We learned in church yesterday just how fragile every moment of our lives can be. Being with Dwayne and Sheila, as Sheila learned that her father had gained his eternal reward, was a sobering moment for all of us. At that moment, as I looked at your faces, I saw nothing but compassion and caring. You are, by far, some of the most loving people I have ever met.

We have no details yet about JK’s services (Sheila and Cindy’s father). However, from the many stories I’ve heard about him, I can tell how much they loved him and how much he loved their mother. I am certain I heard shouts of hallelujah and welcome home yesterday in that sacred space. Another thing I witnessed yesterday is your willingness to hold sacred space for each other in times of illness, injury, and loss. I know you probably cannot recall everyone’s name, but you pray for every need. And to those of you who volunteered on Sunday afternoon to help us put some framework around our community service, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Your willingness to take over the reins of Eastside Ministry and our hospitality/meal ministry is Christ in motion. I am humbled to be among so many who live the gospel of Matthew 25.

Saturday Night on Broadway is this Saturday, August 10, 2024. Doors open at 5:30 PM, music starts at 6:00 PM, with dinner afterward. We are looking for volunteers to set up and clean up for the meal. Don’t be shy; everyone is welcome to the hospitality ministry! We will pass a plate during the concert, with the proceeds being applied to the general fund of the church. The general fund pays for the daily operations of Saint Matthew UMC.

As I mentioned on Sunday morning, the choir at Western Hills High School is looking for a few good booster club members from our congregation who would be willing to help with the activities of the choir. Please see Blake if you can help.

I am submitting more paperwork this week to the District Committee on Ministry. This is a repeat step for me but one I am excited to complete. Your prayers are appreciated. My interview with them is on August 22, 2024, at 1 PM. I know I can count on your prayers.

I am preaching Sunday, and I look forward to the preparation this week as I put the finishing touches on a lesson about baptism. I hope you can join us.

There are many needs in our church, and the prayer requests are extensive. BUT, there is nothing that our God cannot do, and the prayerful requests of faithful followers of The Way are music to God’s ears. My love to all of you,

Mary

This Sunday, we learned about Rahab. She lived in the town of Jericho, and her house was built into the wall that surrounded the city. One night, two spies showed up at Rahab’s house. They were there to gather information about Jericho because it was part of the land that God had promised to their people. Rahab helped them escape by hiding them on her roof under stalks of flax that were drying there. When the king’s men, who were pursuing the spies, arrived, she misled them by directing them in the opposite direction. After the king’s men left, Rahab lowered the spies from her window with a scarlet cord and sent them in the opposite direction of the king’s men.

This story teaches us that everyday people can be courageous and make a big difference. Rahab was smart and clever, making quick and wise decisions even when it was hard to know what to do. She trusted in God, and her actions demonstrated her courage.

For our craft, the kids braided a bracelet out of red cord to remind them to have courage. Did you notice two-year-old Milani leaving her grandmother and going with the other kids to children’s church? She marched out like a big girl! I was so proud of her!

Be sure to have all our kids in church on Sunday because Miss Connie is going to have all the kids help her decorate a bucket for bucket time, when we collect change to help buy farm animals to supply food for the less fortunate.

See you in church on Sunday. Blessings

NDE CLASS

Will we see the people we have loved and lost in heaven? Will they know us—and will we know them? What will they look like? And what will we look like? Will people of other faiths be there?

These are some of the questions to be raised in this week’s NDE class—9:45—followed by breakfast.

SPEAKING OF BREAKFAST

This is a “Winston Sunday”—meaning Winston will bring. (If you want to add something, feel free.)

Food and fellowship at 10:30.

Communion Sunday

Always a blessed day. Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of denomination or the state of their faith. It is the Lord’s Table. We all belong to him.

A nonbeliever wrote me to say that I pick and choose the teachings of Jesus to make him look kind and loving. No—I don’t have to do that.

Jesus is kind and loving.

Sermon Sunday: Demand Consistency

And we’ve been having some good singing.

I’m ready for more of it.

(Children—I think I am happiest when I am singing.)

Join me—in being excited about Sunday.

“I was glad when they said unto me—”

You know the rest.

Come! Let us worship.

God Bless—MB

The upcoming concert is in ONE week–Saturday, August 10, at 6:00 p.m. Shannon and Julian will take us out for A Night on Broadway. This will be an exciting concert. Do NOT miss it. (Light dinner after.)

Greetings, dear church, in the name of the risen Christ. It was so good to be in worship with you on Sunday morning, especially during our prayer time with Bill Parker. The power of prayer changes lives, and we hope for the healing power of Christ to be present in Bill’s life and in the lives of so many of you who are dealing with difficult health situations.

We should’ve known that prayer was important because Jesus took time out to teach us to pray during his lifetime. We’ve been having good crowds lately on Sundays, and I am grateful that we are gaining members in our church. I get excited when I think about the future, serving our neighborhood and serving God.

I have my big inspection tomorrow at the hospital for the program that I manage, so I am excited and a little bit nervous. As always, I ask for your prayers on Wednesday.

Blessings to all,
Mary

Do you remember when we had bucket time every Sunday for the kids? Mary announced Sunday morning that we would start this again. Every Sunday morning, the kids dropped change in the bucket to buy farm animals for less fortunate countries. We bought chickens and an ox to help with farm work. This allows our kids to make a positive difference in the lives of children who do not have enough food. Bring your change to help Mary collect enough to make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

In our Bible story on Sunday, we learned about a man named Cornelius. He was a Gentile who worshiped God and lived a life that pleased Him. One day, Cornelius had a vision in which an angel told him to send for a man named Peter. Peter was a Jew who followed God’s laws and customs. At that time, Jews and Gentiles did not associate with each other.

The next day, Peter had a vision too. He saw a large sheet coming down from Heaven, filled with animals that Jewish people were not supposed to eat. A voice told Peter that he could eat any of the animals, but Peter said he would not eat them. The voice told Peter that everything God made is good and should not be called unclean. Peter was puzzled by the vision.

Just then, Cornelius’ men arrived and asked Peter to come to Cornelius’ house. When Peter arrived, Cornelius had gathered many people to hear Peter’s message. As Peter spoke about his vision, he realized that God was showing him that he should not call any person unclean or impure. Peter understood that God’s love and salvation were for everyone, not just Jews.

Peter then shared the good news of Jesus with Cornelius and his household. They believed and were baptized, becoming the first Gentile Christians. Peter learned that all of God’s people belong together, regardless of their background.

We look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday. Please be sure to bring your change for Mary’s bucket! Bring Grandma and Grandpa with you as well as Mom and Dad! Blessings.