This Sunday

I read an article called “Five Historical Truths that Tell Us Jesus Never Existed.” It set me off.

Sermon title: “A Little Learning Is a Dangerous Thing.” Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

About the Concert

My e-mails all got bounced back over the weekend (too full) so I didn’t get word on attendance or income from the concert. But I know it was successful and the concerts are doing what we wanted them to do.

They are a lot of work from quite a number of people—but it looks like the work is worth it. They seem to be a great way to draw outsiders into our midst. And we have a really good time.

The next one will be September 9—my “one-man show.” The present title is “God, Grace and Gooseberry—the Musical.”

Personal News

I had an ultrasound on Monday and it appears there are no longer blood clots in my leg. I can discontinue the heavy blood thinner.

I hope by the time you get this Curtis Anderson is home from the hospital. He has had pneumonia.

I know Charlotte Holder is getting better.

Carleen Wheeler is scheduled for some surgery this week.

Tracy Maxwell missed last Sunday—again because of a painful back situation.

I know Carol Bennett will be glad to get through with the mess of moving.

We give thanks for the Lord’s work in the lives of our folk who are ill or dealing with any difficulty.

Great sermon from Mary last Sunday.

And great singing from Shannon.

Blake is back this Sunday.

Hey!—it lifts my heart to see you in a pew.

Be there this Sunday.

GOD BLESS—MB

Beloved Church and Friends,

I owe you an apology. My sermon on Sunday about the irrelevance of the church to most young people failed to include the very important point that without all of you, there wouldn’t be a church for them to find irrelevant. I would not be in church if not for you. And your love and life experience are just what these young souls are missing in their lives. I cannot wait to be in ministry WITH YOU as we show the next generations the blessings of being in fellowship with other people. I do not want to experience church without you! 

It looks like we have another week to ten days of this oppressive heat. I see some temperatures in the 70’s later next week, only reaching the 90’s. I am looking forward to getting back to double-digit temperatures. Continue to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary and drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. If you need anything we are available to assist. Also, our nemesis COVID is back with a vengeance. Hospital admissions remain very low but the new variant is very dangerous. Please be sure and wash your hands, stay home and rest if you are sick, and wear a mask if your immune system is compromised. There will be a vaccine booster for this new strain coming soon. I will keep you up to date on what is happening.

My love to all! I ask for your prayers as I travel this week to Arkansas for the funeral of a dear, life-long family friend. My mother and I will be leaving Thursday afternoon and returning Saturday.

Blessings, Mary

Our story this week was about a Festival of Weeks. This is not something that we hear a lot about, but in looking closely, it resembles our Thanksgiving. The Israelites are instructed to celebrate with everyone. Their families, their servants, anyone who lives in their city, and immigrants among them, they were to remember the widows and orphans. Both the poor and the marginalized were included in this celebration and were allowed to enjoy and partake in the blessings of the land.

Today the festival is filled with prayers and thanksgiving to God for fruitfulness. Many people stayed up all night studying the Torah. The Book of Ruth is read during Shavuot. The story of Ruth reminds God’s people of Ruth’s sacrifices which were rewarded by God’s steadfast mercy and love. The words are familiar: “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” The primary purpose of this festival was for people to show gratitude for all they have.

This week, the kids enjoyed painting watering cans and next week we will fill them with painted flowers. This weather has taken a toll on our flowers, so we are painting wooden ones! See you Sunday.

Blessings

Read Friday’s Word

It’s all about the concert.

That’s all we are pushing this week.

We have to bring the food.

I hope we have a lot of people from beyond the church. But we very much need our people from the church.

After this one, our monthly concerts will always be on the second Saturday.

And we will always need good support from our members. So, if you are able, just make Second Saturday Night a part of your monthly schedule.

Here’s something else important.

We will always have a joyful and uplifting time at these concerts. And they are very important to our church as both a fundraiser and as part of our evangelical outreach. They give people a touch-point for engaging with the church.

We—and we alone—can make sure that any guests that show up see a church comfortably filled.

Let’s give it our best.

And bring something for the dinner if you can.

If you can’t—don’t let that keep you home.

See you Saturday.

And Sunday. (Mary’s preaching.)

GOD BLESS—-MB

Greetings St. Matthew,

I am still basking in the joy and comfort I felt at the end of the service yesterday. It is so very good to be loved by God and to share that love with all of you. Blake’s song was very meaningful to me as well, on top of his beautiful delivery of the music. We are blessed to hear great singing and great preaching. While reading my email this morning, I learned a few things about the ordination process. I wish I could tell you that what I learned was good news; instead, it is rather frustrating to me. My upcoming interview is a second interview with the District Committee on Ministry. These interviews are annual interviews and this one is to procure a recommendation for commissioning. If that happens, I will then have three more interviews (over the next 3 years) with the Board of Ordained Ministry. So close, and yet still so far. I am begging God for patience today. And for the power to trust the timing and the process. I am so very grateful that you allow me to fulfill my calling now. You and I are not waiting for permission or acknowledgement from anyone before living the gospel in our neighborhood. This gives me strength and the willingness to persevere.

To the women of St. Matthew (and any other women), please join us on September 21st at 11:30 am as we renew our bi-monthly women’s lunches. Please RSVP to Veta McCullough by call or text: 8179941619 or by email: [email protected] or [email protected]. We had a glorious time at these events in the past and I hope many of you can attend. Please also let Veta know if you have any requests for programming as she and Peggy Decker are going to work to create some meaningful and enjoyable activities for the meetings.

Finally, I will be preaching this weekend and I need your prayers this week as I prepare.

My love to you all, Mary