Saint Matthew today for September 11, 2024
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Monthly Archives: September 2024
Calling for a Volunteer: Represent Saint Matthew UMC at the Eastside Ministries Board Meeting
We are looking for a dedicated volunteer from our congregation to attend the upcoming Eastside Ministries Board Meeting on Friday, September 13th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at St. Rita Catholic Church (5550 E Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76112). We need a representative from Saint Matthew UMC to participate in this important meeting on behalf of our church.
Eastside Ministries is a vital part of our community, providing much-needed assistance to needy families. From food programs to clothing assistance and other essential services, they are a lifeline for many in the Fort Worth area. You can learn more about their work here.
This board meeting will be a chance to engage with other community leaders, learn more about the impact of Eastside Ministries, and help shape future outreach efforts. Please let us know if you are passionate about serving others and can attend the meeting. Your participation would be greatly appreciated as we continue to support this essential ministry.
Email Mary and Max at pastor@saintmatthewumc.com for more information.
Bridging the Gap
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Romans 8:26 New International Version
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Neither Left nor Right
The truth is neither on the far right nor the far left.
Far-right Christians believe in a God who does bad things (orders the killing of the Amalekites).
Far-left Christians believe in a God who doesn’t do anything. They think God never intervenes in our lives, doesn’t know us, and doesn’t care about us.
Let me challenge the left-leaners today. From Rosemary Thornton:
I was 22, driving on a dark road in light rain. The rain and the fog made visibility poor.
I wasn’t going very fast, but I heard a voice clearly demand that I stop the car. I ignored it at first.
But the second time, the voice was yelling. It said, “Stop the car NOW.”
I didn’t know what was happening, but I slammed on the brakes. The car stopped immediately. I put it in park and exited the vehicle.
Two feet in front of the car stood a tiny toddler.
He was wearing nothing but a diaper and looking very frightened. I wrapped him in my arms and moved to the side of the road in the rain.
In less than 60 seconds, a woman came running out of a nearby house, crying and screaming. She had fallen asleep on the couch and awoke to find her baby gone.
I know hundreds of stories much like this one.
We could find thousands.
They are too numerous to dismiss.
And they tell us of a God who cares about us and knows every move we make.
An impersonal God who does nothing is no more real than the mean God of conservatism.
Neither the religious left nor right is willing to face reality: God is all-loving. And God works personally in our lives.
Just as Jesus said.
Max’s Corner
Last Sunday
Labor Day Weekend.
Sixty-one present—with eight of those being children. How wonderful!
Shannon sang a lovely solo, and Blake played a great version of “How Great Thou Art” for the offering. (Kristi was out for one Sunday.) It was so lovely that I listened to that part of the service again on the recording. It made me feel like I was in an old-time revival meeting. Yes, I am old. I like that feeling.
I talked about God sometimes pushing us, sometimes pulling us in God’s direction. We do have freedom, but God does intervene in our lives.
We are free—but not alone. And God has a will for how we live our lives.
This Sunday
Mary may be preaching this Sunday. (Not absolutely sure of that.) And summer is over. Not officially, but after Labor Day, we feel like it is.
Choir practice resumes a week from Sunday at 9:30 a.m. We will have some new members. (Hope we haven’t lost any old ones.)
NDE Class
Attendance has held up remarkably well. The class will run for two or three more weeks. It has been a time of spiritual growth and insight into the workings of God. This Sunday: “Salvation.”
Class at 9:45—followed by breakfast.
Speaking of Breakfast
No one is signed up to bring it. That means this is a “We-Bring Sunday.” It’s up to us eaters.
Food and fellowship at 10:30.
Y’all Come!
No more fiddlin’ and piddlin’ around.
Vacations are over. Lazy days are gone.
It’s back to church—and joy and love and praying together. See you—in church—Sunday.
God Bless,
MB
Yes—keep our sick folk in your prayers.
When people we love are sick, we are also hurting.