Service for Bill Parker

Bill’s memorial service will be this Saturday, October 5th, at 11:00 AM. This seems like a milestone event in the life of our church family. Bill was so loved, so faithful, and so much a part of our work as a church. He is greatly missed.

Lunch will be served after the service.

Knee Report

I may be headed for knee replacement surgery after all. My hematologist’s blood report will come in soon. If it shows my blood clots were a result of COVID and not a natural proclivity, I may be cleared for surgery. This will all take some time. I will be preaching from a stool for now. I’m already too late to try out for the Cowboys this year.

Gift

From Brian McCosky: “Woo Hoo!!!! Somebody gave $10,000 toward the new AC!!!! My faith in the generosity of my fellow man is about 90% restored. Without saying who it is, I think they should get special recognition in the newsletter.”

Thus noted. We do have people who love this church. Thanks be to God.

NDE Class Ends

My sister’s NDE class has been a source of grace, change, and comfort for those of us who participated. It has made a difference.

We hope the new study I start Sunday makes a difference. It will make a difference for me, as I prepare the classes, I will also be preparing the final version of my book, Discovering God.

Class at 9:45—followed by breakfast.

Speaking of Breakfast

This is “Winston Week.” Feel free to help.

Food and fellowship at 10:30.

This Sunday

Sermon: Revisiting Zacchaeus.

Anthem: How Beautiful.

God Bless,
MB

Remember the service Saturday—11:00 AM.

Greetings, dear church, on behalf of the Horizon Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church,

Great things are happening in our denomination, and I am excited to be a part of this ministry with you. The leadership of the conference has very specific strategic plans for our work together in the future. I will have more details about all of these in upcoming sermons. As I said on Sunday morning, being in the Abilene Convention Center and listening to a 1,000-voice choir of committed United Methodist believers in Jesus Christ lifted my soul to the rafters. I know that God will do great things in our lives as we serve God’s creation.

On Sunday morning, I also discussed the new air conditioning unit and the cost to our congregation for the comfort of a controlled temperature in our sanctuary. Once again, you have amazed me with your love and generosity. We received a donation of $10,000 toward the cost of the new unit! Without revealing the donor, let me just say that nowhere on earth are there folks like the ones we have at Saint Matthew. You are always willing to help, no matter the request. To you, dear donor, whoever you are, just know that you are God’s gift to us, and we are grateful for your generosity. There remains a balance on the cost of the AC, but this very generous gift pays a little more than half of what was due. Bless you all as you continue giving your gifts, tithes, talents, and time to God.

Preparations are in progress and moving along well as we plan for the celebration of life for William J. “Bill” Parker. Services are on October 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The service will be followed by a meal in the fellowship hall. We will need desserts, please, as we expect a large crowd. We will also need assistance setting up, serving the food, and, as always, lots of help cleaning up.

Blessings to all of you, and special blessings to those of you who are unable to be physically in the church. You are loved and missed.

Mary

Jonah was a man who didn’t want to do what God asked. God told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and warn the people to change their bad ways, but Jonah was afraid and ran away. He got on a boat, hoping to escape, but a big storm came. Jonah knew the storm was because he didn’t listen to God, so he told the sailors to throw him into the sea.

Instead of drowning, Jonah was swallowed by a giant whale! He stayed inside the whale for three days, thinking about what he had done. Jonah prayed and promised to follow God’s instructions. So, God had the whale spit Jonah out onto dry land, and Jonah went to Nineveh to share God’s message. Because Jonah finally listened, the people of Nineveh were saved.

The story of Jonah reminds us that it’s important to do what God asks, even when it’s hard. God knows what’s best, and following His plan is always the right choice.

The Passing of Bill Parker

Bill passed last Saturday. He was 78 and a vital and beloved member of this church. He will be greatly missed. Our love goes out to Linda and their sons. The memorial service will be held after the cremains are available. Bill moves on with his life. Thanks be to God.

Choir Sings

And they sang beautifully, too. We welcome the three new members. The anthem this Sunday is called Mercy.

Chuy from 4Stage, the company that does our lights/sound work, arranged our microphones for us. So—the recording of the anthem was better than ever.

NDE Class Ends

This is the last Sunday. We will be answering questions that have grown from our study of NDEs this Sunday—some of the “big questions” that most Christians have. (For example, “What happens to children who are stillborn or who die very young?”) We welcome guests for this session, even if you have not attended before.

When my sister’s class ends, I will begin a study of my book, Discovering God. So, we will continue lessons at the same time each week.

Class at 9:45—followed by breakfast.

Speaking of Breakfast

This week is another “We-Bring.” It’s up to us eaters. Feel free to help. We serve a lot of people each Sunday.

Food and fellowship at 10:30.

This Sunday

I wrote about this recently. Now I am preaching about it: Does God Get Angry?

How do we deal with Paul’s words about “the wrath of God”? Where does Jesus stand on this?

I would rejoice to see you in worship.

God Bless,
—MB