Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Author: Max Brennan

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    Strange as it may sound (since I’m the preacher), I so thoroughly enjoyed worship last Sunday. I think we had a good service, and I hope you felt uplifted too.

    Each Sunday night before bed, I usually check the online recording to see how everything turned out—especially the music. Last Sunday, I went to bed a little discouraged. Not because of the music (our choir sounded beautiful!) but because of what the camera showed.

    Here’s the problem: most of us sit toward the back on the left side, so the camera’s wide shot makes it look like we’re preaching to empty pews. When we have 60 or 70 people in worship, the camera makes it look like 15 or 20. If I were a first-time viewer online, I’d probably think, “small and dying”—or worse, “small and dead.”

    So, I’ve asked our amazing tech guy, Jason, and his helpers to adjust the camera angles. From now on, the view will focus only on the first few pews and the heart of the action. No more sweeping shots of what I’ve come to call “the wasteland.” Our online service will feel more intimate and better reflect the warmth and spirit we all experience together in the sanctuary.

    Be sure to check it out this Sunday and see the difference for yourself!

    Pastor’s Class

    Some things we were taught may not be true.

    Join us at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast at 10:30 AM.

    It’s a “We-bring Sunday”—feel free to bring something to share!

    This Sunday

    Mary will be back, our choir will sing, and we’re hopeful that some of our missing friends will feel well enough to return.

    Sermon: It Is One or the Other

    Scripture: Luke 6:27–36

    I’ll be looking for you this Sunday.

    God bless,

    Max

  • Friday’s Word

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    I always have sermons on my mind. Several are usually rattling around in my head at the same time. Here are some things I will be preaching about in the coming weeks, listed in no particular order:

    Christianity Is Illegal. It is—today—in the USA. Not the name. Every bully and braggart in Washington claims to be a Christian. But when you make DEI illegal, you cancel the Christian way of life. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” is all about loving the neighbor.

    The Problem Parable That Changed My Life. It’s the strangest parable—the one about the unjust manager who was praised by the man who fired him (Luke 10:1–13). Why does the employer praise the dishonest guy for doing something bad? It has puzzled people for 2,000 years. But recently, it has spoken to me with such power that burdens were lifted. I’ll talk about that.

    What DID Paul Say About Gay People? I will tell you he said nothing. Yes, you heard that correctly. Nothing! Find out why I say that.

    The Power of Surrender. Things change when we “let go and let God.” I found that out 47 years ago when I surrendered my life to ministry. It was a moment like no other.

    Wrong for 2000 Years. The church has always read the Adam and Eve story wrong. Which came first, our sin or our separation from God? Bet you got that wrong.

    We live-stream every week. Web address below. Or—come to church! Worship is, as you know, at 11:00.

    I’ll save a pew for you.

    saintmatthewumc.com
    [email protected]

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    I have one more meeting with a doctor to get approval for my knee surgery—heart doctor—this Friday. Approval is not guaranteed, but if I receive it, I am on my way to a new knee.

    My love and prayers to all of our people who are involved in medical business right now. Leslieann has had complications from her surgery. Joe and Joan Halford are still out as Joe recovers from a fall. Beverly Tye is headed for surgery. So is Charlotte Holder. Carol Bennett is not yet back after her surgery. Say a prayer—right now—for all you know who are involved with medical problems.

    Pastor’s Class

    We continue discussing my Communion experience—the most remarkable event of my life. At 9:45—followed by breakfast.

    Breakfast This Sunday

    It’s a “Winston Sunday.” Feel free to help. That’s at 10:30.

    Sermon This Sunday

    Sermon: The Power of Surrender
    Our scripture is Romans 8:26–31.
    Kristi will be back. Our choir will be in place but will not do an anthem. (I think that’s right.) This is Communion Sunday.

    There’s a seat in church waiting for you. I’ll look for you in it this Sunday.

    God Bless – MB

  • Friday’s Word

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    Getting Jimmy Kimmel back is a small victory.

    And it’s a step in the right direction.

    But the Heart of Darkness has three more years of vengeance and chaos. We can hope that some members of his cult will see the light. But so far, not many. It’s hard to leave a cult. Good people get drawn in. It’s like good kids who join sides with the bully in high school.

    They may even realize how mean the bully is, but they are on the power side. The Heart of Darkness once said, “To exercise power is to instill fear.” That’s what bullies do. That’s what dictators do. They make people afraid of them.

    We are now a nation run by bullies, and they govern by instilling fear. And, so far, it’s working. Heads of corporations are afraid. University leaders are afraid. Heads of big law firms are afraid. Teachers in classrooms are afraid. The brazen, lawless use of power to instill fear is working so far.

    But that’s—so far.

    It cannot continue.

    Because the trajectory of God’s creation is toward love, not fear. The foundational principle of the universe is love. God, who is the source of all things, is love.

    You can stand in the river with arms stretched out to stop the water, but the water will overwhelm you. You can oppose the foundations of existence only so long. Finally, there is no power against God’s grace.

    “Perfect love,” says John, “casts out fear.”

    It will get darker for a while. Then comes the sun.

    saintmatthewumc.com
    [email protected]

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    The MSB Gospel Choir was a great success! We had 100 people present, and after paying the choir, we were still able to give a generous gift to Eastside Ministries. Thank you to everyone who helped, attended, and gave. Your love truly makes a difference.

    Pastor’s Class

    For the next two weeks, I’ll be sharing something very personal—my remarkable experience during Communion a few years ago. This will be the first time I’ve discussed it with a group. You’ll even receive a copy of the closing chapter from my book. Join us at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast.

    Breakfast This Sunday

    It’s a “We-Bring” Sunday, so feel free to pitch in! Breakfast begins at 10:30 AM.

    Worship This Week

    Mary will be preaching, Kristi will be out, and Blake will fill in.

    Community Spotlight

    Tickets are on sale for Rent at the Grand Prairie Uptown Theater this Saturday at 2:00 PM. Julian, Shannon, and Josh are in the production—don’t miss it! Visit the Uptown Theater Events Calendar (Prekindle Tickets) and click on “Rent” to purchase.

    See you Sunday!

    God bless,

    MB