This Sunday

I did not do the great parable I used last week justice. This week—new sermon on the same scripture: Matthew 20:1-16. Sermon title: “What’s the Deal?”

It is first Sunday. We will gather at the Lord’s Table.

About the Concert

Hey!—according to my calculations, the next
concert is a week from this Saturday! It’s just me. I
better get high behind! I have to get the music to Jason
by this Sunday so he can do the playlist.

Will people come out to see “just me”?

I have no idea.

Some of the music will be surprising.

Concert title: “The Gospel in Story and Song”

I am singing some stuff I love to sing. So we know at least one person will have a good time. (Me!)

The offering was over a thousand dollars at the last concert. And we had a lot of guests. These concerts seem to be doing an important work in the church.

September—at last!

I am excited about the months ahead.

Our church remains a lively place. (Remember—breakfast every Sunday before worship.)

We start a new Sunday school class in late October.

We may break ground soon on the new playground for our children.

We resume a St. Matthew tradition—a big Christmas Concert.

And I will actually take a vacation this year—first in five years. (Gone the first two Sundays of October.)

And who knows? It may get cooler.

I will be looking Sunday—for you.

And I hate being disappointed.

GOD BLESS—-MB

Good Wednesday Saint Matthew,

I pray that you are enjoying a bit of time outside this week as cooler temperatures are gracing our lives. Unlike the eternal grace of God, however, these temperatures are only here for the week. We will be back into 3 digits by the end of this week and for all next week. Fall is coming; it just may not happen until November! I am closely watching the COVID numbers on the Tarrant County website, as well as monitoring our hospital census for a rise in COVID admissions. So far, only a slight rise in cases. I cannot stress enough, that if you have any kind of immunity issues, or any chronic illness (especially lung-related), please wear a mask in public, avoid large crowds, and wash your hands frequently. We will watch the numbers to determine if we need to make any adjustments at church and we are prepared with masks and hand sanitizer for any untoward events. May the peace of God flood your soul right now. As you read these lines remember I love you and I am praying for you.

Blessings, Mary

We are blessed to have Brian McClosky putting together a flyer to be mailed to the immediate area informing families about the Sunday school program our church has to offer along with other special services.

We have a lesson prepared every week for our youngsters. And we share this lesson with everyone who will listen! It seems that the early Christians loved to get together and celebrate! This week we learned of yet another festival that included all people. The Festival of Booths is an observance of when the Israelites were in the wilderness; God provided them booths to dwell in. This festival was held at a time in ancient Israel when the harvest season was over, and it celebrated all that God had provided His people to survive.

This festival was filled with prayers of thanksgiving to God for His fruitfulness. Much like our Thanksgiving, I am sure this was much more inclusive; everyone was invited! This is a good lesson for everyone to remember to include everyone in our meetings and our prayers. See you in church.

Blessings, Miss Vickie, Miss Sue

Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. will be visiting districts within CTC and NTC throughout the fall.  We invite clergy and laity will to join together in a time of worship and fellowship at the East District Gathering with Bishop Saenz on Saturday, October 14th at 10:00 am.  The event will take place at New World UMC (2201 N Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012).   Childcare will be available.  To reserve childcare for this event, please contact Melissa Shamburger no later than October 9th by email at [email protected] or call 817-945-6508. 

The Tarrant County Public Health Department reports that the risk of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community remains LOW.

However, if you live with a chronic illness or with a compromised immune system, please wear a mask while at church. We will make sure to have face masks and hand sanitizer available at the church entrances for your use.

If you think you might be sick, please stay at home and join us online.

Source: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/public-health/disease-control—prevention/COVID-19.html