Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Good Wednesday to you!

Anna is holding her own in the ICU at Fort Worth Harris Methodist Hospital. I am overwhelmed by the love and support shown to us. You are all angels on earth and I am grateful for those of you who sit in the sacred space of healing with Anna, and for those of you who hold us in prayer. I cannot imagine being anywhere else but with you at this moment.

I will admit to you that I have not ever had to write a newsletter article as difficult as this one is to write.

The Central Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry decided that I needed another year of “learning and training” before I could be commissioned as a provisional elder. I was in shock when I heard their verdict and I am still in shock as I update you. “I am profoundly disappointed” is about all that I can muster right now in the way of communication about the entire thing. I was not prepared that this might be the outcome. I am so sorry.

I am taking some time away from ordination work to discern what God has next for me. General Conference is in April and the issues of human sexuality are being discussed. The conference will then vote on the worthiness of the lives of LGBTQ persons as they relate to ordained ministry in a United Methodist context. I will not make any decisions until after that vote. I have not yet spoken to the District Superintendent so I do not know what is next for me. I am appointed to serve this church and will continue in my current role as Associate Pastor at Saint Matthew. As I said previously, I cannot imagine being anywhere else but with all of you.

This Sunday, we explored the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. This is something typically done by a servant, so the disciples were surprised. Peter said to Jesus, “No! You will not wash my feet!” That was a strong response. But Jesus, who would soon be led to His death, had a purpose behind His actions.

By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus wanted to make it clear that in God’s world, all are created equal. The servant and the master are all loved equally by God and treated the same.

Many churches use this story during Holy Week and hold a foot washing service. Children might see this practice as a yucky job, not something we want to do today. Try comparing this practice with other acts of service, such as helping a neighbor take out their trash, caring for a sick friend, or helping them clean up a spill. Through this story, we can see that serving others, like Jesus did, is an unexpected act of love.

Easter will be here before we know it, so we must prepare for our annual Easter egg hunt. Last year we had lots and lots of eggs filled with candy and prizes brought to church for all our kids to find. This year we could use donations of individually-wrapped candy to fill our eggs.

The Easter Bunny has always been nice to us, but we also need your kids and grandkids to join the hunt. During church on Easter, we will have a movie and popcorn for the kids.

See you all in church!