Outside the Box: Give Church a Chance

Dear Fellow Ministers,

What a day we had on Sunday! Thank you to everyone who helped make Palm Sunday an amazing celebration. I know Matthews UMC has a tradition of a donkey leading the procession, but I had never experienced it; how meaningful to see so many children waving palms and processing into a congregation of people waving palms high in the air! When I talked to my son early on Sunday morning (we discuss our sermons together each Sunday morning) he said, “Well, Dad, the good news is that you won’t be the only donkey in worship today!” View last Sunday’s worship and my weekly video. We also “debuted” a new Matthews United Methodist Welcome Video that you can share or post on social media to invite folks to church. You can also text or email this link to the clip as an invitation.

You and I are encouraged to go deep into the meaning of this Holy Week. We will have worship experiences on Thursday (Maundy Thursday at 7 pm) and Friday (Good Friday at 7 pm). On Easter Sunday there will be a Sunrise Service (6:30 am) in the Small Parking Lot by the Sanctuary, Easter JAM Family Worship (9:30 am) in the Gym with a Butterfly Release (10:30 am) in the Courtyard, and regular Sanctuary Services at 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 11 am & 12:30 pm (Spanish-speaking service). Please remember to bring fresh-cut flowers from your yard to adorn the flower cross, located outside in front of the Sanctuary. Will you especially pray for those who will “give church a chance” this coming Sunday? We pray that they may feel God’s Presence and Hope. We have a great opportunity this Easter to share the best good news EVER!

Our scriptural foundation for Sunday will come from Luke 24:1-12 (Sunrise) and John 20:1-18 (Sanctuary Services). Please read through these resurrection passages as God forms a sermon in us. May we all be willing to introduce ourselves to someone we don’t know on Sunday (and please remember to wear your nametags) as we celebrate the Good News that Jesus is Alive! I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Enjoy some photo highlights from Palm Sunday!

Did you know that a giant butterfly has landed outside Pastor Corey’s office? Be sure to drop by and take a picture with it during the week or find it outside the courtyard after the Butterfly release on Easter Sunday!

Did you know that you can walk a labyrinth for prayer & meditation today & tomorrow in the Gym? Meet Pastor Susan as your guide on Thursday at 10 am or view schedule for available times.

Did you know that John Leon Lewis brought both great music and heartfelt inspiration to Tasty Tuesday? His uplifting songs and message filled the room with joy–and he even shared a dance! Please note: Tasty Tuesday will take a short break on April 7 but will return on April 14. Be sure to call 704-815-1982 to reserve your spot for the next event.

Did you know that members from Centro Cristiana Hosanna (CCH) served at Room in the Inn on Thursday, March 26? This season, MUMC has served 170 guests from Roof Above. THANK YOU for all who have served and showed up for our neighbors!