Friday’s Word

Discovering God Class Resumes

On Monday, we began to function as an oligarchy.

“Oligarchy” is rule by a few wealthy and powerful (mostly) men who use their power for their own (often corrupt) ends.

Lincoln’s “of the people, by the people, and for the people” is over.

It is now “of the few, by the few, and for the few.”

But I predict chaos.

Someone in an NDE got a glimpse of hell. He saw selfish and vengeful people in endless war with one another.

Selfish and vengeful people have trouble getting along with one another. They lack the capacity to care deeply about anyone but themselves.

So—a friend one day is an enemy the next.

Evil is self-defeating.

Lincoln also said, “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time.”

“But,” he said, “you can’t fool all the people all the time.”

People will notice:

  • The rich getting richer.
  • The poor getting poorer.
  • Families separated.
  • Mothers crying for their children.
  • (And, of course, the price of eggs continuing to rise.)

And when people do notice, things will begin to change. But until then, the journey will be rough.

On Monday, an order was issued to end the task force working to reunite parents with children taken from them at the border.

A thousand children will not see their parents again. The evil has begun.

But it will not win. This is still God’s world.

Lord, hear our prayers.

My Discovering God class resumes, 9:45 Sunday.

Come. Be encouraged.

Max’s Corner

Discovering God Resumes

The Discovering God class resumes this Sunday at 9:45. We will be discussing the “light” many people encounter in religious experiences and in NDEs. Our discussion may lead to new understandings about who we are and our relationship with God.

You may join this class at any time. It is intended to be a weekly dose of encouragement as we grow in grace together.

Breakfast this Sunday

It will be warmer this Sunday. Breakfast as usual.

This is a “We-bring” Sunday, and your help is appreciated.

To the Doctor Tomorrow

I will be taking my knees to the doctor tomorrow, two months after my first visit. I may get some word on what the future holds concerning treatment. I’ll let you know Sunday what the doctor says.

This Sunday

Mary will be preaching.

We were gratified by attendance last Sunday—the coldest Sunday we have had in years.

So!!—we expect a full house this week!

God Bless,
MB

Mary’s Corner

Hello, Beloved Children of God,

As I write this newsletter, I am feeling two things: First, very blessed to be one of God’s beloved. And second, COLD! I’m so very grateful for an indoor job! The next couple of weeks will be chilly. If you or someone you know needs assistance with housing, utilities, or groceries, please email me at mary.teague@saintmatthewumc.com. You may also text me if that is easier. God has blessed Saint Matthew with a group of generous, loving people who are always willing to take care of each other. We are extremely blessed.

Shannon performed another amazing song for us on Sunday morning, “Footprints in the Sand.” The music and lyrics touched my soul, but it was the passion in Shannon’s voice that brought tears to my eyes:
“I promise you, I’m always there, when your heart is filled with sorrow and despair. And I’ll carry you when you need a friend, you’ll find my footsteps in the sand.”

Shannon sings like someone who believes God is always present, always offering comfort and peace. Her voice, those lyrics, and that music give me hope. Thank you, Shannon, for singing God’s truth and love into our lives.

I am preaching this Sunday, so I will keep this newsletter brief. My sermon will be from 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 if you want to read ahead! Bring a friend if you can. We are going to talk about being the body of Christ to the world. I look forward to seeing you.

Love to all,
Mary

P.S. You didn’t really think I was finished, did you? We have a couple of important business meetings coming in February, and I am asking for specific prayers for our church as we enter another year of serving God on the Eastside of Fort Worth. Thank you!

Kids’ News

After God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, but before they reached the Promised Land, they spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. During that time, God’s people had to trust in Him and follow His directions. One specific instruction from God was to build the Tabernacle—a structure that symbolized a permanent temple but was designed to be mobile.

The construction of the Tabernacle was a monumental task, but it was accomplished as a community. The Israelites gave so generously toward the project that Moses eventually had to ask them to stop giving! Their combined efforts demonstrated the incredible things that can be achieved when people work together.

As God’s house, the Tabernacle became a sacred place where the people of God could come together and encounter Him. Today, the church continues this tradition as a place of Christian community and a reminder of our ongoing connection to God.

This week, we learned about the fabrics, colors, and lengths of the Tabernacle’s curtains. Join us in the church to discover more about the gold that covered the Ark of the Covenant. See you Sunday!