In Luke 24, we hear a powerful yet often overlooked truth: “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” After the resurrection, Jesus spent time with ordinary people, fishermen, tax collectors, and laborers, who struggled to fully grasp who He was and what God was doing. Like them, we often long for immediate answers, relief, and clarity in uncertain times.

The ascension reminds us that Jesus’ physical departure was not abandonment, but preparation. The mission would now continue through His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit. They were called to witness, to share, and to live out God’s love in the world. We are those witnesses now. We are Easter people, filled with the Holy Spirit and called to carry the story of God’s love into the world around us.

Join us this Sunday at 11 am as we explore the question, “Can You Believe This?” Our sacred text this week is Acts 2:1-13, the story of Pentecost. I pray that you can join us in person or online at saintmatthewumc.com. Service begins at 11 am, with breakfast at 10:30 am. It is our turn to supply the food, and we hope you will come share in fellowship together.

Upcoming events:

• May 24th: Pentecost Sunday.
  Wear your red as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
• May 31st: Lift Every Voice Sunday.
  We will spend the entire worship service singing your favorite hymns along with some of the newer praise and worship songs we have been learning together.
• June 7th: Bring a Friend to Church Day
  Invite your neighbors, friends, coworkers, or anyone looking for a place of belonging. Following worship, we will gather for a cookout and fellowship together. Everyone is welcome.
  

I am excited to spend this Sunday with you.

Blessings to all,
Mary

There is something special about gathering together in worship, sharing meals, lifting our voices in song, and walking through life side by side.

As we prepare for Pentecost Sunday, we give thanks for the many ways God continues to move through our church family. From heartfelt worship and meaningful conversations to acts of kindness and shared fellowship, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit continues to shape us into a community rooted in love and belonging.

We look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday at 11 am. Don’t forget to wear red as we celebrate Pentecost together!

On Mother’s Day, our church reflected on a powerful truth through the sermon “Women as Witnesses.” While history has often overlooked or diminished the voices of women, Scripture tells a different story, one where women are central to God’s work from beginning to end.

Throughout the Bible, women like Miriam, Ruth, Naomi, Mary, and Elizabeth demonstrate faith, courage, and deep trust in God. Most profoundly, the Gospels reveal that women were the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus and to share that life-changing news with others. At a time when their voices were often dismissed, God chose them to carry the message of hope and new life.

This message continues to speak clearly to us today. God still works through people the world may overlook, reminding us that every voice has value and every life holds purpose. We are all called to be witnesses, sharing love, offering compassion, and bringing hope into our community.

As we move forward together, may we remember that the same power that raised Christ is alive within us. Let us live as faithful witnesses, carrying God’s love into the world with courage, grace, and hope.

Saint Matthew UMC invites everyone to join us for our Second Thursday Monthly Potluck Luncheon on Thursday, May 14, for a meaningful afternoon of fellowship, food, and conversation.

Guests are encouraged to arrive with food between 11:30 AM and noon. Lunch will begin at noon, followed by a special presentation from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

This month, we are pleased to welcome Susan Trump as our guest speaker. Susan is a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in ICU and wound care and has been affiliated with Texas Health Resources for nearly 20 years. She currently serves as the Faith Community Nursing Program Manager, supporting holistic and faith-based approaches to community health and wellness throughout the community.

Susan’s presentation, “Advance Care Planning: What I Need to Know,” will offer helpful information and thoughtful guidance on an important topic that impacts individuals and families alike. The discussion will focus on practical planning, communication, and caring for one another with wisdom and compassion.

Whether you regularly attend the luncheon or are joining us for the first time, we hope you will come and enjoy this time together. Events like these help strengthen the connections within our church family while offering opportunities to learn, encourage one another, and grow together in faith and community.