Outside the Box with Pastor David Christy: Kickoff & BBQ this Sunday!

Dear Fellow Ministers,

Thank you for your flexibility as we moved to The Commons (8:15 am) and Gym (9:30 am & 11:00 am, and 12:30 pm) for worship. Of course we found out things we can do better (just like every time we gather), but the spirit of excitement and willingness was palpable! That is because you are willing to go through some minor (and let’s be honest, it truly is minor) inconvenience in order to be certain that our Sanctuary is welcoming and accessible to everyone. Matthews United Methodist Church is living the theme of “Beyond Hospitality”… thank you for being willing! (Watch my video update here). The music in all services was incredible and it was lovely to have our choir sing from the walking track as if we were hearing “angels above us.” If you missed it, view our 9:30 and 11:00 worship services here.

This Sunday, we will celebrate our children, families, and educators with our Back to School Kickoff! There will be inflatables and games in the Parking Lot from 10:30 – 2:00. We will offer a special backpack blessing for everyone involved in education. (Please remember to bring your bag to church.) AND… there will be a free barbeque lunch in The Commons after our 11:00 worship service. Youth & Adults are Invited to Serve! Please know that a donation has been made so that we can enjoy WillBeans Coffee in The Commons. It’s a great place to hang out and visit between Worship and Sunday Groups.

We will have our monthly Family Worship at 9:30 in the Gym this week. We invite those who attend the Contemporary Service to come and celebrate in this special once-monthly worship service planned by our Age-Level Ministries team led by Pastor Corey. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate “us” as we worship together.

Our regular schedule (is there such a thing?!) is beginning again as routines are settled into and classes, Bible studies, and meetings begin again. This is an exciting time to be Matthews UMC! Please continue to go “the extra mile” in welcoming people to worship. Last Sunday, almost all of our chairs were filled at 11:00. This is a great opportunity for us to help anyone who is looking for a seat and to introduce ourselves to one another (and thank you for wearing your nametags).

Please read through Luke 13:10-17 as God forms a sermon in us this week. We are going to talk about healing and who it is that needs healing. This is a GREAT time to invite someone to worship with you, because we don’t have “routines” so it is easier for our guests to feel comfortable. Please join me in praying for this amazing church!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that the Sanctuary Choir held their retreat this past weekend in preparation for fall and Christmas music? 52 choir members came and sang, played games, and enjoyed a catered breakfast & lunch on Saturday provided by Joy Bakery. They also celebrated August birthdays, which included Tyleta Morgan who turned 90 this month! Everyone had a wonderful time thanks to the leadership of Tonya Terry, Dori Peterman, Heidi Hanson, Shannon Hurleigh and Deborah Morrison.

Did you know that our own Julie Jones has published a book Beyond the Bluebird’s Shadow? She reveals the profound ripple effects of growing up in a home shaped by mental illness, addiction, and instability. Julie is one of the founders of our Hope for Minds and Hearts Mental Health Ministry and shares that it’s time to change the narrative and prioritize mental health-for yourself, your loved ones, and the generations yet to come.

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