In our Bible story this week, Jesus had been teaching to large crowds and decided to take some time away with His disciples. Jesus and the disciples took a boat out on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was tired from teaching and ministering, so he went to the front of the boat and fell asleep.

Soon, a storm struck. The boat shook and the disciples were afraid. They went to Jesus for help but were surprised to find him soundly asleep. They thought, how can anyone sleep when there is a chance their boat might flood, and they might all drown? But Jesus remained calm.

Jesus got up and calmed the storm. He then asked the disciples why they were scared, as if their feelings of fear were unnecessary. The disciples were amazed.

We too, might feel amazed about this story — what amazing power Jesus has! What a gift it is to know there is someone like Jesus who can be present with us in the midst of life’s storms!

Speaking of gifts, we had something for you on Sunday. Valentine’s Day is this week! Maybe those things will still be there Sunday.

See you in church!

Board Meeting Last Sunday

We looked at the last year in a board meeting last Sunday and, the truth is, we are doing well.

And we want to keep doing well—or better. So let us remain faithful. Let us continue to reach people with the truth of God’s unconditional love for all people.

Worship Last Sunday

“I look forward to finding out how many we had,” someone said as they exited. “It looked like a full house.” We had 67. Which is a pretty good post-COVID bunch. And we had a good service.

That Communion choir number (“How Beautiful”) was particularly lovely. Our small choir makes a powerful sound. It helps to have a great choir director.

Transfiguration Sunday

This is Transfiguration Sunday and the Wednesday after is Ash Wednesday.

Our Ash Wednesday service will start at 7:00 p.m.

“He Shook the Foundations”

I will preach this Sunday—a sermon I am very excited to preach: “He Shook the Foundations.” When it is over, I hope we may better understand why the religious leaders wanted Jesus dead. (And if he came back today, most conservative Christians would want the same thing.)

Then Mary will have two Sundays to take us a few more “steps.” (Her sermons are following the “Twelve Steps” for addiction recovery.)

Breakfast

First of all—remember that we have it—10:30 every Sunday. Winston—inventor of the Sunday breakfast–wants to cut back to twice a month. Mac and Faith Salfen will take it for the third Sunday. We need someone to take the fourth Sunday each month.

See you Sunday.

Hey! Let’s hit 70 some Sunday soon.

God bless—MB

Blessings and peace to you in the name of the risen Christ,

I pray that your week is peaceful and that you are dwelling in the Lord. Max preached a great sermon last week, one of his best I believe. It encouraged me and challenged me to always tell the truth. I will be preaching the 18^th and 25^th in preparation for my March 4^th Board of Ordained Ministry interview. Not sure which part of my responses to their 16 questions will make the best sermon, but I am certain that God will help me choose.

We had a very productive All Council meeting this past Sunday. I want to especially thank those folks who volunteer their time and talent in support of the ministries of Saint Matthew. These meetings are not fun, full of business and lengthy discussions about church operations. Serving on these committees is a noble and faithful contribution to the survival of our church. I am grateful for our volunteers. Special shout out to the person (you know who you are) who helped us find a more affordable electric provider and property insurance policy. The church saved thousands on electricity in 2023 (vendor change happened in April) and will save even more in 2024. It is exciting to see what God is doing at Saint Matthew.

There is a report out this morning stating that cases of influenza are on the rise. I know that the sinus infection I had last week wasn’t COVID but I am not certain I didn’t have the flu. Either way, the instructions remain the same: wash your hands frequently, stay away from large crowds, stay away from sick people, and stay home if you are feeling ill. If you are at home and need anything, please reach out to us at [email protected] . We check that email daily. Love to all! Mary

We were blessed with a wonderful group of young people Sunday. We talked about the Sermon on the Mount as a place where Jesus taught his disciples.

We talked at length about the Lord’s Prayer. The kids all knew it and we talked about how young they were when they learned this prayer. A couple of the boys said they started repeating this prayer when they were about 2! They all knew that this prayer contains elements Jesus considered important when praying: asking God for guidance in our lives, forgiveness, praise, and thanks.

Did you know that the Lord’s Prayer is prayed all over the world and in many languages? It is a famous prayer that has been important to many Christians. This example was provided by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount as a way of teaching his disciples. However, the focus of Jesus’ teaching is not so much on a method of prayer as it is on our motivations for prayer and our relationship with God.

As we left church to go to Children’s church, we were delighted to learn that a kind member had left a basket of treats on our table! We were all delighted that someone was kind enough to leave these treats. I want to extend a big “Thank You” to this kind person. You should have witnessed the delight of the kids when they discovered your thoughtfulness!

During class, they all picked an 8×10 canvas picture to paint as a Valentine gift to give to the person of their choice. We are blessed with the kindness of your kids! See you Sunday.

Blessings

Service for Curtis

It is (as I write this) Monday evening and I am preparing for the memorial service for Curtis Anderson (husband of Linda) at Shannon Rose Hill on Tuesday at 2:00.

Our love to Linda and family.

Curtis has moved from illness to a full life, a great family reunion, and abundant joy.

We give thanks to God.

Last Sunday

Good to have Mary back and preaching for us. (“Best sermon I ever heard,” said Annette Wells.)

Julian’s solo was a “showstopper”—not the best term for a worship service, but you know what I mean.

We do have music!

This Sunday

My sermon will be The Double-Minded Christian, based on a verse from the short letter of James, the 21st of the 27 books in the New Testament.

This is Communion Sunday.

The choir will sing the lovely Twyla Thorp anthem, How Beautiful, twice—once at anthem time and again as accompaniment to the serving of Communion.

After worship this week, there will be an All-Council Meeting to discuss plans for the year.

Those of the Female Persuasion

Women! Do not forget the Saint Matthew Women United luncheon a week from this Thursday—Feb. 8—at 11:30. Lunch provided.

Life Running Early This Year

Everything—Ash Wednesday—Holy Week—Easter. All early this year. Ash Wednesday worship—the beginning of Lent—is two weeks away. Wed., Feb. 14, 7:00 p.m.

See you Sunday.

All of you, I hope.

God bless—MB