Monthly Archives: August 2025
The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/3s7AgVW39Vb
Matthew 6:9-34 (New International Version)
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
- Our next Night on Broadway concert featuring Shannon and Julian, will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025. The concert will begin at six with a light supper to follow around 7 PM.
- Additionally, we will be hosting a concert with the Western Hills Ensemble choir, directed by our very own Blake Glass. This concert will benefit the choir, and will be held on December 5, 2025. The doors for this concert we will open at 5:30, the music begins at 6 PM and a late supper will be served afterwards.
- Please see Cindy Wheeler if you can contribute to the meals being served, to setting up for the meal, or cleaning up afterwards.
Friday’s Word
Gosh!
(Excuse my French.)
I just lost my place in the Guinness Book of Records as the only person in the world who never made a mistake.
I made one last week.
I said Mr. Morton H. Meyerson played football for Poly. It was actually Paschal—and he was proud of it.
Mr. Meyerson died recently at the age of 87. He once told me that, as a Jewish kid, he always felt a bit left out. But that all changed when he made the football team.
It was football that brought Morton to church a few times. The coach would sometimes take the whole team. I doubt anyone asked the Jewish kid if he wanted to go to church. The team went. So, Morton went.
On one occasion, the preacher asked everyone who wanted to give their life to Christ to stand up. As a joke, the boys on each side of Morton pushed his legs together, forcing him to stand.
The boys got a laugh out of it, but so did Morton. And he stuck with his own faith. When we met, it was the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, and Morton brought me a loaf of bread—a symbol of the Jewish New Year.
There is something Christians need to know: we are all going to the same heaven.
So, why am I a Christian?
Because I know that Jesus was right. He is raised from the dead, and he is Lord.
But Jesus told us it is all about love. And we are all loved by God equally. We are all equally forgiven. And God works with and for all of us, all the time. Whatever our religion.
Live with it.
saintmatthewumc.com
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Max’s Corner
The new sound and video system, along with changes to our sanctuary, were mostly completed by last Sunday. This Sunday, everything will be finished.
An extra-long pew, which had been stored at the back of one of our transepts, is being cut down to serve as the last pew on the pulpit side of the sanctuary. Another long pew will be shortened to fit up to the piano on the front right. These will be in place by Sunday.
And the new video/audio system is now fully in place. This was all made possible by two of our members who left a gift to the church. We give thanks for the continuing legacy of Fred Stearns and Eileen Engleson Stearns. Their love for St. Matthew will continue to bear fruit for many years to come.
Watching Online
It was clear from last week’s video that our online services now have a new and wonderful look. The cameras zoom and pivot. We could see Blake head-on as he sang, and we could even see Kristi at the organ. We saw the congregation several times as well.
Yes, you may need to buy that new dress. Tell hubby, “I’m on TV now.”
As Jason and the crew realized right after the service, we had very low sound on the livestream. This is an easy fix. So, we are on our way.
But I Noticed Another Problem
Yes, I move with difficulty these days, but I cannot sit there like a bump on a log in the middle for the entire service. I look like a stationary blob. I will not move to that stool until I preach. I may need another stool off to the side—at least until I no longer need the stool.
This Is Knee Week
I know you’re sick of hearing about my knee, but improvement may be coming. I meet with the orthopedic doctor Tuesday (that’s tomorrow as I write—yesterday as you read). We will be discussing knee replacement. I know there will be pain, but perhaps no more than I already experience.
My Class
We had a really great discussion last week on salvation. The church has gotten a lot wrong over the years. We have not listened carefully enough to Jesus. God is simply more loving than the church has often taught. And more people go to heaven than the church was willing to let in.
The discussion continues this week. You are welcome to join us at 9:45—followed by breakfast.
Breakfast This Sunday
It’s a “We-bring” Sunday. Please help if you can. At 10:30.
This Sunday
Mary preaches. My stool will not be center-chancel.
Come, let us be uplifted and encouraged through worship and thanksgiving.
God Bless,
—MB