Category: News


  • Mary’s Corner

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    Greetings to all in the name of Jesus Christ!

    Peace and love to you, my siblings, from my heart to yours. I have missed you all and am so very grateful for the chance to take a short sabbatical. I hadn’t realized how much my spirit needed rest and renewal. It’s so easy for all of us to get deeply entrenched in the day-to-day business of life that we forget to stop, breathe, and be present in the blessings we’re given.

    I return to church this Sunday, revived and renewed. I look forward to sharing with you the things God placed on my heart while I was away.

    Don’t forget—we’ll be celebrating the life of Dan Mitchell this Saturday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. here at the church. Lunch will follow.

    Blessings to all,

    Mary


  • 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