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Most of life is lived in ordinary moments. We move through familiar routines, carry responsibilities, and sometimes face long seasons of waiting or uncertainty. Yet Scripture reminds us that God is not absent in these everyday moments. God’s steadfast love never ceases, and God’s mercies are made new every morning, offering hope even when we cannot yet see what God is doing.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus notices a woman who had lived with suffering for eighteen years before healing her on the Sabbath. While others focused on rules and expectations, Jesus saw a beloved child of God and responded with compassion. Her story reminds us that God’s work is often unfolding long before we recognize it. Even in seasons that seem ordinary, God is present, faithful, and at work in ways we may not yet understand.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to trust God’s faithfulness in every season. We do not have to wait for extraordinary experiences to encounter God’s presence. Through worship, prayer, acts of kindness, and the daily rhythms of discipleship, God continues to shape us, strengthen us, and lead us forward with hope.
Take Time to Reflect
- Where have you noticed God’s faithfulness in the ordinary rhythms of your life recently?
- Is there a season of waiting where God may be inviting you to trust rather than lose hope?
- How can you help someone else recognize God’s presence in an ordinary moment this week?
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Scripture: Genesis 27:1-40; Hebrews 11:20
Have you ever had someone tell you, “I believe in you”?
Near the end of his life, Isaac gathered his sons to bless them. A blessing is more than kind words. It is a way of asking God to guide, protect, and care for someone. Isaac knew there had been mistakes, disagreements, and hurt feelings in his family. Even so, he trusted that God was still at work.
Isaac remembered the promises God had made to his father, Abraham. He believed those promises would continue through his children and grandchildren. Even though he could not see exactly how everything would happen, Isaac trusted God to lead the way.
This Father’s Day, we can remember that our words and actions matter. When we encourage someone, pray for them, or remind them that God loves them, we are helping pass along faith and hope to the next generation. Just like Isaac, we can trust that God is working in ways we cannot always see.
The good news is that God’s promises do not stop with one person or one family. God’s love continues from generation to generation, and each of us has a place in God’s story.
What We Learned
- Isaac trusted God even when he could not see the whole plan.
- A blessing is a way of sharing faith, hope, and encouragement.
- God’s promises continue from one generation to the next.
- We can help others grow in faith through our words, prayers, and actions.
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Greetings, beloved children of God,
On Father’s Day, we reflect on the powerful story of the prodigal son in Luke 15—a story many of us know well. A younger son makes poor choices, squanders his inheritance, and finds himself broken and alone. Yet when he returns home, his father does something unexpected: he runs to meet him, embraces him, and celebrates his return without hesitation.This father models a kind of love that is bold, unconditional, and grace-filled. He does not dwell on past mistakes, shame, or failure. Instead, he focuses on what truly matters—his son was lost and is now found, dead and now alive.
In contrast, the older brother struggles with resentment and judgment. He cannot see beyond his brother’s failures and, in doing so, misses the joy and blessing already present in his own life. This tension invites us to reflect: which posture do we take?
God calls us to love like the father—to extend compassion without limits, to welcome others without conditions, and to set aside judgment and fear. God’s love is not limited or scarce; there is always more than enough to share.
When we remember how deeply we are loved and forgiven, we are empowered to love others the same way. This is the heart of our calling: to love boldly, reflect God’s grace, and help others experience the joy of belonging in God’s family.
Don’t forget the many folks who have requested prayer for themselves or a loved one. God listens when we pray. Also, do not forget that the Rev. Beverly Tye is preaching for us this Sunday, June 28th. I am looking forward to being there with you and to listening to Rev. Tye.
The United States turns 250 years old this July 4th. Regardless of your politics, we are blessed to be born in this nation. Pray for our leaders that God would work a miracle on their hearts and minds. We will celebrate this momentous event with a 4th of July Picnic after church on July 4th. We will have a sandwich bar for you to build your own sandwich. Most importantly, we are inviting you to bring homemade ice cream for our dessert. We will discuss more on Sunday.
Love to all, Mary
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I want to take a moment to thank Shannon Davidson and Julian Rodriguez for leading our music this past Sunday. With several members of our music ministry away, they stepped up and helped make our Father’s Day service special.
One of the things that makes Saint Matthew unique is the willingness of people to help wherever they are needed. Whether it’s music, hospitality, media, children’s ministry, prayer, or caring for one another, our church is filled with people who quietly serve week after week.
Thank you to everyone who shares their gifts with our church family. You make a difference, and your efforts are appreciated.