Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Category: News

  • Mary’s Corner

    Mary Teague
    Categories:

    Blessings of love and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.

    I continue to reflect on the message Pastor Max shared this past Sunday. He has preached from that passage five times since I joined Saint Matthew in 2011! I keep notes in my Bible, marking each date when a pastor preaches from a particular scripture—and Max’s sermon this week was truly one for the record books. His love and passion for the people of the world shone through his words and the tears that accompanied them. I am deeply grateful for the gospel that is preached here at Saint Matthew’s, and for the truth that Pastor Max shares with such conviction and compassion. My heart is still singing “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” as I replay his message in my mind.

    This Sunday, I’ll be preaching from the same chapter in Luke. Max’s sermon inspired me, and as I listened, God gave me both the passage and the words to share with you. We’ll also sing another gospel song together—one that may surprise you! I’ll keep it a secret for now, but I’m excited to lift our voices with you in worship. Join us in person if you’re able, or via livestream at saintmatthewumc.com at 11 AM. You can also find all Saint Matthew sermons on our website under the Video link.

    Our Saturday Night Concert Series continues on October 25 with Lazarus, performed by the All People’s Church Choir. This free concert will be followed by a dinner of tacos, beans, rice, and homemade salsa! I’m looking forward to this evening of fellowship and the many blessings God has in store for us.

    With love and gratitude,

    Mary

  • Kids’ News – Facing Giants with God’s Help

    Sue Kelcey
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    Sometimes problems feel huge—like giants standing in our way. But when we trust God, even the biggest challenges can fall.

    This week, we talked about a young shepherd named David. While his older brothers were off fighting in King Saul’s army, David stayed home to watch the sheep. One day, his father sent him to bring food to his brothers at the battlefield. When David arrived, he saw that everyone was afraid. Across the valley stood a giant named Goliath—nine feet tall and shouting insults at God’s people.

    “Who will fight me?” Goliath roared. No one answered. The soldiers stepped back in fear. But David said, “I’ll fight him! The Lord who rescued me from the lion and the bear will rescue me from this giant too.” King Saul tried to help, putting a helmet and heavy armor on David, but David could barely move. “I can’t wear this,” he said, laughing a little. “I’ll go with what I know.” He picked up five smooth stones from the stream, placed one in his sling, and stepped forward in faith.

    As the giant shouted again, David called back, “You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord!” He swung his sling, the stone flew through the air, and Goliath fell with a crash. David didn’t win because he was stronger—he won because he trusted God completely.

    David’s courage reminds us that no problem is too big when we let God lead the way. Whatever your “giant” may be—fear, doubt, or something that feels impossible—God is with you, ready to give you strength and courage.

    What We Learned:

    • God gives us the courage to face our biggest fears.
    • Faith is stronger than any obstacle.
    • We don’t have to be the strongest—just willing to trust God.
    • When we stand up for what’s right, God stands with us.

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan
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    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

  • Mary’s Corner

    Mary Teague
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    Happy Wednesday to all! 

    I’ve just returned from Michigan, where I celebrated my brother Toby’s 30th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church of Leslie. It was a grand occasion, with over 150 people gathering to honor his ministry. When Toby was first called to the church, there were only 21 members. At his interview, someone asked what he would change if he were to come. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I would change everything. Look around—there are 21 people here, and this church is dying. We have to change things now.”

    They invited him to “come and change us,” and that’s exactly what he did. Together with his wife, Shelli, and their two sons, he built youth, music, cancer support, and grief ministries, and led the renewal of the church campus. Thirty years later, the fruits of that change are clear—God has blessed their faithfulness.

    Saint Matthew had a part in their story, too. About five years ago, I asked you to pray for Toby when he was diagnosed with blood cancer. You prayed, and today he is cancer-free. I gave him a big hug from all of us and told him how proud we are of him.

    Toby also preached a powerful message called “The Dirtiest Towel.” I’ll share more about that the next time I preach—it’s one you won’t want to miss!

    Your prayers are mighty tools in God’s tool chest. Keep using them to do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways that good can be done.

    I’ll leave you with a question: If you could change anything about Saint Matthew, what would you change?

    Please share your thoughts with me at [email protected] or in writing at the church. This is God’s church, and we are called together to care for it and for our community. Look around at what God is doing through us—and imagine what more He can do when we open our hearts to change.

    Love and blessings to all,
    Mary

  • Kids’ News – Lean on Me

    Sue Kelcey
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    This week, we learned about trusting God and leaning on one another when life feels difficult. Sometimes problems seem too big to handle on our own—but that’s when friends, family, and faith make all the difference. God never meant for us to walk through life alone.

    The Bible gives us a great example in the story of Moses. When God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses was scared. He didn’t think he could do it. But God surrounded him with helpers—his brother Aaron to speak for him, Joshua to stand beside him, and friends like Hur who held up his arms when he grew too tired to go on. Together, they showed what it means to lean on one another.

    God gives us strength when we turn to Him for help, and He shows His love by sending people into our lives to support us. When we help each other, we share God’s care and kindness with the world.

    That’s what the old song reminds us too—we all need somebody to lean on. So when a friend is struggling, be the one who offers strength. And when you feel weak, don’t be afraid to lean on God and the people who love you. Together, we’re stronger.

    What We Learned:

    • God gives us strength when we ask for help.
    • We can count on God’s love to protect and guide us.
    • Friends and family are part of how God helps us.
    • We’re never alone—God is always with us, and we can lean on one another too.