Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Year: 2024

  • Kids’ News

    Sue Kelcey
    Categories:

    Things are getting exciting for our kids as Christmas approaches! There’s so much to do, and we’re preparing for a special season.

    As we begin Advent, we learn about Elizabeth and Zechariah. They were an older couple with no children, and they thought they were too old to have a baby. But one day, an angel appeared to Zechariah with amazing news—he and Elizabeth would have a son! The angel said their baby would be named John and that he would grow up to help people get ready for Jesus.

    Zechariah was shocked and had a hard time believing the angel. Because of his doubt, the angel told Zechariah he wouldn’t be able to speak until the baby was born. And that’s exactly what happened! When their son, John, was born, Zechariah’s voice returned, and he praised God.

    This story reminds us that God has a plan, even when it seems impossible. John the Baptist grew up to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus, and we’re reminded to do the same as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

    Our kids are also working on a special Christmas surprise for you. We hope to see you all in church this Sunday!

  • Newsletter for December 4, 2024

    Jason Hardy
    Categories:
    2024-12-04 St Matthew TodayDownload

  • God’s Intervention in History: A Decree Went Out

    Jason Hardy
    Categories:
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    Luke 2:1-5 New International Version

    The Birth of Jesus

    2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

    4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

  • Friday’s Word: First Sunday of Advent

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    In the midst of the disaster that has come upon us, there are some things we must remember.

    This is still God’s world.

    And God, too, has intentions for us as individuals and for the world.

    And God does intervene.

    I cannot talk of God’s grand design. But I know a thousand stories of God’s intervention in individual lives.

    This is from Rosemary Thornton, author of Remembering the Light.

    One night when I was 22, I was driving on a dark road with a light rain falling. Visibility was poor.

    I had an old car, and the defroster didn’t work too well.

    I wasn’t going very fast, but I heard a voice urgently demand that I stop the car.

    I ignored it at first.

    But the second time, the voice was yelling and 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. Less than two feet in front of the car stood a tiny toddler in only a diaper and looking very frightened.

    I scooped him up in my arms and moved to the side of the road and stood in the rain, holding him close as I figured out what to do next.

    Rosemary says that’s when the child’s mother ran from a nearby house, screaming and crying. She had fallen asleep on the couch and awoke to find her baby gone.

    God, too, has intentions.

    God does intervene to work God’s will.

    We are, at all times, loved, watched over, cared for. That’s my comfort in hard times. Be encouraged.

    Trust God.

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    Please remember this. I will ask you this Sunday.
    The number is 10.

    ADVENT

    Yes—the four-week countdown to Christmas begins this Sunday. The colors go all purple, and the music gets sweet and tender—all for the Baby Jesus. Mary will preach on Advent 1.

    We will light that first candle.

    The Class—Discovering God

    Did you see my little article this week on God’s intervention in our lives? That was a voice from an unseen presence. But what about physical interventions in the created order? That’s what we will talk about in class this week. Should be interesting.

    Class at 9:45—breakfast after.

    Speaking of Breakfast

    Yep—Winston is up to bat this week. (Bring something if you wish.)

    Food and fellowship at 10:30, followed by worship.

    Christmas Schedule

    I’m working to get ready for our Christmas Open House at my place on Sunday, Dec. 15. We’ve had some badly needed work done recently, so the house is a mess. That has got to change pretty quickly. And I will need to get my tree up earlier than usual.

    +++ We will need some of you to help with the refreshments. +++

    The purpose of this event is just to give us a time of Christmas fellowship. And you may find the house interesting. Everything in it is pretty old—including me.

    That’s from 2:00 to 5:00 on December 15.

    Our Christmas concert is late this year due to our singers’ schedules: Saturday, Dec. 21, at 6:00 p.m.

    But!!—you will be glad to hear, Christmas Eve remains on the 24th. Some things do NOT change. That’s also at 6:00 p.m.

    God Bless,
    MB