Ash Wednesday—Next Week

It is not this Wednesday, but I am working on the service today. Wednesday, March 5—6:00 pm for a sandwich supper and 6:30 pm for the service.

It’s a hard world we live in right now. Our spirits need nourishment. Come to this service, which begins Lent—our journey to the Cross.

The Anthem

Every Time I Feel the Spirit. Again, a major impact within the sanctuary—and it also sounded great online.

Remember, we have several hundred who worship with us each week from their homes. And our new equipment will improve those online services.

New Audio/Video Equipment

The Church Council took the plunge Sunday and voted to revamp our audio/video equipment. There wasn’t much choice in it, since our old soundboard died, and we needed to move Jason and Robert out of the hot, cramped attic booth.

But we are going further than we have to—getting three new cameras and possibly four. We love for people to be in church, but many of our people can’t be physically present. We want to do our best for them.

Discovering God Class

This week—what people see when they are dying.

For most people, heaven starts before they leave this earth.

Our class begins at 9:45 am. Join anytime. Breakfast after.

Breakfast This Sunday

This is a “Winston Sunday.” You can still help. Breakfast is at 10:30.

Transfiguration Sunday

It may not be big in your book—but it is in mine.

The Transfiguration story is one of the most important in the Bible. Sermon title: “When God Speaks—Listen!”

We had 70 last Sunday. We will close this week with Victory in Jesus. And yes—we gather at the Lord’s Table. Communion Sunday.

God Bless — MB

HEAR THIS! Check elsewhere in these pages for the time of Julian’s performance this Saturday.

Trust, Commit, Be Still, Refrain

Hello, dear church

These four instructions sound easy on paper. I am writing this article on Tuesday at 3:45 PM, and I can tell you that since Sunday at 12:30, when I left the church, I have trusted God implicitly. But I’m still working on the other three.

Many distractions in life keep us from spending quality time with God. I understand that, and I recognize it as an area for improvement in my life. Being still and refraining—also known as thinking before I speak—have never been my strong suit, and I know there is still much work to do. I guess the point of starting your newsletter like this is to let you know that we are all a work in progress for God, walking the path to holiness and sanctification together.

The great thing about this journey is that God, through His grace, is the one who makes us holy and sanctified. Our part is to invest in the acts of worship that create space in our hearts for His work. By the way, to be sanctified means to be set apart for God. I’m sure many of you already know that, but I wanted to share what it means to me. We are all set apart by God—set apart as His beloved children to share His love in this world.

I hope you all enjoyed our music Sunday morning and appreciated the experience of learning the background of these vitally important hymns. The history of Methodism and the United Methodist Church in the Black community is not a pretty one. The church has been involved in systems of oppression against Black people since before slavery was even a reality in the United States, and many of those actions were carried out in the name of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be in a church where I can bring these truths into the open and where we can discuss ways to repair the trauma caused by our ancestors.

What a glorious thing to look out at our congregation and see so many willing to do so much for the Lord. You make my heart sing!

Three members of our congregation recently completed Faith Community Health Promoter training. Carlene Wheeler, Lynette Coleman, and Kathy Callahan are taking the lead in reviving our Faith Community Nursing program at Saint Matthew. We will be starting very soon with a class called Matter of Balance. I look forward to working with these three enthusiastic nurses.

One way to prevent falls in your life is to attend our Chair Yoga class on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:00 AM.

Blessings and the peace of Christ to you all,

Mary

A Great Service

Rev. Beverly Tye is a powerful preacher. Edward Hjorth, who watches from home, called Monday morning to say how much he enjoyed the service. The story of her father was an astounding account of Christian commitment and witness.

The Anthem

The power of the anthem didn’t fully come through on the streamed recording, but the in-house version last week was truly moving. It was an uplifting experience for those in attendance.

Discovering God Class

We are beginning Section Two of Discovering God. In Section One, we explored how people experience God intervening in their lives in this world. In Section Two, we move beyond this world—diving into near-death experiences and encounters with loved ones who have gone before us. Exciting discussions lie ahead!

Time: 9:45 AM. Join anytime! Breakfast follows the class.

Breakfast This Sunday

This Sunday is a “We-Bring Sunday”—which means we need your help! Please bring something to share. Breakfast will be served at 10:30 AM.

Sound Repair

We have turned in a check for $4,900 toward a new soundboard. Our in-house soundboard has stopped working, so we’re using this as an opportunity to relocate Jason Hardy and Robert Lee from the hot attic streaming booth. Our goal is to consolidate in-house sound and internet streaming into one larger board in the booth at the back of the sanctuary.

This project requires modifications to the existing sound booth and the addition of some new cameras. If you would like to contribute, simply designate your gift for “sound.”

This Sunday

Rev. Mary Teague will be preaching this Sunday. See you then!

God Bless, MB

Blessings and peace in the name of the risen Christ!

We had a wonderful service on Sunday. Thank you, Rev. Beverly Tye, for the beautiful message—a great reminder that following Jesus means loving our neighbors, our enemies, and even complete strangers! We are truly blessed to be part of a church family that is open and welcoming—not only to each other but also to those we don’t yet know.

This week, we have much to lift in prayer:

People losing their jobs.

Those losing financial grants that help pay for expensive medications.

Medical researchers whose work depends on these grants.

Prayers for President Zelenskyy, his family, and the people of Ukraine as they endure continued war.

Prayers for President Putin, his family, and the people of Russia, that they may have a Damascus Road experience and come face to face with the risen Christ.

And while we’re praying for hearts to be changed, let’s add all those in Washington, D.C., and leadership roles across the government. Not prayers for perfection, but prayers that the love of Jesus, as shown on the cross, will overwhelm their hearts and minds. Fighting and arguing are distractions. What the world truly needs is leaders focused on what is best for all.

Love to all,
Mary