Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
Join us at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th for our annual Christmas Show.
2414 Hitson Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76112
I just turned 81.
(Yes! I know! I don’t look a day over 80!)
And on Jan 21, I will celebrate my 42nd year as pastor of St. Matthew.
So—how did that happen?!?
Well, in 1982, I was a 29-yr-old theology student beginning a second career after teaching.
I needed a church to serve while in seminary. And there was this small, dying church nobody wanted to be sent to.
St. Matthew.
A church off the main drag. No prospects.
I was sent there to close it down—pronounce the “last rites,” so to speak.
But it didn’t die. It began to grow.
By 1989 we were out of room. We had a building program to transform the sanctuary into the glory it is now.
Since I presided over an unlikely recovery, the bishop let me stay. Many bishops let me stay. Having this continuity is what has preserved a church that seemed to have no future.
That—and this. This thing you are reading.
In 1987, we began these “little articles” in papers.
Some 90% of our members come through Friday’s Word.
And everyone knows what they are getting before they get here.
We attract loving and accepting people.
And by the way—I ain’t done yet. I am as excited about ministry as the day I first stepped into a pulpit.
And Christmas at St. Matthew will be glorious.
The Christmas Show is this Saturday night—the 16th –at 6:00. It’s kind of like an old Bing Crosby TV special.
Great music.
Christmas supper after.
And Santa for the kids.
And Sunday morning?
I’m still preaching.
Expect it to be great fun.
Like a TV Christmas Special.
I love the music we are doing.
We close with great old carols and modern Christmas classics.
Blake sings “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
Shannon sings “Breath of Heaven.”
I sing—well—let’s have some surprises.
You KNOW it is Saturday at 6:00.
Christmas Dinner provided after — please bring a dessert!
And Santa.
Sermon: “At the Right Time.”
Scripture Galatians 4:4-5
We remember Eloise Rhodes with love.
She was a St. Matthew treasure.
God bless—
MB
Greetings in the name of Christ. In this season of Advent, I continue to be amazed at the way God works in our lives, showing up in the stillness. I attended a play on Sunday afternoon at the Stage West Theatre in Fort Worth. The play, “Poor Clare,” is a brilliant social commentary set against the backdrop of the friendship between Saint Francis of Assisi and Chiara Offreduccio (aka Saint Clare of Assisi).
The play is described as, “what happens when your eyes are opened to the injustice of the world around you, and you cannot look away.” I can verify that the play had exactly this impact upon the audience, at least this member of the audience. Having just preached a sermon on a “just peace,” my heart was already diligently seeking a place for words to become action. The play, set in ancient times but using modern dialogue, is incredibly accurate in its portrayal of the awakening of a soul to the plight of others.
It was a lovely and spiritual experience, and I am grateful for the talent and for the message. My eyes see the world more deeply after seeing the play. If you have an opportunity, it is worth the time and money to see this play.
Advent is moving quickly along. I urge you to spend time every day acknowledging the hope you have in your heart and seeking justice and peace in this world gone mad. We do not have to change the entire world; just a few just things done by people living the gospel is all the world needs.
I look forward to seeing you on Saturday night at the Christmas Show and the dinner afterward. It promises to be a fun evening. Bring a friend, bring a stranger, bring both!
Blessings, Mary
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