Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

  • Kids’ News

    Sue Kelcey

    Sometimes exciting things happen when we least expect them. We might be busy with homework, chores, or helping around the house when something surprising comes our way. God often shows up in moments like these, right in the middle of ordinary life.

    In our lesson this week, we discussed the shepherds who were tending to their sheep when angels appeared and shared the joyful news of Jesus’ birth, as recorded in Luke 2. The shepherds were ordinary people doing everyday work, yet God chose them to be among the first to hear about the Savior. Even though they were afraid at first, they trusted God’s message and went to see baby Jesus for themselves.

    The story of the shepherds reminds us that God’s love is for everyone and that God can use anyone to share good news. We do not have to be famous or important for God to work through us. Just like the shepherds, we can share kindness, hope, and joy with others and help spread God’s love in simple ways each day.

    What We Learned:

    • God meets us in everyday moments
    • Jesus came for everyone, not just a few people
    • Good news is meant to be shared

  • Newsletter for December 31, 2025

    Jason Hardy
    2025-12-31 St Matthew TodayDownload

  • Laid Him in a Cow Trough

    Jason Hardy
    YouTube player

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

  • Friday’s Word

    Max Brennan

    (The Last One)

    Yes, I am sad that this is the last Friday’s Word in this space.
    I don’t like changes.
    I hate losing contact with any of you.
    But I hope you will keep up with me by subscribing to the church newsletter.
    (Address below. Click “subscribe.”)

    I’m not going anywhere.

    And 2026 will be a big year. We will celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the St. Matthew congregation in October 2026.
    And by that time, I will have finally published my book, Discovering God.
    It will be available at the anniversary services.

    By the end of January, I hope we will be online, on YouTube, and on a podcast, with the class on Discovering God, which I teach every Sunday morning at 9:45.

    And in the New Year, you can get a free copy of my first book, God, Grace, and Gooseberry, just by visiting us on Sunday morning.
    (Or order on Amazon.)

    You know, I hear a lot of people say, “I am spiritual but not religious.”
    What that usually means is that they believe in some kind of God but not in Jesus Christ or the church.

    Much of my effort in this spot has been to show that the evidence for Jesus Christ is overwhelming.
    God is both knowable and available to us.

    I hear people say, “I like Jesus but not the church.”
    If it were not for the church, Jesus would be a mere footnote in history.

    So, those of you still seeking, come seek the Lord with us.
    Those who have found him, come rejoice with us.
    Give us a visit. Do come check us out.

    Thanks for the time you have spent with me in this little box each week.
    I begin the New Year with joy, expectation, and a hundred sermons I want to preach.

    Happy New Year!

    saintmatthewumc.com
    [email protected]

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan

    IT’S CHRISTMAS

    I am filled with expectation.
    I have been deprived for weeks!
    I get to come back to church tonight.
    Christmas Eve!

    Yes, I’m doing OK after my knee replacement surgery.
    I pulled a muscle in my groin area, which has set me back a little. I’ll be moving slowly.
    But I get to return!
    What joy!

    Usual time: 6:00 p.m.
    Usual beautiful service—perhaps a bit more beautiful than usual.

    The choir is doing a Handel piece from The Messiah:
    “And the Glory of the Lord.”

    I hope to see you at the Christmas Eve worship.
    And our love to those who are unable to come due to health, or for any other reason.

    And this coming Sunday—Dec. 28—
    it is called “The First Sunday after Christmas Day.”
    It is still the season. We will sing some carols we don’t usually sing.

    My sermon will refer to the rather unusual Christmas I have had.
    No breakfast.

    I watched last Sunday from home and enjoyed it so much.
    Thanks to Mary for her beautiful work over these last weeks.
    (Mary is a gracious presence.)

    And the next Sunday, on January 5th, we will celebrate the beginning of a New Year.

    Life can be rough.
    But we will not be discouraged.
    With Jesus Christ, the best is always yet to come.

    God bless.

    Congratulations to Julian and Josh.
    May God be with them as they build their lives together.