Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Category: News

  • Mary’s Corner

    Mary Teague
    Categories:

    Greetings to you, the beloved of Christ,

    I pray that you were able to spend some time outside this morning enjoying the beautiful 57° weather. Fall is my favorite time of the year—cooler temperatures and sweaters. I know everyone has their favorite season, except maybe summer in Texas, with its 100+ heat and oppressive humidity.

    It was wonderful to be in church with you yesterday morning. Wonderful to hear your voices as you sang those old hymns, praising God and worshipping together. I am thankful for all of you who spoke to me after church about becoming prayer warriors. Many of you expressed a willingness to pray for others and to intercede “with groanings that only the Holy Spirit can understand.” Prayer is a vital part of any ministry and our congregation, as we lift each other up. It’s also important to pray without ceasing for that person in the mirror. Talking to God is the best way I know to bring peace and comfort to your own heart. It’s also the best way I know to keep yourself out of trouble! Ha ha!

    I just left Bill Parker’s hospital room. This afternoon, he is surrounded by his loving wife and his amazing sons. Bill is awake and talking to them, but he told me that this morning, he had a dream about heaven. I don’t have to tell you how much Bill loves his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. The one thing he wanted me to make sure everyone knows is how much he loves our church. Bill is an important part of many of our lives, and we are blessed to call him our friend. But I also don’t need to remind you that Bill is very sick, and your prayers are so important to him right now.

    I will be attending the Eastside Ministries board meeting on Friday, September 13th, at noon, standing in for Bill Parker. While I can attend this time, I may not be able to get the day off for future meetings. We are still looking for someone who can volunteer to sit on the board of Eastside Ministries as a representative of Saint Matthew United Methodist Church. The food, clothing, and counseling provided by Eastside Ministries to the 76105, 76103, and 76119 zip codes are vital to the survival of the people in these neighborhoods. Eastside Ministries has struggled since COVID, as many of us have, but now is not the time to let our generosity and efforts lag. People need help more than ever—with groceries, clothing for their children, and with occupational, financial, and mental health counseling.

    I am putting together a list of items we will need to assist in the Under the Bridge Ministry. The ladies’ group has volunteered to get us started by packing bags with snacks and hygiene products. I am grateful to all of you who are so generous with your time and talents. As I said yesterday, we can’t save the whole world, but we can do our part in our own neighborhood to be the hands and feet of the risen Christ.

    My love to all of you,
    Mary

  • Kids’ News

    Sue Kelcey
    Categories:

    This week, we are learning about God’s creation! For six days, God worked, using unique ways to make the world better and better. But it wasn’t just good—it was extremely good! On the sixth day, God created human beings in His own image.

    Children might wonder if being created in the image of God means we physically look like Him. While that could be, it’s important to think beyond appearances. Being made in God’s image means we reflect His creativity and goodness in the world. Just like God is a creator, each of us carries a piece of that divine creativity.

    Reflecting God’s goodness isn’t always easy, but remember—God sees you as supremely good. Keep that in mind as you share your creativity with the world.

    See you in church on Sunday!
    Blessings,

  • Calling for a Volunteer: Represent Saint Matthew UMC at the Eastside Ministries Board Meeting

    Jason Hardy
    Categories:

    We are looking for a dedicated volunteer from our congregation to attend the upcoming Eastside Ministries Board Meeting on Friday, September 13th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at St. Rita Catholic Church (5550 E Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76112). We need a representative from Saint Matthew UMC to participate in this important meeting on behalf of our church.

    Eastside Ministries is a vital part of our community, providing much-needed assistance to needy families. From food programs to clothing assistance and other essential services, they are a lifeline for many in the Fort Worth area. You can learn more about their work here.

    This board meeting will be a chance to engage with other community leaders, learn more about the impact of Eastside Ministries, and help shape future outreach efforts. Please let us know if you are passionate about serving others and can attend the meeting. Your participation would be greatly appreciated as we continue to support this essential ministry.

    Email Mary and Max at [email protected] for more information.

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan
    Categories:

    Last Sunday

    Labor Day Weekend.

    Sixty-one present—with eight of those being children. How wonderful!

    Shannon sang a lovely solo, and Blake played a great version of “How Great Thou Art” for the offering. (Kristi was out for one Sunday.) It was so lovely that I listened to that part of the service again on the recording. It made me feel like I was in an old-time revival meeting. Yes, I am old. I like that feeling.

    I talked about God sometimes pushing us, sometimes pulling us in God’s direction. We do have freedom, but God does intervene in our lives.

    We are free—but not alone. And God has a will for how we live our lives.

    This Sunday

    Mary may be preaching this Sunday. (Not absolutely sure of that.) And summer is over. Not officially, but after Labor Day, we feel like it is.

    Choir practice resumes a week from Sunday at 9:30 a.m. We will have some new members. (Hope we haven’t lost any old ones.)

    NDE Class

    Attendance has held up remarkably well. The class will run for two or three more weeks. It has been a time of spiritual growth and insight into the workings of God. This Sunday: “Salvation.”

    Class at 9:45—followed by breakfast.

    Speaking of Breakfast

    No one is signed up to bring it. That means this is a “We-Bring Sunday.” It’s up to us eaters.

    Food and fellowship at 10:30.

    Y’all Come!

    No more fiddlin’ and piddlin’ around.

    Vacations are over. Lazy days are gone.

    It’s back to church—and joy and love and praying together. See you—in church—Sunday.

    God Bless,
    MB

    Yes—keep our sick folk in your prayers.

    When people we love are sick, we are also hurting.

  • Mary’s Corner

    Mary Teague
    Categories:

    Fall has arrived! At least the fall we know in Texas: rain, humidity that is not quite as bad as summer, and cooler mornings. This is my favorite time of the year. It is raining as I write these comments, making it very hard for me to concentrate. I would rather sit on the porch listening to the raindrops hitting the earth. I spent a wonderful weekend with my family over Labor Day, eating really good food and enjoying each other’s company.

    September will be a very busy month. At the end of the month, there is a Convening Conference for the Central, North Texas, and West Texas conferences of the UMC. These three conferences have joined together and will now be known as the Horizon Texas Conference. The name is packed with symbolism and hope, and I am excited that our Central Texas Conference will be part of the healing process of the UMC through relationships with all of the northern portions of Texas. The conference is truly a picture of the “horizon” as you consider that our geographical expanse stretches from East Texas to the border with New Mexico. Please begin to pray for this event, September 26-28.

    Please continue to pray diligently for Bill and Linda Parker. Bill remains very ill, and Linda has rarely left his side. There are several specialists on the case, seeking answers and designing treatment therapies to help in the healing process. Bill and Linda are strong in their love for each other and in their faith. Your prayers for them are greatly appreciated, as are all the prayers you lift to God for each other. Intercessory prayer is one of our greatest responsibilities as followers of The Way. Intercessory prayer is powerful in both the life of the one being prayed over and the one voicing the prayers. Continue this sacred act for Bill and Linda and all of our congregation.

    Faith Community Nursing at Texas Health Resources will have a Fall Flu Vaccine Clinic at St. Matthew on Sunday, October 13th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We will have regular flu vaccines but will not have access to the senior dose of the vaccine. The regular vaccine is identical to the senior dose in every way except dosing. The senior vaccine is a double dose, designed to quickly and powerfully stimulate the immune system. The regular dose just takes a few more days to be at full strength. Anyone 9 years old and older may receive the vaccine.

    Blessings to all,
    Mary