Category Archives: News

Kids’ News – Solomon’s Dream

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Long ago, after King David died, his son Solomon became the new king of Israel. He was young—much younger than people expected a king to be—and the responsibility felt heavy. One night, after a long day of thinking and worrying, Solomon fell asleep and had a dream unlike any other.

In the dream, God appeared to him and said, “Ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.”

Solomon could have asked for treasure, power, or a long life. But instead, he thought about the people he was called to lead. He wanted to be a good king—one who made fair decisions and cared for others. So he said, “Give me an understanding heart, so I can tell the difference between right and wrong.”

God was pleased with Solomon’s request because Solomon cared more about serving others than helping himself. God blessed him with extraordinary wisdom—so much that people traveled from distant lands just to hear Solomon’s judgment and learn from his insights.

What We Learned

  • Wisdom begins with asking God for help.
  • Good leaders care about fairness and kindness—not power or riches.
  • God loves it when we choose what helps others instead of ourselves.
  • The best gifts God gives are the ones that shape who we become.

Kids’ Christmas Program Update

Christmas is almost here, and that means it’s time to prepare for our Kids’ Christmas Program! We don’t yet know which Sunday we’ll present it, but we will have a Saturday rehearsal to learn our parts and get costumes ready. And yes—Julie Anne has already reminded me that I promised pizza for lunch during practice!

If you have a young person who would like to take part in sharing the story of Jesus’ birth, we’d love to have them join in.

See you Sunday! Blessings…

Max’s Corner

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First of all, some good news—Winston Dietrick-Kirkpatrick’s mom is doing better. Her car was sideswiped by another vehicle. She’s badly bruised on her left side, but nothing is broken. We give thanks that things are moving in the right direction.

The days are getting shorter—and somehow, the weeks are too. We’re moving up on Thanksgiving, just a week from this coming Sunday. Remember our big Thanksgiving dinner after worship. We started sign-ups last Sunday and will do so again this Sunday if needed. Mostly, remember to come to worship and bring family and friends with you. It’s a joyful day!

Not this Sunday—but the next—will be my last time preaching for a while. My knee replacement surgery is scheduled for December 3. I plan to be in church on the first Sunday of Advent, but may be out for much of December while I recover. Mary will preach during that time, and I’ll return to the pulpit for Christmas Eve.

Pastor’s Class

We continue to discuss where we are theologically after this journey we’ve been on. Some old beliefs have gone by the wayside—like the idea of an angry God. Join us at 9:45 a.m., followed by breakfast.

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a “We-bring Sunday.” Help bring! We need food to share—breakfast begins at 10:30 a.m.

This Sunday

Sermon: “What If There Are No End Times?”

I’m going to preach this someday—it may as well be now. I’m not an “End Times” person. You won’t find me selling my house, putting on a white robe, and sitting on a mountaintop waiting for Jesus to return. Count me out.

The choir will sing an arrangement of the stirring hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.”

God Bless,

MB

Remember: Blake’s school choir concert will be on Friday evening, December 5, at 6:30 p.m. Mark your calendar!

Mary’s Corner

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Hello, Saint Matthew!

I pray you are warm and safe while reading this newsletter. I also pray for those I’ve seen asleep on the streets over the past 48 hours—I cannot imagine how cold they must be. On Sunday evening, Under the Bridge Ministries served food to more than 250 people, including many children. Ronnie shared that they unfortunately ran out of food.

The ministry has asked for the following donations: apples, bananas, and oranges, as well as boxes of healthy snack items such as peanuts, breakfast bars, and granola bars. It’s also the season for hats and gloves—whatever you can give will be deeply appreciated.

It’s also time for the Thanksgiving bags for Eastside Community Assistance. If you picked up a list on Sunday, please remember to bring your items this Sunday. If anyone needs help, we can also arrange to pick them up.

The season of Advent will be here in just 19 days. Please pray for Max and his knee surgeon, as well as for our choir and musicians, as they learn new music for the upcoming season. As always, keep our church family in your prayers as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Love to all,

Mary

Kids’ News – Naaman’s Healing

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This week, we heard the story of Naaman, a powerful army commander who had everything he could ever want—except his health. Naaman suffered from a terrible skin disease, and even with all his strength and wealth, he couldn’t make himself better. But one day, a young servant girl who worked for Naaman’s wife spoke up with courage. She told them about the prophet Elisha in Israel who could help. (2 Kings 5:1–14)

Naaman traveled far to find Elisha, hoping for a dramatic miracle. But instead of meeting him in person, Elisha sent a messenger with simple instructions: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River.” Naaman was frustrated—he wanted something grand and powerful! Still, his servants encouraged him to trust and obey. When he finally did, his skin became clean, and his heart was changed.

Naaman learned that true healing comes not from pride or power but from listening, trusting, and obeying God. Sometimes God asks us to do simple things that bring big blessings. Let’s remember this week that God can use anyone—no matter how small—to show others the way to His love.

What We Learned:

  • God often works through people we might overlook.
  • Simple obedience can lead to powerful results.
  • Pride can keep us from seeing God’s plan clearly.
  • Healing and faith begin when we choose to trust God.

Max’s Corner

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We continue in prayer for the Valenzuela family in the loss of Vicky’s brother. May the Lord be with them, and may they know that their loved one is safe in Christ and going on with his life in Him.

I’ll keep it short this week. I’m preparing for cataract surgery on Tuesday. By the time you read this, it should be done. This Sunday, you’ll see me with one lens still in my glasses and the other removed—that’s how it works until the second eye is done. Then comes knee replacement on December 3. I will miss at least the second and third Sundays of Advent; Mary will be preaching those Sundays.

Last Sunday, we had 59 in worship, including three guests, and Carol Bennett was back. So good to see her. It was a meaningful All Saints Sunday.

Pastor’s Class — 9:45 AM (Breakfast follows)

We had a wonderful discussion last week—we never even got to the planned lesson. We continually raised thought-provoking questions about life, death, and God. Yes, we talk about big stuff in this class.
Breakfast This Sunday (10:30 AM): It’s a We-bring Sunday. Bring something to share if you can!

This Sunday in Worship

Sermon: It’s About Love.
Choir Anthem: O Love by Elaine Hagenberg (a fresh, beautiful setting of a cherished hymn).
Last week’s anthem was a little more “intellectual”—this one is sweet and lovely.

I print 70 bulletins each week. If yours sometimes ends up left behind, let’s fix that this Sunday—bring a friend and let every bulletin find a home!
Hope to see you in worship.
God bless,
MB

Mark Your Calendar

Blake’s school choir concert — Friday, December 5, at 6:30 PM. Don’t miss it!