Kids’ News

This Sunday, we reviewed Matthew 17:5, where God spoke during Jesus’ baptism: “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him.” These words remind us of Jesus’ divine purpose on earth as He began His ministry leading to the cross. Moments like this help us understand the significance of the Resurrection when Easter arrives.

With Ian getting baptized, many of our other children have expressed interest in baptism as well. Miss Vicky has purchased lessons on baptism from the Christian bookstore to guide them. If your child is interested in learning about baptism, please bring them to church, and they will be included in our Children’s Church. What a wonderful day it will be when our young ones take this important step in their faith!

A quick reminder: it’s almost time to start collecting eggs for our Easter Egg Hunt! If you’d like to help, let us know. We usually fill lots of eggs with goodies and would appreciate your support. See you in church on Sunday—blessings to all!

Max’s Corner

Discovering God Resumes

The Discovering God class resumes this Sunday at 9:45. We will be discussing the “light” many people encounter in religious experiences and in NDEs. Our discussion may lead to new understandings about who we are and our relationship with God.

You may join this class at any time. It is intended to be a weekly dose of encouragement as we grow in grace together.

Breakfast this Sunday

It will be warmer this Sunday. Breakfast as usual.

This is a “We-bring” Sunday, and your help is appreciated.

To the Doctor Tomorrow

I will be taking my knees to the doctor tomorrow, two months after my first visit. I may get some word on what the future holds concerning treatment. I’ll let you know Sunday what the doctor says.

This Sunday

Mary will be preaching.

We were gratified by attendance last Sunday—the coldest Sunday we have had in years.

So!!—we expect a full house this week!

God Bless,
MB

Mary’s Corner

Hello, Beloved Children of God,

As I write this newsletter, I am feeling two things: First, very blessed to be one of God’s beloved. And second, COLD! I’m so very grateful for an indoor job! The next couple of weeks will be chilly. If you or someone you know needs assistance with housing, utilities, or groceries, please email me at mary.teague@saintmatthewumc.com. You may also text me if that is easier. God has blessed Saint Matthew with a group of generous, loving people who are always willing to take care of each other. We are extremely blessed.

Shannon performed another amazing song for us on Sunday morning, “Footprints in the Sand.” The music and lyrics touched my soul, but it was the passion in Shannon’s voice that brought tears to my eyes:
“I promise you, I’m always there, when your heart is filled with sorrow and despair. And I’ll carry you when you need a friend, you’ll find my footsteps in the sand.”

Shannon sings like someone who believes God is always present, always offering comfort and peace. Her voice, those lyrics, and that music give me hope. Thank you, Shannon, for singing God’s truth and love into our lives.

I am preaching this Sunday, so I will keep this newsletter brief. My sermon will be from 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 if you want to read ahead! Bring a friend if you can. We are going to talk about being the body of Christ to the world. I look forward to seeing you.

Love to all,
Mary

P.S. You didn’t really think I was finished, did you? We have a couple of important business meetings coming in February, and I am asking for specific prayers for our church as we enter another year of serving God on the Eastside of Fort Worth. Thank you!

Kids’ News

After God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, but before they reached the Promised Land, they spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. During that time, God’s people had to trust in Him and follow His directions. One specific instruction from God was to build the Tabernacle—a structure that symbolized a permanent temple but was designed to be mobile.

The construction of the Tabernacle was a monumental task, but it was accomplished as a community. The Israelites gave so generously toward the project that Moses eventually had to ask them to stop giving! Their combined efforts demonstrated the incredible things that can be achieved when people work together.

As God’s house, the Tabernacle became a sacred place where the people of God could come together and encounter Him. Today, the church continues this tradition as a place of Christian community and a reminder of our ongoing connection to God.

This week, we learned about the fabrics, colors, and lengths of the Tabernacle’s curtains. Join us in the church to discover more about the gold that covered the Ark of the Covenant. See you Sunday!

Max’s Corner

Last Week’s Sermon

The sermon was a bit unusual—about the remarkable life of our church. I have heard it said that, according to the laws of aerodynamics, the bumblebee should not be able to fly. But it does. As an older church hidden within an older community, we should not still be here, but we are alive and well.

And, old as I am, I am probably still a necessary part of the St. Matthew mix. That is one reason I have not retired and the Conference has not put me out to pasture.

There’s another reason: Ministry is the center of my life. So, I will soon begin my 43rd year at St. Matthew.

“Discovering God” Class

It will resume on Sunday, Jan. 26—the last Sunday of the month—at 9:45, before worship.

Breakfast this Sunday

Just coffee, orange juice, and donuts. It will be cold. Grab a donut and head for worship by 11:00.

A New Church Directory

The Church Council agreed last week that we need a pictorial directory, and I will be calling the people who did our last one to set up a time to do the photography. Mary and I plan to be relentless in getting all of our people into the book.

This Sunday

I preach this Sunday, Mary the next. I will apply the “lied, mistaken, I believe” choices to a couple of stories from Paul. Yes, I believe these stories. But—if we do believe them—we need to show it in our lives. Sermon title: If We Believe It—Live It.

God Bless,
MB

NOTE: Listen—there will be no ice or snow, but it may be below 30 degrees on Sunday. Bundle up and come on. But be careful. See you Sunday.

NOTE: We found the lid to the baptismal font. It was in the pulpit. The font is a wooden copy of a stone font from 1735 in a church in London.