Happy Thanksgiving, friends and family of Saint Matthew!

I want to dedicate this letter to expressing my gratitude. Every week for the past six years, I’ve written a newsletter article. I may have missed one or two for vacation, but otherwise, I’ve consistently shared my thoughts, requests, and updates with you. However, I don’t recall ever taking an entire newsletter to tell you how truly grateful I am for you. Words cannot adequately convey my gratitude, but not having the perfect words has never stopped me before!

I’m grateful for the children in our congregation—the ones who show up every Sunday, those who come for holidays or special weekends with their grandparents, and even those I’ve never met but hear you lovingly talk about. I pray God’s love and protection over their lives.

I’m also grateful for our young people—those between the ages of 18 and 40. I know that’s a broad range, but you are few in number. I deeply appreciate your commitment to our congregation, your love for the people who brought you here, and your willingness to keep believing in the church when so many in your generation have walked away. Saint Matthew is blessed to have you.

To those in your 40s and 50s, I’m thankful for the responsibilities you’ve taken on as volunteers. If you’re serving on staff, I’m especially grateful. The demands are significant, and the compensation doesn’t always match the workload. Your servant’s heart is evident, and I thank God for your dedication.

To those in your 60s, thank you for your continued hard work and your determination to keep pace with the younger generations while gracefully navigating the realities of aging. Your love for God fuels your efforts, and your hearts remain young and vibrant.

To those in your 70s and 80s—the majority of our congregation—I’m inspired by your unwavering participation in the life and work of our church. Your hearts are full of love and commitment, regardless of your physical age.

As I looked around at lunch on Sunday, I thought about those who are no longer with us. I offered a prayer of thanks for their lives while missing them deeply. I imagine the heavenly Thanksgiving feast they’re enjoying now. I also looked around the room at so many of you who are devoted to this church and its mission. Your dedication, love, prayers, and time spent volunteering are gifts I treasure.

Most of all, I’m grateful that, despite my many shortcomings, you love me anyway. I know I don’t always say the right thing or remember everything I should, but you’ve taken great care of me and my family. You are my church home, and for that, I am forever thankful.

Peace, blessings, and all my love,
Mary

P.S. Shout out to Mark Eley, who has joined the ranks of those with prosthetic joints—a prestigious club. Welcome, Mark! And a special shout out to Connie, who has joined the esteemed group of spouses turned caregivers. Continued prayers for healing and comfort for you both.

DON’T FORGET:

Eastside Community Assistance Candlelight Dinner
December 3 at Saint Rita’s Catholic Church

Saint Matthew’s Annual Enchilada Dinner Fundraiser for Eastside Ministry
December 13, Friday, at 6 PM
Plates are $12 each or $20 per couple. Please sign up or text/email me if you plan to attend.

Please remember this: The number is 10.

Thanksgiving Worship

This Sunday will be Christ the King Sunday as well as our Thanksgiving Service—a double celebration and always a big deal!

We are providing the meal—thanks to those who signed up and anyone else who wants to help. The menu includes both turkey and ham, so any side dishes that go with those will be perfect.

BUT—you do not have to bring anything to eat.

What we really want is for all of you to join us for both worship and dinner.

The Class—Discovering God

This week’s topic is conversion experiences. You’re welcome to join at any time.

• Class starts at 9:45 AM.

• Light breakfast will follow.

Speaking of Breakfast

This Sunday, we’ll enjoy a light breakfast of pigs-in-a-blanket and donuts, with orange juice and coffee available. To keep things organized, the breakfast table will be at the south end of the fellowship hall to avoid interfering with dinner preparations.

• Food and fellowship: 10:30 AM

• Worship: After breakfast

• Thanksgiving dinner: Following worship

Christmas Schedule

• Christmas Concert: Saturday, Dec. 21, at 6:00 PM. This will also include our Christmas dinner and a visit from Santa for the kids!

• Open House at the Brennans: Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Advent begins the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, with Mary preaching that day.

God Bless,

MB

The number is 10. Can you remember that this Sunday? I’ll ask for a show of hands from those who know it. The number is 10.

Happy Wednesday to all of you in the name of Jesus Christ. As we make plans for our community meals, concerts, and personal holiday preparations, I don’t want us to lose sight of the blessing it is to be the beloved children of God. Our small but mighty church has its hands and heart involved in many ministries.

Just last week, eight women from our women’s group put together 100 feminine hygiene bags for women living on the street without access to adequate shelter or the basic necessities of life. This is being the hands and feet of Jesus. And the week before last, Connie Michael delivered 10 to 15 new coats to the elementary school for children without warm winter clothing. This is being the hands and feet of Jesus. This past Sunday, I enjoyed a homemade biscuit with gravy and sausage, prepared with love and expertise by Mark and Winston in the kitchen. This, too, is being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

At the same time, we have many in our congregation who will experience their first holiday without someone they love. Others may be struggling to make ends meet during this season, and some are only able to join us through an online venue. While the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, many of us will live in the bittersweet—in that space between joy and heartbreak, where tears run freely and without warning.

Be patient with each other, please. As humans under high stress, we tend to get snappy with one another. Make space in your life to allow people to express themselves. Make space in your heart and mind for others’ frustrations. Measure your words carefully, being respectful and kind. The harvest is great, but the workers are few. That does not mean we are allowed to turn on one another. Be gentle, please. We are all in need of grace and mercy.

Finally, over the next six to eight weeks, we will have many visitors among us. Between meals, special services, and one more concert before the year’s end, everything we do will require all hands on deck. Even if all you can do is help prepare a meal, put a tablecloth on the table, or fill cups with ice, your efforts matter.

Our upcoming Thanksgiving meal this Sunday after church is a prime example of the need for everyone to pitch in. Turkey for the event will be provided, but Mark and Ronnie are handling preparations. Cleanup will require everyone’s help.

As I close, I ask you to reflect on the various ways you already volunteer at the church and to prayerfully consider whether you want to continue in your current capacity. While we always need volunteers, I also encourage you to pray for God to lead you to a ministry that speaks to your heart at Saint Matthew.

The next few years may bring much suffering. Now is not the time to throw our hands up and say, “It’s just too much.” Take care of yourselves first, and then, with hearts full of gladness, look around to help others.

My love to you all,

Mary

This week, we learned about a widow who was facing a difficult situation. After her husband passed away, she was left with two sons and a lot of debt. The creditors came and threatened to take her sons as servants to repay the money. In her desperation, she turned to the prophet Elisha for help.

Elisha asked her what she had in her house, and she said she only had a small jar of oil. Elisha told her to send her sons to borrow as many empty jars as they could from their neighbors. Then, he instructed her to go inside, shut the door with her sons, and start pouring oil into the jars. Amazingly, the oil kept flowing until every jar was full! Once all the jars were filled, the oil stopped. Elisha told her to sell the oil to pay off her debts, and there was even enough left over for her and her sons to live on.

This story reminds us that God can take even the smallest things we have and turn them into something amazing if we trust Him.

We hope to see all our kids back at church soon! We’re excited to start working on a Christmas program—and maybe even convince Santa to pay us a visit! Bring your kids to church this Sunday. Blessings!