Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

  • Kids’ News – “Seeing and Believing”

    Sue Kelcey

    It had been a long, strange week for the disciples.

    Jesus had been crucified. He had died and was buried in a tomb. But now, just days later, the disciples were saying He was alive again. Some of them had already seen Him. Others had heard stories from the women at the tomb. There was joy… but also confusion.

    And Thomas wasn’t so sure.

    He had seen the pain. He had watched Jesus be arrested, beaten, and taken to the cross. The grief was real, and the idea of resurrection just felt too hard to believe.

    When the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” (John 20:25), Thomas replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were… I will not believe.”

    Thomas wanted more than a story—he wanted proof.

    And that’s when Jesus showed up.

    A week later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples. This time, Thomas was with them. And Jesus didn’t scold or shame him. He simply turned to Thomas and said,

    “Put your finger here; see my hands. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

    Thomas didn’t need to touch after all. Just seeing Jesus was enough.

    “My Lord and my God!” he said (John 20:28).

    And Jesus responded, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

    What We Learned

    ✔ It’s okay to have questions about our faith—Thomas did too.
    ✔ Jesus meets us with grace, not judgment.
    ✔ We can believe, even when we haven’t seen everything.
    ✔ Faith grows when we stay curious, honest, and open to God’s love.

    This week, we saw how Jesus met Thomas exactly where he was, not with anger, but with love. And that same love meets us today. See you in church, so we can “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18

  • Newsletter for April 30, 2025

    Jason Hardy
    2025-04-30 St Matthew TodayDownload

  • Celebrating the Life of Patricia “Patsy” Reeves

    Jason Hardy

    Our dear friend and member, Patricia Estill Browning Reeves, passed into eternal life on April 3, 2025. Born in January 1931, Patsy grew up in Handley, graduated from Polytechnic High School, and attended Texas Christian University.

    Patsy was known for her joyful spirit, deep love for her family, and gift for hospitality. She found happiness in gathering loved ones around her table, exploring the world—especially Italy—and creating lasting memories with those she cherished most. To her family, she was affectionately known as “Granner,” a name that reflected her boundless love and gentle heart.

    A Celebration of Life will be held at

    St. Matthew United Methodist Church
    2414 Hitson Lane, Fort Worth, TX
    Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

    Patsy embraced the tradition of wearing white to funerals. Guests are invited to honor her by wearing white or light colors.

    Due to the church also serving as a polling location that day, we kindly ask all guests to use the south parking lot.

    For more information, please visit: Patricia Reeves Obituary

  • They Did Not Cease – Livestream

    Jason Hardy
    YouTube player

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

    https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/saintmatthewumc/episodes/They-Did-Not-Cease-e3266ui
    Register your attendance

    Acts 5:27-42 New International Version

    27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

    29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

    33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

    40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

    41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

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  • Friday’s Word – “The Evidence is Everywhere”

    Max Brennan

    There is a lie which most people believe: that the burden of proof lies with Christians concerning their faith.

    That just is not true.

    The burden lies with those who do not believe.

    They must fight the overwhelming evidence that Jesus is Lord, and He is raised from the dead.

    Yes—I said evidence.

    Take the resurrection.

    Take that Shroud rolled up in a box in Turin, Italy.

    Most people think it is controversial. Maybe real. Maybe not.

    Sorry. The argument is over. Some 200 scientific tests point to authenticity. New X-ray testing places it at the time of Jesus.

    And if it is real, Jesus is risen. If the Shroud is the real thing, Jesus is who Christians claim Him to be.

    And are you aware that Jesus continues to appear to people—in NDEs—in other kinds of experiences?

    Think about that.

    Heidi Barr was a Jewish teen from a staunchly atheistic family. She was thrown from a horse, hit her head, and “died” for a short time.

    Who did she see? Who was there to greet and love her?

    Yes, Jesus.

    Jesus is all over the place in religious experiences.

    And when people see Him, He is always that person of power and authority—the one we call Lord.

    You can believe what you want. But I want the truth.

    And the truth is Jesus, crucified and risen.

    Are you in for some pure fun? Come to our concert this Saturday, April 26.

    A Night on Broadway.

    The offering is for Eastside Ministries. Show at 6:00. Supper at 7:00.

    Let our great singers lift your heart with songs you love.