A Real Christian

7th Sunday after the Epiphany
Just these lines, my friends …

… to say thank you to all who plan and then lead us in our worship services. This past Sunday we had four rich experiences of worship in the sanctuary, along with our once-a-month United Kids Family Worship in the Gym. I know of several families new to the church attending the family worship service for the first time. If you missed hearing from a couple of our missionary partners from the International Leadership Institute you can watch here.

This week I’ve been reflecting on Jesus’ words from Luke 6:39-45. Jesus says some really challenging things, but his words are not there just to shock us. We could say that Jesus is not after change as much as he is aiming at our transformation.

You see, there is a fundamental difference between change and transformation. Change is simply a shift to a different way of life. Transformation, on the other hand, asks us to give up something … to let go of one way we have ordered life to take on a different kind of life. This is the life to which Jesus invites us; to lose our small self to find our self in God. He invites us to take off the old self, with its selfish desires, and put on the new self, the person we are in Jesus Christ.

Jesus says, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher.” This leads me to think about who our mentors and teachers are and how we are shaped by them. The mentors and leaders you choose to follow will shape you deeply. Jesus wants us to see ourselves clearly and part of that is deeply connected to who we allow to teach us.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, whether in-person, livestream or through the week on demand. Be sure and invite someone to church. You never know who might want or need a church whose future is filled with hope.

Coming Together, Following Jesus, Changing Lives

Wednesday Devotional

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch my devotional for the week titled “A Real Christian,” and let me introduce you to one of the finest models of Christian faith the world has ever known – Desmond Tutu.

Employment Opportunity

Matthews United Methodist Church seeks Director of Operations & Treasurer, preferably experienced in senior management at the local level for a church. Responsibilities include overseeing the daily operations of the church, including financial, facility, and human resource services. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Accounting (United Methodist experience preferred). Expectations: strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work with staff and key leaders; expertise in time management, strategic planning, and generally accepted accounting and business practices. Resumes to Rev. Paul Craig, 801 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105. The job posting can also be found on our website.

Lent begins on Wednesday, March 2

The holy season of Lent is quickly approaching. Lent is the forty-day season of reflection and preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of repentance, of considering the sufferings of Jesus and rethinking how we are called to take up our own crosses. Some of us give up things like chocolate or television during this season as a sort of fasting, and others try to integrate something new into their lives, like visiting folks in prison, sewing clothes, exercising, or praying. It is a good season to rethink how we live and to let some things go, or maybe even to develop some new holy habits.

Ash Wednesday (March 2) marks the beginning of Lent. Traditionally, the palm branches of Palm Sunday of the previous year are burned and the ashes are placed on the foreheads of Christians as a sign of repentance. I hope to see you in our Sanctuary on Ash Wednesday, 7 pm, to mark the beginning of this important holy season.

Other opportunities during Lent include: Lent in a Bag, the Intergenerational Wednesday Night Lenten Ministry, and the MUMC Butterfly Project sponsored by the United Kids Ministry.

This Sunday in Worship

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

In our Spanish-speaking CCH community, Pastor Roldan will be preaching from Deuteronomy 6:3-9 and his sermon title; Do Not Neglect the Main Thing.

In our morning services, we move into the second Sunday of our annual Global Impact emphasis. Rev. Anthony (Tony) Marciano II will be our preacher for the morning. He has been the President/CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission since 1996. He previously served as Executive Director of Central Union Mission in Washington, DC. Rev. Marciano will continue our Global Impact theme of Incarnational Faith. He will be preaching from Isaiah 6:1-8 with his sermon title, Bringing Our Faith to the Flesh and Blood of this World.

The Ministry Fair will be in the hallway between the Sanctuary & Chapel between all worship services this Sunday. Please come by and see how you can serve outside the walls of the church.

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

Faithfully yours,
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II

Did you know Pastor Roldan and his wife, Lisbey, traveled to Cordele, GA on February 12 to conduct a Couple’s Conference at the First United Methodist Church?

Did you know that Hoskins Park, a Global Impact partner, held their annual Super Bowl party on Thursday, February 10? Everyone enjoyed gifts, food and fellowship! Hoskins Park works to assist men coming out of homelessness. If you would like to get involved, please reach out to our Global Impact Champion, Bo Bobrowski, for more information.

Did you know that Faith Leaders from MUMC, Mount Moriah, Morningstar Lutheran and St. Stephen UMC met at the latest house being built by Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity?  The house should be completed this spring. This photo includes the new homeowners, the leaders and the Habitat team.