We give thanks for the many ways God’s love is shared through the life of our church.
This past Sunday, our choir offered a beautiful expression of worship under the direction of guest conductor Julian Rodriguez. Their music created a space of reflection and praise, helping to center our hearts in God’s presence as we gathered together.

We are especially grateful for the spirit of prayer, thoughtfulness, and shared commitment present at our recent Family Business Meeting. Together, we took meaningful steps in discerning the vision for Saint Matthew, seeking to listen for God’s guidance as we move forward as a church.

Each week, we come together in worship, fellowship, and service, trusting that God is at work among us—guiding us, strengthening us, and leading us forward in love.

I greet you with the love and peace of Christ,

In a time marked by uncertainty, division, and fatigue, our congregation is being called—clearly and faithfully—back to God’s vision. Like the prophet Habakkuk, many of us have cried out, asking “How long?” and “Why?” Yet God’s response remains the same: Pay attention. Write the vision clearly. Keep your eyes on Me.

At St. Matthew, we believe God does not intend for this church to wither, but to flourish. We have the identity, resources, courage, and calling to be exactly what God intends for this neighborhood and beyond. Our vision is rooted in the way of Jesus: moving toward the poor, creating space at the table, pushing back darkness, and announcing that the kingdom of God is near.

At its heart, our vision is love—the kind of love revealed in the resurrection, where fear, grief, and hate never have the final word. Our vision is intergenerational community, honoring wisdom, history, and the assurance that God is trustworthy. Our vision is belonging, extending beyond Sunday mornings into a vibrant, welcoming presence every day of the week. And our vision is seeing the image of God in one another and in all those still searching.

Together, we commit our plans to the Lord, trust God’s leading, and step forward—imperfect but willing—to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.

I am thrilled by your response to this sermon and overjoyed by your engagement in our family business meeting on Sunday. God has great things in store for us and I am blessed beyond words to be in ministry with you. 

Remember each other in prayer and with thanksgiving for all that God is doing in our lives. Blessings, Mary

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

What a glorious service we shared on Sunday. Our choir set the tone for a service filled with light, love, and praise through their passionate rendition of He Never Failed Me.

And then…

God sent a messenger of the gospel to speak to us. A prophet, filled with the Holy Spirit and transformed by love, who helped draw the line between going to church and being the body of Christ. What an indescribable blessing it was to have Hanna Newcomer Sliva preach to us on Sunday. Our lives were touched by the words, the tone, and the presence of God in her message. I have listened to the sermon again and have pulled out some of the things that were especially meaningful to me, and I encourage you to do the same, to listen again and discover what speaks to your heart.

Here are a few of the reflections that stayed with me:

• The grace, providence, and sustenance of God’s power
• A priesthood of believers… we all together make up the body of Christ
• Understanding different phases of life and the importance of intergenerational ministry
• God designed us to live in holy unity with one another
• We are more than our individual selves… we are called to live and grow in faith together
• Chances are, to somebody in the world, God looks like you

These words remind us that the Church is not just something we attend. It is something we are. Together, we are called to reflect God’s love, to grow in unity, and to carry that love into the world.

The United Methodist Church is raising up young pastors like Hanna all across the world. Her message, delivered with sincerity and tenderness, gives me hope. I look forward to welcoming her again.

God’s blessings to you, the Body of Christ, as you spend this week being the church beyond the walls of 2414 Hitson Lane. Love to all.

And don’t forget our Congregational Business and Ministry Meeting this Sunday, April 26, immediately following worship. Lunch and dessert will be served.

Blessings,
Mary

We give thanks for the many ways God’s love is shared through the life of our church.
This past Sunday, our choir offered a beautiful and moving expression of worship. Their singing was truly transcendent, lifting our hearts and filling the sanctuary with a spirit of reverence, joy, and praise.

We are also grateful for Hanna Newcomer Sliva and the message she shared with us. Through her words and presence, we were reminded of what it means to be the body of Christ, living and growing together in love.

Each week, we continue to come together in worship, fellowship, and service, experiencing the love of God in meaningful ways through music, prayer, and shared life.