Jesus Shows Up Again

2nd Sunday of Easter
Just these lines …

… to say, “Oh my, what a Sunday, Easter Sunday!” It was the holiest of Holy Weeks with the grandest of Easter mornings: a donkey leading our processional into the week on Palm Sunday; our deep level partners with Rainbow Ministries reminding us Jesus’ final gathering with his disciples on Holy Thursday; the finest Sanctuary Choir in Charlotte and our amazing Joyful Ringers Handbell Ensemble leading us in a Good Friday service of Tenebrae; over 2,200 people gathering on our site on Holy Saturday evening to hunt for Easter eggs; and then … “My Lord, What a mornin!” with seven worship services telling the story of Jesus and our becoming an Easter people; Pastor Linda, Pastor Corey and Pastor Roldan speaking at Easter Sunday morning services; a butterfly release in the garden area and the butterflies actually flew; dozens of new faces to our church; our Matthews United Methodist (MUMC) Orchestra; and Kim Jones assisting Craig Estep in directing the Hallelujah Chorus; and so much more. My heart is so full. If you missed Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or Easter Sunday worship, you can worship with us by clicking here.

One of my favorite traditions we have here at MUMC, and perhaps my favorite scene of the year, were the dozens of families making their way to our Flower Cross in front of the Sanctuary to place a flower and to make a family picture. Our Flower Cross on Easter morning was stunning.

A very special thank you for so many of you volunteering through the week as well. Holy Week would be infinitely less without each of our volunteers: ushers, greeters, musicians, Welcome Center and door holders, Nursery, Flower Cross assembly, decorating, preperation and cleanup, registration and hospitality, and so many more. Thank you for giving so much of your time to bless our community. Shall I say it? You are awesome!

And then of course, I have to mention the baptism of my 5th granddaughter, Myla Chase Wilson (her parents, Tyler & MacKenzie Bridges) at the 11 am hour on Easter Sunday. It was filled with Myla’s sweet, funny, disarming chatter and hilarious arm movements. She was waving and chatting with each of you about how thankful she is for God’s sacramental embrace called baptism. I’m so thankful she loves her Chunkie and her Chunkie loves his precious Myla Chase.

In these early days of Easter, I must note we are mourning the death of Pope Francis. Through the years, I have been drawn so deeply to his humble spirit and deep desire for fairness to those who have so little.

Today, I also mourn the death of one of our great United Methodist bishops, Richard Wilke. I had the privilege of being his pastor during summer months at Lake Junaluska. Bishop Wilke and his wife, Julia, were the founders of Disciple Bible Study. Some of you may remember that his son-in-law Rob Fuquay, a former pastor of MUMC (1992-1995), preached for us in October of 2023. Rob’s wife, Susan Wilke Fuquay, is the creative force behind Disciple Fast Track. So many of us have been deeply enriched by these studies. Rest in peace, my friend.

Video Devotional

You’d think defeating death would warrant an immediate cosmic coronation, the risen Christ crowned in the clouds for all to see. No doubt that day will come. But Jesus’ resurrection appearances, while startling, were earthy and humble. Let’s talk about it this week in my devotional titled Jesus Shows Up Again.

Upcoming Events

• All-Church Gathering – Monday, April 28, 7 pm in the Sanctuary. (Arrive 6:30 for fellowship & refreshments.) Meet our New Pastors!
• Saturday Serve – Landscaping, painting & beautification for Global Impact Partners from 9am-Noon on April 26 at Blessed Assurance, May 3 at Rainbow Express Ministries, May 17 at Turning Point Treehouse & Greenway Park Elementary. Register here
• Community Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale – Saturday, May 3, 8-10 am in The Commons

This Sunday in Worship

We invite you to join us this Sunday in person at 8:15 (Traditional), 9:30 (Contemporary), 11:00 (Traditional), or online at 9:30, 11:00 or 12:30 (Spanish – in person or here on demand).

Our CCH Community is such a special community. We are so very fortunate to have them as a part of MUMC. This past Sunday, 10 new members joined our CCH community: Javier, Javier Jr., Giselle, Arlin, Tony, Isaac, Jose, Gilberto, Elvira, and Josue. Welcome to these newest members of MUMC. This week, Pastor Roldan’s sermon title is An Unexpected Encounter from John 21:4-14.

This week I’m going to begin my final preaching series with you by using some of my favorite sermons through the years. The first of My Favorite Sermons is titled The Bush is Still Burning from Exodus 3:1-15. In this scripture lesson, Moses is asking about the character of God … about God’s intentions toward God’s people. Moses is asking “Can God be trusted? Is God good?” And it brings Moses to a crisis of faith. Where is Moses going to put his basic trust? Let’s talk about it on Sunday.

I know it is a time of transition with your pastors, but people are always looking for community. I know of no church that does community like MUMC. People are drawn to connection of the love in this place. I hope you’ll consider inviting someone to join you on Sunday to experience community.

And now, during these disconcerting, uncertain, confusing and yet, 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 out of the 2200 people that attended our Easter Egg Hunt on April 19, 301 households were visiting our church for the very first time? What a community outreach!

Did you know that Greenway Park second-graders got ice cream from Treats With Friends for winning best attendance for the month? So wonderful to see collaboration between Global Impact partners Rainbow Express Ministries and Greenway Park!

Did you know that the entire Age-Level Staff Team attended Tasty Tuesday yesterday, along with some of the youth who attend Union County Schools which is currently on Spring Break? Everyone enjoyed listening to Rob Hunter’s introduction of the entire team which included lots of very inspiring words about each team member and each of the youth. Then the whole group helped to make cute little seed kits for the classes at Greenway Park Elementary in commemoration of Earth Day. They decorated pots, added soil, seeds and a watering can in each kit. It was a great time for everyone. If you would like to attend Tasty Tuesday, be sure to register by Sunday at midnight by calling 704-815-1982.