Have you ever had someone pray for you when you were sad, scared, or having a hard day? It feels good to know someone cares about you and wants good things for you.
In John 17, Jesus prayed for His friends before He left them. He asked God to help them stay close to Him and close to each other. Jesus wanted His followers to love one another and work together like a family (John 17:20-23). Even more amazing, Jesus was also praying for people who would believe later. That means He was praying for us, too!
Jesus knew there would be times when people would feel lonely, left out, or upset with one another. That is why He reminded His followers to love each other and stay together. When we share, help someone who is hurting, invite others to join us, or say kind words, we show people what God’s love looks like.
You are important to God. Jesus cares about you, prays for you, and wants you to help others feel loved and welcome, too.
In this week’s message, Rev. Mary Teague reflected on the moment after the resurrection when Jesus gathered with the disciples and “opened their minds” to understand the Scriptures. Even after walking with Jesus, the disciples still struggled to fully understand what God was doing through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Mary reminded us that faith is often a journey of growing understanding. God continues to open our hearts and minds, helping us see His presence in new ways through Scripture, worship, prayer, and community.
Drawing from Luke’s account of the Ascension, the sermon emphasized that Jesus did not leave the disciples abandoned or directionless. Instead, He blessed them and prepared them for what was coming next. The disciples returned to Jerusalem not with fear, but with joy and renewed purpose. Mary reflected on how Christ continues to call ordinary people into lives of witness, trust, and hope. We are reminded that understanding does not come all at once. God patiently continues shaping us and guiding us forward together.
The message also invited us to consider how God may still be opening our minds today. In a world filled with uncertainty, distraction, and division, Christ calls us to remain grounded in love, grace, and community. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to keep learning, keep listening, and keep responding to God’s movement among us. The same Christ who walked with the disciples continues to walk beside us now, leading us into deeper faith and greater understanding.
Take Time to Reflect
Where is God helping you see something in a new way?
How have others helped open your understanding of faith?
What would it look like to walk forward with joy and trust this week?
Luke 24:44-53 (New International Version) 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus 50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
On Mother’s Day, our church reflected on a powerful truth through the sermon “Women as Witnesses.” While history has often overlooked or diminished the voices of women, Scripture tells a different story, one where women are central to God’s work from beginning to end.
Throughout the Bible, women like Miriam, Ruth, Naomi, Mary, and Elizabeth demonstrate faith, courage, and deep trust in God. Most profoundly, the Gospels reveal that women were the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus and to share that life-changing news with others. At a time when their voices were often dismissed, God chose them to carry the message of hope and new life.
This message continues to speak clearly to us today. God still works through people the world may overlook, reminding us that every voice has value and every life holds purpose. We are all called to be witnesses, sharing love, offering compassion, and bringing hope into our community.
As we move forward together, may we remember that the same power that raised Christ is alive within us. Let us live as faithful witnesses, carrying God’s love into the world with courage, grace, and hope.
Saint Matthew UMC invites everyone to join us for our Second Thursday Monthly Potluck Luncheon on Thursday, May 14, for a meaningful afternoon of fellowship, food, and conversation.
Guests are encouraged to arrive with food between 11:30 AM and noon. Lunch will begin at noon, followed by a special presentation from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
This month, we are pleased to welcome Susan Trump as our guest speaker. Susan is a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in ICU and wound care and has been affiliated with Texas Health Resources for nearly 20 years. She currently serves as the Faith Community Nursing Program Manager, supporting holistic and faith-based approaches to community health and wellness throughout the community.
Susan’s presentation, “Advance Care Planning: What I Need to Know,” will offer helpful information and thoughtful guidance on an important topic that impacts individuals and families alike. The discussion will focus on practical planning, communication, and caring for one another with wisdom and compassion.
Whether you regularly attend the luncheon or are joining us for the first time, we hope you will come and enjoy this time together. Events like these help strengthen the connections within our church family while offering opportunities to learn, encourage one another, and grow together in faith and community.
