Greetings, beloved children of God,
On Father’s Day, we reflect on the powerful story of the prodigal son in Luke 15—a story many of us know well. A younger son makes poor choices, squanders his inheritance, and finds himself broken and alone. Yet when he returns home, his father does something unexpected: he runs to meet him, embraces him, and celebrates his return without hesitation.

This father models a kind of love that is bold, unconditional, and grace-filled. He does not dwell on past mistakes, shame, or failure. Instead, he focuses on what truly matters—his son was lost and is now found, dead and now alive.

In contrast, the older brother struggles with resentment and judgment. He cannot see beyond his brother’s failures and, in doing so, misses the joy and blessing already present in his own life. This tension invites us to reflect: which posture do we take?

God calls us to love like the father—to extend compassion without limits, to welcome others without conditions, and to set aside judgment and fear. God’s love is not limited or scarce; there is always more than enough to share.

When we remember how deeply we are loved and forgiven, we are empowered to love others the same way. This is the heart of our calling: to love boldly, reflect God’s grace, and help others experience the joy of belonging in God’s family.

Don’t forget the many folks who have requested prayer for themselves or a loved one. God listens when we pray. Also, do not forget that the Rev. Beverly Tye is preaching for us this Sunday, June 28th. I am looking forward to being there with you and to listening to Rev. Tye.

The United States turns 250 years old this July 4th. Regardless of your politics, we are blessed to be born in this nation. Pray for our leaders that God would work a miracle on their hearts and minds. We will celebrate this momentous event with a 4th of July Picnic after church on July 4th. We will have a sandwich bar for you to build your own sandwich. Most importantly, we are inviting you to bring homemade ice cream for our dessert. We will discuss more on Sunday.

Love to all, Mary

I want to take a moment to thank Shannon Davidson and Julian Rodriguez for leading our music this past Sunday. With several members of our music ministry away, they stepped up and helped make our Father’s Day service special.

One of the things that makes Saint Matthew unique is the willingness of people to help wherever they are needed. Whether it’s music, hospitality, media, children’s ministry, prayer, or caring for one another, our church is filled with people who quietly serve week after week.

Thank you to everyone who shares their gifts with our church family. You make a difference, and your efforts are appreciated.

In Matthew 9:35–38, Jesus looks out at the crowds with deep compassion, recognizing people who are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Then He says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” His response is simple yet powerful: pray for workers.

But here is the surprising truth—Jesus doesn’t stop at prayer. In the very next moment, He calls His disciples and sends them out. Those who prayed became the answer.

This scripture reminds us that God still works the same way today. We often pray for help, healing, and change—but God may be calling us to be part of the answer. In Wesleyan theology, this reflects God’s grace at work within us, equipping and empowering us to join in God’s mission. Grace is never passive; it moves us outward in love.

From the first disciples to us today, God continues to call ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We are invited to serve, to give, to pray, and to love boldly in a world that desperately needs hope.

As a church, we are stepping into this calling through new opportunities, including a prayer ministry where all can both receive and offer care.

So when you pray, listen closely—God may be saying, “Now go.”

Thank you for continuing to be faithful to God. Your devotion is evident on your faces. Blake’s rendition of “Come as You Are” brought us all back to the place where God waits patiently for us. The place where the only thing we can experience is the love of God. The knowledge that “Earth has no sorrows that Heaven can’t heal” is so very wondrous. I am eager to share this knowledge with those wandering through life living with their sorrows instead of being healed.  

This Sunday is Father’s Day. We will recognize and celebrate all the dads among us, and those who are no longer here. Join us in body or in spirit, in a pew or on the screen. Either way, know that you are loved by God and by the family of Saint Matthew. 

Veta McCullough is recovering very well from a broken hip she suffered this past Saturday. She will be out of the office for a few weeks. We are working on an alternative plan for the next two weeks. After July 2^nd, I will be in the office Monday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoon and Friday mornings. My love to all, Mary