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!