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As we continue our journey through Love Boldly, Jesus reminds us that a fruitful life begins with a prepared heart. In the Parable of the Sower, the seed remains the same, but the condition of the soil determines whether it takes root and bears fruit. The invitation is not simply to hear God’s Word, but to receive it in ways that shape our lives.
Rev. Mary Teague encouraged us to think about the “soil” of our own hearts. Distractions, worry, and shallow faith can keep God’s Word from growing, but intentional spiritual practices help us become good soil. Spending time in Scripture, praying with openness, and seeking to understand God’s voice are not tasks to complete. They are ways we deepen our relationship with Christ and prepare ourselves to love God and others more fully.
As a church family, we are called to love boldly through lives that are rooted in God’s grace. When we make space for God to work within us, our faith naturally bears fruit through compassion, generosity, service, and love. Preparing our hearts today allows God to grow something lasting for tomorrow.
Take Time to Reflect
- What distractions might be keeping God’s Word from taking deeper root in your life?
- What spiritual habit could help you become more attentive to God’s voice this week?
- How is God preparing you to bear fruit through love, service, and faith?
Matthew 13:1-9 NIV
The Parable of the Sower
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”Matthew 13:18-23 NIV
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”Tags: Matthew
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Your Huddled Masses: An Invitation of Hope
In this week’s sermon, inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28, we were reminded of God’s enduring invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Jesus spoke these words to ordinary people burdened by oppression, uncertainty, and the struggles of daily life. His message was simple yet profound—bring your weariness, your fears, and your heavy burdens, and find rest in God’s presence.
Drawing a connection between the crowds of Galilee and our modern world, the sermon reflected on moments when people set aside differences and recognize their shared humanity. The recent World Cup was offered as an example of communities gathering in celebration, reminding us that connection, joy, and hospitality are powerful forces for healing and hope.
As our nation marks its 250th year, we were encouraged to remember the welcoming spirit symbolized by the Statue of Liberty’s famous invitation to the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” More importantly, we were reminded that God’s welcome is even wider, extending unconditional love to every person.
The good news of the Gospel is that God does not define us by nationality, status, accomplishments, or appearance. God sees us simply as beloved children and invites us to extend that same grace to one another. In doing so, we become bearers of hope, peace, and Christ’s love in the world.
Call to Action: There are two calls to action this week. First, take an intentional step toward welcoming, encouraging, or caring for someone outside your usual circle. Offer a kind word, share a meal, listen to a neighbor’s story, or reach out to someone who may feel alone. As followers of Christ, we are called not only to receive God’s love but to reflect it. Let us be people who open doors, build bridges, and remind others that they, too, are beloved children of God. In a world longing for hope, each act of grace can become a living invitation: “Come and find rest.” Second, hold on to the hope of joy and hospitality displayed this summer during the World Cup. When the games are over, do not let that hope be lost. Jesus is the “light of all people. The light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it” (John 1: 4b-5, paraphrased). Don’t forget to distribute your business cards to the folks you meet.
Announcements
JUL
12
10:30 am – Breakfast provided by members of the church.
JUL
15
10:30 am – Wednesday Prayer Group and Bible Study
JUL
19
12:00 pm – Brief One Council Meeting after church
JUL
26
10:30 am – Breakfast provided by Winston and Mark (and everyone who can help).
AUG
2
Communion Sunday
AUG
9
Back to School Blessings Sunday
Love to all,
Rev. Mary Teague, MDiv.
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Thank you to everyone who helped lead worship, especially Kristi Moore, Blake Glass, and Julian Rodriguez. Julian’s solo of Your Grace Is Enough was a beautiful reminder that God’s grace carries us, restores us, and calls us forward in love. We are grateful for Blake and Kristi’s faithful leadership in music each week, and we wish Blake a very happy birthday as he celebrated on July 4.
This week, we were reminded that Christ’s welcome reaches across every boundary. The World Cup offers a glimpse of people from many nations gathering in joy. Travel, conversation, shared meals, and friendship can help us see beyond fear and division, allowing us to recognize the image of God in people whose lives and stories are different from our own. When we take time to know one another, we discover that God’s love is often revealed through the relationships we build.
Thank you for being part of a church family that continues to welcome generously, worship joyfully, and serve faithfully. Every act of kindness, every song, every prayer, and every shared table helps tell the story of God’s love at work through Saint Matthew.
Would you like to share a word with our church family in next week’s newsletter? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected].
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Why Is Doing the Right Thing So Hard?
Have you ever promised yourself you would be patient, tell the truth, or be kind, and then found yourself doing the opposite? You’re not the only one. Even the apostle Paul said he sometimes struggled to do what he knew was right.
Paul wrote that he wanted to do good, but sometimes he made the wrong choices instead. He wasn’t pretending to be perfect. He was being honest. The good news is that Paul didn’t stop there. He thanked God because Jesus helps us when we fall short and reminds us that God’s love never gives up on us.
We all make mistakes. We might say something unkind, lose our temper, or forget to help someone who needs us. When that happens, we can ask God for forgiveness, learn from our mistakes, and try again. Every new day is another chance to grow in kindness, courage, and love because Jesus is with us every step of the way.
No one follows Jesus perfectly, and no one has to. God loves us, forgives us, and keeps helping us become the people we were created to be.
What We Learned
- Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
- Jesus loves us and forgives us when we fall short.
- God’s grace gives us a fresh start every day.
- With God’s help, we can keep growing in kindness, courage, and love.