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Just These Lines,
Humility
5th Sunday of Easter Just these lines, my friends … … to say that it was a retreat weekend for Matthews United Methodist (MUMC). I was in lovely Hendersonville, NC with a number of men for our annual Men’s Retreat, our first one in four years (Covid really did a number on us). It was powerfully led by Earl Coggins,...
Just These Lines,
What If I Miss the Will of God?
4th Sunday of Easter Just these lines, my friends … … to say that Sunday was an awesome day with so many moments of “the unforced rhythms of grace”: the baptism of Rhys Edward Toron (son of Sam/Jennifer Toron); those beautiful Children’s Chimers playing the old spiritual, Do Lord; the witness of Tonya Terry; our 9:30 Praise Team featuring Shannon...
Just These Lines,
Joseph & the Will of God
3rd Sunday of Easter Just these lines, my friends … … to say each Sunday, I am filled with gratitude for this church and this place. Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter felt particularly moving and Spirit-filled this year for me. On Palm Sunday 930 people attended in-person worship and our streaming platforms captured an additional 852 online views live...
Just These Lines,
Eastertide
2nd Sunday of Easter Just these lines, my friends … … to say what a Holy Week 2023: Crowds of people gathering for Easter worship, including dozens of new faces Volunteers (Home2Home Ministry) helping families with no furniture A beautiful butterfly release in the Courtyard A powerfully inspiring Maundy Thursday service Pastor Paul and Pastor Corey speaking at Easter Sunday...
Just These Lines,
It’s Holy Week
Easter Just these lines, my friends… …to say I got this note from an online worshipper this week: “O, Lord, what a morning! …the gorgeous Palms Prelude and The Holy City Postlude…the unique Processional with floral bedecked donkey…the delightful Childrens Choir…the stirring Offertory anthem with flutes and drums* and heartwarming Choral Benediction…the inspirational words from Pastor Chuck… How magnificent it...
Just These Lines,
Don’t Finish What You Can’t Start
Palm Sunday Just these lines, my friends … … to say it was a week of study, service, retreats and worship at Matthews United Methodist (MUMC): our Confirmands were away on retreat with Pastor Corey; 49 of our women enjoyed a day retreat in the Commons; and, a couple of dozen or so were working in our church/community garden preparing...
Just These Lines,
Listening Prayer
5th Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say that Karen and I had the remarkable privilege of spending four days (March 16-19) with 40 of the finest people I know. We enjoyed a meaningful time together: Hank/Tina Adams, Frank/Terry Brown, Beth/Rich Buchanan, Kristen Caine, Sandy Carson, Nate/Emma Clements, Earl/Jeannette Coggins, Jim/Lee Cornwell, Amy DeVore, Sally...
Just These Lines,
Blind Spots
4th Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say that it was a rainy, gloomy Sunday, but for those participating in worship on Sunday, the Spirit was strong: country music artist Sara Kelly in Family Worship, music from the Sanctuary Choir, the Praise Band featuring Maggie Fraser, Steven Beaver on the trombone and Kathy White on...
Just These Lines,
Big Boys Do Cry
3rd Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say the second oldest living member of Matthews United Methodist (MUMC) died this past week, Melba Westphal. I had the incredible privilege of celebrating her remarkable life on Saturday. She was 101. If you missed worship on Sunday, you can watch & hear me talking about Melba here....
