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

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