In Luke 24, we hear a powerful yet often overlooked truth: “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” After the resurrection, Jesus spent time with ordinary people, fishermen, tax collectors, and laborers, who struggled to fully grasp who He was and what God was doing. Like them, we often long for immediate answers, relief, and clarity in uncertain times.

The ascension reminds us that Jesus’ physical departure was not abandonment, but preparation. The mission would now continue through His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit. They were called to witness, to share, and to live out God’s love in the world. We are those witnesses now. We are Easter people, filled with the Holy Spirit and called to carry the story of God’s love into the world around us.

Join us this Sunday at 11 am as we explore the question, “Can You Believe This?” Our sacred text this week is Acts 2:1-13, the story of Pentecost. I pray that you can join us in person or online at saintmatthewumc.com. Service begins at 11 am, with breakfast at 10:30 am. It is our turn to supply the food, and we hope you will come share in fellowship together.

Upcoming events:

• May 24th: Pentecost Sunday.
  Wear your red as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
• May 31st: Lift Every Voice Sunday.
  We will spend the entire worship service singing your favorite hymns along with some of the newer praise and worship songs we have been learning together.
• June 7th: Bring a Friend to Church Day
  Invite your neighbors, friends, coworkers, or anyone looking for a place of belonging. Following worship, we will gather for a cookout and fellowship together. Everyone is welcome.
  

I am excited to spend this Sunday with you.

Blessings to all,
Mary