Mother’s Day

4^th Sunday of Easter | Mother’s Day
Just these lines, my friends …

… to say that it is still appropriate for me to say, “Happy Easter” because Easter is a season in the church and not simply a day. In fact, every Sunday is a little Easter according to the liturgical calendar. Alister McGrath refers to the resurrection of Jesus as “… a sign of God’s purpose and power to restore his creation to its full stature and integrity … in the aftermath of Gethsemane, we catch a scent of Eden. The resurrection is like the first day of a new creation.” Thank you, Pastor Paul, Pastor Corey, Pastor Jenny and our music ministries for reminding us this past Sunday of what Jesus has done and will do. You can watch here.

And thank you, Matthews United Methodist, for allowing me the privilege of being able to carve the last few days out to spend time with my daughter, MacKenzie, her new husband, Tyler, and 150 of their dearest friends and family. Our weekend wedding adventure began on Thursday with family arriving from all over the country, golf & a gathering at Beats ‘n Bites in Matthews on Friday, a pickleball tournament for 100 (won by the bride and groom), a rehearsal dinner at The Matthews Ballroom on Saturday, and of course, the wedding at Camellia Gardens in Monroe on Sunday. Why, even the afternoon thunderstorms couldn’t dampen our joy! We made some spectacular memories to be treasured forever, and I promise we’ll have pictures and video coming to share with you.

Mother’s Day is coming our way this Sunday, May 8. Numerous times throughout the Bible, we see maternal depictions of God: a mother eagle that broods over its young (Deuteronomy 32:11-12), a fiercely protective mother bear (Hosea 13:8), and a comforting mother (Isaiah 66:13). Jesus even compared himself to a mother hen (Matthew 23:37).

You probably have known this, but we all need a reminder: God is your loving parent, walking alongside you as you face life’s challenges, giving you just enough of what you need to survive and thrive along the way. As we take time this Sunday to honor our mothers and mother figures in our lives, let us give thanks for the way God is like a mother to you, protecting you and providing for your every need.

Coming Together, Following Jesus, Changing Lives

Wednesday Devotional

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch my devotional for the week, “Mother’s Day 2022.”

Resources to Understand What is Happening in The United Methodist Church

We have excellent resources available to you in understanding all that is happening in The United Methodist Church. Many hear me speak of denominational issues from time to time but may not be aware of what the issues are. Just like in our cable news/social media world, there is a LOT of misinformation out there, and many people will quickly believe it. You can click here for the resource page on the church website where you can take a deep dive into some of the issues before us.

Let me add a couple of new resources today:

• Heather Hahn does some excellent reporting in her article, What Happens When a New Denomination Launches?
• Bishop Ken Carter has a new article The United Methodist Church titled, Seven Reasons Why I Love The United Methodist Church.

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).

Our Spanish-speaking CCH community will gather for Mother’s Day/Easter worship with the men preparing cookies, and Pastor Roldan will be playing his trumpet and preaching an encouraging sermon, titled The God Who Fills Us Completely from 1 Samuel 2:1-3.

Mothers are a part of an amazing host of people in our lives that I want to introduce you to on Sunday called balcony people. I first heard that term a few years back. Balcony people are those people who are for us and with us. We hear their cheers and feel the strength they offer to us with their encouragement. On Sunday, I want to introduce you to the great patron saint of balcony people, Barnabas. I hope you’ll take the time to read our scripture lesson (Acts 11:19-24), for it takes us to a critical juncture in the life of the early church.

This Sunday, I hope you’ll consider inviting someone to our gathering of family, surrounded by hope, confidence, greatness and the love of God. Matthews United Methodist, we are balcony people.

Now, as always, during these strange, uncertain, but hopeful days, remember … God does God’s best work in moments like this.

A blessed Eastertide to you and yours,
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II

Did you know that this past Friday and Saturday our 7^th graders and leaders participated in our ROCKS mission experience! They participated in several forms of outreach including making 400 sandwiches for Roof Above, landscaping for Blessed Assurance, bus cleaning at COS Kids, and cookie deliveries! So proud of this group and their hearts for service.

Did you know that families taking part in our Scavenger Hunt on Friday night posed with our law enforcement friends for bonus points, performed pit stop challenges hosted by our 7^th grade ROCKS Mission Team, and enjoyed a special mid-race prize at Brusters Ice Cream in Matthews?

Did you know that we had 15 volunteers plant the Genesis Garden on Saturday?  They spread 40 bags of mulch and planted tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, green beans, squash, cucumbers, and okra. Look for Mammoth Sunflowers to bloom along the fence!!! Thanks to Carrie Todd and this wonderful group of volunteers!!

Did you know that United Methodist Women, a place for Christian women to put their faith into practice, has announced that going forward it will be known as United Women in Faith? Read here about the intent behind the change, which goes deeper than a name.

Did you know that Matthew Wheeler built a castle playhouse for COSKids for his Eagle Scout project with the help of friends from Boy Scout Troop 39? Great job, Matthew!

Did you know Sheila Meador has her own devotional blog titled Devotions by Shelia?  She has been writing since 2020, and has over 600 views from 40 different countries. She’s also submitted some of her work to The Upper Room and Guideposts. Way to go, Sheila!

Did you know that Global Impact hosted a Champions’ luncheon to show appreciation to our church leaders who advocate for specific ministry partners? Thank you to our Champions!!