We have spent quite a bit of time studying the twins- Esau and Jacob. Even though they were twins, they were quite different in many ways. We may revisit them in the future, but now it is time to meet Mary. She was young and poor. The last person you would think would be the mother of the son of God. The message that called her to fulfil this task was delivered by the angel Gabriel, who declared that nothing is impossible for God. Though she was frightened and confused, Mary accepted the call with joy and sang God praises. This must have been difficult news for Mary to process. You might wonder how Mary, then a teenager, could have such joy in the midst of so much chaos and confusion. Mary was able to accept that although her life is drastically altered, there is joy to be found.

Joy does not always have to be big smiles or ecstatic jumping; it can be an attitude of gratefulness and it can be quite tears. While it is sometimes hard to find joy in the unexpected, our Bible story teaches us to find gratitude even in the most unanticipated moments of life. This is the beginning of the wonderful story of Jesus’ birth. Be with us as we explore this miracle.

We had some illness in our class this week. We made Get Well cards for Miss Vickie and for Eliza Koenig, who broke her leg badly and is confined to bed rest for at least 3 months. The kids all made cards are taking books and games for her to play while she is confined to bed. And some painting projects so she will feel our love for her as she mends. Praying that they both feel 100% soon.

We are getting into a really busy time at church, will you help us by being with us as we celebrate this beautiful season?

Blessings

The family of Eloise Rhodes wishes to invite everyone to Eloise’s memorial service. Viewing is Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 from 5pm til 7pm. The funeral service will be Friday Dec. 8, 2023 at 11am. Both events will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth 76134

Our dear Eloise Rhodes passed away peacefully on November 30^th. We do not have arrangements yet but will let you know as soon as information is available.

Dan and Joyce Mitchell have asked for specials prayers for the family of Timothy Williams. Timothy is the Mitchells nephew and passed away this week after a long illness.

It is never a good time to lose someone you love. Heaven is a sweeter place today with the addition of these two beloved souls. Take care of each other and especially the human in the mirror.

Blessings, Mary

We have been informed that Eastside Community Assistance has suffered a devastating fire in the food pantry section of their building. A full report of damages is pending; however, the fires leaves the Eastside community without a life-saving resource. Saint Matthew UMC is a founding member of this organization along with several other churches in the area. We have supported this ministry for over a decade and will continue in our support for as long as we are able.

Please consider adding additional support at this time if you are able: eastsidecommunityassistance.org

We will keep you updated with the progress of the recovery and with other ways to help the most vulnerable in our community.

Eastside Dinner

If you missed it last year—you don’t have to miss it again. Next week, Ronnie Sullivan’s family is cooking a big enchilada dinner for us as a fundraiser for Eastside Ministries.

This is a great event.

Sign up Sunday.

Check Mary’s Corner for day and time.

First Sunday of Advent

This Sunday.

First of four Sundays.

And this is the way it falls every few years—Advent Four is on Christmas Eve.

So, Sunday morning, Dec. 24, it will be Advent that morning and Christmas Eve that evening.

Yes—it is a Divine Plan designed to get Methodists to go to church on a Sunday evening.

Pomp and Circumstance

Yes, Advent brings with it a little “pomp and circumstance,” as you will note this Sunday morning.

And, by the way—the tree will already be up and decorated and the poinsettias will be in place.

This decorating will begin Saturday morning.

The “Douglas Breakfast” is at 8:30.

(And speaking of breakfast, the Winston Breakfast on Sunday mornings is a joy. Partake of it. 10:30 every week. But do not eat all of the plain glazed donuts before the Senior Pastor gets there!)

Keep this in mind: Both “The Christmas Show” on Saturday, Dec. 16th and the Christmas Eve Service on Sunday the 24th are at 6:00 p.m.

And worship this Sunday is at 11:00.

But you knew that.

So—I do hope you can be present.