Outside the Box: Reflect Authenticity

Dear Fellow Ministers,

What a great kick-off to our “Give Me That Old Time Religion” series we had on Sunday! If you missed it, you can view the streamed 9:30 and 11 am services here. How grateful we are to Teressa Clark, who shared this week’s “Experience of the Holy Spirit.” We pray that our services always reflect the authenticity of real people seeking a real God and living as real disciples. Thank you for the way you show your faith!

This week, we are in the midst of Rainbow Express Camp — how fun! We see discipleship happening each day as we get a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God looks like. Matthews UMC continues to grow into what it means to truly open its doors to ALL people, regardless of ability. In a couple of weeks, we will have Vacation Bible School, where we already have over 290 registered. (We need your help for all types of roles! Sign up to volunteer.) Then in a few more weeks we will host Music & Arts Camp (You are invited to serve during that camp as well.) Praise God for a church that seeks to share the Good News of Christ with people of all ages and abilities. Speaking of sharing the Good News, I learned this past week that during the last school year our youth studied over 500 scriptures together in their worship and small groups! Wow!

We are excited about the Organ Dedication Concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. in our Sanctuary. The talented Eon Malan, our Organist/Handbell Director/Music Ministry Associate, will share his gift on our new organ. Get to know Eon in our weekly video! Saturday’s event is free and open to anyone in the community. Then, on Sunday, we will continue our “Give Me That Old Time Religion” series using Isaiah 45:14-19 as our basis. Our order of worship is less formal for this series, so you never know what may happen! I hope you will read through this scripture with me as God forms a sermon in us.

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

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know there is a new prayer opportunity for you? Prayer, John Wesley said, “is the grand means of drawing near to God.” In the Narthex (the gathering space just outside the Sanctuary), there is a prayer station. This will be a permanent space where you can engage in prayer, share your prayer, light a candle, etc. The prayers shared will be gathered weekly, and the pastoral staff will confidentially pray over them.

Did you know that 25 Youth in 9th – 12th grades & leaders participated in the United Youth Senior High Mission Trip in the Charlotte area? Throughout the week, the mission team served at more than 30 local nonprofit organizations, lending their time, energy, and compassion to meet a wide variety of community needs. From supporting food pantries and community centers to assisting ministries and outreach organizations, these youth put their faith into action through meaningful service. Thank you to everyone who prayed for the team, supported the trip, and welcomed our youth as they made a positive impact throughout our community.

Did you know that the Family Covenant class and the Senior High Youth Mission Team (pictured above in the header image) primed and painted two offices at Common Heart last week? Over two days, there were two teams that helped with this work. Our Global Impact partner, Common Heart, provides food to over 1,000 individuals per month in our community. Your contributions to the Global Impact fund support this work. THANK YOU!

Did you know that some of the United Youth 8th-grade youth and leaders went to Spruce Pine, NC, for their mission trip? While there, the team partnered with Baptist on Mission to support ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. Through hands-on service, they helped families and communities continue the long process of rebuilding after the storm. Their willingness to serve brought practical assistance, encouragement, and hope to those affected.

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