Greetings, St. Matthew family and friends,

I am writing this newsletter after watching several videos that tell the story of the peace, harmony, and pure joy surrounding the World Cup matches. These videos highlight the hospitality Americans have shown to our neighbors from around the world as they visit the United States. I cannot fully describe the joy I am feeling or the hope that fills my heart as I witness people setting aside their differences and leaving behind their fears. I have watched people shake hands, hug, cry, laugh, and truly celebrate our shared humanity in all its God-given diversity.

For so long, our attention has been drawn to stories of division, fear, and conflict. This international tournament has reminded us that darkness does not have the final word. It has allowed the light to shine into our lives once again. We are discovering that people everywhere face many of the same challenges, and we all long to overcome them together.

There is a movement taking place, a renewed way of seeing both our nation and ourselves. We are not defined by the evil that exists in the world. We are called to be a force for goodness that stands against it. God created each of us in God’s image. We are beloved children of our holy Creator. As John 1:5 reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus also tells us in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” My prayer is that God will help us live as people of that light, giving us the courage to welcome others with hospitality and to replace fear with love.

I am grateful for Rev. Beverly Tye and her sermon last week about Ordinary Time. We can be confident that Jesus Christ is always at work, even in seasons that seem ordinary. We have prayed for a miracle that might change the world, and perhaps we are beginning to see one unfold on a soccer pitch, as people from every nation come together in peace and friendship.

There are also new and exciting things happening here at Saint Matthew. We will continue gathering for breakfast each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., followed by worship at 11:00 a.m. Beginning Wednesday, July 15, we will also launch a weekly Bible study at 10:30 a.m. Our dear sister, Charlotte Holder, will begin each session with intercessory prayer, and together we will explore Scripture through thoughtful study, conversation, and faithful reflection. I look forward to sharing those Wednesdays with you.

We are also preparing to begin a grief support ministry. Our first support group gathering is planned for Saturday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. This will be one of several support groups we hope to offer, both at the church and in other locations. More information will be coming soon, and I am excited to see how God will use these new ministries to care for our community.

Don’t forget our Sunday afternoon sandwich picnic and homemade ice cream social! We look forward to an afternoon of good food, fellowship, and fun. If you are able, please bring homemade ice cream or another favorite dessert to share. After lunch, we will put away the fellowship hall tables in preparation for a deep cleaning of the fellowship hall floor.

Finally, my dear siblings in Christ, please continue praying about the campus improvements we discussed on Sunday morning. Julianne’s presentation gave us many wonderful ideas for refreshing God’s house. My hope is to combine fundraising efforts with grants from outside organizations so that we can lessen the financial burden on our congregation. It all begins with prayer. Prayer costs nothing, but it changes everything.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Much love,

Mary

There was so much to be thankful for this past Sunday.

A heartfelt thank you to Rev. Beverly Tye for sharing such an encouraging message about trusting God in the ordinary moments of life. Her reminder that God is always at work, even when we cannot yet see the outcome, was one many of us needed to hear.

We’re also grateful to Lynette Coleman-Falck for her beautiful rendition of 10,000 Reasons. Her gift of music helped prepare our hearts for worship and reminded us of God’s faithfulness.

One of the things that makes Saint Matthew so special is the variety of gifts God has brought together in this church family. Whether someone is preaching, singing, serving behind the scenes, welcoming visitors, or caring for one another, every gift helps us become the church God is calling us to be.

Thank you as well to the team at Julianne’s Design for sharing ideas about refreshing our bathrooms and shared spaces. Their presentation gave us plenty to think about as we consider how to make our church even more welcoming for our members, our guests, and our community. As you reflect on the ideas, please share your thoughts. We want to hear what you think as we prayerfully discern the next steps together.

Would you like to share a word with our church family in next week’s newsletter? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected].

Greetings, beloved children of God,
On Father’s Day, we reflect on the powerful story of the prodigal son in Luke 15—a story many of us know well. A younger son makes poor choices, squanders his inheritance, and finds himself broken and alone. Yet when he returns home, his father does something unexpected: he runs to meet him, embraces him, and celebrates his return without hesitation.

This father models a kind of love that is bold, unconditional, and grace-filled. He does not dwell on past mistakes, shame, or failure. Instead, he focuses on what truly matters—his son was lost and is now found, dead and now alive.

In contrast, the older brother struggles with resentment and judgment. He cannot see beyond his brother’s failures and, in doing so, misses the joy and blessing already present in his own life. This tension invites us to reflect: which posture do we take?

God calls us to love like the father—to extend compassion without limits, to welcome others without conditions, and to set aside judgment and fear. God’s love is not limited or scarce; there is always more than enough to share.

When we remember how deeply we are loved and forgiven, we are empowered to love others the same way. This is the heart of our calling: to love boldly, reflect God’s grace, and help others experience the joy of belonging in God’s family.

Don’t forget the many folks who have requested prayer for themselves or a loved one. God listens when we pray. Also, do not forget that the Rev. Beverly Tye is preaching for us this Sunday, June 28th. I am looking forward to being there with you and to listening to Rev. Tye.

The United States turns 250 years old this July 4th. Regardless of your politics, we are blessed to be born in this nation. Pray for our leaders that God would work a miracle on their hearts and minds. We will celebrate this momentous event with a 4th of July Picnic after church on July 4th. We will have a sandwich bar for you to build your own sandwich. Most importantly, we are inviting you to bring homemade ice cream for our dessert. We will discuss more on Sunday.

Love to all, Mary