Outside the Box with Pastor David Christy: Gratitude for Your Commitment

Dear Fellow Ministers,

This “Outside The Box” is all about Gratitude. Thank you for your commitment to Christ and the ways you live out commitment. I continue to be amazed at the beautiful ways you offer the love of Christ to each other, our community, and our world.

Our commitment is made stronger by the commitments of the community, and that is what being church is all about. I tried to talk about that in our video update this week (View the video and updated photos.) One of the reasons we ask for commitment of our membership vows (Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness) is so that we can better plan our ministry for the coming year. This Sunday in worship, you will have a chance to prayerfully commit your vows to God’s glory by returning our Commitment Cards for 2026. (Cards were mailed to homes, and extras are available at the Welcome Desk, or you can make your financial commitment online.) From your commitments, the lay leaders of our committees and our staff will do our best to steward those commitments in way that honor God.

What a gift it was on Sunday to remember those who passed away over the past year as we recognized All Saints Day. (If you missed, you can worship here.) Their commitments serve as the basis upon which we make our commitments. We are continuing the vision of those who went before us. As we make our commitments this Sunday, I hope you will join me in praying through II Samuel 24:18-25 as God forms a sermon in us. We will talk about Offering and Cost, and it has so much more to do with life than filling out a card. What might God be saying to us?

Also this Sunday, we will honor our Veterans at all services and encourage veterans to wear their uniform to worship. At 11:00 worship, our Sanctuary Choir will present “Salute to the Armed Forces,” a collection of songs to honor the five branches of the US Armed Forces.

Our church wants to be nimble enough to give opportunity to express our gratitude to God and help others as needs arise. Our Global Impact Ministry reminded us of the need to supply non-perishable foods to our local partners, Common Heart and Matthews Help Center. They also reminded us that we can give financially to areas of our world affected by natural disaster (Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa is the latest example). You can make your donation to MUMC, designating your gift as “Disaster Relief – Hurricane Melissa” and those funds will be sent to UMCOR so the aid goes immediately to areas in need.

Out of gratitude to God, would you consider inviting someone to church? We can offer God’s love to others in tangible ways. You offer Christ’s love in ways that go far outside the box. Thank you.

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

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that Mike Arndt rebuilt several boxes for the Global Impact Genesis Garden beds? The boxes that were in bad shape now look brand new and function properly. Many thanks to Mike!!

Did you know that the Bridge-Builders Fellowship Group recently took a walking tour of downtown Charlotte? They learned about Charlotte’s history with racism and the almost total obliteration of the Brooklyn Village community during the 1960’s era of Urban Renewal, and how effects of the past haunt us into today and our future. The tour was led by Greg Jarrell, author of Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods.

Did you know that the “Peace of Mind” resource – a thoughtful guide to help you prepare, protect those you love, and ensure that your wishes and values are known and honored at every stage of life – is now available at MatthewsUMC.org/Endowment? For hard copies, please contact the Church Office or look for the Endowment Team in the Sanctuary Reception Area in December.

Did you know that our Recreation Classes dressed up for Halloween? The MUMC Recreation Ministry is more than a workout! Experience connection, support and friendship while focusing on your health with Yoga, Forever Young and Sit N Fit classes. Pickleball is scheduled to start back in December!

Featured photo at top: Hearts & Hands preparing hats for Western NC