Outside the Box with Pastor David Christy: A Gift to the Kingdom

Dear Fellow Ministers,

I heard three times on Sunday about how incredibly receptive you all are as a church! Dr. Heath, our guest preacher, mentioned it. I received a text from someone who views our services online and they were saying how the joy “oozes through” the computer screen. Then at a Metro District event on Sunday afternoon, a clergyperson came up to me and mentioned how they marvel at the enthusiasm you all show as he has been watching and listening to our services. What a gift you all are to the Kingdom! Thank you.

We celebrate our 21 new members who joined Sunday! We welcome Adron & Mandy Barrier, Matt & Melissa Burgemeister, David & Laura Calhoun, Pam Christy, Linda Haigh, Allen & Sue Heafner, Linda Linfors, Patty Medlin, Carol Post, Ed Scholl & Ana Campos, Alfonso & Katie Straffon, Jim & Judy Warren, and Adam & Amy Woodcock. If you are interested in making Matthews UMC your church home, join Pastor Bill Roth at the next Explore Membership gathering on November 2, followed by the membership class (called A Disciples Path) starting on November 9.

The vows we take as we join the church are meaningful: to support the church with our Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. We are asking all members to consider those vows as we make plans for next year. You will be receiving a commitment card – related to all of our vows of membership – in the mail later this week. Please prayerfully consider these vows and consider committing this card to God’s glory at worship on November 9. (Cards will also be available at the Welcome Desk and the Church Office.)

As we continue in our worship series related to our vows, ALL IN: Bringing All of Our Gifts, I hope you will pray through Joel 2:23-32 as God forms a sermon in Pastor Susan and us. I will be preaching a Homecoming Service at a former church celebrating 150 years, so I will get some practice for our upcoming 150th year celebration in a couple of years.

There are so many exciting things happening through Matthews UMC. Thank you for your faithfulness to offer God’s love to everyone! Our Hope for Minds & Hearts mental health ministry sponsored a wonderful Mental Health Sunday with Dr. Elaine Heath preaching and a Question & Answer around trauma. All of this is leading us towards being a “healing-centered church.” You will be hearing more and more about that as we celebrate our All-Church Gathering on October 27. If you missed being with us on Sunday, you can worship here. Check out this week’s Sanctuary renovation video update and photos.

Thank you for your discipleship. It does make a difference. God is being glorified through you and the ministries of Matthews United Methodist Church. I am honored to get to be one of the pastors here, and I look forward to being in ministry with you in all of the “outside the box” ways God puts before us.

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that the Hearts and Hands crocheting & knitting group sent 250 handmade hats/toboggans to men, women and children in western NC, partnering with Global Impact and Disaster Relief Ministries? These hats will keep neighbors warm in the winter days ahead. THANK YOU to all our talented friends that use their hearts and hands to help others! If you would like to learn more about this ministry or have yarn you would like to donate, please reach out to Kim Layton.

Did you know that Larry & Julie Curtis and Rosa Alejo were chosen to receive this year’s Metro District Laity Service Award? They were recognized at a special service of the Metro District this past Sunday afternoon. Read more about this award and these these wonderful servants of MUMC & Centro Cristiano Hosanna here.

Did you know that our Communications Ministry uses Charlotte Mecklenburg and Union County Schools electronic system for distributing invitational flyers for free kids’ events and happenings? Five NEW families not connected to the church signed their kids up for Children’s Choirs after receiving this week’s music flyer from MUMC! Thank you to Marianne Bowman, our Communications Assistant, for making this possible!

Did you know that about 55,000 pieces of candy were passed out to around 3,000 visitors to our Trunk or Treat last year? This year’s Trunk or Treat is this Sunday & we are still in need of candy! Donations of individually wrapped candy can be dropped off in the bin outside Corey’s office.