May 2018May 2018

Sedona United Methodist Church

SUM GOOD NEWS

Greetings to our Sedona UMC Family & Friends,

So, Easter has come and gone—the Easter bonnets and Easter ties put away until next year, the decorated eggs finally gone (thank goodness no more deviled eggs or egg salad), the crowds at churches receding (I can finally sit in my favorite

seat again). But what about the Easter message? The meaning of the Cross—has this too been returned to the closet shelf? This sounds like the kind of thing that theology students and professors might enjoy discussing, but not the sort of thing that will help you work out problems in your marriage or raise your grandkids or help pay the bills or overcome the long list of personal challenges. But, there is no more practical and important subject in all of scripture. The cross of Jesus Christ is central to our Christian faith. The cross reveals to us the character of God: God’s love for the least, the last, and the lost (us) and God’s perfect plan for salvation meet at the cross. If we want to grow in our love for God (which is the 1st and greatest commandment) then we must never lose sight of, or our appreciation for the gift of the cross! If we want to grow in relationship with God, and more, into the image of Christ Jesus, we must also grow in under-standing of the significance of the cross, which confronts the most prevalent and insidious of all our challenges—the lure and calling of the things of this world. See, the cross is the place where all our wounds are healed. If you suffer from emotional problems, guilt, anxiety, depression, anger, or whatever--there is healing in the cross of Jesus Christ. If you are going through tragedy or suffering, there is comfort in abundance found through the presence of knowing Jesus has walked there and is walking with you right now—right now! If you are struggling like most in discerning, hearing and answering God’s call for your life—come to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ and discover new “life goals”. And keeping the cross of Christ central will protect you from the many winds of false doctrine blowing in our society today. Satan hates the cross because it sealed his doom and he is relentless in his attacks to undermine and thwart the cross.

(Message continued on page 2)

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Office Hours:

Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon

928-282-1780; Fax: 928-282-6377

Email: sedonaumc.az@gmail.com

Website: www.sedonaumc.org

Published monthly by Sedona United

Methodist Church, keeping members and

friends informed of the missions and

ministries of the church and reporting news

about the congregation.

Worship Service:

Sunday: 9:30 a.m.

Communion: first Sunday of the month.

Celebrations: last Sunday of the month.

Children’s Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

Our Church Staff: All Members of the Church Ministers

Rev. Fred Mast Senior Pastor

Rev. Arland Averill Pastor/Retired

Wayne Light Lay Leader

Brad Beale Choir Director

Bob Martin Bell Director

Mary Luttrell Organist Laurie Rathbun Pianist

Richard Batka Facilities

Brian Henry Community Relations

Jenny Mast Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper

Dr. Rick Brothers; Pat DiMillo Wellness Ministry

Janie McDaniel Caring Lay Ministry

Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata Desert Southwest Annual Conference Rev. Neil Leftwich District Superintendent

In Loving Memory: Rev. David Ellsworth, 1922 – 2011 Founding Pastor

Rev. Phyllis Averill, 1937-2015 Rev. Tom Bush, 1933-2017 Retired Pastors

Drewer Johns, 1919 - 2012 Maude Johns , 1923-2017 Retired Missionaries

Romans 5:6-8 Says-

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

During the upcoming “Dog Days of Summer” I want to invite each and every one of you to venture with me as we strive to—“Keep Easter Alive”. During these upcoming months we will renew our joy celebrating the gifts the cross brings; we will see our prayer lives come alive in ways we may never have experienced before, and we will be given the opportunity to recommit our lives to making Jesus Christ our strong and solid foundation. And all that is required to claim your “present”—is your “presence”! Grace & Peace,

Pastor Fred

DO YOU LOVE TO QUILT?

We have a wonderful ministry here at Sedona UMC of

making Prayer Quilts. If you love to quilt or sew,

please see Ellen Brooks. The Quilting Group meets

the First and Third Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall

Classroom.

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This Year’s

Theme:

Our Sanctuary will be open this day

from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

for you to come and pray .

On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill

proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law in the

United States. President Reagan amended the law in

1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as

the National Day of Prayer on which the people of the

United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation

at churches, in groups, and as individuals. Two stated

intentions of the National Day of Prayer were that it would

be a day when adherents of all great religions could unite

in prayer and that it may one day bring renewed respect

for God to all the peoples of the world.

THURSDAY, MAY 3

Prayer brings people together. Prayer builds bridges. Prayer reminds us that we are created in God's image and He desires for us to represent Him everywhere we go. Prayer brings UNITY. Ephesians 4:3 challenges us to mobilize unified public prayer - "Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." We can come together in clear agreement that this is our greatest need. We can become a visible union, standing together in prayer. We can pray more than ever before, and practice extraordinary prayer for the next great move of God that will catapult the message of the gospel nationally and internationally.

"There is no great movement of God that has ever occurred that does not

begin with the extraordinary prayer of God's people." Dr. Ronnie Floyd

Additional opportunity to unite in prayer is with an interfaith service at Sedona City Plaza,

102 Roadrunner Dr., from 12 pm to 1 pm. Several pastors from the area will be there

including our own Pastor Fred.

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Assisting in Worship for May at 9:30 a.m.

May 6 Liturgist: Liz Lukeman Ushers: Terry Sidwell, Don Reilly, Mike Givler

Communion Servers:

Balcony: Al & Anna Schneck Tray (gluten free): Jane Brothers Organ side: John & Jean Biggers Pulpit Side: Doug & Janie McDaniel

May 13 Liturgist: Janie McDaniel Ushers: Terry Sidwell, Larry Herman, Charles Black, Denny Decker

May 20 DAY OF PENTECOST—WEAR RED! Liturgist: Doris Compton Ushers: Jim Keller, Al Schneck, Rick Brothers

May 27 Liturgist: Denny Decker Ushers: Terry Sidwell, Don Reilly, Mike Givler

2018 Fellowship Teams JANUARY —Usher Team

FEBRUARY — Finance MARCH — Worship APRIL — Congregational Care & Wellness Team MAY — SPRC JUNE — Missions JULY — Choir AUGUST — Welcome Team SEPTEMBER — Christian Education & Library Team OCTOBER — Nominating Committee NOVEMBER — Trustees

DECEMBER— Lay Members

Prayers

Please pray for these churches: First UMC, Phoenix First UMC, Sun City

First UMC, Yuma

Website: www.sedonaumc.org Check out: Sunday Sermons online; Online Prayer Requests; A Photo Gallery

Like us on Facebook!

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10 Gene Chandler 10 Fred Mast 11 Al Schneck 14 Gail Davis 14 Elizabeth Lukeman 14 Paco Luttrell 14 Jim Pryke 16 Kat Bramblett 16 Bob Jensen 21 Dixie Edwards 25 Jim Fletcher 26 Terry Sidwell 27 Kathy Roth 29 Rick Brothers 31 Megan Carder

May Celebrations

10 Russell & Julie Dilts 14 Robert & Christie Ferkin 15 Jack & Stephanie Dempsey 25 Michael & Jean Givler 28 Jim & Marlene Latham

On April 14th & 15th, we experienced a wonderful concert

with many world renowned performers at SUMC. It was unbe-

lievable! The performers said many times how welcoming our

church was, so much so they want to come back again next

year! Thanks to Vicki Beckner’s organization and Janie

McDaniel and Bob Burt’s use of their pianos.

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HOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES

IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!

Palm Sunday and Easter Cantata!

Thank you to our choir director, Brad Beale,

Mary Luttrell, Laurie Rathbun and the entire

choir who put in many hours preparing for

the Cantata. It was fantastic! They also did a

wonderful job on the Good Friday “Passion of

the Christ” Service. Thanks to all of you!

MAUNDY THURSDAY

FEAST OF FRIENDS

Thank you to all who brought a dish to share at the Feast of

Friends. We had wonderful fellowship and a blessed

worship time with communion. What a celebration of the

last supper and a time to remember our Lord’s preparation

for Good Friday.

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CHRIST IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Our Sanctuary was a wondrous sight on

Easter morning. Thank you to all those

who helped with the transformation and

those who helped at the Sunrise Service

and at our Traditional Service. We had a

packed house! These special services

could not happen without the help of

many.

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Family Movie Night

Join us Friday, May 11th Dinner starts at 6 p.m.

Featuring

“All Saints”

Lots of great food and great fellowship!

The movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Men’s Breakfast Saturday, May 5th

8:15 a.m.

At THE GOLDEN GOOSE! Super 8 Sedona, 2545 AZ-89A,

Sedona, AZ 86336

Please bring a can of food for

the Food Bank

First time guests get

breakfast free!

CHOIR TAKES THEIR SUMMER BREAK AND

SAYS GOODBYE TO BRAD!

The Choir will finish their season on May 27th at

which time we will say Goodbye to our current

Choir Director, Brad Beale. Brad will be

graduating from NAU with a Master’s Degree in

Music then he will begin a new journey in

Minnesota. Help us express our gratitude and

well wishes with a celebration at Fellowship on

May 27th. We are also delighted to announce

our new choir directors - Jan VanKooten and

Laurie Rathbun who will share the duties. We are

truly blessed.

SUMMER MUSIC SIGN UPS BEGIN

With our choir on break, we welcome anyone

who would like to perform for our Special Music

during worship. Please watch for the sign up

board in the Narthex to pick a date from June 3 to

August 26. We would love to see your special

musical talent!

ALL SAINTS is based on the inspiring true story of salesman-turned-pastor Michael

Spurlock (John Corbett), the tiny church he was ordered to shut down, and a group of refugees from

Southeast Asia. Together, they risked everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.

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NEW MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

DONATION COLLECTIONS

DONATION BOXES LOCATED IN THE NARTHEX

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUSITY!

On Sunday, June 3, SUMC will be partnering with “Little Pink

Houses of Hope” as they bring in families of breast cancer

patients for a week retreat in our beautiful Sedona. Our

part in this important mission is to provide a check-in point

as the families arrive and a “Welcome to Sedona” dinner

that evening. We will be looking for volunteers to help

cook, serve and clean up dinner for approximately 60 people. A lot of the cooking will be done

prior to Sunday (desserts and making salads). If you would be interested in helping Pastor Fred

and Jenny with this worthwhile event, please contact Jenny Mast.

Little Pink Houses is a non-profit that was formed by cancer survivor Jeanine Patten-Coble to

provide retreats to breast cancer patients and their families to help them relax, reconnect and

rejuvenate during their cancer journey. Many organizations and individuals in Sedona make this

happen and we are so fortunate to a part of this special group.

SUMMER SURVIVAL KITS FOR THE HOMELESS

Your Missions Team is partnering with the Old

Town Mission in Cottonwood in conjunction

with the Jewish Community to help collect

items for distribution.

ITEMS NEEDED

2 Person Tents Hats/Visors Bug Spray

Flashlights w/Batteries Sunscreen

Chapstick Sun Glasses Handwipes

Neck Cooler Scarves

Money or Gift Cards for Water Purchases

COLLECTING THROUGH SUMMER

MEDICAL MISSION TO MEXICOMEDICAL MISSION TO MEXICOMEDICAL MISSION TO MEXICO———FAITHWORKS FAITHWORKS FAITHWORKS

Dr. Rick will be joining Faithworks on this Dr. Rick will be joining Faithworks on this Dr. Rick will be joining Faithworks on this mission to Agua Prieta, Mexico. This two day mission to Agua Prieta, Mexico. This two day mission to Agua Prieta, Mexico. This two day Mission from May 17Mission from May 17Mission from May 17———20th is vitally 20th is vitally 20th is vitally important to the people of Agua Prieta. important to the people of Agua Prieta. important to the people of Agua Prieta.

ITEMS NEEDEDITEMS NEEDEDITEMS NEEDED

Travel size toiletries,Travel size toiletries,Travel size toiletries,

New Toothbrushes/Toothpaste Sunscreen,New Toothbrushes/Toothpaste Sunscreen,New Toothbrushes/Toothpaste Sunscreen,

Disposable Razors Washcloths Socks Disposable Razors Washcloths Socks Disposable Razors Washcloths Socks

Ziplock bags (Quart & Sandwich size) Ziplock bags (Quart & Sandwich size) Ziplock bags (Quart & Sandwich size)

Toilet Paper Paper Towels Kleenex.Toilet Paper Paper Towels Kleenex.Toilet Paper Paper Towels Kleenex.

COLLECTING THROUGH COLLECTING THROUGH COLLECTING THROUGH MAY 13THMAY 13THMAY 13TH

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COMMITTEE CORNER

Trustees: The trustees have been very busy as usual! Approval

for purchasing new folding chairs for the Fellowship Hall was done

with a generous gift to cover most of the cost, a meeting with AT & T

finally discovered an issue with their equipment that caused sounds

from our organ and should be fixed, and installation of a stain glass window film

has begun in the Fellowship Hall being made possible by a generous donor.

Approval for the purchase of a projection system was also passed for our

sanctuary through the Hannig Memorial Fund. (more on this later) The Verizon

Tower construction should start this month with a delay while we waited for a

onsite inspector to be utilized by the contractor.

The Missions Committee has organized many mission collection opportunities

which include FaithWork’s Medical Mission to Mexico, the Desert Southwest Annual

Conference Project, and the Summer Survival Kits partnering with the Jewish Com-

munity and Old Town Mission in Cottonwood. They also organized the serving of the

Sedona Community Dinner on April 30th. More opportunities to serve for the Community Dinner

will be on July 30th, Sept. 17, Nov. 26 and Dec. 17. We still need someone to lead this important

committee!

The SET team would like to thank Denny Decker for all his countless hours of

organizing this year’s “Community Flea Market”, on April 28th! We couldn’t

have done it without you! The next big event is our Red, White and Blue BBQ on

July 1st.

As we say goodbye to our current Choir Director, Brad Beale, this month we

wish him all the best as he starts his new journey in Minnesota. He will be truly

missed. Along with the SPRC, we are so happy to welcome our new directors.

Starting in August, Laurie Rathbun will begin with our choir rehearsals, then Jan

Van Kooten will take over in October through Easter. Laurie will then again lead us through May.

We are so fortunate to have so much talent in our music department.

Trying to get the word out about SUMC—we invite you to view and share

Sedona UMC’s YouTube Channel, visit www.youtube.com then search for

“Sedona United Methodist Church”. If you want updates when new videos

are posted, you can “Subscribe” to our channel by clicking on the red but-

ton. You must be signed up with YouTube to be able to subscribe. If signing

up isn’t for you, don’t worry, you can still watch the videos! Also like and share our Facebook posts.

This really helps!

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COMMITTEE CORNER

Christian Ed Committee is working on some new opportunities for us to study

God’s word through a class on prayer using the “Circle Maker” book and also a new

class on the Psalms.

S.A.G.A.P.—Sedona Area Gap Asist Program. Painting of the storage room below the

Fellowship Hall has been organized by DeNise with a volunteer from the community. This program

is being spearheaded by DeNise Bowers to help the Sedona residents currently on assistance with

those items not covered by state programs. (Hygiene products, cleaning products, diapers, over

counter medicines, paper products.). Please contact DeNise if interested in helping with this

important ministry. SEE NEEDS OF THIS PROGRAM ON PAGE 12 OF THE NEWSLETTER.

Welcome committee— Such a wonderful job has been done by this committee to

welcome our guests. They started handing out crosses to our first time guests last

July and have given away 500! Sales of the crosses have been great which will allow

this committee to make a donation towards our mortgage reduction. Thanks to all

these team members and our congregation for making SUMC such a warm and

welcoming church.

ESOL UPDATE: We previously reported that Suzie Dunn would be giving up her job as ESOL facili-

tator at the end of May. This Ministry was started at Sedona UMC 14 years ago and Suzie has been

the glue that has held it together these many years with many families being touched and blessed

by this great ministry. Because this is such a vital mission in our church, we felt it important that it

continue so we worked with the tutors and came up with a way to provide the facility and support

they so need. As of May, our office administrator, Jenny, will be filling the role of Secretary and

Treasure of the ESOL program. Pastor Fred and volunteers, will fill the role of facility coordinator

and will open and close the church as well as provide support throughout the evening. The tutors

will also fill in the gaps with tutor coordinating, curriculum developing and maintaining materials.

Don’t worry, Suzie will remain with ESOL as student coordinator, a much lesser load but equally

important role! Whew, it took many people to replace one Suzie!

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO SERVE?

SUMC is always looking for help on one of their committees. Prayerfully consider serving on one of

our ministry teams: Stewardship Team, Trustees, Welcome Team, Christian Education, Congrega-

tional Care / Wellness /Prayer Ministries, Missions and Outreach, Special Events/Fellowship,

Worship Team, Communications, Helping Hands, Reaching New People and Library Team.

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SEDONA AREA GAP ASSIST PROGRAM (S.A.G.A.P.)

S.A.G.A.P. is seeking a handful of people to help get this service up and running. If you have interest

in assisting with this project please contact DeNise Bowers at 928-202-7248.

COMMITTEE FORMATION

Assistance in forming a committee of mission minded individuals willing to contribute their ideas in

developing processes for the following;

Research our Sedona area communities to be sure we are not duplicating services

Research how to administer product (one day a week, one day a month)

Developing an application process to qualify recipients

Developing a process for acquiring donations and deciding who we want to approach for recurring

monthly donations

Forming fund raising or product raising drives

Developing an inventory control

Pick/up and delivery processes

Developing a web presence and registering with ARIZONA GIVES

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

An individual IRS letter of Determination to participate with Arizona Gives

Most recent years 990, audited financials or completed financials

Proof of 501(c)(3) standing, Federal Tax I.D.

FUNDS NEEDED

Locate a grant writer

Identify what funds are needed and how they will be used

Purchase ( or find unused bins) of donation bins and deciding the placement of those bins

PEOPLE NEEDED

Individuals willing to assist hands on with storage building preparations ( current clean up, painting

and organization)

Individuals willing to pick up donated goods and deliver to the storage once a month

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Jan Shuman 928-203-0586 rtshuman@hotmail.com Christian Education Coordinator

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN at 9:45a.m. Offered Sunday mornings.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. in the conference room. All men are invited. This group now studying the Book of Matthew.

ANNA’s CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY Every Thursday at 9:45 a.m. This women’s group meets in the conference room. They are currently studying the book of Job in the Old Testament then moving to the Book of Ester..

Once again, SUMC,

will host Emerson

Theater’s Summer

Youth Theater

Camp.

June 18th—July 14

Spread the word!

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Blood Pressure Screenings will be done on May 20th

in the Fellowship Hall Classroom after Worship.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018 MISSION PROJECT

“GIVING GOD OUR BEST”

Our Bishop has selected three projects: Arizona Justice for Our Neighbors (AZ JFON / Tucson), The

Inn Project (Tucson) and our international offering – Tongan relief aide. The success of these mission

ministries depends on the generosity of people like us. Monetary donations will be collected

through Sunday, June 3rd and item donations for the Tongan Relief Aid through June 10th.

AZ JFON is a legal clinic welcoming immigrants by

providing affordable, high-quality immigration

legal services, as well as engaging in advocacy for

immigrant rights, offering, education to commu-

nities of faith and the public about these issues.

Our first clinic is located in Tucson.

The Inn Project provides temporary housing to

people seeking asylum in the United States. In

collaboration with ICE, The Inn Project helps to

get children and their accompanying adult(s) out

of detention centers to a friendly & safe environ-

ment as they await arrangements from their

family in the United States.

Cyclone Gita ravaged Tonga in February of 2018 and our

Tongan churches are seeking all of our support to help their

friends and families back home. We are also accepting the

following items to ship to Tonga:

Bottled Water, Rice, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal, Tea, Coffee, Salt, Flour, Sugar, Aluminum Foil, Flash-

lights w/Batteries, Ropes, Shirts & Pants of any size, Backpacks, Paper, Pens, Pencils, Chalkboards

w/Chalk, NIV Bibles—English.

Monetary donations can be made in our offering plates or in the front office (please be sure to

mark your donations accordingly) and a donation box will be available in the narthex for items.

For more information you can visit the conference website: https://dscumc.org/2018/04/

annual-conference-mission-projects-3

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Lay Servant Ministries 2018 Calendar

May 18-19, 2018 August 10-11, 2018 Red Mountain UMC (East District) White Mountain UMC (East District)

Leading Worship Basic Leading Bible Study Discovering Your Spiritual Gift

July 13-14, 2018 September 28-29, 2018 Prescott Valley UMC (West District) Community Church of Buckeye (West District)

Basic Planning Worship

Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Resolution Come to the Table: Communion

October 19-20, 2018

Sun Lakes UMC (West District)

Lay Pastoral Care Giving

Life Together in the UM Connection

For Class Registration November 16-17, 2018 http://dscumc.org/lay-servant- Trinity UMC, Phoenix (West District)

ministries-training-sessions/ Basic and From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon

Our current District Superintendent,

Neil Leftwich, will be moving to West

Virginia as of July 1 to be closer to

family. The conference will be holding

a farewell party on Sunday, May 6th.

If you would like to attend, please let

them know or contact Pastor Fred as

he will be attending.

We are pleased to announce that our

new District Superintendent for the

West will be Rev. Nancy Cushman.

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SUM Good News Sedona United Methodist Church 110 Indian Cliffs Road Sedona, AZ 86336

Phone: 928-282-1780

Fax: 928-282-6377

Email: sedonaumc.az@gmail.com

Website: www.sedonaumc.org

Sedona United Methodist Church

Mission Statement

Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by Welcoming all people,

Worshiping God joyfully, Caring for each person, Discovering Christ’s

transforming love, and Serving God’s world.

Vision Statement

To share the happiness that is Christianity for all people.

sedonaumc.org 928-282-1780 sedonaumc.az@gmail.com

Get Connected and Stay Connected

You asked for it! — Electronic Giving

By popular demand SUMC now offers you the ability to make your

tithe and offering donations using your debit or credit card on our

website—www.sedonaumc.org