Dear Fellow Ministers,
I am so grateful to get to be a part of your ministry here at Matthews UMC! Wow… what an amazing church you are. Pastor Susan and I have about unpacked our offices and are discovering what living outside the boxes is like at MUMC. We are finding out exactly why we have both heard so many great things about Matthews UMC. First of all, thank you so much for your welcome. Pastor Chuck and Pastor Linda worked hard to be sure the transition has been smooth, and it truly has been. It has been fun this week to get to know the church staff – what dedicated and hard working people they are.
You all are an “outside the box” church with many ways for people to meet Jesus Christ and His love. I’m excited about the three major weeks of ministry and opportunities to volunteer coming up with Rainbow Express Camp (July 7-11), Vacation Bible School (July 21-25), and Music and Arts Camp (Aug 4-8). These week long happenings are in addition to the regular ministry offerings you all have each week.
Your sincerity is appreciated and your willingness to simply love one another is needed in our polarized world today. Thank you. I look forward to participating in worship with you this week via livestream (our Bishop and Cabinet ask that new clergy not be present in worship until July 13) and then getting to preach on July 13. Pastor Corey will be preaching this Sunday, and what a gift she is. Friends, you cannot fake your authenticity… it shines through, and it is a blessing.
Please join me in praying for MUMC, for Pastor Corey as she preaches, and consider inviting someone to worship with you. In our world that wants to place people and groups in boxes, thank you for doing ministry outside the box!
I am honored to get to be a part of what God is doing through you…
In Christ’s Service,
David
Did you know that Pastor Linda’s farewell worship message (June 29) titled “Foolish Choices” was reprised from her last message to Matthews UMC in 1999? We wish Linda the best and send her our love as she heads back to the beach to re-enter retirement!
Did you know that nearly 40 students participated in our two Youth Summer Mission Experiences, serving communities in Charlotte and New Orleans? Watch this highlight reel to see God at work!
Categories
Blessing 20
Change 17
Choices 13
Committment 19
Community 101
Generosity 47
Gratitude 53
Growth 13
Hope 76
Invitation 15
Just These Lines 314
Leadership 14
Prayer 25
Service 34
Support 34
Thankful 36
United Kids 21
Worship 84
Youth 15
