The Best Graduation Speeches Ever

2nd Sunday after Pentecost | Graduation Sunday
Just these lines, my friends …

… to say that Pastor Paul’s message from Sunday was so very challenging. I think his scripture lesson from Micah 6:6-8 may be the highest moment of the Old Testament. You can worship with us by clicking here.

Also, an amazing group of 21 households joining us in the adventure of being a part of Matthews United Methodist Church (MUMC). 32 adults and 11 children saying “yes” to prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in and through MUMC. These wonderful gifts to us are as follows: Robert/Susan Davis, Kelsy Joyner, Douglas Kamp, Dana/Sam Lada (Jack), Leah/Tim Leath, Chrissy/Neil McConaughy (Liam), Natalie McCook, Jeff/Lindsey Moss (Madelyn, Michael, Lydia), Ashley/Nick Newcomb (Natalie, Danielle, Alexander), Zack Nobinger (June), Rich/Shane Purcell, Cathy Redd, Jesse Roberts, Debbie/Stan Sadowski, Melissa/David Sullivan (Lilly, Wyatt), Erik Trumpower, Grace Trumpower, John/Angie Tynan, Diane Underwood, Edwina/Trevor Walker, Sharon Zinser.

Video Devotional

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch my devotional for the week titled, The Best Graduation Speeches Ever. I’ve always been fascinated with graduation speeches. I’m going to highlight a few famous graduation speeches and then mention some thoughts. Congratulations to all of our graduates, from every level – preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, college, and beyond.

MUMC Staffing Community Update

On Sunday, I was able to share with you the news of Rev. Bill Roth coming our way to be our part-time Associate Pastor replacing Pastor Jenny. Bill will begin his 15-hour-a-week position with us on July 9. Bill, and his wife, Linda, have lived in Matthews for nearly 25 years during which time he served as the much beloved Pastor of Congregational Care of the Myers Park United Methodist (MPUMC) Church. He is retiring from MPUMC on June 30. We are grateful he will be continuing his ministry with us during retirement.

Bill is originally from Indiana but follows Detroit sports teams and Notre Dame football. He also enjoys spending a Saturday morning on a motorcycle ride. He and Linda have two children, Krista and Errett, with Errett being a part of MUMC for several years, along with his wife, Jordan, and daughter, McKenna. We are so very fortunate to have Bill and Linda coming our way. I’m hopeful of introducing him in person to all of you on Sunday, July 14.

Pastor Jenny Savage officially leaves our staff community on June 30. She will be preaching on June 23 in all three of our morning Sanctuary services. Then on June 30, she will assist in worship, and following the 11 am service, we will celebrate her time with us at a reception in The Commons. You can write a note of gratitude to Jenny and/or contribute to a love gift for her. If you’d like to contribute to a love gift, you can do so with a gift to her directly (non-taxable for Jenny) or you can mail a check (taxable for Pastor Jenny) to MUMC or click here to make your gift online. Be sure to include “Love Gift – Pastor Jenny” in the memo line.

Thank you for joining us in honoring this deeply devoted pastor for her service.

Upcoming Events

• A Charge Conference will be held on Monday, June 10 at 7 pm via Zoom for the purpose of voting on next steps of a potential capital campaign. Anyone can attend, but only Administrative Council members are to vote. Zoom link here; Meeting ID 872 5565 9096, Passcode: council. Click here for the official resolution being voted upon.
• Morning of Wellness – Saturday, June 22, 9 am-12 pm, The Commons. Release Stress, Deepen Your Spirituality, Discover Inner Wisdom & Practice Holistic Health through the principles of Yoga, Spiritual Direction & SoulCollage. Register
• Summer Worship Series begins on June 30: The Good Life … The God Life: Exploring the Subtle, Subversive and Sublime Way of Jesus. Details
• Summer Serve! Youth & Adult Opportunities – Camps are just around the corner! MUMC successfully ministers to over 350 kids each summer, many who do not have a church home. These camps do not happen without YOU!
  – VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Sign up for a variety of options, from helping with snacks to being a small group leader.
  – MUSIC & ARTS CAMP: Sign up to help serve with groups, activities & crafts.
  – RAINBOW EXPRESS CAMP: Sign up to help serve.

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).

Our Spanish-speaking community (CCH) will be a new study on intention evangelism. Pastor Roldan will be preaching from John 1:43-55. His sermon is titled, Let’s Talk to Our Friends.

In all our morning sanctuary services, Pastor Corey’s message focuses on the Gospel of Matthew 14:22-23 and is titled, Forward | Keep Moving. Pastor Corey says, “On this Graduation Sunday, we celebrate the Class of 2024. We all know what it is like to take a step forward into the unknown and to not know what life has in store for us along the way. Yet, God has blessed us with the desire and ability to gain knowledge, so let’s learn together this Sunday from the wisdom of Jesus and one of His most famous interactions with his Disciple, Peter. Together we will see a picture of a man who is trying to get closer to Jesus and even in his best efforts, he was still human when he took his eyes off the Lord. Daily we are all looking at what may lie ahead and work to find answers to many questions concerning what next. It’s an exciting time as people move toward their destinies and purposes in their journey. Let’s move forward together…see you Sunday!”

This Sunday you are going to hear from a few of our graduating students and join in celebrating our graduates during the 11:00 service. Why not invite someone to join you who may be wondering about our young people of today and the future they will bring?

And now, as always, during these strange, uncertain, but hopeful days, remember … God does God’s best work in moments like this.

We are better … together,
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II

Did you know that Mary Ellen Conley, a member of MUMC for over 60 years, is now living in Boone near her daughter Christy Smith? The picture below is of her doing what she does best: reading a book to some kindergarteners in Boone. We love you and miss you so much, Mary Ellen!

Did you know that an anonymous donor contributed funds to purchase new chairs for the choir room? We were able to purchase 72 brand new burgundy chairs and the choir loves them! The ones we had been using were 25 years old and we were ready for a new set. Thanks to our giving angel!

Did you know that Matt & Annie Dundorf welcomed a new daughter, Charlotte Grace Dundorf, on April 19? Matt grew up at MUMC and he & his precious family now live in Navarre, Florida. Congratulations, Matt & Annie!