Monthly Archives: February 2025

Kids’ News

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Last week, we learned about a time when Jesus visited the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary.

When Jesus arrived, Martha welcomed Him as a guest and got busy preparing everything. Hospitality was important in biblical times, and she wanted everything to be just right. But her sister Mary did something unexpected—she sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching instead of helping.

Martha became frustrated and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently told Martha, “Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:42).

What We Learned

This story reminds us that sometimes what is expected and what is truly important are not the same. Martha was busy doing good things, but Mary chose the best thing—spending time with Jesus.

How do you spend time with Jesus? Do you read the Bible, pray, or sing songs about Him? This week, let’s remember to take time to listen to Jesus and grow closer to Him.

Hope to see you in church on Sunday!

Friday’s Word – “He Does Not Know How to Love”

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Many Christians pay little attention to Jesus.

Take J.D. Vance, who proudly wears the name Christian.

He has been in a spat with Rory Stewart, a podcaster, about biblical teachings.

Vance says we love people in this order: “First, you love your family, then your neighbor. After that, it’s your community, then your fellow citizens in your own country, then the rest of the world.”

Stewart says that sounds pagan.

Vance says loving your family, friends, and people of your own country first is just “common sense.”

Stewart says that’s a “bizarre” statement.

And Vance says Stewart “has a low IQ.”

(Time for someone to say, “So’s your mama.”)

Stewart, of course, is right. What Vance says is pagan.

It’s doing what comes naturally.

But it’s not the Gospel.

It’s not what Jesus taught. He says in Matthew 5:46 that if you love those who love you, you get no reward.

Why should you?

Jesus said, “Even the Gentiles (the pagans) do that.”

Jesus tells us to love people who do not love us just as we love those who do.

Jesus calls us to love all people everywhere.

That must include gay people, trans people, and immigrants.

I won’t comment on Mr. Vance’s IQ. I suspect it is pretty high.

But he doesn’t know how to love.

Listen—our Discovering God classes start with NDEs, beginning Wed., March 12, at 6:30 PM.

Drop me an email if you are interested.

Max’s Corner

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The Big Birthday

Nineteen St. Matthew people gathered at the care facility for Keith Butterfield’s 98th birthday celebration. And Keith was better—able to respond to others and enjoy his cake. We give thanks.

Discovering God Class

Last week, we hit the most challenging section of the book. I will continue this week discussing why science and religion are simply two roads to the same reality.

We will look at three more very strange experiences, including that of a man who saw what would have happened if he had died—something like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life.

At 9:45 AM. Join any time. Breakfast after.

Breakfast This Sunday

This Sunday, Joe and Jo Christian Adams will be doing the breakfast. (We thank them muchly.) Feel free to help.

Come—10:30 AM—eat!

I Get the Stronger Shots—

—in my knees—this Friday. So, Sunday, you can watch me run down the aisle.

Don’t I wish.

This Sunday

Sermon: Life is Difficult—but Grace Is Sufficient.

I’m loving talking about Paul. Last week, we saw the rough stuff he went through. This week, we find out how he made it.

Last week, Blake sang. I loved the way he built and built the drama—and the volume.

This week, the choir sings Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. (Yes, the choir is back after break!)

We had just one short of 70 last week—69.

This week, let’s see if we can hit that 70 mark.

📢 On any Sunday before Easter that we hit 70, we will close with Victory in Jesus.

God Bless,

—MB

P.S. — The Rev. Beverly Tye will preach a week from this Sunday—February 16.

Then Mary on the 23rd. Then me on March 2, Transfiguration Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is March 5. We will have a sandwich supper at 6:00 PM before the Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 PM.