Hello to all of God’s beloved children,

I pray that your week is going smoothly—and that most of your plans are indoors! It looks like we’ll have hot and humid weather for a while longer… and maybe even more rain? My grass has never been this green in July, and my water bill has never been this low!

Summer is usually a time when attendance at St. Matthew dips a little, but not this year. We’ve been consistently welcoming around 60 people each Sunday, and I am so grateful for your continued commitment to our congregation. It brings me joy to see your faces each week. Please continue to pray for one another and for the world around us.

This Friday, July 17, I’ll be meeting with the Eastside Community Assistance Board. We have many things to discuss, including the upcoming gospel concert on September 20, 2025, featuring MSB. Tickets will go on sale July 27, both in print and online, and will be available until we sell out. I truly hope many of you will invite your friends and family to enjoy this evening of music, fellowship, and a shared meal afterward. I’ll share more details next week.

I also want to personally thank you for your generosity and prayers in support of the flood relief efforts in the Rio Texas Conference of the UMC. Our goal was to raise $2,000, and you gave $4,000! You overwhelm me with your kindness and love. A check will be sent to the Rio Texas Conference, and 100% of your donations will go directly to help those in need. Please continue to lift these families—and so many others around the world—who are being affected by extreme weather.

My love and blessings to you all,

Mary