Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

I pray this newsletter finds you feeling peaceful. Peace can seem like a long shot in a world where it often feels as though trouble never takes a break. It is easy to get caught up in watching every headline and every difficult story unfolding around us. Much of what we see is sad, frightening, and deeply heartbreaking. We cannot control most of what happens in the world, except in the way we participate through our voices and our votes.

What we can control is how these things affect us and how we respond to one another. Even when we do not understand the cruelty or the reasons behind so much suffering, we can choose to love the people around us right where we are. Jesus reminds us, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. They are heard by the Creator of the universe, and the God we love and adore loves us deeply in return.

In a world filled with trouble, we are called to live as Jesus taught us—with compassion, kindness, and faith that God is still at work. When the world feels heavy, try not to let fear take control of your heart. Instead, lean into the love of Christ and the community we share.

We also have several things coming up in the life of our church. Easter Sunday will be here before we know it, and we could use some help getting the church grounds ready. Brian McCosky has spent the last two days working hard on the flower beds on the north side of the building. We would greatly appreciate help cleaning up the flower beds on the south side so everything looks welcoming and beautiful.

As we prepare for Easter, we want everyone who visits to see the many blessings God has given us and to know that we are good stewards of those gifts.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Love,
Mary

The ladies of the church will gather for their monthly luncheon on Thursday, March 12. Everyone is invited to bring a plate of finger foods—such as sandwiches, deviled eggs, fruit, salads, or desserts.

Our program that day will introduce us to the Under the Bridge ministry, which serves members of the homeless community. As part of our outreach, we will assemble 100 hygiene bags for women that will be distributed through this ministry. All of the supplies have already been ordered and will be ready for us at the church.

We plan to assemble the hygiene bags after lunch and the program, which will take about two hours. For anyone who may not be able to stay through the afternoon, you are welcome to come early and help begin the assembly. The tables will be set up and ready starting at 10:30 AM.

Please add your name to the sign-up sheets in the church hallway, or call Veta or Carol to RSVP.