Greetings, dear friends and family of Saint Matthew!

As we draw near to the end of our Advent season together, I find myself looking back and wondering what happened to all the days between the first Sunday of Advent and now, here on December 16. I’ve told myself for years that life would calm down someday. And yet, when I look back and see how quickly time has passed, I sometimes feel cheated, as though it only keeps getting busier.

Today, I’ve decided to stop fighting that feeling. I’ve decided to trust that what is happening in my life is exactly what is meant to be happening. God’s grace and presence place me right where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I’m called to do. So instead of looking back and wondering where the time went, I’m choosing to stay right here in this moment—grateful for what is unfolding.

Because what is happening right now, in my life and in all of our lives, is that God continues to reveal God’s self in both microscopic and magnificent ways. We simply have to be open to noticing. It’s easy to become focused on the mundane, to slip into a kind of stupor as the world rushes by. But no more—not when every breath is precious, every word matters, and every interaction and experience can be a vessel of God’s grace. I encourage you to lean into each day. Advent may be marked once a year, but Jesus shows up every single day. Don’t blink, or you might miss him.

I also want to remind you that this Sunday, following worship, we will gather for our annual Christmas dinner. This year we’ll celebrate simply, sharing pizza and leftover spaghetti—along with an abundance of desserts, thanks to those of you who are bringing them. After lunch, we will enjoy the cutting of the cake with Joshua and Julian. I look forward to seeing you there. And for those watching remotely, please know that I am thinking of you and that you are missed. We love you so much. I am deeply grateful to be part of the ministry of Saint Matthew United Methodist Church and humbled to walk this journey with you each week.

With love,

Mary

Greetings, dear friends and family of Saint Matthew,

This season of Advent is meant to slow us down, to help us breathe, and to make room for God in the middle of our hurried lives. As I mentioned on Sunday morning, I encourage you each day to pause—sit with God, breathe deeply, and savor your morning cup of whatever brings you comfort. You will need that quiet strength for what I must share.

Our dear Carolyn Bell passed peacefully into her heavenly reward on the morning of December 9. Carolyn was one of the pillars of our church. She served faithfully on the Administrative Board and many committees over the years, and she was one of the last members who joined Saint Matthew simply because she lived in the neighborhood and wanted to be part of this community. Her warm smile and heartfelt welcome were the very reasons my family knew Saint Matthew was our home the very first time we walked through the doors.

The family is working to finalize arrangements, and the plan—pending confirmation—is to hold her memorial service this Saturday, December 13, here at Saint Matthew United Methodist Church. As soon as I receive word from the funeral home, I will share details. Please be prepared to help with a meal at the church, either before or after the service. Whether you knew Carolyn personally or not, I would love for us to show her family just how deeply she blessed our lives.

As we look toward the new year, we also have some important work ahead. We will begin addressing foundation issues in the annex, a project that truly cannot wait. Following that, we will move into long-overdue updates to the bathrooms, fellowship hall, and several other areas that need attention. These improvements will help us care for our building the way it has cared for us.

I have also asked Veta to coordinate meals over the next two weeks for Pastor Max and his sister Jackie, as well as Linda Anderson and Charlotte Holder. Nothing fancy—just good, comforting food from the heart. Max is progressing and starting physical therapy, though he continues to have considerable pain. Linda is healing beautifully from her fall and is nearly back to her joyful self. Charlotte’s surgery is today (Tuesday), and I will keep you posted as I learn more.

This coming Sunday is already the third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Love. As I read back over everything I’ve asked of you in this newsletter—your prayers, your presence, your service—I’m struck by how clearly this church reflects the body of Christ. The way you care for one another, lift one another up, and offer hope is exactly what Jesus intended for His people.

Our next steps—reaching into our neighborhood, diversifying our congregation, and offering programs beyond Sunday mornings—will help us continue to grow in God’s grace and truth. I am grateful for you, and for your commitment to the gospel work unfolding at Saint Matthew.

Stay warm, be blessed,

Mary

Greetings, dear friends and family of Saint Matthew UMC!

Our services on Sunday were just lovely and made even more special by the breakfast food and fellowship before they started. My only regret is that I did not get time to talk to all of you. Choir practice and pre-service duties, plus my addiction to Mark and Winston’s breakfast, kept me running before the service. I always want to make certain that I get your prayer requests before the service so that I can announce them during prayer time. It is extremely helpful if I have a written prayer request to refer to during the services. To help with this, there are small pieces of paper on the music stand that sits at the back of the auditorium. Just fill out the paper with the name of the person and the words “prayer request.”

We had some electronic gremlins with us on Sunday, as well as all of you. The lights in the Sanctuary stopped working in the middle of choir practice, and then during the live stream, YouTube crashed, and Facebook became very sluggish. If you are looking for the service to watch, please be patient as we work to get the recording added to these two internet services.

We have collected over 50 bags of food for the Thanksgiving collection with Eastside Community Assistance. Thanks to all of you who participated. It is not too late to take part. We will be collecting food through Christmas for the same type of giveaway. Your support of ECA is always appreciated. While you are out shopping in the coming weeks, please consider donating new packages of men’s socks and underwear. And if you see any larger men’s shoes lying about, there is always a need for those as well. Gently used men’s clothing, and all sizes of coats are also appreciated.

Please join me daily in prayer for our upcoming Advent season. This year has gone by quickly, and the Advent season is only days away. Prepare our hearts, Lord, for the birth of God made flesh. Prepare our hearts for quiet and the chaos, for the fellowship and the loneliness. Make us ready to welcome a new season of possibilities for hope, peace, joy, and love. And all the people said, AMEN.

Love to all, Mary

Hello, Saint Matthew!

I pray you are warm and safe while reading this newsletter. I also pray for those I’ve seen asleep on the streets over the past 48 hours—I cannot imagine how cold they must be. On Sunday evening, Under the Bridge Ministries served food to more than 250 people, including many children. Ronnie shared that they unfortunately ran out of food.

The ministry has asked for the following donations: apples, bananas, and oranges, as well as boxes of healthy snack items such as peanuts, breakfast bars, and granola bars. It’s also the season for hats and gloves—whatever you can give will be deeply appreciated.

It’s also time for the Thanksgiving bags for Eastside Community Assistance. If you picked up a list on Sunday, please remember to bring your items this Sunday. If anyone needs help, we can also arrange to pick them up.

The season of Advent will be here in just 19 days. Please pray for Max and his knee surgeon, as well as for our choir and musicians, as they learn new music for the upcoming season. As always, keep our church family in your prayers as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Love to all,

Mary

Greetings, dear friends and family of Saint Matthew UMC,

Sunday’s All Saints observance was both meaningful and heart-rending. It brings me comfort to know that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). I believe that when we gather at the communion table, we are joined by Jesus, by all the saints, and by our loved ones already in His presence. That may sound far-fetched when written out, but it’s a cornerstone of my faith — faith in the “things not seen” that Paul describes in Hebrews 11.

None of us has seen Jesus in the flesh — we are all believers in things not seen. We, too, are part of that great cloud of witnesses, testifying to the existence and supremacy of God. Our faith rests on what we read of Jesus’ life, what we inherit through Christian and Methodist tradition, what we experience of God, and what we understand through reason. The Reverend Albert C. Outler described this as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason — a distinctly Wesleyan way of examining and understanding our faith.

Eastside Community Assistance Volunteer Appreciation
Friday, November 7 • 6–9 PM
Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
Everyone at St. Matthew is invited! RSVP here: Donors Celebration
Enjoy good food, fun games, and fellowship at this family-friendly event.

Memorial Service for Barbara Jochetz Jones
Saturday, November 8 • 10 AM
St. Luke United Methodist Church
3200 Denton Hwy, Fort Worth, TX 76117
Barbara was a long-time member of St. Luke who joined our online worship during COVID and later attended St. Matthew regularly before moving to New Braunfels in 2023. I will be officiating the service and ask for your prayers. If you can attend, I know Barbara would be deeply grateful.

Thanksgiving Church Meal
Sunday, November 23 • Following Worship
We’ll share more details next week, but please remember that many of our neighbors no longer have access to food assistance. Christ commands us to love our neighbors — and love means action. Let’s each pick up a little extra at the grocery store this week and help feed those in need.

Blessings to all,
Mary