What If I Miss the Will of God?

4th Sunday of Easter
Just these lines, my friends …

… to say that Sunday was an awesome day with so many moments of “the unforced rhythms of grace”: the baptism of Rhys Edward Toron (son of Sam/Jennifer Toron); those beautiful Children’s Chimers playing the old spiritual, Do Lord; the witness of Tonya Terry; our 9:30 Praise Team featuring Shannon Remley; our guest organist Dr. Kevin Estes; our very own Matthews United Methodist Church (MUMC) Orchestra under the direction of Craig Estep; and, I know you loved hearing from our community Martin Luther King Scholarship recipient, Jenesis Burse. What a special day! If you missed worshipping with us, or would like to participate again, you can do so by clicking here.

“They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” – Matthew 23:4

Jesus spoke these words about the religious leaders of his time, but they also reflect our time as well. Jesus saves his harshest critiques for this kind of leader. But sometimes we find the harsh religious leader within our own hearts. When our inner voice tells us we are not doing enough, we become like the Pharisees toward ourselves. I hope you’ll remember today that Jesus offers us a different way – “the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matt. 11:28-30 MSG).

Wednesday Devotional

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch my devotional for the week titled: What if I Miss the Will of God?

Pastoral Appointments for Matthews United Methodist

In the last few days, we’ve received the following communication from our Metro District Superintendent, Dan Pezet:

“The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church requires that every pastor be appointed for one year at a time. On behalf of the Western North Carolina Cabinet, I am pleased to inform you that Jenny Savage, Corey Milliet, Roldan Flores, Paul Craig and Chuck Wilson will again be appointed pastors of Matthews (Matthews) United Methodist Church in the Metro District, effective July 1, 2023. We believe this will continue to be a good appointment for … your church.

Thank you for the conscientious way you have cooperated with this process. Your Bishop and Cabinet have tried to be faithful to our task and our responsibility for making missional appointments based on the uniqueness of our churches and the gifts of our clergy.” Dale Webster, the Servant Leader for our Staff Parish Relations Committee writes, “Earlier this year, the Staff Parish Relations Committee unanimously and enthusiastically recommended to the Western North Carolina United Methodist Church leadership the re-appointment of our five pastors for another year. We are pleased to report that they concurred with our recommendation, and pastors Chuck, Paul, Corey, Roldan and Jenny will continue leading us in our mission to reach, teach, praise and serve.”

On behalf of all our clergy, a very special thank you for the confidence you continue to express in us for leadership in this thriving transforming community. All of your clergy are honored to be serving alongside each of you.

Leadership Information Session

If you have any interest whatsoever in exploring what leadership looks like at MUMC, please make plans to attend our Leadership Information Session on Tuesday, May 2, 7 pm, Room 94 or via Zoom. You’ll hear important information on how our church leadership works. Click here for more information, including the Zoom link.

Mental Health Awareness Sunday with Dr. Daniel Hale on May 7

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on May 7, in partnership with Weddington Church, Hope For Minds & Hearts Mental Health Ministry is presenting Depression: Out of the Darkness and Into the Light featuring Dr. Daniel Hale, psychologist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Hale will share personal and professional insights on the intersection of the faith community and mental health at all three services on Sunday, May 7, followed by a free lunch and learn opportunity at noon. You can find out more and register for lunch here.

Also, Becky Yates, Rev. Paul Craig and Dr. Daniel Hale had a conversation with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand on her podcast Metro District Sights & Sounds. They shared how Hope For Minds & Hearts Mental Health Ministry is equipping the community through education, resources and developing mental health toolboxes in the local church context. You can listen to the podcast here.

This Sunday in Worship

We invite you to join us this Sunday at 8:15 am (traditional; in person only), 9:30 am (contemporary; in person or online here), 11:00 am (traditional; in person or online here) or 12:30 (Spanish; in person or on demand here).

Pastor Roldan and our Spanish-speaking CCH community are the brightest of lights. We are so fortunate to have them in our midst. This Sunday, Pastor Roldan will be preaching from John 11:5-15, and his sermon is titled: Extraordinary Work in an Ordinary Moment.

I’m away this weekend with many of our men on retreat. This is always a highlight weekend for me. Hold us so close in your prayers.

Pastor Paul will be preaching this week. His sermon title is Dream On: Jesus is On the Loose from Luke 24:13-16, 28-32. Paul writes, “We will join two disciples on their way to Emmaus when they encounter the Risen Christ.” I do hope you’ll be present in worship on Sunday as we continue the journey of Practicing Resurrection. You might consider inviting someone to come along with you.

And now, as always, during these challenging, uncertain, and yet, exciting, promising and hopeful days, remember … God does God’s best work in moments like this.

Jesus is on the loose!
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II

Did you know that our All-Church Gathering (held twice each year…in April & October) was held this past Monday night in The Commons & via livestream? The program was rich with fellowship, community, information sharing & celebrating the amazing things happening at MUMC. If you missed it, you can watch it here.

Did you know that the Sanctuary Choir has been blessed by Matthews UMC by purchasing new robes? We are all so very grateful for the support. We are currently getting them distributed and preparing them to wear for worship, so you should see them soon. Thank you, Church!

Did you know that our Genesis gardeners planted beds last week? They conquered and spread a mountain of mulch and the garden looks great!

Did you know that the Faith Class had a cookout for The Males Place, one of our newest Global Impact partners? Kudos to this group for serving beyond the walls of MUMC!!

Did you know that 381 submissions were received for the 2023 Great Easter Eggspedition sponsorship with the Town of Matthews? A dozen “eggs” were hidden around Matthews, and clues led participating teams to two eggs on our campus where branded items with an invitation to Easter services and MUMC events awaited them. The winning teams received big Easter baskets containing MUMC swag, candy and fun items! You may have seen a few other eggs on the Crestdale Heritage Trail, by the Library, at Matthews Veteran’s Memorial Park, and more historic locations around town.