Author Archives: Max Brennan

Max’s Corner

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Service for Jim Lee

Thanks to all who helped—with the service and with the food. Your love, expressed in service, was very important to the family during a hard time.

We are a great church.

Discovering God Class

A few years ago, I called for readers of Friday’s Word to share their experiences with me. One thing I received was a remarkable near-death experience, and this Sunday, we will look at that for the very first time.

I have never shared it anywhere before. Class at 9:45. Breakfast after.

Breakfast This Sunday

This is a “We Bring Sunday.” Don’t forget that! Feel free to help. Breakfast is at 10:30.

Last Sunday and This

Mary had a lovely sermon, and it made me hungry for some chocolate pie!

The anthem O Sacred Head, Now Wounded may have been the loveliest thing our choir has ever done. The cellist, Alex Hyme (spelling may be wrong), will be back with us on Good Friday when the choir will repeat this anthem.

This Sunday, the sermon will be: How Did She Get In?—about a Jewish woman who went to heaven during an NDE.

Thanks for the Cleanup

The sanctuary seemed fresher last Sunday.

Some of our women gave the church a spiffing up after their luncheon last Thursday.

Much appreciated!

Remember the Needs of Eastside Ministries

They are hurting for help. Hundreds of families in need depend on Eastside Ministries for food and clothing.

We will continue letting folks make a special contribution this Sunday.

I do hope to see you in worship this Sunday. Let’s talk about the meaning of salvation.

And sing the songs of grace.

God Bless,

MB

We also welcome those who worship with us online.

Friday’s Word – “Bless Their Hearts”

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Ah!—now we know.

We’ve been so troubled, trying to make things make sense.

How could they do that?

Let children die in Africa.

End research on cancer in children.

Drastically cut aid to veterans.

Rob from the poor to give to the rich.

Side with the aggressor against the victim.

What, in the name of common decency, is wrong with them?

Then the Car Guy said it out loud. He told us what he is fighting against.

Empathy.

He said empathy is destroying civilization.

There is too much of it, he says.

Empathy is the ability to feel the pain of others.

It is the essence of love.

It is the heart of morality.

It is the foundation for the Golden Rule.

“Do unto others—”

When Car Guy said to get rid of empathy, I remembered.

These guys can’t feel the pain of those dying children because they are sociopaths.

Bless their hearts.

They can’t help it. That’s how sociopathy works. Look it up.

A chief trait is the inability to feel empathy for others.

So, stop expecting them to suddenly hear the cries of grieving mothers and change their ways.

Won’t happen.

They are not going to feel your pain.

Nor the pain of dying children.

But I can’t help wondering: Why are so many Christians attracted to sociopaths?

Looks like they would know better.

+++

Hey! Let’s do something good. Let’s go to church this Sunday.

Worship is at 11:00.

Max’s Corner

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Service for Jim Lee

Saturday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew
We will provide lunch for family and friends after the graveside. All are welcome at the service, whether you knew Jim or not.

Discovering God Class

Another great discussion last week! Everyone needs to know—and have a chance to discuss—the kinds of things we are learning in this class. The teachings of Jesus are verified here every week.
Class at 9:45. Breakfast after.

Breakfast this Sunday

This is a “Winston Sunday.” Feel free to help.
Breakfast is at 10:30.

Second Sunday of Lent

Mary preaches this Sunday. Kristi may well be back after her COVID spell. The choir will likely be back in the choir area.

Eyes on the Prize

There will be some misery and chaos for some time to come, but I don’t plan to keep my focus on it. For at any given moment, life is better than we can imagine it to be.

To live in this world—rough as it is from time to time—is an honor and a privilege. We are blessed to be here. And we are loved, watched over, and cared for.

Despite the national sorrow, we are called to trust and rejoice. This will be a wonderful and joy-filled year at St. Matthew.

Expect misery from Washington.
And nothing but amazing grace from our Lord Jesus Christ.

See you Sunday.
God Bless—MB

Give Thanks – We had a gracious and well-attended Ash Wednesday service—and a great meal before it. Thanks to all!

Friday’s Word – “Evil Does Not Win”

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Forgive me for playing the same note on my harp over and over again, but notice needs to be taken.

It is a big thing—the loss of our democracy. The disruption in thousands of lives.

The deaths of children in Africa. And in America, if the present agenda goes through.

I knew that people would show up sad last Sunday, two days after Mr. Zelensky was attacked in the Oval Office.

I did address our obvious sorrow in my sermon and lamented again that so many Christians had helped to bring us to the dark place we are in now.

My mind goes back to the ’50s and ’60s. (Yes, I am old enough to remember those days.)

Racism was the norm in the church. This means that most people in the pews and preaching from pulpits did not truly accept Jesus’ teachings.

But surely, we are much better today. I think not.

Human nature has not changed. Many Christians today are as resistant to the teachings of Jesus as people were back then.

Matthew 5:28-48 is like lost scripture for many Christians. It seems not to exist. For many, the words of Jesus against vengeance and retribution carry no weight.

The unconditional love of God for all people is still not popular.

We know this because of where we are today.

No one who truly knows Jesus Christ would have chosen this.

Yet millions who claim the name of our Lord do, still, support this darkness.

But when it gets dark enough, all (or most) will see that the lights are out.

A change will come.

Evil does not win.

Lord, we trust in you.

Max’s Corner

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Ash Wednesday—THIS Wednesday

Tonight!—if you’re reading this on Wednesday. Begin Lent at the beginning. If we ever needed the encouragement of the Gospel, it is now.

Sandwich supper at 6:00. (No, I’m not bringing my tuna sandwiches. My sister is bringing her chicken salad sandwiches.) Desserts are coming, too. But worship is the main event, and it will start at 6:30.

This is a contemplative service. Blake will sing the beautiful Above All. We will be reminded that we are loved and forgiven. Mary will impose the ashes of repentance. There will be a moment at the altar for prayer if you choose.

Come.

Discovering God Class

I wish everyone could have been in my class last Sunday. We had a meaningful discussion about who we are—a soul temporarily assigned to a body. This week, we will learn that deathbed visions are just one element of God’s loving welcome as we leave this place.

Class at 9:45. Breakfast after.

Breakfast This Sunday

This Sunday—it’s up to us. We all bring. Help if you can. Breakfast is at 10:30.

First Sunday of Lent

The paraments turn purple. We begin our journey to Easter. But the journey matters. The scripture will be the temptation in the wilderness.

The sermon: Where the Power Lies.

Everything Satan says in this passage is a lie. (Hmmm—who does that remind me of?)

We had 70 in attendance again last Sunday. Let’s make a habit of it.

This is a time for commitment.

Jesus said we are “the light of the world.” Let that light shine. Let the world see and hear our witness.

See you Sunday.

God bless,

MB

REMEMBER!!!—ASH WEDNESDAY.