Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

  • Kids’ News – Staying Close While We Wait

    Sue Kelcey

    Have you ever had to wait for something really important? Maybe it was a big day you were excited about, or something you hoped would happen soon. Waiting can feel hard, especially when we don’t know what’s coming next.

    After Jesus died on the cross, one of his followers, a man named Joseph, took care of him. He wrapped Jesus in cloth and placed him in a tomb carved out of rock (Matthew 27:57–60). A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and another Mary stayed nearby, sitting quietly across from the tomb. Even though they were sad, they stayed close, trusting God even before they understood what would happen next.

    This part of the story reminds us that even in quiet moments, God is still near. The women didn’t know it yet, but something amazing was about to happen. In our own lives, there are times when we are waiting and don’t understand what God is doing. But we can trust that God is with us, and that His love is always working—even when we cannot see it yet.

    What We Learned

    • Waiting can be hard, but we are never alone
    • God is with us, even in quiet or uncertain moments
    • Sometimes something wonderful is happening, even if we cannot see it yet
    • We can trust God, even while we wait

  • A Word from Our Church Family

    Jason Hardy

    In this season of Easter joy, we give thanks for the many ways God’s love is shared through the life of our church.

    • The congregation extends heartfelt thanks to Sue and Doug Kelcey and Vickie Giese for organizing a wonderful Easter egg hunt for our children. The joy and excitement of the kids were a gift to witness, and we are grateful for the care and effort that made this special time possible.
    • We also give thanks to Kristi, the members of the chorus, and especially Blake for the beautiful music shared during our Easter service. The choral performances were truly inspiring, and the voices of both our choir and guest vocalists filled the sanctuary with a depth and richness that lifted our hearts in worship.
    • We are grateful for the musicians who enriched our Holy Week services. On Good Friday, Megan Riddle offered a moving presence on the snare drum. On Easter Sunday, we were blessed by Jeff DeMaagd and Andrew Golden on trumpet, Allison Whiddon on horn, Meggan Hinds on trombone, and Jose Perez on tuba. Their gifts added beauty and power to our worship as we celebrated the risen Christ.

    We give thanks for each person who shares their gifts so faithfully, helping us experience the joy and presence of Christ together.

  • A Word from Mary

    Mary Teague

    Hallelujah! He is risen!

    I am still smiling and quietly humming the songs from Easter morning. What a beautiful time of worship and fellowship! With 100 people in attendance, we truly raised the roof in praise. Thank you for being part of it—whether you joined us in person, online, or in prayer and spirit. I am deeply humbled by your love and support.

    I am also filled with joy and gratitude that I will spend the next few years with you in this sacred space. It is a true blessing, and I promise to work diligently so that you feel blessed as well. I encourage you to carry the hope of Sunday into Monday—and into every day that follows. God’s promise remains: we are never alone. The joy we experienced on Sunday is always available to us through our relationship with the risen Christ and with one another. Even now, I feel a current of holy energy when I reflect on this past weekend.

    We do have a few important family matters to discuss. Because these decisions affect our entire congregation, I am calling a Family Business Meeting on April 26th, immediately following the morning service. We will share a meal together and then discuss recent developments and future plans.

    A key focus will be the need for committee members and volunteers to support our ministries and outreach. I would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word and encouraging everyone to attend. If you are unable to join us in person but would like to participate, please email me at [email protected].

    Let us come together for food, prayer, and honest, loving conversation about our church family. More details about lunch will be shared soon. In the meantime, please keep this meeting—and our church—in your prayers.

    It was such a joy to welcome back Linda Anderson and Charlotte Holder this past Sunday. They have been missed, and it was wonderful to see them again. To all our visitors and those who join us from time to time, please know how much it means to see you as well.

    I hold each of you in prayer, asking God to bless you with strength, wisdom, and health. We may not be a large congregation, but we are mighty in Christ, and God is moving among us in both seen and unseen ways. You won’t want to miss what God is doing at Saint Matthew.

    If transportation is a concern, rides are available—just reach out, and we will be glad to arrange one for you. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship with us online at saintmatthewumc.com by selecting “Videos.”

    Please continue to keep Rev. Max and Jackie in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their dear friend, Rev. Harry C. Meisner, who passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Max shared that he is deeply grieving while also giving thanks for their 60-year friendship. There are no service plans yet, but I know he would be comforted by your prayers, messages, or cards. We will also have a card available this Sunday for everyone to sign.

    There are many others on our prayer list who need our continued support. Let us remain faithful in praying for one another and in serving God with love and compassion.

    With deep love and respect,

    Mary

  • Newsletter for April 8, 2026

    Jason Hardy
    2026-04-08 St Matthew TodayDownload

  • Have You Seen Jesus, My Lord?

    Jason Hardy
    YouTube player

    To watch the entire service online, click here.

    Sermon Summary

    On that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene stands outside the tomb in grief, still holding the weight of loss and uncertainty. Even when she encounters the risen Christ, she does not recognize him at first. It is only when Jesus calls her by name that everything changes. In that moment, sorrow gives way to recognition, and despair becomes hope. This story reminds us that resurrection is not always immediately clear to us. Sometimes, even when Christ is near, we struggle to see.

    Rev. Mike Love invites us into that same question that echoes through the Gospel and into our own lives: Have you seen Jesus? Like Mary, we may look directly at the presence of Christ and still not recognize him. Yet Jesus is not distant. He is present in plain view, in worship, in community, in prayer, and in the quiet moments where grace meets us. The risen Christ is not hidden, but revealed in ways that invite us to open our eyes and our hearts.

    Mary becomes the first witness to the resurrection not because she understands everything, but because she responds. She hears her name, turns toward Christ, and goes to share the good news: “I have seen the Lord.” In the same way, we are called to recognize Christ in our lives and in one another, and to live as witnesses to that hope. Even in seasons of transition or uncertainty, the resurrection reminds us that Christ is present, calling us by name and sending us forward in faith.

    Take Time to Reflect

    • When have you experienced Christ’s presence, even if you did not recognize it at first?
    • Where might Jesus be “in plain view” in your life right now?
    • How is Christ calling your name, inviting you to respond and share that hope with others?

    John 20:11-18 English Standard Version

    Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

    11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,[a] “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.