The Big Birthday

Nineteen St. Matthew people gathered at the care facility for Keith Butterfield’s 98th birthday celebration. And Keith was better—able to respond to others and enjoy his cake. We give thanks.

Discovering God Class

Last week, we hit the most challenging section of the book. I will continue this week discussing why science and religion are simply two roads to the same reality.

We will look at three more very strange experiences, including that of a man who saw what would have happened if he had died—something like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life.

At 9:45 AM. Join any time. Breakfast after.

Breakfast This Sunday

This Sunday, Joe and Jo Christian Adams will be doing the breakfast. (We thank them muchly.) Feel free to help.

Come—10:30 AM—eat!

I Get the Stronger Shots—

—in my knees—this Friday. So, Sunday, you can watch me run down the aisle.

Don’t I wish.

This Sunday

Sermon: Life is Difficult—but Grace Is Sufficient.

I’m loving talking about Paul. Last week, we saw the rough stuff he went through. This week, we find out how he made it.

Last week, Blake sang. I loved the way he built and built the drama—and the volume.

This week, the choir sings Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. (Yes, the choir is back after break!)

We had just one short of 70 last week—69.

This week, let’s see if we can hit that 70 mark.

📢 On any Sunday before Easter that we hit 70, we will close with Victory in Jesus.

God Bless,

—MB

P.S. — The Rev. Beverly Tye will preach a week from this Sunday—February 16.

Then Mary on the 23rd. Then me on March 2, Transfiguration Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is March 5. We will have a sandwich supper at 6:00 PM before the Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 PM.

Dearest church,

I have completed my interview process today with the Horizon Texas Board of Ordained Ministry. I am very disappointed to inform you that I have been held over for another year at the district level. I was not approved for ordination. I can interview again in 2026. I will receive written instructions and comments from the BOM in a couple of weeks. Until then I have been encouraged to dig deeper and to work harder. The BOM offers support and continued encouragement to stay the course.
I am tired right now and will have more later.
My love to all of you. Thank you for your prayers and love. I will be studying for next year. And you know that means that so will you! Mary

Take Note!

Choir practice resumes at 9:30 AM this Sunday. Just practice—performances will resume next week.

A Breakthrough

My Friday’s Word this week reflects a spiritual breakthrough. I don’t have to carry the burden of what will happen in our country and the world over the next few years. I only have to do my part—what God calls me to do.

The weight of it all had left me feeling immobilized. Now, I can move on. Thanks be to God.

Discovering God

Things are about to get a little crazy in class this week (and for the next few weeks). We’ll explore some truly unusual experiences that reveal the deep connection between religion and science.

We will discover that the world is far different than it appears—and that science will someday realize it cannot avoid God.

Class meets at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast. This Sunday is a Winston Sunday—feel free to bring something to share.

Doctor’s Verdict

I’ll be getting stronger shots in my knees soon. In a couple of months, we’ll discuss knee replacement surgery.

This Sunday

Sermon: Life is Difficult. Paul’s life was full of hardships. This Sunday, we’ll take a closer look at just how difficult it was.

Mary had a powerful sermon for our present times last Sunday. Julian’s solo was moving. Julian also shaved his beard.

Blake still has his. Have we ever seen him without one? I don’t think so.

It will be 62 degrees and sunny on Sunday—come for the joy of it.

This is Communion Sunday. The All-Council meeting will be held after church.

God Bless,
MB

Hello, dear church family, and the sacred body of Christ,

I have been busy studying and preparing for my ordination interview next Tuesday. Our ordination class has been blessed with wisdom, advice, and prayers from members of the Board of Ordained Ministry, who have guided us through this process. Their support has made me feel much more confident going into this year’s interview compared to last year.

On Sunday, I visited Patsy Reeves. Other than a few stitches to her head and a broken collarbone, she was in good spirits and not in much pain. She sends her love and well wishes to everyone.

I also spoke with Bruce Butterfield, Keith’s son. There is a room available at Parkwood where we could gather to celebrate Keith’s birthday. I’m hoping to do something after church this Sunday around 2:00 PM. Since space is limited, we’ll need to take turns spending time with Keith. If you’d like to participate, please let me know by email, text, or in person at church this Sunday.

My love to all of you. Step outside and enjoy the weather—they say another cold front is on the way!

Blessings,
Mary