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

Our dear friend and member, Patricia Estill Browning Reeves, passed into eternal life on April 3, 2025. Born in January 1931, Patsy grew up in Handley, graduated from Polytechnic High School, and attended Texas Christian University.

Patsy was known for her joyful spirit, deep love for her family, and gift for hospitality. She found happiness in gathering loved ones around her table, exploring the world—especially Italy—and creating lasting memories with those she cherished most. To her family, she was affectionately known as “Granner,” a name that reflected her boundless love and gentle heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at

St. Matthew United Methodist Church
2414 Hitson Lane, Fort Worth, TX
Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Patsy embraced the tradition of wearing white to funerals. Guests are invited to honor her by wearing white or light colors.

Due to the church also serving as a polling location that day, we kindly ask all guests to use the south parking lot.

For more information, please visit: Patricia Reeves Obituary

Closed with Hallelujah

For the first time ever, we closed our Easter service with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus—and it both raised the roof and brought the house down. Our powerhouse choir did its job for both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. (And the piano/cello duet from Blake and Alex on Good Friday was beyond beautiful.)

What good meals we had on Thursday and Friday. All went well. We have been uplifted with the Spirit of our Lord.

And the Easter Season continues for six more Sundays, leading us all the way to Pentecost on June 8.

Discovering God Resumes

We skipped Easter Sunday, but we’re back on track this week. Members of this class are learning things most people do not know. We’re getting a deeper look at the world. This Sunday, one of the most unusual stories in my book. Starts at 9:45.

Breakfast this Sunday

Let’s face it: this breakfast time has become important. And it’s up to whoever will help this Sunday. I’ll bring donuts. Breakfast is at 10:30.

THE CONCERT

Saturday at 6:00 PM

Shannon and Julian take us to Broadway!

This Saturday evening will be a great one. Two of our best singers will bring us some of our best-loved songs—and a few surprises. The offering will go to Eastside Ministries, which is currently hurting for funds. Your gift will help feed a family in need.

We get to have fun and be our Lord’s helping hands at the same time. And we eat, too—spaghetti dinner at 7:00, right after the concert.

DON’T – FORGET – THE CONCERT!

My love to all of you.

God bless—MB

Greetings to all in the name of the risen Christ!

I will admit that Holy Week is not easy for me. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services break my heart, and it does not get any easier year after year. Holy Week services—and especially the music—coupled with the number of church members who have passed away in the last two months (and in the last several years), have brought a great deal of grief into my heart over these last ten days.

Grief is an odd companion, coming in wave upon wave across one’s heart. Reliving the last days of the life of Jesus creates this kind of grief in me every year. And yet, Holy Week is the most spiritual time of the year for me. I tend to lean in toward God during the forty days of Lent, and especially in the last seven days leading to Easter.

After every Easter, I pray for a continuation of the intimacy I find during Lent and Holy Week. I am praying for all of us to be reminded EVERY DAY that we are Easter People.

Don’t forget our Saturday night concert, April 26th—music at 6:00 PM and a lovely spaghetti dinner provided by the Kitchen Crew at 7:00 PM. All proceeds will go to Eastside Ministries.

Blessings and love to all,

Mary