Outside the Box: Real People

Dear Fellow Ministers,

I recently had occasion to see some friends from a former church, and they said, “You seem really excited to be in a local church again. What makes Matthews UMC so great?” Without hesitation, I found myself saying what I have been writing in my journal and stating to anyone who will listen: “They are real people meeting a real God to live in real discipleship.” I say it differently each time I say it, but the key in that phrase is real. Thank you for the gift you give to me, to each other and to each person who comes into the church. The fact that you are real makes a difference.

I believe people can see authenticity in our worship each week (if you missed, link to the livestream). All ages experience the same sense of genuineness in our Age-Level Ministry happenings, and this is a gift God can use to draw people to God’s self. All we have to do is extend the invitation. Will you prayerfully consider asking God to give you an opportunity to invite someone to worship with us, whether it is to view online or be here in person? For anyone with children, please invite them to our Easter Egg Hunt (an AMAZING experience that brings thousands of people to our parking lot!) on Saturday, April 4 from 6-8 pm. Remember our Explore Membership gathering is open to anyone who may want to consider being a member of MUMC. It is this Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm. There will also be a tour of the church (for anyone) starting in the Chapel at 9:20 am this Sunday.

We are getting ready for Holy Week and Easter (link to full schedule). This is the real story of God’s love for us! It is the high point of our Christian life together. We are pleased to host a free community concert with a Youth Choir from First UMC in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on Monday, March 23 at 7 pm in our Sanctuary. We are so blessed to be a connectional church! Be sure to check out my weekly video as we continue to feature places on campus and special events.

I hope you will join me in reading through Luke 13:1-9 as God forms a sermon in us this week. I look forward to being in real ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know…that CCH hosts a Women’s Group online? This important means of connection helps people to build relationships with one another.

Did you know…that Pastor Bill provided a warm MUMC invitation to baseball families March 14 at Mathews Athletic & Recreation Association’s Opening Day? Our community partnership with MARA allows us to have a presence at various events throughout the year. Pastor Bill connected with a number of people and even met an adult who grew up attending MUMC Youth Group!

Did you know… that members of the MUMC Flute Choir were the featured guests for Tasty Tuesday on March 10? Janice Mangum, Sue Demick, Deborah Morrison & Sarah Sheffield presented a 45-minute program of flute ensemble music, shared the different flute instruments and gave a detailed history of the hymns, songs & composers of the music they played.