Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Peace and love in the name of Jesus Christ to you, God’s beloved children!

I’m home from Arizona and so thankful for the time I spent with my grandmother. I must make a correction—she isn’t 98 as I had shared—she’ll be 99 years old on September 15th! Her mind is still sharp, and her spirit is strong. Though she faces some age-related challenges like arthritis, she remains healthy, happy, and deeply faithful. Like many at her stage of life, she finds herself asking the question Keith has also voiced: “How much longer, Lord?”

It’s a question that speaks to something deep within us—a longing for heaven. As we grow older, many of us begin to miss the promise of eternity and look forward to that day when we shall see God face to face. The apostle Paul expresses this so beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5, where he writes about our earthly lives being like a tent, while in heaven we have a “permanent house, made not by man, but by God.” Paul goes on to say that in “this present frame, we sigh with deep longing for the heavenly house.”

Do you feel that longing too? If you do, I would love to hear your thoughts. Let’s talk about it sometime.

We continue to lift up our beloved members who are unable to attend church in person. The joy and light that we experience when gathered in fellowship is something we should pray God shares with each of them in abundance. I’d also like us to begin thinking about a visitation and card-writing ministry soon. Reaching out to others with love and encouragement can make all the difference.

Love and blessings to all,
Mary

P.S. I just spoke with Joyce Mitchell, and she shared that Dan is not doing well. Please join me in praying for them both. Lord, hear our prayer.

This Sunday, we talked about sharing—and the story we heard was all about a meal that brought people together in love and friendship.

As Jesus’s time on earth was drawing to a close, He told two of His disciples to go into the city and prepare a place for them to eat. They found a room just as He said they would, and that night, Jesus and His twelve disciples gathered around the table for what we now call The Last Supper (Luke 22:7–23, Matthew 26:17–30).

Jesus knew something big was about to happen—He was preparing to give His life for all of us. But before that, He wanted to share one last meal with His friends. As they sat together, talking and eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, thanked God, broke it, and gave it to the disciples. “This is my body,” He said. “Do this in remembrance of me.” Then He took a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many” (Matthew 26:26–28).

These were not just words—this was a moment of deep meaning. Jesus was giving His friends a way to remember Him, to stay connected to Him even after He was gone.

But something else was happening too: they were fellowshipping—a word we use in church to mean sharing time, love, and life. Jesus chose a meal for this important moment because eating together helps us feel close. It’s hard to stay angry or distant when passing bread or pouring juice. Around the table, we laugh, we talk, we learn, and we grow closer.

Even though one disciple would betray Him, Jesus still invited everyone to the table. He still shared, He still loved. And that’s a lesson for all of us. Like the disciples, we are Jesus’ friends, and He calls us to remember Him and love others the same way He did—especially at the table.

What We Learned

• Jesus shared a special meal with His disciples to show love and prepare them for what was coming.
• The bread and the cup remind us of Jesus’s sacrifice and invite us to remember Him with thankful hearts.
• Sharing meals with others is a way to love, forgive, and grow closer—just like Jesus did.

Every time you sit down for dinner with your family or share a snack with a friend, you have a chance to remember Jesus. Let’s keep finding ways to show His love—one meal, one moment, one heart at a time.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has already brought eggs and candy for our Easter Egg Hunt—we’re off to a great start! We still need lots more plastic eggs filled with candy, and we’d love your help. Please consider donating each week between now and Easter Sunday so we’ll have enough for all the children to enjoy.

Important! The Easter Egg Hunt starts promptly at 10:00 on Easter Sunday—don’t be late!

After our Easter Egg Hunt, the kids will be treated to a movie with popcorn and drinks!