God Provides for Elijah in the Wilderness

Elijah was a prophet who loved and obeyed God. One day, God sent him to speak to King Ahab, who had turned away from God and led the people to worship a false god named Baal. The Canaanites believed Baal was the storm god who sent rain and made crops grow. But Elijah told the king the truth—it was not Baal who brought rain and life, but God alone.

King Ahab didn’t want to hear that message, and Elijah had to flee for his life. He hid near a quiet brook, where he had no food and no one to help him. But God did not forget Elijah. Each morning and evening, ravens flew to him carrying bread and meat, and he drank water from the brook. God cared for Elijah even in the wilderness.

After a while, the brook dried up, and Elijah had to move on. But he had learned something powerful: Baal wasn’t the one who gave rain—God was. God protects and provides for His people. Just like Elijah, we can trust that God will take care of us, even when times are tough.

What We Learned

• God is the true source of life, not false gods or idols.
• Even when Elijah was alone, God was still with him.
• God uses surprising ways—like ravens—to provide for us.
• We can trust that God will never abandon us, no matter what we face.

We are all planning for the very near holiday season—please be in church Sunday so we can start making plans for a Christmas play for all our kids! And by the way, it seems Santa will be able to work us into his schedule this year. I’ve called! See you Sunday!

I do believe the Holy Spirit got hold of us last Sunday. I got quite a reaction to my sermon. I knew it was something I wanted to say. I wanted to address the current mess (and pure corruption) we are in now as a nation, and how the misreading of the Bible contributes to it. I had no idea how the sermon would land, but I’m glad it spoke to so many.

And I want to thank Jason and the helpers for the beautiful work they do to help us reach a wider congregation. The camera work last week made the service feel intimate and immediate. As I reviewed the service, I felt I was there. (And as I recall—I was.)

One thing you can do is share our service with others each week on Facebook. Help us spread the word. There are so many who need to hear it.

Pastor’s Class

God and Grief

Experiences tell us that God wants us to be comforted in times of loss.

At 9:45—followed by breakfast.

Breakfast this Sunday

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

This Sunday

Mary preaches this Sunday.

Our choir will be back and singing an anthem that will be new to you: The Storm Is Passing Over.

I’ll be looking for you this Sunday.

Good to have Joe, Joan, and Leslieann back with us last Sunday. And we had one first-time visitor, invited by the Rev. Beverly Tye.

And oh! The women will meet for lunch this Thursday. Good food. Good fellowship.

God bless,

MB

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

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