Category Archives: News

Kids’ News – The Lost Son Comes Home

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This Sunday, we explored one of Jesus’ most powerful parables—the story of a father’s love and forgiveness, found in Luke 15:11–32.

Jesus tells us about a man with two sons. One day, the younger son made a bold demand: “Father, give me my share of the inheritance.” And just like that, he packed his bags and set off to live life his way.

At first, the younger son had fun—he traveled, partied, and spent all his money. But soon, he found himself broke and hungry. He took a job feeding pigs, and it wasn’t long before he realized: even the pigs were eating better than he was.

That’s when he remembered his father’s love. “I will go home,” he said, “and ask for forgiveness.”

Meanwhile, the older brother stayed and worked hard alongside his father. So when the younger son finally returned and the father threw a huge party to welcome him, the older brother was angry. “I’ve been here the whole time. Where’s my celebration?”

But the father said something beautiful:

“This brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” – Luke 15:32

The story reminds us that God’s love is bigger than our mistakes. It meets us with open arms—whether we’re returning home or learning to forgive.

What We Learned

  • God’s love is always waiting for us—no matter how far we wander.
  • Forgiveness can be hard, but it brings healing.
  • Sometimes we feel like life is unfair—but God’s grace is for everyone.
  • We can be like the father—ready to forgive, love, and celebrate others.

Whether you’re heading off on vacation or staying close to home this summer, remember: God’s love goes with you. See you in church Sunday! 🧡

Max’s Corner

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Memorial for Dan Mitchell

Not this Saturday, but the next—May 31 at 11:00 AM.

Blake will provide the music.

No Class This Sunday

I’ll be away this Sunday, attending the final service at the church I served before coming to St. Matthew—First Presbyterian in Grand Prairie, which is closing. Class will resume the following Sunday.

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a “We Bring” Sunday—so pitch in if you can.

Breakfast at 10:30 AM.

This Sunday

I’ll be out, and Mary is still on vacation.

But you are in for a treat—my good friend, Rev. Dr. Steven Langford, former pastor at First UMC in Arlington, will be preaching. Steve is a fine preacher, and it’s not often we welcome guest voices in our pulpit.

Be present. Give him your support.

Give him a warm Saint Matthew welcome.

Kristi will be back.

The choir will sing.

Come be lifted by a fine service.

Other Notes

The remarkable Kieth Butterfield, age 97, has been removed from hospice.

Some of you noticed we left quickly after worship last Sunday. My sister wasn’t feeling well and we went straight from church to the ER. Turns out she hadn’t slept the night before, and that was the issue. She’s fine now.

God Bless—MB

Kids’ News – Living the Golden Rule

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This week in class, we spent time with one of Jesus’ most famous teachings—The Golden Rule.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” – Luke 6:31

But we didn’t stop at just the one verse—we looked at the bigger story around it.

In Luke 6, Jesus is talking to a large crowd of people. Some were curious, others were hurting, and many hoped to hear something to change their lives. And Jesus said something that probably surprised them:

“Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.” – Luke 6:27–28

Wait—love your enemies? That’s not easy. It’s hard enough to love our friends when we’re having a bad day! But Jesus was teaching something radical. He didn’t just want people to follow rules—He wanted them to learn how to live with mercy, the way God loves us.

That’s where the Golden Rule comes in: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s a way to practice empathy—putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. When we live this way, we aren’t just being polite—we’re acting like Jesus. He showed us that real love takes action, even when it’s hard.

In class, the kids did an amazing job talking about what empathy means and how we can show it to others: listening, sharing, helping, and forgiving.

We also had a very special Sunday as we celebrated Mother’s Day. We made crafts, shared stories, and thanked God for the women who love and care for us like Jesus does—with strength, patience, and lots of grace.

And of course, our classroom continues to be full of wonder! After our nine chicks hatched during Easter week (plus a surprise tenth the next day!), we moved on to our butterfly project. Our caterpillars have formed cocoons, and we’re keeping watch, hoping to release the butterflies on a Sunday morning soon.

What We Learned

✔ The Golden Rule comes from Jesus’ teaching to love, even when it’s hard.
✔ Empathy means understanding how others feel—and responding with kindness.
✔ Jesus calls us to live with mercy, not just toward friends, but toward everyone.
✔ We can honor others—like our moms and caregivers—by living out Jesus’ love every day.

See you in church!

Max’s Corner

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Memorial for Patsy Reeves

We will gather to give thanks for Patsy’s life on Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 AM, with lunch to follow in the fellowship hall—our love to her family and all who will join in remembering her.

Discovering God Resumes

This Sunday’s topic: “Where Do We Come From?”

Is the soul just a product of sperm and egg? Do we begin at conception? Can we know?

Yes. Of course. Come find out in class—Sunday at 9:45 AM.

Breakfast follows.

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a Winston Sunday—but the rest of us can help, too.

Breakfast is at 10:30 AM.

The Concert

What a success! We raised $1,600 for Eastside Ministries, which was badly needed and gratefully received. The food was wonderful, and Shannon, Julian, and Joshua were beyond words excellent. It’s amazing that we have such gifted singers who bring real joy.

This Sunday’s Sermon

How different was the teaching of Jesus from what came before it?

If all we had were the Old Testament, could we somehow pull out the teachings of the Gospel?

Sermon title: How Different Was Jesus?

I think our choir will be singing. I know we’ve got some great hymns lined up.

Let’s worship—for the joy of it.

God bless—MB

Looking Ahead

📅 Saturday, May 3 at 11:00 AM – Memorial Service for Patsy Reeves

📅 Saturday, May 31 – Memorial Service for Dan Mitchell

Mary’s Corner

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Greetings to all of you in the name of the risen Christ. Easter is still with us—as is the miracle of God the Holy Spirit dwelling among us. All those years ago, when the stone was rolled back, it was God’s plan to stay with us, to comfort us, and to give us strength. I am grateful for a God who never leaves us.

Very soon, we’ll return to what the church calls Ordinary Time—the season when we get back to the everyday business of the church. And we’ve got quite a list of things to “get about.” First, we’re preparing to do a few upgrades around the building: a little fresh paint here, new bathroom stall doors there… just a few sprucing-up projects to keep our church home looking loved.

When I was growing up, that’s how my family sometimes paid our tithes. We owned a construction business, and there wasn’t always enough work to cover everything at home. But my parents were committed to giving back to God what God had blessed them with. Sometimes that meant working at the church when we didn’t have money for the offering plate. I’ve pulled up and laid carpet, installed pews, tiled bathrooms, replaced toilets, painted walls, and hung sheetrock—with my family and for my church. I’m looking forward to picking up a paintbrush again… and hopefully seeing a few of you with one too.

These past few weeks have also been full of conversations about funerals, as we’ve grieved the loss of several dear members. I just want you to know what an honor it is to be asked to participate in those services. I am moved beyond words every time.

The newsletter will be taking a short break, but know that you are all in my prayers.

Love you all,
Mary