A Methodist Til I Die

17^th Sunday after Pentecost
Just these lines, my friends …

… to say that we enjoyed a beautiful day of worship this past Sunday: amazing handbells, helpful and smiling ushers and greeters, bright and shiny First Graders receiving their Bibles, gorgeous/moving music by our Praise Team, comforting pastoral prayers, and the anthem at 11 am including the handbells …WOW! Matthews United Methodist, we are fortunate to have so many in our congregation sharing their gifts and graces with us each week. I anticipate week after week the wonderful expressions of praise to God.

One day, not too long ago, someone left a pink Post-It note on my door that said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

In my earlier days, I would have thought Eleanor Roosevelt was telling me I should order Thai food extra spicy or try out for the basketball team or enroll in honors math, all of which would have required an extra dose of bravery (and foolishness!).

On Monday, as I prepared for celebrating the life of Pat Bowes, I began to wonder if Eleanor Roosevelt was onto something else. What if she was not challenging us to bravery for bravery’s sake, but to a life of conviction, a life of courage? A beautiful landmark building standing at 801 South Trade Street in the heart of our community would not have come about without conviction and courage. A remarkable blending of Spanish and English-speaking persons would have never taken place without conviction and courage.

So why do them? Why create these things? Why talk about God’s grace during one of the most divisive times in history? Why risk the vulnerability of taking a different path? The answer is simple: because we believe in the cause.

Do one thing every day that scares you. I’m convinced that these words are not so much about frightening auditions or the high dive at the pool as they are about living a life that is true to what we believe.

I do hope you’ll join us on Sunday, because Eleanor Roosevelt was right … because the things that at first can seem so scary often turn out to be the holiest.

“Lead a life worthy of the Lord. Fully pleasing in God’s sight. Bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10

Wednesday Devotional

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch my devotional for the week. It is titled, A Methodist Til I Die. In the devotional I share about an old camp meeting song called Methodist Pie.

This Sunday in Worship

We invite you to join this Sunday in person or online at 8:15 am (traditional – in person only), 9:30 am (contemporary & Family Worship), 11:00 am (traditional) or 12:30 (Spanish – in person only).

In our Spanish-speaking CCH community, Pastor Roldan is preaching from Psalm 34:4-7 and his sermon title; Conquer Your Fears.

Join us for Family Worship at 9:30 in the Gym (moved to 1^st Sunday due to Youth Sunday on Oct 9) for an adventure on the mountainside as we learn all about “Refusing to give up when life gets hard.” Songs, games, skits and activities will concentrate on this month’s virtue of grit, based on Galatians 6:9. “Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don’t give up.”  Plan to stay after the service to enjoy crafts and mountain climber snacks in The Commons.

This coming Sunday, we will celebrate World Communion, a time when Christians across the globe come together at the Table to remember who we are, to whom we belong, and our call to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is at the table where we remember ourselves and all others. We remember we are one and not divided. We share our resources for life together. We acknowledge our need and our connection. Together we dream of building a better world with loving action.

I’m so pleased to announce that our Sanctuary Choir & Stumptown Brass will share with us beautiful, moving music in our 8:15 and 11:00 worship services.  You will not want to miss their always-inspiring music.

Now if you know of anybody looking for conviction, courage and bravery … or maybe they are dreaming of building a better world with loving action – that you might want to invite to church, well, I hope you’ll do so. They WILL encounter the holy.

And now, as always, during these strange, uncertain, and yet, hopeful days, remember … God does God’s best work in moments like this.

We are the church, together,
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II

Did you know that the Arts & Crafts Extravaganza is BACK???!!! Come join us on November 19, 9-3pm as a vendor or a shopper!!! Vendors can contact Nancy Ward at 704-681-4779 for more info; vendor deadline is October 20.

Did you know that United Kids painted 80 clay pots, Seasoned to Perfection (STP) members potted succulents in the pots and volunteers delivered them to three Global Impact partners? COSKids, Alliance Center for Education and Greenway Park Elementary distributed these gifts to teachers with notes saying “Thanks for making a difference, trust the seeds you are planting.”

Did you Know that our First Graders were presented with their own NIrV Bible at our services this past Sunday and will have the opportunity to take place in a special “How to Use Your Bible” class led by Pastor Corey?

Did you know that Miia Harris is currently being featured in Times Square for the premiere of her upcoming movie, Monsters High?  Miia is the daughter of Leaton & Raila Harris.

Did you know that the Home2Home Ministry was out blessing families again this month? Ten volunteers delivered 32 pieces of furniture for families in need in the Red Springs, NC area. They were also able to bless a mom and children who moved here from Florida to get away from a domestic situation. God is so good! If you would like to donate any furniture or volunteer to help the Home2Home ministry, please contact Earl Coggins at 704-244-0552.