Greetings to you in the name of the risen Christ! I pray that love and peace abound in your life this week and every week.

What a joy it was to see Keith Butterfield on Sunday! Other than his new ride (a wheelchair), he hasn’t changed a bit and is still telling great stories about his life and adventures. Thank you, Doug Kelsey, for making sure Keith made it to church—I know he is deeply grateful to be still able to attend. To those of you unable to be with us physically, please know that we miss you. If you’re able to attend church but just need transportation, please let me know and we will arrange a ride. Email me at mary.teague@saintmatthewumc.com if you have any questions, can offer a ride, or need a ride.

Our September 20th concert with the MSB Gospel Choir will be here before we know it! Work has already begun on the sound system upgrade, and it will be completed in time for the concert. Paper tickets are available from Veta, and we’ll have an online option very soon. There’s also an opportunity to buy an extra ticket or two for folks in our neighborhood who may not be able to afford one. Let me know if you’re willing to sponsor a guest or two.

Finally, the sign-up sheet for helping with the duties of hosting a community concert is still hanging in the hallway on the bulletin board—there are plenty of ways to get involved. Speaking of helping, I’ll be volunteering at Eastside Community Assistance this Friday at 8:00 AM. I’ll be working in the clothing room with Ms. Dorothy, and I’m excited to spend time with her, learn what she does, and help wherever I can.

I’ll be preaching this Sunday and look forward to sharing what God has placed on my heart. One thing is for certain—my heart is filled with the knowledge that I am a beloved child of God. If you never hear me say anything else, please know this: you are also God’s beloved child.

Until Sunday,

Mary