Outside the Box with David Christy: Beyond Busy

Dear Fellow Ministers,

I once heard a pastor say, “If you know everything going on at your church, your church isn’t doing enough.” By that measure, Matthews UMC is doing WAY more than enough! There are more things going on than “you can shake a stick at.” This week we have over 100 children, youth, and adults here for Music & Arts Camp. Come see the performance this Friday at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary! Pastor Susan and I know that it will be months before we fully understand everything that is happening here.

Now, we also know that we can become so busy that we “miss” the point of the busy-ness. I don’t think that is true for MUMC… there are so many ways folks can continue on their discipleship journey. We are going to be talking about that in worship this Sunday, as our scripture is the familiar Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-16. Please read through this passage as God forms a sermon in us for Sunday.

Please remember that one of the many things happening here will be the Sanctuary Renovation starting next Monday, August 11. Read the latest update, including selection of the General Contractor. Please note that all of our worship services will be held in the Gym starting August 17, with the 8:15 service held in The Commons. I give God thanks for the leaders who are shepherding this process and for the vision of a church that seeks to do everything it possibly can to go “above and beyond” in being sure that we are embracing disabilities not just in word, but in action. The goal of what we do as a church is not to say, “Look at us,” rather we want to always proclaim, “Look at God!” Having a facility that makes room for all is one way we can point to God. (Speaking of making room for everyone, if you haven’t yet heard Pastor Susan’s great sermon on Sunday or the always incredible music, you can watch here.) Thank you for your generosity. As always, please pay attention to our website and our social media as we work to share all the information about the construction process.

I also want to thank you for your flexibility. As we all will begin parking in the Large Parking Lot by The Commons, and our worship takes place in a space other than the Sanctuary, we will have a chance to exercise flexibility and patience. Thank you, in advance, for knowing that we are all doing the best we can.

I cannot tell you how proud I am to tell people I am a part of Matthews UMC! Thank you for your discipleship that goes beyond just being “busy.” Let’s pray for one another, and ask God to open a door for us to invite someone to church. I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that our MUMC family contributed $2,621 to help people impacted by the Texas floods? These funds were sent to the Rio Texas Conference to help those in need. Thank you for your generosity!

Did you know that our Youth Group celebrated our High School Seniors on Sunday night with prayers and a special Senior Send-Off? Congratulations to our Seniors! Way to go!

Check out all that is happening at Matthews UMC by reading our weekly Celebration News!