Wednesday, December 31, 2014

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

This is the last day of 2014. Looking back over the year, is there something

you wished you could do differently? If you are like me there has always

been a great desire to return to the past with a few do-overs.

If I had a time machine, I would go back farther than just this past year.

Remember those teenage years when we were driven by compulsiveness

and were extremely impatient! Well, as adults, we can still remain in that

mind set. The bible teaches us time after time of grownups returning to

their former immature ways that consequently kept leading them into

trouble.

Now, Jesus Christ offers us a way to continue growing up. But growing up

again can be challenging. Dominican priest Father Simon Tugwell said that

Jesus offers us a way to “grow up properly by a painful dismantling of our

false grown-up-ness. To this end, the Son of God “came to be a child with

us,” so that we could be led back to childhood and then full stature of Christ

himself.”

All of us are a work in progress. I invite you to come and be a part of our

community at Central, where we encourage one another to go on to greater

and greater faith.

Monday, December 29, 2014

RAY

Good Morning!
              
There is no doubt about it. When you love the Lord with all your heart, it

affects every aspect of your life. How you think, speak, and act is

completely different when you are walking with Jesus! A close connection

with God prevents the waste of life that comes from sin and evil.  Ask God

to direct your every thought and action! Live a Godly life and you will not

fear death!

The truest lengthening of life is to live for Jesus, wasting no time and using

every hour, every minute, every second - to glorify our heavenly Father!

In Romans 6:23, the Bible makes it very clear about how God feels about sin,

"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ

our Lord!" I'm so thankful that Jesus paid the price for our salvation! 

Through Jesus Christ-we can have Victory! What an awesome God we serve!

Have a great day!

Friday, December 26, 2014

GLENDA

Good Morning:

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. What a marvelous time

of year! I love Christmas and all that it stands for. Probably the best activity

at Christmas was the candle light service at church. Worshipping together

with friends and family makes Christmas real. It makes you forget about all

the commercialism of Christmas and hearing the Christmas Story....the real

Christmas Story about Jesus...reminds us that God, who loves us all very

much, sent his only son to us in the form of a baby, to grow up as one of us,

to be an example of what we can be if we follow God's commandments. I

hope all of you experienced some of those feelings during this Christmas

season, and I hope for all of you the peace and joy that only God's love can

give you. Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

BOB

Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist

Community here in Meridian. This morning I am sitting here in the

sanctuary of Central. Christmas has been celebrated in this place since 1919.

Every year since then people prepared their hearts for the arrival of the

Christ Child. Today at 1 PM, 4PM and again at 6PM we will join in that

eternal Celebration. This room will be filled with the laughter of children,

the warm greetings of worshipers, songs about the angels, the story read

once again about the birth of our King, the remembrance of his death and

resurrection. And then in silence we will once again light our candles to

remind ourselves that this baby born so long ago is the light of the world

and calls us to share his light with others. Join us at any of these three times

1 or 4 or 6 this evening. It promises to be a magical moment.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

JIM CAIN

What does Christmas Mean to me?
It’s bright lights, and candles, a trip to the Christmas tree farm
It’s hot coca -marshmallows and a fire crackling in the fireplace
Christmas is a church choir
The phone ringing and one of my boys asking, “Is it all right if I charge

momma’s present to you.”
It means passing cars with Christmas packages up in the windows as

families go visiting
It’s kissing kinfolks, some you want to kiss and some you don’t

Christmas just means so much to me. 
Plenty of goodies laying around the house-
It’s the utter pandemonium that is Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve, and the

peace of the still quiet house once all the young’uns are final in bed
It’s working with Wesley House, the Advent Fair, Stop Hunger Now,

Christmas at the Cain’s, the Christmas Eve Candle light services, and all the

other things we do at Central United Methodist

It’s my boys coming home and asking” Daddy can we do Operation

Shoebox can we do it daddy, can we?”
Christmas is the expression on my boys’ faces as they filled those boxes

with stuff their money bought, put the lid on them, and sent them off

What’s Christmas? It’s helping other people know the love of Christ, that’s

the Spirit of Christmas. It’s great to be a Christian at Christmas time!

Friday, December 18, 2014

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

We are not far away from Christmas day, and having three young boys at the

house makes for lots of excitement. I can look on their faces and tell by the

questions that the anticipation is almost too much to bear.

This season of all seasons brings with it the anticipation that God is going

to do something marvelous in our midst. What will be this marvelous thing

accomplished in our midst? It will be the birth of Jesus who will save us

from our sins. We have heard this story over and over in Christian faith but

I hope that it doesn’t lose its power to amaze us over the love of God for his

creation. We are suppose to be full of the anticipation that is a part of this

season, not for presents and family gatherings but because this is the time

of year that we remember that God has loved us so much that he has given

us his very Son.

I hope that this is the marvelous time of year for you and that you are filled

with anticipation for Christmas Day.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

JIM CAIN

Good Morning!

On a December day in 1957, while spending the Christmas Holidays at

Graceland, the king of rock-and-roll, Elvis Presley, receives his draft notice

for the U.S. Army.  Though fans sent thousands of letters to the army asking

for him to be spared, Elvis would have none of it. He was sworn in as an

army private in Memphis on March 24, 1958.  After basic training, Elvis

served in Friedberg, Germany, where an army buddy of Presley's introduced

him to a young girl named Priscilla, whom Elvis would marry some years

later.

Ironically, the once despised singer was now seen as a model for all young

Americans. After he got his polio shot from an army doctor on national

television, vaccine rates among the American population shot from 2% to 85

% by the time of his discharge.

Thousands of years ago, another young man received a government notice.

One that decreed he was to return to his birthplace and register with the

census. He too was accompanied by a young girl on his journey, but her

name was not Priscilla, it was Mary.

By being obedient to the edict of King Herod Joseph and Mary would play

their part as role models in the birth of a king. No, not the king of rock and

roll but the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

Have you ever stuffed a Christmas stocking with goodies? What about

putting all that stuff under the Christmas tree? You even have a lot of stuff

to do before December 25! All of that stuff can wear us out.

With so much stuff in our lives we often skip over the real meaning of

Christmas. Instead, we get caught up in the buying, selling, partying, and

celebrating that will keep us going full speed until we drop in exhaustion

on Christmas morning.

Instead of experiencing the peace and joy that Jesus Christ brings, we may

be suffering from a season of family squabbles, credit card debt, and

frustrated dreams brought on by media-hyped fantasies of happy holidays.

This Advent season, call a time out! Just for today, slow the season’s mad

rush with moments of silence. Silence the phone, light a candle, sing a

Christmas carol, take a walk, or even take a nap. Remember to give thanks

and pray.
After your much needed time out, I invite you to come and be a part of our

community, as we remember the Real reason for the season.

Monday, December 15, 2014

GLENDA

Good Morning:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall

be upon his shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,

the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah said

those words approximately 750 years before the birth of Christ. That

prophecy came true and the birth of that child is the reason we celebrate

Christmas each year.

Christmas is not just a holiday. It is a holy day. Without Christ, we wouldn’t

have the promise of eternal life. Without Christ, our sins wouldn’t be

forgiven. Without Christ there would be no hope. Without Christ, we

wouldn’t have this holiday. Remember that as you celebrate Christmas this

year. Merry Christmas to you all!

Friday, December 13, 2014

JIM CAIN

“Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the

Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.” 1 Samuel 1:28

Have you ever wanted something so bad, you would do almost anything to

see it happen? Hannah did. She was barren and getting older every year

while her husband’s other wife was having kids and rubbing it in her face.

God heard her prayers and graciously gave her a son. But, what did Hannah

do with that great treasure? She gave him back to the Lord, allowing him to

be raised in the temple, set apart for service to him.

Think about what you have been asking God for. Are you ready to give it

back? Is that why you haven’t received it yet? Remember, after Hannah gave

her son to the Lord, he blessed her with more.

Everything we have comes from the Father so we should

follow Hannah’s example by giving it all back for his use and glory. You’ll

be glad you did!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

Billy, a little boy, went fishing and told his mother: “I caught a hundred fish

and all of them weighed about ten pounds and I gave them all away to the

homeless.” His Mother asked their pastor to speak to him after church about

telling the truth. The minister said: Billy, a huge gorilla came into our

church growling and told me he was going to eat me in four bites. But then a

little two pound poodle came in and killed that big gorilla right there on the

spot. Then he drug the gorilla outside, dug a hole and buried him. Now

Billy, do you believe that story? Without batting an eye, Billy, looked up

and said: “Yes, sir. I sure do. That was my dog.”

Like Billy, some people have a difficult time telling the truth. Jesus told his

followers to let your yes be yes and no be no. Whether we want to believe it

or not, each time we open our mouth our credibility is at stake. Knowing

this, let us strive for integrity by our words and actions.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

BOB

Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central A United Methodist Community

here in Meridian. Christmas is almost here. We see the celebration

everywhere. This Sunday at Central the Sanctuary Choir will present a

beautiful program of Christmas carols and lessons which will inspire us to

prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. It will be in the

sanctuary at 10:55 This Sunday morning, December 14th. That evening

Central is also presenting a Christmas pageant, which includes music and

dance as well as a dramatic presentation calling us to be peace and light in a

world that loves the darkness. That will begin at 6:00 PM also in the

Sanctuary. Anyone and everyone is invited to come to either of these events

as together we Celebrate the birth of the King.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

RAY

Good Morning!

Think before you speak! The Bible has quite a bit to say about how we use

our words. In Eph 4:29, we're told, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come

out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up ..."

We need to be aware of how powerful our words can be.  Once spoken, they

can never be taken back. The old saying "Sticks and stones may break my

bones, but words will never hurt me" is simply not true! Unkind words hurt

deeply, and may even destroy someone's self esteem for life! The Bible is

filled with stories of people who God sustained through His words of

encouragement. How we speak - reflects Christ's character within us. Be

generous with words of encouragement. When tempted to give an angered

response, stop and ask yourself, "What would Jesus say?" God will give us

the victory. Have a great day.

Monday,. December 8, 2014

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

We have just started the church’s Advent Season. It is a time, once again, we

think of all that Jesus did for us. During Advent, we consider his birth, his

life, his teaching, his healing, his friendships, his suffering and death, and

his resurrection.

This can be almost too overwhelming for any of us to take in. What we can

take in is that God is here, with you, with me, and everybody. So, whether

you are doing your Christmas shopping, fixing a holiday dinner, or just

watching TV, God is with you.

Since Jesus was born as a human child, he was called Emmanuel, which

means “God with us.” He was here on earth for 33 years. But that was not

the end. He said he would send his Spirit to be with us always, everyday,

everywhere, and in every situation. So, think about that! You or I are never

alone, never having to make decisions on our own, nor do we have to travel

alone, because God is with us.

During this season, take time to say hello to the one who is forever walking

beside you. Invite him into your life. Then go to your Father’s house to give

thanks. If you do not have a church home, you are always welcome at

Central.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

GLENDA

Good Morning:

This is a busy, busy time of year. We just got through Halloween and

Thanksgiving and now are getting ready for Christmas. With all the hustle

and bustle of shopping, decorating, cooking and planning, let's not forget

that Jesus is the reason for the season.

When I asked some of the four year olds at the Children's Center what was

the best thing about Christmas, they naturally said, getting lots of presents.

I told them the story of Jesus' birth and told them how the wise men

brought gifts to the baby Jesus. I like to think that this is the reason we give

gifts to one another......to remember those precious gifts the wise men

brought to a precious baby. Remind your children of that and help them to

understand that Christmas is celebrated only because of a tiny baby. No

other reason. Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

How many of us remember the old country song entitle “Looking for love in

all the wrong places!” Many people really do look for love in all the wrong

places. They try to find happiness and joy in money and material

possessions, but it doesn’t work because we have been created as spiritual

beings, not material beings.

Others look for meaning and purpose in a job or even another person, but

still feel empty in life. Pascal said “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the

heart of every person, which cannot be filled by any created thing but only

by God the creator.”

As a Lead pastor for the past 20 years, I have watched the brokenness of

people’s lives and the endless search that they are on. I promise you that if

you will stop looking in the wrong places for love and open your heart to

the love of God, your purpose will be revealed. I invite you to find your

purpose with a relationship with Christ.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

JIM CAIN

The "Million Dollar Quartet" is the name given to recordings made on

Tuesday, December 4, 1956, in the Sun Record Studios in Memphis. The

recordings were of an impromptu jam session among music greats Elvis

Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. It was arguably the

first super-group in the history of American Music.

When the tracks were released, Cash’s distinct voice is absent from the

recordings. Music historians feel that Cash had come by the Sun Studios to

collect on money owed him, and after receiving it, he left to go shopping for

the upcoming Christmas holiday. Sadly, it is that way with many of us

today. We spend so much time cleaning, cooking, shopping, and preparing

for the arrival of Christmas, that when the day finally arrives, we are too

tired or distracted to enjoy the moment. Jesus, himself, once told Mary and

Martha that they should spend time with Him rather than the things of this

world that would always be here.

So during this Christmas season, take a moment away from wrapping gifts,

sit down with a refreshing cup of hot chocolate, pick up the Bible and

reconnect with the source of the holiday. The packages will still be there

when you return, I promise.

Monday, December 1, 2014

BOB

Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist

Community here in Meridian. This coming Sunday, December 7th in the

8:30 worship service, the Praise Band will present Not a Silent Night, a

program of music and readings that will give each one a glimpse of how

Mary may have viewed the events of Bethlehem as she reflects upon the life

of Jesus from the foot of the cross on which he died. We look back on that

night in Bethlehem and imagine it in a warm fuzzy light, quiet and

peaceful. Mary must have remembered what a noisy night it was and how

the birth and life of Jesus was anything but peaceful. Join us for an

inspiring hour of music, worship and reflection this Sunday morning at 8:30

in the Fellowship Hall at Central for Not a Silent Night.