Greetings to all,
The Women’s Luncheon on Thursday and the speaker from the Alzheimer’s Association have been rescheduled to Thursday, January 16th at 11:30 AM.
Still a potluck! Still open to everyone.
I pray this newsletter finds you warm and well. By the time you read this, we may or may not be surrounded by snow and ice. Our friends at Under the Bridge Ministries have an urgent need for coats, blankets, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and other cold-weather essentials. They’ve shared that shelters are often filled with women and children, leaving many men outside in the freezing cold.
If you’d like to purchase one, Walmart offers reasonably priced Arctic sleeping bags. I’m happy to deliver any items brought to the church. If ordering and shipping directly to me is easier, just text or speak with me for the address. This cold weather is expected to last a while, and anything you can contribute will be deeply appreciated.
My prayer for you this week is that you have an intense and undeniable experience with God. May God’s presence fill your quiet moments, especially if the weather keeps you indoors. If your schedule feels too full for quiet time, I urge you to carve out a few moments just for God.
This week’s sermon reminded us to be kind to one another, to live humbly, and to remain open to the needs of others, along with tending to our own. I encourage you to pray for guidance on what it looks like to live as God’s beloved children—growing in love and knowledge of God.
On Sunday, I mentioned the opportunity to start Wesleyan classes, but no one reached out to express interest. I pray that was simply due to timing. Please consider if God is calling you to be a leader or participant in a small group. Imagine the joy of welcoming a visitor to Saint Matthew and inviting them to join a small group in their neighborhood. What a blessing that could be to someone feeling isolated! Let’s pray together for God’s guidance for our church family.
Special prayer requests:
- Keith Butterfield
- Brian McCosky’s brother, Bill McCosky
- Our friends without access to warm, dry shelter
- Our neighbors living without adequate resources or services
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
I invite you to join me in prayer every day at 3 PM. I set an alarm on my phone as a reminder to pause and pray.
Finally, this Sunday, immediately after church, the Admin Board and all committees will meet in the fellowship hall. If you’re not currently on a committee, please consider joining one.
Love and blessings to all,
Mary