Monthly Archives: October 2025
Let It Be
Friday’s Word
Rev. David Black is the young pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Chicago. He and members of his church are putting love into action.
And Rev. Black recently made the news. He was praying on the sidelines of a protest against ICE agents. His prayer was that the Holy Spirit would touch the hearts of the agents and protect the victims. He was shot in the face with a pepper ball.
Standing in his black clerical garb with a clerical collar, in an obvious attitude of prayer, he was shot with the pepper balls over and over again. He heard the ICE agents laughing. Seeing him disabled, the ICE agents approached him and sprayed him with pepper spray. His congregants tried to protect him, taking a lot of the hits intended for the pastor.
If ICE agents treat a minister engaged in prayer with such cruelty, we can only imagine what they do to our Hispanic brothers and sisters.
So, here we are. We have, as a nation, placed evil at the center of national power. Our nation is corrupt at the core. Can the church help to save us?
It was largely Christian conservatives who brought us to this brink. We cannot count on them. But the rest of us have work to do.
First of all, we must not give up. We do not have the levers of power, but we do have the power of the Spirit.
Stand firm. Speak out.
Millions of people will gather in the streets across America tomorrow. It may get darker before the dawn—but love will win. Love will win!
Max’s Corner
I do believe the Holy Spirit got hold of us last Sunday. I got quite a reaction to my sermon. I knew it was something I wanted to say. I wanted to address the current mess (and pure corruption) we are in now as a nation, and how the misreading of the Bible contributes to it. I had no idea how the sermon would land, but I’m glad it spoke to so many.
And I want to thank Jason and the helpers for the beautiful work they do to help us reach a wider congregation. The camera work last week made the service feel intimate and immediate. As I reviewed the service, I felt I was there. (And as I recall—I was.)
One thing you can do is share our service with others each week on Facebook. Help us spread the word. There are so many who need to hear it.
Pastor’s Class
God and Grief
Experiences tell us that God wants us to be comforted in times of loss.
At 9:45—followed by breakfast.
Breakfast this Sunday
It’s a “Winston Sunday,” but feel free to help. That’s at 10:30.
This Sunday
Mary preaches this Sunday.
Our choir will be back and singing an anthem that will be new to you: The Storm Is Passing Over.
I’ll be looking for you this Sunday.
Good to have Joe, Joan, and Leslieann back with us last Sunday. And we had one first-time visitor, invited by the Rev. Beverly Tye.
And oh! The women will meet for lunch this Thursday. Good food. Good fellowship.
God bless,
MB
Mary’s Corner
Blessings of love and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.
I continue to reflect on the message Pastor Max shared this past Sunday. He has preached from that passage five times since I joined Saint Matthew in 2011! I keep notes in my Bible, marking each date when a pastor preaches from a particular scripture—and Max’s sermon this week was truly one for the record books. His love and passion for the people of the world shone through his words and the tears that accompanied them. I am deeply grateful for the gospel that is preached here at Saint Matthew’s, and for the truth that Pastor Max shares with such conviction and compassion. My heart is still singing “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” as I replay his message in my mind.
This Sunday, I’ll be preaching from the same chapter in Luke. Max’s sermon inspired me, and as I listened, God gave me both the passage and the words to share with you. We’ll also sing another gospel song together—one that may surprise you! I’ll keep it a secret for now, but I’m excited to lift our voices with you in worship. Join us in person if you’re able, or via livestream at saintmatthewumc.com at 11 AM. You can also find all Saint Matthew sermons on our website under the Video link.
Our Saturday Night Concert Series continues on October 25 with Lazarus, performed by the All People’s Church Choir. This free concert will be followed by a dinner of tacos, beans, rice, and homemade salsa! I’m looking forward to this evening of fellowship and the many blessings God has in store for us.
With love and gratitude,
Mary