Outside the Box: How Are We One?

Dear Fellow Ministers,

This Sunday, we will get to celebrate several of our young people as they commit to following Jesus! This will be our Confirmation Sunday, and it celebrates the great work done in homes across our church and our Age-Level Ministries offerings. I hope you will pray for these young people who will be making the most important decision of their lives: to intentionally become Jesus followers.

Our scripture for Sunday’s worship will be John 17:1-11. It is the beginning of what is known as “The High Priestly Prayer,” and it is appropriate for us to consider this passage as young people are confirmed in the faith. Jesus is asking God that we, as His followers, would be “one.”

It raises an interesting dilemma for the church: how are we “one”? We are different folks who have different ideas, but we find our unity in seeking the love of Jesus Christ. Each week, we offer MANY different ways for real people to meet a real God and seek to live as real disciples.

This week, our College-Age Young Adults are on a mission trip in Colorado. We have a Mental Health Fair from 9 am to 12 pm on Saturday, May 16. Offered through the MUMC Mental Health Ministry, over 40 vendors will be present to benefit both adults & children. Several of our Sunday School Classes will meet outside of Sunday morning for fellowship this week, and there will be opportunities for all ages to grow in Christ. That is a gift, and some of the ways we seek the unity Christ offers.

If you missed worship, here is the link to the 9:30 and 11:00 services. We offer thanks for the new members who were welcomed during the 9:30 am Contemporary service. Special music was offered at all services, highlighted by mothers, grandmothers and children singing together at the 11 am service (watch clip). You can also view my weekly video for some fun with charades.

I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ,
David Christy

Announcement: Our Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is excited to announce upcoming staff changes. Beginning June 1, Pastor Bill Roth will transition into a new role (8 hours per week) to serve as our Pastor of Congregational Care. He will be our pastoral point person for hospital visits, providing support to Pastors David and Susan and our Congregational Care team. Homebound members will also see Pastor Bill in the rotation. Then on July 1, we welcome Pastor Judi Hunt as our Pastor of Hospitality and New Members. We are grateful that Pastor Judi is returning to Matthews UMC to lead our laity volunteers in hospitality and to onboard our visitors into membership and discipleship. She previously served in a similar role at MUMC, which included launching our Spiritual Gifts Discovery (MAGI) efforts over 20 years ago. Both pastors will be serving in roles that harken back to their calling, an important aspect identified by our SPRC, one that helps foster an environment where staff can thrive and focus on their passions.

Did you know that Centro Cristiano Hosanna celebrated mothers at the annual CCH Mother’s Day cookout? This casual event is always a highlight for our Spanish-speaking community at Matthews UMC.

Did you know that there were 9 College-Age Young Adults who were commissioned this past Sunday for their mission trip to Denver, CO? Please join in prayer for everyone on the trip and for all who will be impacted.

Did you know the Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible study group decided to celebrate their last meeting before summer by celebrating in Kentucky Derby style as they donned hats to mark the occasion? This group has grown from a small group into a very large group, facilitated by Jonnie Hildreth, and has served together each week by providing food for our immigrant friends in our ongoing collection drive.

Did you know that the Melody Makers Senior Adult Community Choir, consisting of people from 30 area churches, delighted hundreds of people with their annual spring concert, including residents brought in on buses from Windsor Run and Matthews Glen? The presentation featured vocal and cello soloists, the MUMC Flute Choir, Salute to the Armed Forces, and a sing-along to celebrate our country! The event was followed by a delicious meal hosted by Tasty Tuesday volunteers, United Methodist Men, and our Age-Level Ministry team. Thank you to everyone who made this free community event possible! View the concert here.