Mary’s Corner

Posted on by
Reply

Greetings to all of you in the name of the risen Christ. Easter is still with us—as is the miracle of God the Holy Spirit dwelling among us. All those years ago, when the stone was rolled back, it was God’s plan to stay with us, to comfort us, and to give us strength. I am grateful for a God who never leaves us.

Very soon, we’ll return to what the church calls Ordinary Time—the season when we get back to the everyday business of the church. And we’ve got quite a list of things to “get about.” First, we’re preparing to do a few upgrades around the building: a little fresh paint here, new bathroom stall doors there… just a few sprucing-up projects to keep our church home looking loved.

When I was growing up, that’s how my family sometimes paid our tithes. We owned a construction business, and there wasn’t always enough work to cover everything at home. But my parents were committed to giving back to God what God had blessed them with. Sometimes that meant working at the church when we didn’t have money for the offering plate. I’ve pulled up and laid carpet, installed pews, tiled bathrooms, replaced toilets, painted walls, and hung sheetrock—with my family and for my church. I’m looking forward to picking up a paintbrush again… and hopefully seeing a few of you with one too.

These past few weeks have also been full of conversations about funerals, as we’ve grieved the loss of several dear members. I just want you to know what an honor it is to be asked to participate in those services. I am moved beyond words every time.

The newsletter will be taking a short break, but know that you are all in my prayers.

Love you all,
Mary

Kids’ News – “Seeing and Believing”

Posted on by
Reply

It had been a long, strange week for the disciples.

Jesus had been crucified. He had died and was buried in a tomb. But now, just days later, the disciples were saying He was alive again. Some of them had already seen Him. Others had heard stories from the women at the tomb. There was joy… but also confusion.

And Thomas wasn’t so sure.

He had seen the pain. He had watched Jesus be arrested, beaten, and taken to the cross. The grief was real, and the idea of resurrection just felt too hard to believe.

When the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” (John 20:25), Thomas replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were… I will not believe.”

Thomas wanted more than a story—he wanted proof.

And that’s when Jesus showed up.

A week later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples. This time, Thomas was with them. And Jesus didn’t scold or shame him. He simply turned to Thomas and said,

“Put your finger here; see my hands. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

Thomas didn’t need to touch after all. Just seeing Jesus was enough.

“My Lord and my God!” he said (John 20:28).

And Jesus responded, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

What We Learned

✔ It’s okay to have questions about our faith—Thomas did too.
✔ Jesus meets us with grace, not judgment.
✔ We can believe, even when we haven’t seen everything.
✔ Faith grows when we stay curious, honest, and open to God’s love.

This week, we saw how Jesus met Thomas exactly where he was, not with anger, but with love. And that same love meets us today. See you in church, so we can “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18

Celebrating the Life of Patricia “Patsy” Reeves

Posted on by
Reply

Our dear friend and member, Patricia Estill Browning Reeves, passed into eternal life on April 3, 2025. Born in January 1931, Patsy grew up in Handley, graduated from Polytechnic High School, and attended Texas Christian University.

Patsy was known for her joyful spirit, deep love for her family, and gift for hospitality. She found happiness in gathering loved ones around her table, exploring the world—especially Italy—and creating lasting memories with those she cherished most. To her family, she was affectionately known as “Granner,” a name that reflected her boundless love and gentle heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at

St. Matthew United Methodist Church
2414 Hitson Lane, Fort Worth, TX
Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Patsy embraced the tradition of wearing white to funerals. Guests are invited to honor her by wearing white or light colors.

Due to the church also serving as a polling location that day, we kindly ask all guests to use the south parking lot.

For more information, please visit: Patricia Reeves Obituary

They Did Not Cease – Livestream

Posted on by
Reply

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

Register your attendance

Acts 5:27-42 New International Version

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.