Greetings dear congregation, 

I have just left the hospital room of Eloise Rhodes, our oldest living congregation member at St. Matthew. Eloise woke up and smiled when I talked to her. She remembered many names as I spoke to her, sending love from all of you. Please pray for Eloise’s comfort and peacefulness. Pray also for her family who will be making some difficult decisions over the next few days.

Eastside Ministries Annual Fundraising Enchilada Dinner will be held at St. Matthew UMC, Tuesday, December 5, 2023 @ 6:00 pm. RSVP’s are required. We will have a sign-up page on the bulletin board this Sunday. Vegetarian option will be available.

The memorial service we had last Friday for Darrin Charbonneau was well-received by all who attended. The event also shined the light on a meaningful way for St. Matthew to remember Darrin. A “Life Fund” will be established on behalf of Ian Charbonneau, Darrin and Carla’s 10-year-old son. Donations to this fund can be made in memory of Darrin. I am starting the fund with $100 dollars this week and I encourage you to contribute what you can. The seed money will be placed into a managed account for Ian and will be available to him when he is ready to make decisions about college or whatever he chooses. If you would like to participate, please bring your gifts this Sunday and place them in the plate at offering time.  

The Tarrant County Department of Public Health is tracking specific respiratory illnesses on the website, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV. While COVID-19 is not as prevalent, it is still active in our community, along with RSV and influenza. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU: Stay away from crowded places or wear a mask in those spaces; practice social distancing and thorough hand washing; stay home if you are ill and avoid folks who are ill. I had a brief “flashback” Sunday morning as everyone was leaving the church. I forgot for a moment that it is 2023 and panicked when I saw everyone standing close together in the doorway. We need to protect those among us who are at high risk for contracting any illness. The best way to do this is to follow the previous four recommendations. My love to you all, Mary