Greetings, St. Matthew family and friends,

I am writing this newsletter after watching several videos that tell the story of the peace, harmony, and pure joy surrounding the World Cup matches. These videos highlight the hospitality Americans have shown to our neighbors from around the world as they visit the United States. I cannot fully describe the joy I am feeling or the hope that fills my heart as I witness people setting aside their differences and leaving behind their fears. I have watched people shake hands, hug, cry, laugh, and truly celebrate our shared humanity in all its God-given diversity.

For so long, our attention has been drawn to stories of division, fear, and conflict. This international tournament has reminded us that darkness does not have the final word. It has allowed the light to shine into our lives once again. We are discovering that people everywhere face many of the same challenges, and we all long to overcome them together.

There is a movement taking place, a renewed way of seeing both our nation and ourselves. We are not defined by the evil that exists in the world. We are called to be a force for goodness that stands against it. God created each of us in God’s image. We are beloved children of our holy Creator. As John 1:5 reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus also tells us in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” My prayer is that God will help us live as people of that light, giving us the courage to welcome others with hospitality and to replace fear with love.

I am grateful for Rev. Beverly Tye and her sermon last week about Ordinary Time. We can be confident that Jesus Christ is always at work, even in seasons that seem ordinary. We have prayed for a miracle that might change the world, and perhaps we are beginning to see one unfold on a soccer pitch, as people from every nation come together in peace and friendship.

There are also new and exciting things happening here at Saint Matthew. We will continue gathering for breakfast each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., followed by worship at 11:00 a.m. Beginning Wednesday, July 15, we will also launch a weekly Bible study at 10:30 a.m. Our dear sister, Charlotte Holder, will begin each session with intercessory prayer, and together we will explore Scripture through thoughtful study, conversation, and faithful reflection. I look forward to sharing those Wednesdays with you.

We are also preparing to begin a grief support ministry. Our first support group gathering is planned for Saturday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. This will be one of several support groups we hope to offer, both at the church and in other locations. More information will be coming soon, and I am excited to see how God will use these new ministries to care for our community.

Don’t forget our Sunday afternoon sandwich picnic and homemade ice cream social! We look forward to an afternoon of good food, fellowship, and fun. If you are able, please bring homemade ice cream or another favorite dessert to share. After lunch, we will put away the fellowship hall tables in preparation for a deep cleaning of the fellowship hall floor.

Finally, my dear siblings in Christ, please continue praying about the campus improvements we discussed on Sunday morning. Julianne’s presentation gave us many wonderful ideas for refreshing God’s house. My hope is to combine fundraising efforts with grants from outside organizations so that we can lessen the financial burden on our congregation. It all begins with prayer. Prayer costs nothing, but it changes everything.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Much love,

Mary