Monthly Archives: October 2025

Mary’s Corner

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Happy Wednesday to all! 

I’ve just returned from Michigan, where I celebrated my brother Toby’s 30th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church of Leslie. It was a grand occasion, with over 150 people gathering to honor his ministry. When Toby was first called to the church, there were only 21 members. At his interview, someone asked what he would change if he were to come. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I would change everything. Look around—there are 21 people here, and this church is dying. We have to change things now.”

They invited him to “come and change us,” and that’s exactly what he did. Together with his wife, Shelli, and their two sons, he built youth, music, cancer support, and grief ministries, and led the renewal of the church campus. Thirty years later, the fruits of that change are clear—God has blessed their faithfulness.

Saint Matthew had a part in their story, too. About five years ago, I asked you to pray for Toby when he was diagnosed with blood cancer. You prayed, and today he is cancer-free. I gave him a big hug from all of us and told him how proud we are of him.

Toby also preached a powerful message called “The Dirtiest Towel.” I’ll share more about that the next time I preach—it’s one you won’t want to miss!

Your prayers are mighty tools in God’s tool chest. Keep using them to do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways that good can be done.

I’ll leave you with a question: If you could change anything about Saint Matthew, what would you change?

Please share your thoughts with me at mary.teague@saintmatthewumc.com or in writing at the church. This is God’s church, and we are called together to care for it and for our community. Look around at what God is doing through us—and imagine what more He can do when we open our hearts to change.

Love and blessings to all,
Mary

Kids’ News – Lean on Me

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This week, we learned about trusting God and leaning on one another when life feels difficult. Sometimes problems seem too big to handle on our own—but that’s when friends, family, and faith make all the difference. God never meant for us to walk through life alone.

The Bible gives us a great example in the story of Moses. When God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses was scared. He didn’t think he could do it. But God surrounded him with helpers—his brother Aaron to speak for him, Joshua to stand beside him, and friends like Hur who held up his arms when he grew too tired to go on. Together, they showed what it means to lean on one another.

God gives us strength when we turn to Him for help, and He shows His love by sending people into our lives to support us. When we help each other, we share God’s care and kindness with the world.

That’s what the old song reminds us too—we all need somebody to lean on. So when a friend is struggling, be the one who offers strength. And when you feel weak, don’t be afraid to lean on God and the people who love you. Together, we’re stronger.

What We Learned:

  • God gives us strength when we ask for help.
  • We can count on God’s love to protect and guide us.
  • Friends and family are part of how God helps us.
  • We’re never alone—God is always with us, and we can lean on one another too.

Friday’s Word

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I always have sermons on my mind. Several are usually rattling around in my head at the same time. Here are some things I will be preaching about in the coming weeks, listed in no particular order:

Christianity Is Illegal. It is—today—in the USA. Not the name. Every bully and braggart in Washington claims to be a Christian. But when you make DEI illegal, you cancel the Christian way of life. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” is all about loving the neighbor.

The Problem Parable That Changed My Life. It’s the strangest parable—the one about the unjust manager who was praised by the man who fired him (Luke 10:1–13). Why does the employer praise the dishonest guy for doing something bad? It has puzzled people for 2,000 years. But recently, it has spoken to me with such power that burdens were lifted. I’ll talk about that.

What DID Paul Say About Gay People? I will tell you he said nothing. Yes, you heard that correctly. Nothing! Find out why I say that.

The Power of Surrender. Things change when we “let go and let God.” I found that out 47 years ago when I surrendered my life to ministry. It was a moment like no other.

Wrong for 2000 Years. The church has always read the Adam and Eve story wrong. Which came first, our sin or our separation from God? Bet you got that wrong.

We live-stream every week. Web address below. Or—come to church! Worship is, as you know, at 11:00.

I’ll save a pew for you.

saintmatthewumc.com
revmaxb@tx.rr.com