhaps we started in the right direction, but somewhere along the way chose alternate paths in life that quietly and over time, actually lead us further away from our destination. To start in the right direction, we must look to God. If you’ve already headed down the wrong path, thanks to God’s amazing grace, it’s never too late to stop where you are and ask for His help to find a way out. And the only way to ensure we stay on a path guaranteed to take us where we should be and where God wants us to end up is to apply His Word to our daily lives and strive to be more like Christ every day. So do not lean on your good intentions to get you where you want to go. Lean on God to show you the way in all areas of life. Only then can you rest assured that you’re on the straight and narrow path headed in the right direction in life and guaranteed the promise of eternal salvation.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Matthew 13:23 says “the one who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." If you keep a grain of wheat in your pocket, it will look exactly the same ten years from now. But place it in the right environment—some good ground, enough water and it will sprout into a living sheaf of grain! It's no different with the seeds of the fruit of the Spirit in our hearts! God has readily made available to us the seeds of success. He gives us the opportunity to live a life of much fruit! A life abounding in the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. But here they are – just seeds – sitting in our pocket waiting 'til we decide to plant them and allow them to become trees of plenty in our lives. Let's plant some seeds today and invite the Lord to water and nourish them so that we can produce fruit one-hundred-fold for the Kingdom.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Some pretty good people have founded religions over the centuries. One religious leader spent a good portion of his life trying to find truth—an admirable quest. Another religious leader was a teacher and a civil servant who drew up an honor code for his people—a respectable venture. No matter how good any originators of world religions may have been, they cannot in any way compare with the founder of Christianity. The major reason is simply this: They are all in the category of “good men,” while Jesus is in a category by Himself—the God-man. Jesus alone is Immanuel, God with us, the Living Word, the Savior, and the Messiah. His life was the only perfect one. Only Jesus’ death and resurrection provide life everlasting. Jesus is unique in all the world. He alone is worthy of our worship, adoration, and awe. He alone is the perfect Man. The Divine One. The provider of salvation. Don’t settle for anything—or anyone—less.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning. If someone is holding a bee in their hand, what is in their eye? Give up? It's Beauty. You know that old saying “Beauty is in the eye of the BEE holder.” I know, kind of corny, but Peter talks about this in 1 Peter chapter 3 verses 3 and 4. He talks about how we should not let the outside of someone determine how we see them. He says we should look deep into someone's soul and see the love and the beauty inside them...“the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight.” You see, God doesn't care what we look like, he doesn't care what our outside appearance is at all. He looks at our hearts and he know who we are by what we store inside. I hope he sees someone to be proud of when he looks at me. What's in your heart? What do you think he sees when he looks at you? Think about that and have a great day!

Monday, June 24, 2019

SABRINA Several years ago, a noted scholar from Harvard created a list of the three greatest poets in history. Homer, Shakespeare, and the prophet, Isaiah. Isaiah speaks words of challenge and comfort – words that are accessible and metaphorical. Although we don’t know much about Isaiah, his poetry has echoed through the centuries in the church – both through music and message. Time and time again, Isaiah visits the theme that while we are often dismayed and distressed by our current circumstances, God does not leave us to our own devices. Rather, God can transform the former things. God can make creation new. Most people can identify with this idea especially in times of hardship. We all crave familiarity and find comfort in the routines and the dependable, all while realizing change is inevitable. God is ALWAYS creating the new in and through us. If today you find yourself in despair or longing for change, take these words to heart. Isaiah still speaks to us. Our fears, our despair, and our weariness can be transformed. Look for the new opportunities. Don’t overlook what God can do.

Friday, June 21, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Author Henri Nouwen, in his book, The Return of The Prodigal Son, suggests that all Christians, at some point in their walk of faith, are represented by each of the three main characters. At times, we are the wayward child in need of repentance and forgiveness. At other times, we are the big brother who wants to hold on to resentment and withhold forgiveness. But as we mature, we become like the father whose highest desire is to have all his children reconciled. Nouwen ends the book with these words: “As I look at my own aging hands, I know that they have been given to me to stretch out to all who suffer, to rest upon the shoulders of all who come, and to offer the blessing that emerges from the immensity of God’s love.” What role are you playing in your family story? Do you need the courage to repent and seek forgiveness? Or do you need the compassion to extend forgiveness? Wherever you find yourself today, Christ is there also giving you the strength to repent and the grace to forgive.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

SABRINA Vacation Bible School is once again upon us! Next week, June 24th – 28th, the halls of Central will be loud and chaotic – as the entire second floor of Central will be transformed into the ancient city of Athens where students will live among the citizens and experience life in the marketplace of Ancient Athens. Imagine leaving a life of privilege and power to face angry mobs, painful imprisonment, and chain-breaking earthquakes—all to spread the life-changing truth of God’s love. That is exactly what the Apostle Paul did. In an ancient “anything goes” culture, Paul shared the truth of God’s immeasurable love. The truths he shared with Ancient Athens still hold true today, and we want the children of our area to experience that truth. If you have a child, grandchild, friend, or neighbor who is 4 years old through 5th grade, we invite you to join us. You can register on Monday morning at 8:45 or go to our website at cumcmdn.org and avoid the registration line! We hope to see you on Monday!

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Three thousand years ago, when Solomon dedicated the Temple to God, the priests offered up thousands of sacrifices. After the sacrifices were offered up – then the glory of God fell! The glory of God was so thick and heavy that the priests could no longer minister! Do you see the connection? First the offerings -- THEN the glory fell! Can we see this relationship still operating even today? I believe we can. When we offer our bodies as living sacrifices; our future, our plans, our possessions, and our lives, to the Lord—His glory begins to be revealed as His Spirit works in and through us. Called by Him to be more and more like Jesus, the people of God should be a people of sacrifice. Do you want to see the glory of God filling every aspect of your life? Then lay your life upon the altar in surrender to His perfect will – you will watch in amazement as He takes your offering and turns it to a beautiful testimony of His glory!

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

BOB We live in a web of relationships. Relationships with family members, friends, co-workers; enemies even. Some of these relationships are good and helpful. Others are not so good; some can even be harmful. We live in relationship with the things around us. Nature, our possessions, even sometimes those things which belong to others. But we also must include God in our web of relationships. Sometimes we have excluded God from our lives to the point that we are not even aware of His existence. Yet, He is there - on the very edge of our web. As we seek God and to know him better, we draw him closer and closer to the center of our web, until in perfect love, we and God are in the very same place. And note that though it seems we are drawing God closer to the center of our web, what we are actually doing is drawing the center of our web closer to Him. For the very essence of God is such that He does not move. Rather we conform our web, our lives to make Him the very center of all that we do and are.

Monday, June 17, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister, and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. King David was bored. His army was at battle, but David had stayed home. He should have been leading his men on the front lines – but in his boredom, he lusted after another man’s wife. Yep, this is the same David described as “a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).” David knew Bathsheba was married. Her husband, Uriah, was not only busy fighting on the front lines but was one of David’s top soldiers. This knowledge, however, didn’t stop an ill-advised one-night stand that resulted in a pregnancy. Now, what was David to do? Like most people who mess up, David tried to cover it up. One wrong action leads to another; not fixing the “problem,” but only making it worse. In the end, David had Uriah killed in order to cover up his sin. One sin made worse by another. So, what can we learn from David’s story? The first lesson is the dangers of idleness and boredom. Think of teenagers who get into trouble with pornography, drugs, and drinking. Often this curiosity arises out of boredom. What about the ‘mid-life crisis?’ How many affairs have begun out of an idle curiosity when life seems a little mundane? But the most important lesson in David’s story is found in his response. When David finally stopped trying to cover up his sin, he confessed it to God. As soon as David was confronted with his sin and admitted his guilt, God immediately forgave him. Through David’s poor judgment, his biggest sin, we see God demonstrate incredible grace. God didn’t remove the consequences of his sin, but God’s forgiveness was instant. We’ve all messed up. We all have regrets, but the same grace that God offered David is available for you and for me. No matter our regret, our sin, God’s grace is waiting. Are you ready to be freed from the guilt of your past? Stop running from your regrets and run towards God. With a repentant heart like David, you can also experience God’s unconditional forgiveness today. The consequences of our actions will remain, but God will make us right with Him.

Friday, June 14, 2019

SABRINA The word character comes from a Greek term describing an engraving tool. Our character, like that of an engraving tool, is etched as a set of distinctive marks, drawing a picture of who we really are. Everyone has character...whether good, bad, sturdy, or shady. Have you ever seen river rocks shaped by water and wind? No single wave or burst of wind shaped the rock. It was a repeated force. So, it is with us. Everything we do, every thought, choice - good or bad, is a wave with ripple effects. It is never easy to see the immediate effect. It is in the consequence that follows. It forms the core of our character. With every decision a groove is cut. Our reaction in every crisis, cruelty temptation, cuts a pattern in our character. It is in those moments of decision your destiny is shaped. How is your character? If it needs some carving out, help is only a prayer away. God can change what we never could on our own. We only have to ask. Have a blessed day.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. From all I’ve seen and heard, divorce is one of the most painful experiences that a person can walk through. Very often people who face divorce feel hopeless. Sadly, many who turn to the church for help face rejection, feeling unwelcome. Many have shared their feelings of being outcast and shunned, even in the case where they were the spouse left behind. Sometimes this is simply their misperception, but sometimes it is very real. Tragically, the Christian army is the only army in the world known to shoot its wounded. Yes, Scripture teaches that God hates divorce, but just because He hates divorce doesn’t mean He hates the divorcee. He loves the divorcee. God hates divorce for many of the same reasons the divorcee hates divorce – most of all, for the pain and suffering it causes to so many lives. There is no doubt that divorce always results from sin, but it is not an unforgivable sin. Divorce is never what God wants, but Jesus teaches us that we have a God of second chances – a God of forgiveness. We all commit sins on a daily basis, yet God offers us forgiveness from those. When we trust in Christ and confess our sins to the Lord, we begin to realize He loves us and forgives us completely. We can find that total and complete healing in the person of Jesus Christ.