Blessings to you in the name of the Vineyard Keeper!

If you do not know the identity of the Vineyard Keeper, please watch the service from August 17th at Saint Matthew: https://www.youtube.com/live/zXLzlAfTeUQ?si=11U1-iI24JJ7zkJu

Max preached an amazing sermon about the breadth and depth of God’s love for creation. He used the parable of the vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16. The parable is a beautiful reminder that God loves us so completely that we are welcomed into the family of God no matter who we are. God’s blessings are freely given, not earned.

We “work out our salvation” by working for God because we love God. And what does that work entail? Everything listed in Matthew 25—feeding, clothing, and sheltering those who lack the basic necessities of life. It looks like visiting the sick, the shut-in, and those who are incarcerated.

Jesus commands us to “love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). The commandment is not complicated or difficult to understand. Living out this commandment is proof of our belief in God and our salvation through Jesus Christ. If we live like this, we rarely have to utter a word about what we believe—people will see it in our lives.

As I write this, Leslieann Griffith is in the recovery room. She has done well throughout her treatment today and anticipates being discharged later today or early tomorrow. Our dear friend Karen Goodwin has been by her side all day—thanks be to God for Karen. Please continue to pray for Leslieann’s quick recovery.

I also want to thank you for your loving participation in our prayers yesterday. I was overwhelmed by the beautiful flowers from the Standefer family. I am so grateful for the chance to help where I can, and thankful that God has given me this opportunity—and that you still put up with me! 😊

My love to all,

Mary

This week, we met a man named Paul—but when we first met him, he was known as Saul. Saul was a Pharisee, a religious leader who thought he was doing the right thing by stopping the followers of Jesus. He was full of determination—but it was the wrong kind. Saul was harsh and unkind to Christians, and he had permission to arrest them in faraway cities.

One day, Saul was walking the road to Damascus with a mission to cause trouble. But then something incredible happened.

Suddenly, a bright light from heaven flashed all around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

Saul was stunned. “Who are you, Lord?” he asked.

The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4–5)

When Saul got up, he couldn’t see. He had been struck blind! His traveling companions had to take him by the hand and lead him the rest of the way to Damascus. For three days, Saul didn’t eat or drink anything. He waited. He prayed. And in that waiting, something began to change deep inside of him.

Then God sent a man named Ananias to find Saul. Ananias was nervous—he had heard all the terrible things Saul had done. But God said, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name.” (Acts 9:15)

Ananias placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus who appeared to you on the road—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17)

Right then, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. He could see again—and he saw everything differently. His heart was changed. Saul was baptized, and he became Paul, one of the most important messengers of Jesus the world has ever known.

But here’s something important: Paul wasn’t changed all at once. Even after his powerful encounter, it took time. He had to grow, to learn, and to be guided by others. Big changes don’t always happen in a flash—even when God is involved. Sometimes, God works in us slowly, steadily, beautifully.

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What We Learned:

• God can change anyone—even someone who was once an enemy.
• Jesus meets us where we are, even when we’re headed the wrong way.
• Real transformation takes time and sometimes help from others.
• God’s love is patient, powerful, and always at work.

The Passing of Morton H. Meyerson

Mr. Morton H. Meyerson, businessman and philanthropist and partner of Ross Perot, has died at age 87 following a two-year battle with cancer.

What does that have to do with St. Matthew?
Mr. Meyerson, who was Jewish, has sent several thousand dollars in gifts to St. Matthew over the last few years.
He sometimes read Friday’s Word and appreciated my stand against some of the political forces of our time.
He even came to the church to meet me three years ago. We had a great time together.

His name lives on in the Dallas Symphony Center named after him, and in my memory as a gracious man with a warm heart and a sense of humor.
He also lives on in the same heaven we will all be going to. May God be praised.

Watching Online

Jason is on vacation and, at this writing, I am not able to find our service online, but it may be there later.
We did the microphones a little differently last Sunday. I want to see if it worked.
I am uncertain when the audio/video work will be completed. I am sure it will be finished by the time Jason gets back on the 17th.

My Class

We continue with the chapter on suffering from my as-yet-unpublished book, Discovering God. We have some exciting accounts to consider.
You are welcome to this class.
At 9:45—followed by breakfast.

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a “We-bring” Sunday.
Help, if you can.
At 10:30.

Concert Confusion

We have two concerts coming up.
One is our great MSB Gospel Choir concert on Saturday, Sept. 20, for which we are selling tickets.
The other one is a Sunday morning concert on Oct. 31—moved to this date to make sure our new audio/video equipment is in and working.

This Sunday

Sermon: It’s All About Love.
The scripture will be the 13th chapter of Corinthians.
I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday in the house of the Lord!

Come, let us be uplifted, encouraged, through worship and thanksgiving.

God bless—MB

Greetings, dear church family and friends,

I missed you all so much this past weekend. Family obligations are sometimes unavoidable—even for church staff. Your continued prayers are appreciated as we still have some family matters to tend to. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for missing Communion Sunday with you.

We’ve already had more than 50 concert tickets sold—or picked up by members who are helping us sell them. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, now’s the time! We’ll be offering online ticket sales soon, and I anticipate this concert will sell out quickly. Please also remember: this is an all-hands-on-deck event. Your help is needed as we welcome the community and raise support for Eastside Community Assistance. Dinner will be served after the concert, both in the Fellowship Hall and on the playground.

We also have a special opportunity to serve our neighborhood school. Bill J. Elliott Elementary, a Title I school, needs our help with school supplies. This year, FWISD is no longer providing bundled supply kits for Title I schools, which puts an extra burden on families. School starts August 12th, and we’ve received a list of supplies for grades K–5. You can purchase individual items or sponsor an entire class.

Common items needed include:

• No. 2 pencils (12 per student)
• 24-count crayons
• Glue sticks
• Blunt-tip scissors
• Composition notebooks (100 pages, 9¾” x 7½”)
• Hand sanitizer
• Facial tissues
• Washable broad-tip markers (8 count)
• Plastic pocket folders with brads (6 per student)
• A supply box or bag
• (Optional) Wired earbud headphones

Please bring what you can this Sunday morning. The church will also be purchasing supplies, and donations are welcome if you’d like us to shop on your behalf.

Now, I’m off to buy some school supplies myself.

Love to all,

Mary

When I was a little girl, I used to walk with my mom through the garden to pick strawberries. As we walked, she would quietly recite a beautiful poem—Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…”

Even at that young age, I could picture soft green meadows, still waters, and the peaceful voice of someone who would always guide and protect me. My mom’s voice made the words feel safe and comforting, like God was walking right beside us.

Psalm 23 paints a picture of what it means to trust God completely. Just like a good shepherd cares for their sheep, God makes sure we have what we need. When life feels scary—like walking through dark valleys—He stays close and helps us find our way. And when we’re tired or afraid, He gives us a place to rest.

It’s more than just poetry—it’s a promise. God is always with us, leading us to peace, protecting us when we’re afraid, and surrounding us with love.

What We Learned:

• God cares for us like a shepherd cares for sheep.
• Even in dark or scary times, we are never alone.
• Psalm 23 reminds us of God’s peace, love, and protection.

We hope you’ll come to church this Sunday and learn more about this beautiful psalm. Maybe you’ll even share it with someone you love, just like my mom shared it with me.

See you in church!
Blessings!