Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Hello to all of God’s beloved children,

I pray that your week is going smoothly—and that most of your plans are indoors! It looks like we’ll have hot and humid weather for a while longer… and maybe even more rain? My grass has never been this green in July, and my water bill has never been this low!

Summer is usually a time when attendance at St. Matthew dips a little, but not this year. We’ve been consistently welcoming around 60 people each Sunday, and I am so grateful for your continued commitment to our congregation. It brings me joy to see your faces each week. Please continue to pray for one another and for the world around us.

This Friday, July 17, I’ll be meeting with the Eastside Community Assistance Board. We have many things to discuss, including the upcoming gospel concert on September 20, 2025, featuring MSB. Tickets will go on sale July 27, both in print and online, and will be available until we sell out. I truly hope many of you will invite your friends and family to enjoy this evening of music, fellowship, and a shared meal afterward. I’ll share more details next week.

I also want to personally thank you for your generosity and prayers in support of the flood relief efforts in the Rio Texas Conference of the UMC. Our goal was to raise $2,000, and you gave $4,000! You overwhelm me with your kindness and love. A check will be sent to the Rio Texas Conference, and 100% of your donations will go directly to help those in need. Please continue to lift these families—and so many others around the world—who are being affected by extreme weather.

My love and blessings to you all,

Mary

Things weren’t going well for the people of Israel. Once again, they had turned away from God, and now a cruel army, led by Commander Sisera, was making life miserable. The people cried out to God for help.

And God sent someone… unexpected. Not a warrior. Not a king. But a woman named Deborah.

Deborah was both a prophet and a judge. She was so wise and trustworthy that people from all over the land came to see her. She didn’t have a palace or a courtroom—she sat under a palm tree in the hill country (Judges 4:5), listening to people and helping them solve their problems.

One day, Deborah sent for a military commander named Barak. She had a message from God:

“The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Take ten thousand men to Mount Tabor. God will hand Sisera over to you” (Judges 4:6–7).

But Barak wasn’t confident.

“I’ll go,” he said, “but only if you come with me.”

Deborah agreed.

“I will go with you,” she said. “But because of the way you are doing this, the honor of victory will go to a woman” (Judges 4:9).

Together, they led the people. At just the right moment, Deborah gave the signal:

“Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Hasn’t the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14)

Barak charged forward, and God gave Israel the victory.

This story matters because Deborah listened to God and used her voice to bring justice and peace. In a time when women were rarely leaders, she showed strength, wisdom, and courage. She reminds us that anyone—girl or boy, young or old—can lead when they trust God and do what’s right.

What We Learned:

• God chooses leaders who listen, even when they don’t look like what people expect.
• Deborah used her wisdom and courage to help others.
• Barak learned to trust God’s plan—even when he was unsure.
• When we listen to God and act faithfully, great things can happen.

We hope to see you in church this Sunday!

Blessings!