Friends, I want to begin by thanking you for your patience and grace on Sunday. I know I ran long, and I am sorry for that. I sometimes get caught up in the joy of worship, announcements, and the life we share together, and that can cause me to begin my sermon later than planned. You are a patient and kind congregation, and I am grateful for you. I also pray that those of you joining us remotely were able to watch the service without difficulty. Work is still underway in the neighborhood to improve internet service. Please remember that recorded services are available on the church website, saintmatthewumc.com, under the “VIDEOS” tab at the top of the page.

For the next three weeks, we will be talking together about stewardship. Please hear this with grace: I do not intend to ask you for money for the rest of September. You are already a generous and faithful congregation, and I thank God for the ways you care for the financial health and shared ministry of this church. On Sunday, September 13, we will talk about stewardship and our spiritual gifts. Some of you already know the gifts God has placed within you. For those who are still discerning, I invite you to read 1 Corinthians 12 this week, especially verses 4-7. On September 20, we will reflect on the gifts of time and talent that are so vital to the life and fruitfulness of any ministry. Finally, on September 27, the sermon title will be “Stewardship as a Team Sport.” On that day, our many St. Matthew ministries will have ministry highlight tables set up in the fellowship hall beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing after the service.

The scriptures I did not get to share with you last week remind us that giving back to God is a response to God’s abundant goodness and grace. These gifts include tithes and offerings, practical care such as food, water, and clothing, and the offering of our time, talent, and skill. The scriptures I wanted to share are:

Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Deuteronomy 14 – “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”

Leviticus – A tithe of everything, not just money or crops. A tithe of everything, because everything belongs to the Lord and all that we have is held in trust.

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

On another note, I want to share information about two of the three upcoming funerals involving our congregations. Please continue to hold these families in your prayers as they grieve and remember their loved ones. First, the memorial service for Kenneth Virgil, a past member of St. Matthew, will be Saturday, September 12, 2026. A light supper will be served at 5:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 6:00 p.m. We will need a few desserts for the meal. Second, the funeral for Winston Kirkpatrick, Sr., Winston’s father, will be Friday, September 18, 2026, in Waco, Texas. The service will be held at Lake Shore Funeral Home and Crematory, Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX 76708. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and the service will begin at 2:00 p.m. I will be driving to the funeral, as I know others will be as well. If you would like to carpool, please let me know by emailing [email protected]. Finally, the funeral for our beloved Keith Butterfield has not yet been planned. I will keep you updated as I receive information from the family.

Tarrant County has informed us by letter that the church will not be used as a polling site for the upcoming elections. While this is disappointing, I am grateful that there are still several convenient locations nearby where our neighbors can cast their votes: Park Meadows Apartments, 2716 Yeager St.; All People’s Universal Unitarian Church, 1959 Sandy Lane; Eastside YMCA, 1500 Sandy Lane; East Regional Library on Bridge Street; and Handley-Meadowbrook Community Center, 6201 Beaty Street.

Early voting begins October 19 and continues through October 30. If possible, I encourage you not to wait until November 3. If you need a ride, please email me, and I will be glad to help make a plan so we can vote early. Early voting in our area will be held at Handley-Meadowbrook Community Center, 6201 Beaty Street, Fort Worth, TX 76112, and at the East Regional Library on Bridge Street.

My love to all of you. May the peace of Christ surround you, may God’s healing and strength sustain you, and may you know how deeply you are held in the warm love of Christ.

Mary