Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

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Category: News

  • A Word From the Pastor

    Mary Teague
    Categories:

    I greet you with love and peace as I begin this new season as your appointed senior pastor at St. Matthew United Methodist Church. This calling is not by accident but the result of God’s faithful leading—from nursing 30 years ago to this moment of pastoral leadership and continued journey toward ordination as an elder in full connection.

    Our theme, “Love Boldly,” grounded in 1 John 3:17–18, reminds us that love is more than words—it is action. As a congregation, we are called to live out our faith through compassion, generosity, and radical hospitality. At St. Matthew, that means creating a place where all are truly welcome, where Christ’s table is open to everyone, and where healing begins for those who have felt excluded or unloved.

    Together, we will practice a theology of reconciliation and inclusion—seeking out, restoring, and embracing our neighbors. We will move beyond comfort into connection, loving not just in speech but in truth and action.

    As beloved children of God, may we grow into a church family that reflects the bold, fearless love of Christ—reaching beyond our walls to share that love with the world .
    My first “official” day in the office will be Wednesday July 2nd. I will be moving in the day before but will be able to see folks on the 2nd by appointment. I hope to spend Thursday visiting folks who watch our services from home. At least those who live in the meteoplex. Please call

    the church office for an appointment. Tuesday and Fridays will be my days off. And Saturday will be prep day for Sunday morning and the other activities of the week

    I am so very excited to be able to focus completely on St. Matthew and the ministries God has for us. Love to all, Mary

  • Kids’ News: So Abram Went

    Jason Hardy
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    Have you ever started something new without knowing exactly what would happen next?

    In our Bible story this week, God spoke to a man named Abram and asked him to leave his home and travel to a new land. God promised to bless Abram and make him a blessing to others. God did not give Abram a map or explain every detail. God simply told him to go.

    So Abram went.

    That short sentence tells us something important about faith. Abram did not have all the answers, but he trusted God enough to take the next step. Along the way, Abram stopped to worship God and remember the promises God had made. He trusted that God would guide him wherever the journey led.

    Sometimes we face new situations, too. We might start a new school year, make a new friend, join a team, move to a new place, or try something we have never done before. We may not know exactly what comes next, but we can trust that God is with us wherever we go.

    God promised to bless Abram so that he could be a blessing to others. We can do the same through kind words, helping hands, encouragement, and care for the people around us. When we share God’s love, we help others know they are seen, valued, and loved.

    No matter where life takes us, God walks beside us. We do not have to know every step ahead. We can trust God, take the next step, and follow where God leads.

    What We Learned

    • God can guide us even when we do not know exactly what comes next.
    • Faith often means taking the next step before we have all the answers.
    • God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.
    • We are never alone because God goes with us wherever we go.

    Read: Genesis 12:1-9 (CEB): Abram’s family moves to Canaan

  • A Word from our Church Family

    Jason Hardy
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    Thank you to everyone who helped make Bring a Friend to Church Sunday such a joyful day. From welcoming guests to sharing fellowship around the table, you helped create a space where people could experience the love of Christ and the warmth of our church family.

    This was also a week of celebration. We give thanks for Mary’s commissioning at Annual Conference and for the many people who helped lead worship, share their musical gifts, prepare food, and create opportunities for fellowship. Each person helped make this week a meaningful reminder of God’s faithfulness and grace.

    As I reflect on the week, I am simply thankful. Thankful for the people who invite friends, prepare meals, share their talents, lend a hand when needed, and make room for others. Those acts may seem small on their own, but together they help make Saint Matthew the welcoming and caring church family we know and love.

  • A Word from the Pastor

    Mary Teague
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    I bring you the good news of Jesus Christ from the Horizon Texas Conference in Wichita Falls. When you read this, I will have been commissioned as a provisional elder in the United Methodist Church.

    This week, I joined clergy and laity from across Texas for worship, learning, fellowship, and service. It was a powerful reminder that the church is far larger than any one congregation, yet it is strengthened by the faithfulness of local churches like St. Matthew.

    The theme of this year’s conference was Love Boldly. Throughout the week, I was reminded that loving boldly is not reserved for pastors or church leaders. It is the calling of every follower of Christ. We love boldly when we welcome a visitor, encourage a friend, serve a neighbor, pray for someone in need, or share God’s grace with those around us.

    One of the most moving parts of the conference was witnessing the commitment of so many people who have answered God’s call in different ways. Some were commissioned or ordained. Others continue to serve faithfully in their churches and communities. Together, they reminded me that ministry is not something we do alone. We are part of a larger body of Christ, united in our mission to share God’s love with the world.

    Thank you to our conference volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this gathering possible. I would also like to thank everyone who made the journey to Wichita Falls to support me during this important step in my ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and presence were a blessing to me, and I am grateful to serve and love boldly alongside you.

    As we prepare for Bring a Friend Sunday, may we continue to love boldly by welcoming others, sharing hope, and helping people discover that they belong in God’s family.

    Grace and Peace,

    Mary

  • Kids’ News – Paul and Timothy

    Sue Kelcey
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    In this week’s lesson, we learned about Timothy, a young follower of Jesus. Timothy had learned about God from his mother and grandmother, who helped him develop a strong faith. As he grew older, he worked alongside Paul, sharing the good news of Jesus with others.

    One day, Paul wrote a letter to Timothy. He knew that following Jesus wasn’t always easy, and he wanted to encourage his young friend. Paul reminded Timothy that God had given him a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not a spirit of fear. Even when life was difficult, Timothy could trust God and continue sharing that love with others.

    Paul also encouraged Timothy to hold on to what he had learned and pass it on to others. The good news of Jesus is meant to be shared, helping more people discover God’s love, hope, and kindness. Just like Paul encouraged Timothy, we can encourage others too. A kind word, a note, a text message, or an invitation to church can help someone feel loved and remind them that God is always with them.

    What We Learned

    • Timothy learned about God from his mother and grandmother
    • God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not fear
    • Paul encouraged Timothy to keep sharing the good news of Jesus
    • We can share God’s love through encouragement and kindness