Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

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  • 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

    Tags:

  • 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]

  • Max’s Corner

    Max Brennan

    Lazarus — The Musical

    Saturday, Oct. 25 · 6:00 p.m.
    Dinner to follow at St. Matthew

    The excellent choir from the Unitarian Universalist Church around the corner from St. Matthew presented Lazarus in May as a fundraiser for Eastside Ministries.

    They’re repeating that performance here at St. Matthew this Saturday evening—again to benefit Eastside Ministries.

    Lazarus brings to life Jesus’ parable of “The Rich Man and Lazarus.” Lazarus sits at the rich man’s gate, surviving on crumbs from his table. When the rich man dies, he finds himself in torment.

    This story will come alive for us on Saturday as part of our monthly concert series. Your presence matters—if you’re able to come. We’re helping Eastside Ministries continue their vital work feeding hungry neighbors who depend on our support.

    An offering will be taken.

    For your gift of time and support, you’ll be rewarded with a good evening of music, food, and fellowship. Let’s do our best.

    (And to those bringing desserts to go with the tacos, beans, rice, and homemade sauce—mmm, good!)

    Pastor’s Class

    What we didn’t do last week, we’ll do this week: God and grief. Our experiences tell us that God wants us to be comforted in times of loss.

    9:45 a.m. — followed by breakfast.

    Breakfast this Sunday

    It’s a “We bring” Sunday. Help if you can.

    That’s at 10:30 a.m.

    This Sunday

    Sermon: When Our Strength Is Gone
    Anthem: They Shall Soar Like Eagles — a moving setting of Psalm 40
    Featured Hymn: Precious Lord, Take My Hand

    No one can fill your place but you.

    God bless — MB