Outside the Box with Pastor David Christy: Remember Your Why

Dear Fellow Ministers,

There has been a great thought shared across disciplines over the last decade or so to “remember your why.” I love that idea because it moves us from a more transactional experience to one that is heartfelt. We don’t just do things for the sake of doing them, but for a reason.

Our collective “why” as followers of Jesus is, actually, Jesus! It is why we are engaged in our ALL IN: Bringing All of Our Gifts campaign that will culminate with worship on November 9, when those who desire can turn in commitment cards around our vows of membership: Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. The desire, from my standpoint, is that we all prioritize Jesus Christ. No, one doesn’t need to fill out a card to prioritize Jesus; far from it. However, as your Senior Pastor, it helps direct me in my leading when we know what the commitment is to our vows of membership.

I am so grateful to our amazing staff and laity for the worship this past week! Pastor Susan preached an incredible sermon, our Children’s Choir sang in the 11:00 service, and as always, there were meaningful moments of adult music. If you missed it, you can worship here. Pam and I were blessed to listen later, as we were helping Canton: Central UMC celebrate their 150th anniversary (we served there from 2005-2012). We had that great experience of coming home Sunday afternoon to the “Promised Land” of Matthews and MUMC! What a gift! We don’t take it lightly.

Rev. Elaine Heath, PhD commented after watching this video of her October 19th presentation, The Impact of Trauma on Body, Brain, and Spirit, “It’s interesting to have the Latine worship music in the background [from the CCH worship service] while I’m talking about trauma. It mirrors life — the simultaneous grief and joy of everyday life.”

There were well over 2000 people who enjoyed the hospitality of our church on Sunday night at the annual Trunk Or Treat hosted by our Age-Level Ministries. They all received information about our church and invitations to join us in worship! Check out photos of the fun below. Then on Monday evening, we had 75 in attendance at our All-Church Gathering, which you can watch here.

While our new worship space is designed to accomplish several things that will make worship easier for everyone, the why of the space is to honor Jesus Christ and draw us closer to Him. (View this week’s video update & photos of our renovation!) It is inspiring the way you all live your faith “outside the box,” all while making Jesus Christ your why.

In preparation for worship on Sunday, I hope you will read through Ephesians 1:11-23 as God forms a sermon in us about our “why.” We will observe All Saints Day and remember the saints from our congregation who have passed away over this past year. And…Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend, so move your clocks back one hour Saturday night so you’re not late for church! I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that the New Directions Class hosted their annual shoebox packing party on Sunday? This year they packed 50 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Each member brought items to fill the boxes, and everyone enjoyed coming together to pack gifts for children who might not otherwise receive anything for Christmas. Thank you to New Directions for spreading the love of Christ to the little ones outside of our community.

Did you know that our mailing volunteers stuffed about 1400 envelopes with contents for our 2026 pledge card mailing? They ROCK! Church Members & Regular Attenders received cards in the mail this week (we have extras at the Welcome Center & Church Office). Commitment Sunday is November 9, when we submit our promises of our Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service & Witness for 2026.

Did you know that volunteers from MUMC spread mulch on the playground at COSKids on Saturday? COSKids is one of our Global Impact partners, offering childcare options to families in our community. THANK YOU, volunteers!

Did you know that our justice ministry, The Micah Connection, assisted the Town of Matthews in their annual Tree Giveaway on Saturday? Residents of Matthews got free trees, saw a tree-planting demonstration and learned how to care for their trees.