Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

  • Mary’s Corner

    Mary Teague

    Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

    The weather this week is finally turning toward fall, and I am ready for cooler temperatures! I’m praying for an extended season of crisp mornings and warm afternoons. We usually get two perfect fall days before the cold sets in—so Lord, let it be! A few beautiful days of calm and color are blessings we could all use right now.

    Thank you to everyone who attended the Saturday night concert at Saint Matthew. Lazarus, performed by the All People’s Church Choir, was beautifully done and deeply humbling in its message. It reminded us of the many families struggling right now as food stamp benefits are cut during the government shutdown. This loss of support is especially hard on children and seniors.

    Now more than ever, your donations are vital to organizations like the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Eastside Ministries, and any local food pantry you choose to support. If you are able, please bring shelf-stable food to the church, and I will make sure it reaches Eastside Ministries. In the coming weeks, I will share a list of items for the Thanksgiving bags we prepare each year for Eastside.

    If you know anyone in our congregation who may need assistance, please let us know—we have a Benevolence Fund set aside for just such needs. This is an urgent time, and as followers of Christ, we are called to respond. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors in need. Bless you for your faithfulness and compassion.

    This Sunday is a special one for Saint Matthew. We’ll observe All Saints Sunday, a day to remember those who have gone before us in faith. Please submit the names of anyone you would like memorialized during worship by emailing [email protected]. And don’t forget—it’s also Daylight Saving Time weekend, so we get to “fall back” one hour and enjoy a little extra rest!

    Finally, our hearts are with Vicky Valenzuela and her family following the tragic loss of her brother, John Moore, Jr. There will be a viewing and meal this Thursday at the funeral home in Arlington. I will contact those who can help provide food for the family. Please continue to lift Vicky, Jose, and their loved ones in prayer during this difficult time.

    Blessings to all,
    Mary

  • Kids’ News – The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

    Sue Kelcey

    Humble Hearts Before God

    One day, Jesus told a story to help people understand what it means to pray with the right kind of heart. Two men went to the temple to talk to God. One was a Pharisee—a religious leader who followed every rule—and the other was a tax collector, someone most people didn’t like.

    The Pharisee stood proudly and prayed about himself, saying, “God, thank you that I’m not like other people.” But the tax collector stood far away, bowed his head, and prayed quietly, “God, have mercy on me. I need Your help.” Jesus said it was the humble tax collector—not the proud Pharisee—whose prayer pleased God. (Luke 18:9–14)

    Jesus wanted His followers to understand that God listens to honest hearts, not proud ones. When we brag or think we’re better than others, we close our hearts to God’s love. But when we admit our mistakes and ask for His help, God fills us with grace and forgiveness.

    What We Learned

    • God listens to prayers that come from a humble heart.
    • We don’t have to pretend to be perfect—God already knows us and loves us.
    • True strength comes from admitting we need God’s help.
    • When we lift others up instead of ourselves, we reflect God’s love to the world.

  • Newsletter for October 29, 2025

    Jason Hardy
    2025-10-29 St Matthew TodayDownload

  • When Our Strength Is Gone

    Jason Hardy
    YouTube player

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

    https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/sZTgrrwfOXb

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  • Friday’s Word

    Max Brennan

    Well, there were seven million last weekend standing up for right over might, good over mean, grace over vengeance.

    My sermon this Sunday will barely mention our national plight, but it is about never giving up.

    So, it will apply.

    Are you watching our services?

    You can see us on YouTube through our webpage. Type in our web address at the bottom of this little box. Click on “video.” There it is.

    During the week, the service gets shortened to just the sermon—for those in a hurry.

    But below the picture that comes up when you click on “video,” there is a choice to “watch full service.”

    Or watch the full service on Facebook. Go to “Saint Matthew UMC Fort Worth Facebook.”

    Or watch on your TV.

    On YouTube.

    There I am—preaching from a stool.

    Yes, I hate it—preaching from a stool.

    I hope to escape the stool after knee surgery.

    You will note as soon as you tune in that I—uh—I am older than the picture I use in this little box.

    I’ve been at this for 43 years, and I was 39 when I started. (You do the math.)

    I’m still at it.

    I hope to be at it for several years to come.

    Lord willing.

    And with our good Bishop’s approval.

    But at one point, I thought my ministry was over before it began.

    I’ll tell you about that this Sunday.

    ++

    Monthly concert and dinner Saturday night, Oct. 25, 6:00 p.m. Free.

    We take an offering for Eastside Ministries.

    I’ve got a pew for you.

    saintmatthewumc.com
    [email protected]