Outside the Box: Summer Camp Time

Dear Fellow Ministers,

How blessed we were to have Rev. Judi Hunt preach for us on Sunday! She is a gift to our church, and we are grateful that she will be serving as our Pastor of Hospitality and Welcome beginning July 1st. Thank you to the many people who helped lead worship while Pastor Susan and I were at Annual Conference. If you missed Sunday, worship here. We are especially thankful to JJ Jones for sharing his “Experience of the Holy Spirit” on video Sunday.

The news from the Annual Conference is fairly tame this year (praise God!). We did approve a budget that takes into account being the best stewards we can for our shared ministry as United Methodists! The emphasis is on ministry. Our Conference is working hard to utilize our gifts in ways that draw people to Christ. We also approved a motion to enter into a covenant relationship with the United Methodist Conference in Ukraine and Moldova. This is a significant step of faith as we consider the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church. Thank you to our delegates from Matthews UMC who participated and for those who led sessions to share what we have learned with all in attendance.

We are well into ministry planning for summer camps — Rainbow Express Camp, Vacation Bible School, and Music & Arts Camp are all coming up rather quickly. It’s not too late to volunteer or register your children using the direct link to camp, or you can donate items!

As we continue learning more about our gifted church staff through our Almost-Award Winning Bucky Schwartz Show, this week’s video is about the ministry of Amanda Marcell, who serves with the Age-Level Ministry team.

This Sunday, we will be talking about “The Transitive Property of Faith” based on Matthew 10:40-42. Please read and pray through this scripture as God forms a sermon in us this week. I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that our annual independent audit affirmed Matthews UMC’s strong financial stewardship through a clean audit opinion? We are grateful for the faithful generosity of our congregation, which helps sustain the ministry and mission of the church.

Did you know that the Servant’s Heart Women’s Circle served at the Matthews Help Center, one of our Global Impact partners? They were able to help price incoming donations to be ready to sell.

Did you know that Common Heart is now serving over 10,000 neighbors a month (up from 6,000 during the same time last year), and that number is expected to rise as the need grows during the summer? Please consider donating food in the collection bins on campus or giving through Global Impact.

Did you know a group of volunteers from MUMC recently served lunch at our Global Impact partner, the Dove’s Nest? Dove’s Nest is part of the Charlotte Rescue Mission and is a long-term residential program that serves adult women in recovery, offering a structured, faith-based environment focused on sobriety and personal growth. Your Global Impact dollars support this faith-based program. Thank you for your generosity!

Photo highlights from Annual Conference, Featured Header Image (square) captured in Stuart Auditorium …