Outside the Box: Finding Balance

Dear Fellow Ministers,

One of the emergent issues for Christians is how do we live as a “holy” people? Some folks believe that means to be set apart and not associate with the “evils” of the world. Other folks think it means to be in the midst of the chaos of the world and do everything we can to fix it. This is one of the reasons I am excited to be a United Methodist. Our founder, John Wesley, explained that holiness involves personal piety AND social action. The key to that is finding balance. I hope you will pray with me through our sermon text for Sunday from I Peter 1:17-23, as God forms a sermon in us. I look forward to worship when we can celebrate a Risen Savior and His impact on our day-to-day lives.

I hope you were able to worship with us for “Holy Humor” this past Sunday. Pastor Susan “stretched” my comfort zone in inviting me to learn more about how the Sunday after Easter is celebrated. It is amazing this has been around for hundreds of years. Holy Humor Sunday celebrates the Truth that God fools Satan through an empty tomb! This is good news of great joy! You can view our services here.

We are entering a very busy time of year! Please pay attention to our church calendar, weekly Celebration Newsletter (emailed Fridays at Noon) and website. We work hard to have the most current information on those platforms.

Many of you know we have been seeking a replacement for a staff position. Today, Matthews UMC is pleased to welcome Amy Ramsey into the staff role of Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor/Office Administrator. Amy has been an active lay member of Matthews, and you may know her from her work with Inclusive Grace or her enthusiasm for Mahjong. She brings a deep love and passion for the church, the people of MUMC and the mission of Jesus Christ for the world. Amy begins her work with us today and will be in the church office Monday-Thursday. You can email her at [email protected]. Welcome, Amy!

Thank you so much for being a church seeking to find the balance of what holiness means in the real world! I am honored to get to be one of the pastors here. I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that Home2Home Ministry was started by members of MUMC? They stay busy picking up furniture & household items to deliver to help those that have lost everything due to a natural disaster or who have fallen on hard times.

Did you know that a MUMC team recently served lunch at Dove’s Nest? Dove’s Nest is part of Charlotte Rescue Mission, offering a recovery program for women challenged by substance and/or alcohol abuse. Thank you for supporting our Global Impact Mission partners!

Did you know that women of all ages participated in the “It’s A Party” Women’s Brunch on March 21? It was a meaningful morning with games & activities, a delicious brunch and inspirational conversation led by guest speaker, Charlie Conder. The ladies could shop and support women owned businesses who were present. Save the date for next year’s party on Saturday, April 17, 2027!