I’m Back

It took some effort—that’s the most I’ve moved in a month—but I’m glad to be back at it. And how good it was to have Larry and Rev. Beth Ensor with us! Beth just retired, so they were finally free to visit the church they once called home. Pure joy. And what a blessing to see Linda Pruitt in worship, still recovering from her stroke. That, too, was a joy.

And how ’bout that solo!? Julian’s rendition gave me goosebumps. It was so good to have him helping me lead the singing. Kristi was her usual fantastic self. Blake is still off working on his master’s degree. (And we found out just how smart Kristi and Steven’s dogs are!)

My Class Resumes This Sunday – 9:45 AM

I’m picking up again with my class, and this week we’ll be talking about something big: the idea that the Church may have gotten salvation wrong. I believe God is better than most people think—and we’ll dig into that this Sunday.

We’ll follow class with breakfast. Since this is a “We Bring” Sunday, come hungry and come ready to share a dish if you’re able. Winston brought food last week. Now it’s our turn.

This Sunday’s Sermon:

“The Biggest Thing We Don’t Know About God”

You may think you know it—but you don’t. And even after I tell you, you still won’t fully grasp it. Because it is unimaginable. We can’t comprehend it.

Yet—it’s the thing we need to know most.

Come. Let me share it with you.

Watching Online?

One of our two cameras is nearly useless—no zoom at all. Jason and Robert have been using it only for transitions. All the close-up work is handled by a single camera.

That’s about to change.

Installation of our new sound booth, new cameras, and full rewiring will begin either early next week or the week after. You’ll notice a big improvement in our online worship experience. Stay tuned.

Special Offering for Flood Victims

Thank you, Mary, for getting this started. We will again be taking up a special offering for flood victims in the Hill Country.

As before, we’ll collect this offering before the sermon, and then take our regular church offering afterward. Please give as you feel led.

I Will Not Be Silent

I don’t want to harp on the subject. But the stakes are too high for silence.

Millions will suffer because of decisions being made right now by our government. Children will go hungry. Families will lose healthcare. Medicaid will be slashed. Even Medicare is on the chopping block.

No one is safe when the person in charge is deranged, malicious, and unstable.

Do you care about the poor? About gay people, immigrants, people of color, people who are sick?

Are you truly a follower of Jesus Christ?

Then stand with Him.

Don’t argue. Don’t fight.

Just stand with the Lord, and let the world know you are a Christian by your love.

God Bless,

—MB

Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord,

It was such a joy to have Max back with us on Sunday—especially on a communion Sunday. And it was wonderful to see everyone. If you weren’t able to join us in person, we missed you and hope you were able to catch the service online. Julian Rodriguez’s rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow gave me goosebumps. We are truly blessed at Saint Matthew to have musicians of such incredible talent.

Speaking of gifted musicians, don’t forget: we will be hosting an Eastside Community Assistance Benefit Concert on September 20th, featuring a local gospel choir called MSB. This is shaping up to be a major community-wide event, and we are praying for a crowd of 190–200 people. All Eastside Community Assistance churches are being invited to help with marketing and ticket sales, and your help is needed! There’s a sign-up sheet on the board in the hallway—please lend a hand where you can.

For the first time, we will be selling tickets to this event. Tickets are $25 per person, and that includes both the concert and a meal afterward. If you are able, please consider buying an extra ticket or two for those in our congregation or neighborhood who might not be able to afford it. The meal will be hosted in the Fellowship Hall, the overflow Sunday School rooms, and at picnic tables outside, as needed. We want our neighbors to know that we are here, we care, and we welcome them. As soon as we receive marketing materials from the choir, we’ll start spreading the word in the neighborhood.

I’ve spent the past week trying to live what I preached during the last three Sundays. I’m working hard to breathe before I speak, to speak with love and compassion, and to remain quiet when God tells me to be still. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to serve this church and to share these kinds of messages with you. Remember, everything is a communication with God. You will never look into the eyes of someone whom God does not love and accept. God’s love is unconditional, inclusive, and overwhelming.

Under the Bridge Ministries still needs men’s summer shorts, T-shirts, clean underwear and socks, and shoes (size 12 and up). If you don’t have these items to donate but are able, perhaps consider purchasing a pair of shoes or a bag of socks to support this important ministry. They serve 250–300 people every Sunday in downtown Fort Worth—rain or shine.

I am so deeply grateful for all of you. Each of you carries your own burdens, faces your own crises, and walks through your own valleys. And yet, you still show up for one another. Watching how you give—your time, your hearts, your prayers, your resources—is truly inspiring. It humbles me every day, and it remains one of the greatest honors of my life to serve beside you in our shared calling: to tell others about Jesus and to stand against injustice and oppression.

With love and gratitude,

Mary