Category Archives: News

Kids’ News – “The Widow’s Gift”

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The temple was busy that day. People were coming and going, placing their offerings into the large collection box. Some of the wealthiest men stepped forward, making sure everyone could see them as they dropped in large amounts of money. Their fine robes shimmered in the sunlight as they stood tall, proud of their gifts.

Then, a woman stepped forward. She wasn’t dressed in fancy clothes, and no one paid much attention to her. She was a widow, and she had very little to give. Carefully, she reached into her pocket and pulled out two tiny coins—all she had left. Without hesitation, she dropped them into the offering box and quietly walked away.

Jesus had been watching. Turning to His disciples, He said, “This poor widow has given more than all the others. They gave from their extra money, but she, in her poverty, gave everything she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4)

Jesus wasn’t focused on how much she gave—He saw her heart. Worshiping God isn’t just about money. We can give our time, our kindness, our talents, and our love. When we give from the heart, even the smallest gift becomes something great.

What We Learned

God cares more about how we give than what we give. Even the smallest gift, when given with love, matters to Him. We can worship God not just with money, but by sharing our time, talents, kindness, and faith with others.

See you in church on Sunday!

Max’s Corner

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The Big News

Rev. Beverly Tye will be preaching for us this Sunday. Expect a great service!

Beverly is also giving the devotional at the Women’s Luncheon this Thursday at 11:30 AM in the fellowship hall. Lunch will be followed by a special program.

Discovering God Class

We will consider a remarkable experience this Sunday—one that is hard to believe and unlike anything most people have ever heard.

If it happened (and it did), then God is real and does intervene in our lives in very dramatic ways.

Join us at 9:45 AM—breakfast afterward!

Breakfast This Sunday

This is a “Winston Sunday.” Feel free to help!

Breakfast is at 10:30 AM.

Sound Repair

Our in-house sound was out last week, and I had to “push it” while preaching. I don’t want Beverly to have to do that!

Chuy from Stage4 will be at the church Wednesday at 5:00 PM for repairs.

We also have a new project for him: moving Jason and Robert out of the small, hot “media loft” at the back of the sanctuary. The plan is to relocate all sound equipment to a booth on the floor, which may require building a new sound booth.

Jason and I will meet with Chuy on Wednesday to discuss it.

Attendance & Giving

We had 58 in attendance last Sunday—still aiming for 70!

Here’s some good news: Giving was up substantially in 2024 compared to 2023. This made life much easier for us last year.

We are grateful for our faithful church—and for the Lord who leads us.

Ash Wednesday – March 5

Lent begins soon. Our Ash Wednesday service will focus on music and prayer.

We will have a sandwich supper at 6:00 PM, followed by the service at 6:30 PM.

Let this service be important to you.

See you Sunday!

God Bless,

MB

Mary’s Corner

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Greetings Dear Family,

Please accept this poem by Ullie Kaye.

you see, i already know the ending. good wins. peace prevails. the dragon is slayed and the sword is raised. but first we must go through the part of the story where the plot has not yet twisted. the battle is not yet won. the storm is raging. the tower is locked. the apple is poisoned. the wolf is ready and waiting in bed, wearing grandmother’s clothing. but i already know the ending. i already know the ending.

Praise God we do know the ending. Life wins over death, good always prevails over evil, and the light will never be overcome by darkness. I am grateful to be in ministry with you—grateful for the love and support you show me. I am so very grateful to be growing closer to God and walking the road to sanctification, also known as holiness, with all of you.

Don’t forget the Women’s Luncheon on Thursday, the 13th, at 11:30 AM. Lunch is included, along with a great testimony from Rev. Beverly Tye and a word from our friends at the American Cancer Society.

My love to all of you. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

– Mary

Kids’ News

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Last week, we learned about a time when Jesus visited the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary.

When Jesus arrived, Martha welcomed Him as a guest and got busy preparing everything. Hospitality was important in biblical times, and she wanted everything to be just right. But her sister Mary did something unexpected—she sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching instead of helping.

Martha became frustrated and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently told Martha, “Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:42).

What We Learned

This story reminds us that sometimes what is expected and what is truly important are not the same. Martha was busy doing good things, but Mary chose the best thing—spending time with Jesus.

How do you spend time with Jesus? Do you read the Bible, pray, or sing songs about Him? This week, let’s remember to take time to listen to Jesus and grow closer to Him.

Hope to see you in church on Sunday!

Max’s Corner

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The Big Birthday

Nineteen St. Matthew people gathered at the care facility for Keith Butterfield’s 98th birthday celebration. And Keith was better—able to respond to others and enjoy his cake. We give thanks.

Discovering God Class

Last week, we hit the most challenging section of the book. I will continue this week discussing why science and religion are simply two roads to the same reality.

We will look at three more very strange experiences, including that of a man who saw what would have happened if he had died—something like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life.

At 9:45 AM. Join any time. Breakfast after.

Breakfast This Sunday

This Sunday, Joe and Jo Christian Adams will be doing the breakfast. (We thank them muchly.) Feel free to help.

Come—10:30 AM—eat!

I Get the Stronger Shots—

—in my knees—this Friday. So, Sunday, you can watch me run down the aisle.

Don’t I wish.

This Sunday

Sermon: Life is Difficult—but Grace Is Sufficient.

I’m loving talking about Paul. Last week, we saw the rough stuff he went through. This week, we find out how he made it.

Last week, Blake sang. I loved the way he built and built the drama—and the volume.

This week, the choir sings Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. (Yes, the choir is back after break!)

We had just one short of 70 last week—69.

This week, let’s see if we can hit that 70 mark.

📢 On any Sunday before Easter that we hit 70, we will close with Victory in Jesus.

God Bless,

—MB

P.S. — The Rev. Beverly Tye will preach a week from this Sunday—February 16.

Then Mary on the 23rd. Then me on March 2, Transfiguration Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is March 5. We will have a sandwich supper at 6:00 PM before the Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 PM.