Outside the Box with Pastor David Christy: Focus on Jesus

Important Update: We have an opportunity to help “Move Back Into The Sanctuary” SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, from 9:00-11:00 am. (Updated original move in date.) This does not affect our first Sunday back in the Sanctuary for worship on Sunday, November 30 (The First Sunday of Advent). There is finishing work that will need a few more days but overall will not impact our re-entry into the Sanctuary. (See photos & my video update.) In the meantime, we will continue to worship in the Gym. Thank you for your support and patience.

Dear Fellow Ministers,

There is a new report (released October 20, 2025) from the Pew Research Center entitled, “Growing Share of U.S. Adults Say Religion Is Gaining Influence In American Life.” After years of people feeling that religion has been losing influence, it is heartening to see that people are open to what The Church can offer. These numbers have changed over the last couple of years. People are searching for what we can offer them… I think that is GREAT news. What a great time to invite someone to worship with you! Consider sending a friend the link to our worship services and invite them to view it for themselves.

What people do NOT want is to get sucked into arguments that view a cultural or political perspective as “the answer.” People need to hear the hope Jesus Christ provides for all. Our United Methodist Church is certainly not the only option people have, but we have worked hard to increase the focus on Jesus Christ and care for all of God’s Children. Bishop Carter recently shared a “pastoral letter” that I invite you to read.

In the midst of the complexities of our world, people are more open right now to hearing what The Church can offer. Thanksgiving and Christmas are wonderful times to invite others to worship with us and to discover the “… Good News for all people” (Luke 2:10). I am proud to be a part of Matthews UMC, which is actively seeking numerous ways to offer the love of Christ to each other, our community, and our world. There are amazing things happening all around us: read this article about a recent trip by BSA Troop 39 (featured photo above) to learn about the ways good things are happening all around us. We thank God for the witness of these Scouts and are proud of them!

Please pay attention to the calendar for all of the upcoming events at Matthews UMC. Our Matthews Community Churches will host the Community Thanksgiving Service at Matthews Presbyterian Church this Sunday, November 23 at 6:00 pm.

I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that the Tuesday Morning Ladies’ Bible Study collected Thanksgiving meal items for Common Heart? An entire carload of food was delivered to Common Heart last week! Common Heart is one of our Global Impact partners, supplying food to those in need throughout Mecklenburg and Union counties.

Did you know that eight laity were commissioned as Stephen Ministers on November 16? Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained (50 hours of training) to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. MUMC is celebrating 30 years of this vital ministry and has commissioned 340 persons throughout the years. If you ever want to connect with a Stephen Minister, please reach out to Pastor Susan.

Did you know that YOUR Global Impact giving provided turkey dinners for 100 families at Greenway Park Elementary? Families drove through and picked up turkeys, pans for cooking turkeys and ALL the fixings. GPE families who are unhoused and live in hotels received gift cards from Aldi so they could get food that did not require cooking. Thank you to our United Kids families who packed food and attached hand-written cards for each family!