Outside the Box with Pastor David Christy: We’re Almost There

Dear Fellow Ministers,

Thank you for the countless ways you represent the love of Christ to each other, to our community, and to the world. Your response to our “All In” worship series has been great! Thank you for taking the time to consider how you might live out your vows of membership to support the church with your Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness! If you haven’t had a chance to make a commitment for 2026, you may do that online or pick up a card at the Welcome Desk or Church Office. We simply say, “Thank You” for choosing to live out your faith at Matthews UMC.

Our Sunday, as always, was filled with joy. If you missed being here, you can view our 9:30 Family Worship or our 11:00 am traditional worship. At 11:00, the choir “came down from the heavens” with an amazing anthem to lead us in celebrating our veterans. We are so blessed by their willingness to be flexible during our time in the Gym. Speaking of that, the plans are still for us to be in the Sanctuary by Advent (November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent). You can view the progress in this week’s video update, and note the Word Cloud above that shares people’s thoughts as we anticipate moving back into the Sanctuary. We’re almost there. It is an exciting time!

And, as God often does, our scripture for Sunday reminds us that the building is not what is important… it is our relationship with Christ. We are, and should be, justifiably excited about making our worship space more accessible and easier in which to worship for everyone. But the object of our worship, Jesus Christ, doesn’t change. I hope you will read through Luke 21:5-19 as God forms a sermon in us this week.

In the next couple of weeks, we will be giving more detailed information about moving back into the Sanctuary. Thank you for your interest in, and dedication to, Matthews United Methodist Church. Please consider inviting someone to worship with you. I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that our Communications Ministry team and volunteers were recognized at the United Methodist Association of Communicators national conference? Embracing Disabilities section with devotional was awarded 1st Place in the Digital Special Publication/Section category (Christian McClendon, James Ross, Karla Jennings) and Unity in Community landing page section for targeted online ads was awarded 3rd Place in the Website division (Shannon Williams, Philip Tate & Lauren Haynes). Thank you to everyone who made these efforts possible and for the framework that now exists for other churches to replicate! The Western NC Conference and Foundation were also recognized with awards!

Did you know that, since our Sanctuary is being renovated, our Tree of Blessings is now in The Commons for this season? Please stop by & pick up a tag to bless an adult or child this Christmas. Gifts are due by Sunday, November 30.

Did you know that over 255 shoeboxes have been returned for Operation Christmas Child? There is STILL TIME to turn in your box! Bring it THIS SUNDAY, November 16 and we will send it on its way!