Don’t miss the sensational concert happening this Saturday at the enchanting Saint Matthew UMC! Prepare to be swept away by the captivating melodies of popular Broadway musicals, including the timeless hits from South Pacific, the electrifying rhythms of West Side Story, the emotional journey of Les Misérables, and the haunting tunes of Phantom of the Opera. Immerse yourself in an evening of outstanding performances that will transport you to the magical world of Broadway. Mark your calendars and join us for a truly unforgettable experience!

Saturday, July 15
6:00 pm

A potluck dinner will follow the performance. All are welcome, and the concert is free of charge. An offering will be taken to help offset our financial shortfall.

FOR SUNDAY, JULY 16

SERMON: A Word from the Lord

SCRIPTURE: Galatians 1:9-11

As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed…For the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin. I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it. I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

THE BIG EVENT

You know what it is.

When Blake and Shannon sing for us, it’s a big event. And we’ve never heard them sing Broadway stuff. This should be terrific!

The “Broadway Night Concert” begins at 6:00pm this Saturday. Supper follows. It’s free, but we will take an offering.

The food is potluck. If we luck out, the food will be good. (I am bringing tuna sandwiches.) The fellowship will be great.

DON’T FORGET TO COME!

This Saturday at 6:00 pm.

MY SERMON LAST WEEK

Back after my illness. Still wasn’t feeling great. The sermon was long and tedious. But I’m feeling better. Don’t plan to do that to you again.

I do hope to see you Sunday (after I see you Saturday!).

GOD BLESS—MB

Hello to everyone! I hope you are all staying cool and dry in this heat and humidity. A little bit of rain is helpful, I think. Or it may just contribute to the humidity. Summer in Texas must be the closest thing to Hell we can imagine without actually being there. I look forward to the 3 days of mild fall weather we will probably have in November. 🙂 Yvonne Lee let me know today that her niece Cindy is being discharged this week from rehab and will return home. And Julie Maxwell tells me that Tracy still has serious pain and is scheduled for an MRI and several office visits this week. Charlotte Holder has had some relief from the procedure she had on her back, but she still asks for prayers from you. Keep these and all our folks with health issues in your prayers this week.

We have some exciting things coming up: July 15^th at 6 pm is our “Night at the Theater” featuring Shannon and Blake with a Potluck Dinner to follow. August 4th is our “Back to School Bash” for the kids in our congregation. A sign-up list will be available this Sunday to help with the event. We will have hot dogs and a movie night. This event begins at 5:30 with food and fellowship. The movie will start at 6:30. Everyone is invited, even if you aren’t going back to school. We will not need to purchase school supplies for the elementary school kids, but I think new backpacks would be good for all of them. Or perhaps gift cards so that they can pick out their own. We will discuss.

Finally, the Admin Board meets this Sunday after church. If you have anything you would like to be added to the agenda, please let me or Winston know.

Blessings to all, Mary

This week we had another very interesting lesson. We had a problem though—No kids! They must all be out of town on vacation. We may have to go over this lesson again next week. The Lord came to Jonah and asked him to go to Nineveh and warn the inhabitants to repent. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria, an enemy of the Israelites. The Assyrians attacked Israel in 772 BC and destroyed many of the Israelites and their homes. Jonah does not want to preach to Israel’s enemy. So, Jonah runs away.

Jonah gets on a boat heading away from Nineveh. God sends a storm. The sailors throw Jonah overboard to save themselves. God sends a big fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah prays to God and apologizes from the belly of the fish. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights. God had the big fish vomit Jonah onto dry land, now we are back to where we started. God told Noah to go to Nineveh and warn the people to repent. Jonah was still not happy to go to Nineveh, so he didn’t put much energy into it. He walked through the streets for 3 days hollering that in 40 days God is going to destroy the city. Despite his poor efforts, the Ninevites did repent, and God spares them. Whether this story is true or not, it is important to follow God’s call. God is merciful and allows second chances. These people experienced God’s mercifulness. See you next Sunday to share another lesson on God’s love.

Blessings, Mrs. Sue, Mrs. Vickie

Let’s Talk—One More Time

And then put it to rest.

You know we have a problem. I’m not sure why we thought it was a good idea to increase our spending beyond our income, It doesn’t take high math to know that does not work. Some of the spending was essential. Some not.

In the essential category, we had to hire a Financial Administrator to do the work Harry Schneider (and Judy) did for free for 14 years. (Thank God for Harry and Judy. What a blessing they have been,) Their paid replacement costs over a thousand dollars a month. But we are sticking by our decisions and commitments. We have what we need in place to move the church forward. But something must give somewhere. We are running about $3,000 short every month.

To keep the church out of danger (and preserve my own ministry,) I will bear the burden of it. I will return $3,000 of my salary every month, $2,000 beyond my usual monthly giving of $1,000.

This will go on until we reach the point where it is no longer necessary.

Now, let us put the matter to rest, trust in the Lord, and move on in our work for the Lord Jesus Christ.

I Look Forward to Seeing You

Yes, I hope it is this Sunday.

I plan for it to be this Sunday.

I’m still weak, but I can preach sitting on a stool if I must. The sermon title is, Did God Create a Mess? (Genesis 2:18-24) Is that what the world is? Did creation get away from God? Out of God’s control? Did it all go wrong?

That is what most Christians think.

But does Jesus think that? Did he teach us that?

We’ll look at that Sunday.

What a joy it will be to be back in church.

Thanks to Mary and all for holding down the fort.
God Bless—MB