Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

  • Churchology

    Jason Hardy
    YouTube player

    To watch the full service online, click here.

    What does it mean to be the Church?

    In Churchology, Hanna Newcomer Sliva invites us to see the Church not as a building or a program, but as a people formed together in Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11–16, we are reminded that each of us has been given gifts to share, not for ourselves alone, but for the strengthening of the whole body. When we live into those gifts, we begin to grow—individually and together—into the fullness of Christ.

    This growth does not happen all at once, and it does not happen alone. As we walk alongside one another, we are shaped by grace, encouraged in faith, and grounded in truth. Even in seasons of change, Christ remains the one who holds the Church together, guiding us toward unity, maturity, and deeper love.

    As we look ahead, we are invited to take our place within this shared life. Each act of service, each moment of care, each step of faith becomes part of how the Church is built up. Together, rooted in Christ, we continue to grow into who God is calling us to be.

    Take Time to Reflect

    • Where do you see your gifts being used to build up the body of Christ?
    • How is God inviting you to grow alongside others in this season?
    • What does it look like for us to live as the Church together this week?

    Ephesians 4:11-16 New International Version

    11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

    14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

  • Kids’ News

    Sue Kelcey

    Walking with Jesus, Even When We Don’t See Him

    It was the first day of the week, the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Two of his disciples were walking together, talking about everything that had happened. As they walked along the road, Jesus came and joined them. But somehow, they did not recognize him.

    As they talked, the disciples shared the story of Jesus, not realizing they were speaking to him. When they reached the village of Emmaus, Jesus acted as if he were going on ahead. But they urged him to stay and join them for a meal. When they sat down at the table, Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. It was a familiar moment, something they had seen before. And in that moment, they finally recognized him.

    Jesus had been with them all along. This reminds us that Jesus is still with us today. He is with us when we gather, when we share meals, and when we care for one another. Sometimes we recognize him not in words, but in the quiet, meaningful moments that feel full of love and peace.

    What We Learned:

    • Jesus is with us, even when we don’t recognize it right away
    • We can notice Jesus in simple, familiar moments
    • Sharing and caring for others helps us see God’s love
    • We are never walking alone

    We were so happy to have the twins with us on Sunday, and if you were there, you may even have seen the baby chicks. We hope to see you in church again this Sunday.

  • A Word from our Church Family

    Jason Hardy

    We give thanks for the many ways God’s love is shared through the life of our church.
    We give thanks for Rev. Mike Love and Susan for their presence among us during this season. Through their leadership, care, and steady faith, they have helped guide us with grace and compassion. We are grateful for the ways they have walked alongside our congregation, offering encouragement and reminding us of Christ’s constant presence.

    We are thankful for the ways our church continues to come together in worship, fellowship, and service. Each week, through music, prayer, and shared life, we experience the love of God in meaningful and lasting ways.

    As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for where we have been and hope for where God is leading us. We give thanks for each person who shares their gifts so faithfully, helping us experience the joy and presence of Christ together.

  • A Word from Mary

    Mary Teague

    St. Matthew Congregational Business and Ministry meeting
    Sunday, April 26th, immediately following services.

    Good Wednesday, St. Matthew and friends,

    I pray for love and peacefulness to fill your hearts and lives continuously through the power of the resurrected Christ.

    I am recovering well from my knee surgery last week. Thank you for your prayers and support. This one has been a bit easier than the first, as I remember it, and the pain has been well controlled with over-the-counter medications. I am grateful to God for the excellent care I received during the surgery and since returning home.

    We will have a guest preacher this weekend, Hannah Newcomer Sliva (pronounced “sleeva”), Associate Director of the TCU Wesley Foundation. The Wesley Foundation is a ministry of the United Methodist Church serving college campuses across the United States. Hannah has had a variety of experiences on her way to being called by God into full-time ministry, including serving as a youth minister, a 4th and 5th-grade teacher, a 6th-grade choir director, and a foster care specialist.

    Hannah is currently in the Master of Divinity program at TCU’s Brite Divinity School. She believes God called her to the Deacon track because “the church has to leave its walls.” She also shares, “God is always there through prevenient grace, making ready whatever is next for my life.” Hannah is involved in a program through Princeton University called the Polaris Program, where she is writing a theology of aging. You can learn more about her work here:
    A Theology of Aging with Hanna Newcomer Sliva – part 1. She believes God created us to experience life “in its full capacity, anticipating joy always.”

    Please join me in making Hannah very welcome at St. Matthew. She will preach for us this week and possibly again in the future. I am so thankful for this support at this time in my ministry. God has put us all here together at the perfect time to be the love of God in our world, and I am excited to be in this ministry with you.

    Blessings,

    Mary

  • April 26 – Congregational Family Business Meeting

    Jason Hardy

    Following worship on Sunday, April 26, we will gather for a Congregational Family Business Meeting. This will be a time to share updates on the life of our church, reflect on where we are, and look ahead to the opportunities before us.

    We will also discuss ways to serve and participate in the ministries of Saint Matthew, including opportunities for committee involvement and volunteer support.

    We invite you to join us as you are able, as we continue to move forward together in faith.