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Have you ever been given a really important job and wondered if you could do it?
After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent time with His disciples, helping them understand what had happened and reminding them that God’s love is for everyone. One day, Jesus met them on a mountain and gave them an important mission. He told them to go out into the world, share His teachings, and help others learn how to follow Him (Matthew 28:19–20).
This was a big job, and the disciples may have felt unsure or even a little afraid. But Jesus gave them a promise to hold onto. He said that He would always be with them, no matter where they went. They were not being sent out alone. God’s presence would guide them, strengthen them, and give them the courage they needed.
That same promise is true for us today. We may not travel to faraway places, but we can share God’s love in simple, everyday ways through kindness, helping others, and telling people about Jesus. Wherever we go, we can remember that we are never alone. Jesus is always with us, leading us and helping us share His love with the world.
What We Learned
- Jesus calls us to share His love with others
- We do not have to be afraid because Jesus is always with us
- We can live out our faith through kindness and everyday actions
- Everyone can be part of God’s mission, no matter their age
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We give thanks for the many ways God’s love is shared through the life of our church.
This past Sunday, our choir offered a beautiful expression of worship under the direction of guest conductor Julian Rodriguez. Their music created a space of reflection and praise, helping to center our hearts in God’s presence as we gathered together.We are especially grateful for the spirit of prayer, thoughtfulness, and shared commitment present at our recent Family Business Meeting. Together, we took meaningful steps in discerning the vision for Saint Matthew, seeking to listen for God’s guidance as we move forward as a church.
Each week, we come together in worship, fellowship, and service, trusting that God is at work among us—guiding us, strengthening us, and leading us forward in love.
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I greet you with the love and peace of Christ,
In a time marked by uncertainty, division, and fatigue, our congregation is being called—clearly and faithfully—back to God’s vision. Like the prophet Habakkuk, many of us have cried out, asking “How long?” and “Why?” Yet God’s response remains the same: Pay attention. Write the vision clearly. Keep your eyes on Me.
At St. Matthew, we believe God does not intend for this church to wither, but to flourish. We have the identity, resources, courage, and calling to be exactly what God intends for this neighborhood and beyond. Our vision is rooted in the way of Jesus: moving toward the poor, creating space at the table, pushing back darkness, and announcing that the kingdom of God is near.
At its heart, our vision is love—the kind of love revealed in the resurrection, where fear, grief, and hate never have the final word. Our vision is intergenerational community, honoring wisdom, history, and the assurance that God is trustworthy. Our vision is belonging, extending beyond Sunday mornings into a vibrant, welcoming presence every day of the week. And our vision is seeing the image of God in one another and in all those still searching.
Together, we commit our plans to the Lord, trust God’s leading, and step forward—imperfect but willing—to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.
I am thrilled by your response to this sermon and overjoyed by your engagement in our family business meeting on Sunday. God has great things in store for us and I am blessed beyond words to be in ministry with you.
Remember each other in prayer and with thanksgiving for all that God is doing in our lives. Blessings, Mary
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