Outside the Box: Rites of Passage

Dear Fellow Ministers,

What a day of celebration we had on Sunday as we honored God and recognized graduates! Pastor Corey preached a great sermon, and you can view the 9:30 and 11:00 am services if you were not able to attend. It is a great reminder to us of the “rites of passage” in all of our lives. We are blessed that the Church is a place where we praise God for those rites of passage: Birth, Baptism, Confirmation, Graduation, Marriage, and Death. What a sacred privilege to claim the same God at the various moments of our lives!

One of the reasons Matthews UMC can be so responsive to those times in our lives is because of the staff who serve in our different areas to help the best laity in the world use their gifts to serve God. This past week, we saw many of our Age-Level Staff who do so much for us. This week, we especially thank God for Kim Layton, who is our United Adult Associate responsible for adult ministries. Watch this week’s video to learn more about her and highlighted opportunities of connection.

As we continue to hear from people via their “Experience of the Holy Spirit” you can view the video featuring Parker Rosenblatt from this past Sunday. We hope everyone is realizing the many ways the Holy Spirit interacts with us. One of the primary ways is through our worship. This week, Pastor Susan will be preaching on Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19. Her sermon title is “What’s In Your Cup?” We are so blessed by Pastor Susan’s gifts here at MUMC and know you will want to pray through this text as God forms a sermon in us.

I look forward to being in ministry with you this week! Thank you for being a part of Matthews UMC!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that Avery and Lillie have volunteered with Room In The Inn (RITI) for 10 years, most recently as leaders for our RITI Clothes Closet? Congrats to both girls as they graduate from high school and head to college this fall!

Did you know that Global Impact and The Micah Connection sorted and distributed 2,314 items of NEW donated clothing and 186 donated books to 4 Global Impact mission partners and 3 Micah community connections? Thank you to all who sorted, loaded & unloaded items for our neighbors!

Did you know our children’s ministry gave crosses to Matthews Police Officers with notes thanking them for their service to the community?

Did you know that a group of our College-Age & Young Adults traveled to Denver, CO for a week-long mission trip with Connor Johnson and Pastor Corey Milliet? Throughout the week, they had the opportunity to serve the local community, build meaningful relationships, and share the love of Christ through hands-on ministry and outreach. It was a powerful time of spiritual growth, service, worship, and community-building that left a lasting impact on both those who served and those they encountered.

Did you know that this group of women helped sort clothing at Turning Point’s Second Chance Boutique on Friday? Thank you for being so willing to serve!