I am still taking in all that is happening in the life of our church. This is a meaningful and tender time for all of us, and I find myself holding it with both humility and gratitude. Being named your senior pastor is a blessing I do not take lightly. Over the past year, God has been at work in my life in a deeply transformative way, and you have been an important part of that journey. Your faithfulness and commitment to Saint Matthew have given me strength and encouragement along the way.

I am also deeply grateful for Rev. Mike Love and Susan Love. Their presence among us is a gift, and I trust that God has brought them here to walk with us during this season. As we continue forward, we do so while honoring the many years of faithful service that have shaped this church, and we give thanks for the life and ministry that have brought us to where we are today.

This is a time to move gently and faithfully. We will take our time, honoring what has been and preparing for what is to come. We trust that God is guiding us, even now, and that we are being led where we need to be.

As we look ahead to Easter, we will have Easter lily order forms available on Thursday and Friday for those who would like to honor or remember loved ones during this holy season.

When I think about being in ministry together, my heart is filled with joy. I am thankful to be walking this path with you, and I trust that God is not finished with us yet.

With love,

Mary

As I step into this new season with our church family, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for the foundation that has been laid by Rev. Max Brennan and the countless families of Saint Matthew United Methodist Church. Max’s departure marks the close of an extraordinary chapter, one built on steadfast devotion, gentle leadership, and a sincere love for God’s people. Clearly, this congregation has been shaped in meaningful ways by years of thoughtful teaching, compassionate care, and a ministry rooted in grace.

Although I am not new to Saint Matthew, this is a new experience for me and for you. Many things will not change in this new season. My love and respect for you will not change, except to grow stronger as we grow together in Christ. I have already walked with you through seasons of celebration and seasons of sorrow. The strength of this community, the deep sense of connection, and the spirit of hospitality I have witnessed are evidence of your love and respect for one another.

Stepping into this role is both humbling and inspiring. I do not come to replace Pastor Max. No one can ever replicate the unique calling, gifts, and experiences that shaped the ministry he offered over the years. Instead, I come to build upon that legacy, honoring what has been while walking with you into what God is preparing next.

Transitions are sacred moments. They invite us to look back with thankfulness and forward with expectancy. As we bless Pastor Max into his next adventure, we celebrate not an ending, but a new beginning, both for the pastor who has faithfully served and for this congregation that continues to grow, evolve, and seek God’s leading.

Someone said to me on Sunday, “It is difficult to carry grief in one hand and joy in the other.” That wise soul is correct, and living in the bittersweet is something this congregation has done together for decades. We are always in a season of birth and death, health and illness, crisis and peace. More importantly, we are always in the presence of God, who loves us without limit and walks with us through these transitions.

I am honored to join you in this next chapter. My hope is to listen well, to learn from the rich history of this community, and to serve with courage and humility. Together, we will continue the good work that God has started here, trusting that the seeds planted by Pastor Max will keep bearing fruit in the years to come.

Please join me in prayer as this new season of rest, renewal, and discovery begins. May it be filled with joy, peace, and the assurance that a lifetime of faithful ministry has made a lasting difference.

I look forward to walking this journey with each of you, and I am grateful for the privilege of being your pastor.

The Conference needed a place for Mary after her ordination. She will be appointed senior pastor of St. Matthew. She will do a fine job.

This is an involuntary ending of my 44-year history with this church. April 19 will be my last Sunday. (Although I will remain senior pastor until July 1st.)

I have no concept of my life without ministry, so I will be doing something somewhere. I will see what God has next for me.

My biggest concern is for those for whom my ministry may be important in their lives. I cannot help but feel that I am deserting people, leaving people behind that may need me, although I had nothing to do with this decision.

But we know that God is working. As I have always told you, life goes on. We will see where God leads.

Join Me on Facebook

I made the invitation on Sunday for folks to join me on Facebook. This will be one way I can stay in touch with people after I am no longer at St. Matthew. I welcomed 35 new friends to my Facebook page this evening. This includes several people who watch the services online.

Memorial Service

This Saturday at 11:00, we will have the memorial service at the church for Diana Eades’ sister, who passed away a few weeks ago. You are invited to share in this time of love and remembrance. May the Lord and our love be with this family.

Pastor’s Class

The class will continue for two more weeks, ending on Palm Sunday. For these two weeks, at 9:45, followed by breakfast.

Breakfast

It’s a “We-bring Sunday.”
Bring something good.

At 10:30, before worship.

Holy Week and Easter are coming.
This is a great season in the church.
Expect a wonderful Sunday.
See you in worship.

God Bless
[email protected]

One day, Jesus’ followers watched him pray. They noticed that when Jesus prayed, it was not loud or showy. He didn’t try to impress anyone. He simply talked to God. So they asked him, “Teach us how to pray.”

Jesus told them that prayer is not about using big words or being seen by others. Instead, he said we should pray quietly and honestly, because God already knows what we need. Then Jesus gave them a simple prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom,
and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.

This prayer, which we now call the Lord’s Prayer, reminds us that talking to God is part of our everyday lives. We don’t have to wait for the right moment or the right words. We can simply come to God as we are, trusting that God is listening.

What We Learned

• We can talk to God in simple, honest ways
• God listens to us even before we speak
• Prayer is about a relationship, not just words
• We are called to forgive others, just as God forgives us

We were so happy to have 10 kids in our classroom this Sunday. It was a joyful and lively morning, and we loved spending that time together.

We also want to say thank you to everyone who brought candy for our Easter eggs. Because of your generosity, we will have lots of filled eggs ready for Easter morning. We will also have a movie, popcorn, and juice for the kids during church, so parents can relax knowing their children are safe and enjoying their time.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.