Greetings, Saint Matthew family and friends,

What a blessing this week has been! The rain and the cooler temperatures have been a welcome gift. I found myself standing on my porch, enjoying the 82-degree breeze and thanking God for a moment to simply be still and appreciate His creation.

I am excited to begin our journey toward a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. We begin our first study tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Charlotte Holder will open our time together with prayer, and then we will talk about what we want to study as a group. One option is to begin with Matthew 5, 6, and 7 using a study by Rev. Steve Langford, but this is your time in God’s Word, and we want it to be meaningful for everyone.

This newsletter also includes details for the service celebrating the life of our beloved church member, Mac Selfen. Following the funeral at Wade Funeral Home next Tuesday, we will host the family at the church for a light meal. We are especially grateful that Mac’s granddaughter, Josie, is preparing desserts for the gathering. I’ve had her cookies before, and I can assure you they are wonderful.

As you read this newsletter, I hope you’ve spent some time in God’s Word this week, or at least begun thinking about how to make that time a regular part of your day. Holy habits don’t happen by accident. They grow from setting aside intentional time for prayer, meditation, and the study of Scripture. As we make room for God each day, God fills our lives with the peace, joy, and strength we need to care for ourselves and to love others well.

Finally, don’t forget that our Administrative Council will meet briefly after worship on Sunday to make decisions about a few projects for the coming year.

My heart is with each of you this week. You are never far from my thoughts or my prayers.

Grace and peace,
Mary