Greetings Dear Family,

Please accept this poem by Ullie Kaye.

you see, i already know the ending. good wins. peace prevails. the dragon is slayed and the sword is raised. but first we must go through the part of the story where the plot has not yet twisted. the battle is not yet won. the storm is raging. the tower is locked. the apple is poisoned. the wolf is ready and waiting in bed, wearing grandmother’s clothing. but i already know the ending. i already know the ending.

Praise God we do know the ending. Life wins over death, good always prevails over evil, and the light will never be overcome by darkness. I am grateful to be in ministry with you—grateful for the love and support you show me. I am so very grateful to be growing closer to God and walking the road to sanctification, also known as holiness, with all of you.

Don’t forget the Women’s Luncheon on Thursday, the 13th, at 11:30 AM. Lunch is included, along with a great testimony from Rev. Beverly Tye and a word from our friends at the American Cancer Society.

My love to all of you. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

– Mary

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