Mary’s Corner

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Trust, Commit, Be Still, Refrain

Hello, dear church

These four instructions sound easy on paper. I am writing this article on Tuesday at 3:45 PM, and I can tell you that since Sunday at 12:30, when I left the church, I have trusted God implicitly. But I’m still working on the other three.

Many distractions in life keep us from spending quality time with God. I understand that, and I recognize it as an area for improvement in my life. Being still and refraining—also known as thinking before I speak—have never been my strong suit, and I know there is still much work to do. I guess the point of starting your newsletter like this is to let you know that we are all a work in progress for God, walking the path to holiness and sanctification together.

The great thing about this journey is that God, through His grace, is the one who makes us holy and sanctified. Our part is to invest in the acts of worship that create space in our hearts for His work. By the way, to be sanctified means to be set apart for God. I’m sure many of you already know that, but I wanted to share what it means to me. We are all set apart by God—set apart as His beloved children to share His love in this world.

I hope you all enjoyed our music Sunday morning and appreciated the experience of learning the background of these vitally important hymns. The history of Methodism and the United Methodist Church in the Black community is not a pretty one. The church has been involved in systems of oppression against Black people since before slavery was even a reality in the United States, and many of those actions were carried out in the name of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be in a church where I can bring these truths into the open and where we can discuss ways to repair the trauma caused by our ancestors.

What a glorious thing to look out at our congregation and see so many willing to do so much for the Lord. You make my heart sing!

Three members of our congregation recently completed Faith Community Health Promoter training. Carlene Wheeler, Lynette Coleman, and Kathy Callahan are taking the lead in reviving our Faith Community Nursing program at Saint Matthew. We will be starting very soon with a class called Matter of Balance. I look forward to working with these three enthusiastic nurses.

One way to prevent falls in your life is to attend our Chair Yoga class on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:00 AM.

Blessings and the peace of Christ to you all,

Mary

Kids’ News – Tabitha: The Woman Who Came Back to Life

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This Sunday, we met Tabitha, a woman known for her kindness and generosity. She had a ministry of sewing clothes for others, using her skills to serve her community. But one day, Tabitha became very ill and passed away.

The disciples in Joppa had heard of Peter’s reputation as a healer, so they sent two people to a nearby town to ask for his help. When Peter arrived, he saw how much the community loved Tabitha—many people were mourning her loss. He sent everyone out of the room, knelt, and prayed. Then he turned to Tabitha and said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and got up! The news of her healing spread quickly throughout Joppa.

What We Learned

Through faith and community, Tabitha was healed. Her life reminds us that kindness is powerful and that serving others is a way to show God’s love.

When we work together to help those in need, we fulfill the role God has given us in His greater plan.

How can we share kindness and serve others like Tabitha did? Think about it, and we’ll discuss your answers this Sunday in church!

See you then!

A Formula from the Psalms

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Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Psalm 37:1-11 New International Version

Psalm 37

Of David.

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
    do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
    though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Friday’s Word – “There’s a Problem Here”

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I’ll try to get off this subject, but I am still in shock mode.

Because it is largely church people who have gotten us into this pickle.

I have been a pastor for 43 years. I love the church. But the church is deeply divided.

We Methodists know this. A large chunk of our denomination left about a year ago so that they could continue to mistreat gay people.

And now, after the election, it seems clear that many Christians simply do not know right from wrong. They can’t tell a lie from the truth.

They can’t tell a cruel and oppressive person from a decent person.

Many Christians seem to lack any firm ethical standards rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

They don’t seem to know that core scripture in the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:38-42.

I call it “core” because the understanding of God here is the foundation on which Jesus builds the rest of His teachings.

Here, Jesus tells us that we are to love others, even if they do not love us.

He tells us that there is no room for retribution in our lives.

So, why would a follower of Christ also support the Leader of the Dark Side? He is all about retribution. He is consumed with it.

This is obvious.

It is not hidden.

I can only assume these Christians like the idea of vengeance.

Which means they don’t much like Jesus.

You know—you can help balance out this picture. The church needs more people who will work for love and peace in our world. Take a stand.

Our service is at 11:00.