Monthly Archives: August 2024
Watching God Work
Heaven and Earth Together
Pam Reynolds had a brain aneurism that could not be removed by usual methods.
So, the doctors did the unusual, a procedure called “Standstill.” They lowered her body temperature to 60 degrees and stopped her heart and breathing.
Her brainwaves flattened and the blood drained from her head.
She was clinically dead.
She left her body and hovered above it for a while. (She watched the surgery and later described it all to the doctors—to their amazement.)
Then a tunnel opened up and she was pulled into it.
“It reminded me of the tornado vortex from The Wizard of Oz,” she said.
She was headed for an incredible light. It got brighter and brighter.
But she also heard her grandmother calling her.
And she exited the tunnel to a family reunion with her deceased loved ones.
They all looked great.
“Uncle Gene was there,” she said, “and great- great Aunt Maggie, and my grandmother.”
Pam was delighted to see them, but she wanted to go on to the light.
They would not let her.
They told her if she went to the light, she could not go back to her body.
And her family was somehow nourishing her with light. It made her feel really strong.
When the surgery was over, her uncle escorted her back. When she saw her dead body, she resisted going into it.
Her uncle “pushed” her. “And it was like diving into ice water.”
“It hurt!” Pam said.
The surgery was a great success. The doctors had done their job. But so had heaven.
Life is a joint venture, heaven and earth working together. So–let God work with you in your life.
Max’s Corner
SERVICE FOR JK WARE
The graveside memorial for JK Ware, father of Sheila Taylor and Cindy Wheeler and grandfather of others in our church, will be at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery on Thursday—at 10:30. A lunch for family and all friends will follow at the church.
The family invites you to share this time of remembrance with them.
JK is now with his beloved wife, Betty, and his loved ones who went before him.
We praise our Lord.
NDE CLASS
Both Diana and Danny Eades shared their near-death experiences from childhood. At age 10, Danny’s was brief, involving only a life review. Diana’s, at age six, was extensive as she hovered between this world and the next following a snakebite. During her NDE, Diana saw her grandmother, who sent back a message for Diana’s mother.
Class at 9:45—followed by breakfast.
SPEAKING OF BREAKFAST
This is a “Winston Sunday” Feel free to help.
Food and fellowship at 10:30.
The Concert
It could not have been any better.
We had 84 present. Thanks to Shannon and Julian. And thanks for all that good food.
A truly wonderful evening.
This Sunday
Sermon Sunday: The Gift that Makes Us Possible. And we return to the Garden of Eden—Genesis 3:1-13.
I look forward to Sunday. See you in church.
God Bless—MB
Bill Parker is in the hospital—and in our prayers. It does not seem right around here without Bill and Linda. Lord, get them back with us soon.
Mac Salfen—we love you and miss you.
Thanks for the gifts to get our audio and light systems repaired and upgraded. We have reached our goal. The work will soon begin.
Mary’s Corner
Good Wednesday to you from your sacred servant,
Blessings and peace from Jesus Christ, our Lord, to all the sacred servants of Saint Matthew UMC. I am overwhelmed this week by the generosity of this congregation. We have collected $5,000 toward the sound system! We can now move forward with the necessary repairs and even complete a few upgrades that we previously couldn’t afford. I am also deeply moved by the love and grace you extend to each other and to visitors at our events and worship services.
Saturday night was especially touching, not just because of the beautiful music, but also because of the fellowship afterward. Laughter and storytelling filled the room long after plates were cleaned and dessert was enjoyed. What I witnessed filled my heart with joy. I look forward to the day when I can be at the church full-time, so we can schedule even more fellowship time together.
On Sunday, we talked about the sacredness of “never letting your love fail for your siblings” and the importance of serving God by serving each other. What you do at Saint Matthew and in the surrounding area is akin to what the 12 Apostles did over 2,000 years ago to start the church and share the gospel of the Risen Christ. We are all called to this ministry of service, and I am grateful that we are doing it together.
This Thursday, August 15th, at 10:30 am, we will lay to rest the remains of JK Ware in a graveside service at Shannon-Rose Hill Cemetery. Mr. Ware and his dear wife Betty attended Saint Matthew years ago. Cindy and Sheila were members of the church then, and are with us again now. The family will return to Saint Matthew after the service for a meal and fellowship. We need volunteers (aka sacred servants) to help with food preparation, set-up, and clean-up.
I’ve also been in contact with Ms. Blackman, the counselor at BJ Elliott Elementary School. She is thrilled to have the church’s support for their 334 students this year. According to Counselor Blackman, winter coats are the perfect focus right now. Connie Michael will provide more details about when our Winter Coat Drive will begin.
I am blessed to be a part of this church family. You are with me, “like a handprint on my heart,” as Julian and Shannon sang to us on Saturday and Sunday. And I am better because I know you.
Gratefully,
Mary
Jazz Concert Fundraiser for Eastside Community Assistance
Saturday August 24th 6pm @ Meadowbrook/Poly UMC
3900 Meadowbrook Drive Fort Worth, TX 76103