Outside the Box with Pastor David Christy: You Can Feel the Holy Spirit at Work

Dear Fellow Ministers,

Wow… what a day of celebration we had this past Sunday! Amazing worship, music, a healing service, and a baptism! Link to Kids & Family Worship or Traditional Worship to experience it all again or share with a friend! Backpacks, students, teachers, and families were blessed, there were bouncy houses and blow up games in our parking lot, and amazing barbeque was offered (for free!). In short, it looked to me exactly what a church that cares about its community should look like!

We are continuing with the work in the Sanctuary. (See a few pictures and watch my short video update for this week.) We are also really working at extending the welcome of the church. Thank you for your spirit of hospitality that extends to folks when they first come on our property. There was once a study that said a guest to church should have seven “touches” (point of contact, greeting, welcome, etc.) before they sit down. That seems like a lot, but a “hello” is a point of contact. You all do that so well. Thank you to those who are able to walk easier for parking a distance away so that those who have a harder time getting to the doors of The Commons can park closer. Those seemingly small, but genuine, things make a big difference.

Someone who attends the 8:15 a.m. service said this past week, “You can feel the Holy Spirit at work!” And that is amazing because we had tables set up for barbeque and worshiped around tables instead of anything that looked “normal”… and it was great! Our worship in the Gym for 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary), 11 a.m. (Traditional), and 12:30 p.m. (CCH) has been so different that it has stretched what feels “normal” and your spirit of hospitality has made it work well! (In case you’re curious, Sunday evening Youth Worship will start back September 7.) Thank you for the genuine spirit of welcome that you all extend. Please help us extend our invitation to formally join our church by inviting folks to participate in our “Explore Membership at Matthews UMC” with Pastor Bill that will be held on September 7. This is a time to find out more about A Disciple’s Path-New Member Class, meet our clergy, get to know others who are exploring Membership/Discipleship, and ask questions.

This week in worship we will talk about how, for some reason, we find it hard to accept what God offers in a “spring of living water” and instead we go our own way by digging holes for ourselves to keep what we get. Please join me in praying through Jeremiah 2:4-13 as God forms a sermon in us. Pray about inviting someone to church (a holiday weekend is a great time to invite them!), and be ready to welcome folks, and to experience the presence of God as we worship.

I look forward to being in ministry with you, outside the box, this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Scenes from Kickoff Sunday! Thank You for Showing Up & Serving!

Did you know that the Matthews United Methodist Endowment Fund has grown to $912,752? Last Thursday’s dinner celebrated that Gifts to Date exceed $710,934 and that the work and ministry of the Wilson’s will be recognized by renaming the Professional Development Fund to “The Chuck and Karen Wilson Professional Development Fund.”

Did you know that over 20 people from our MUMC community volunteered and participated at the Charlotte PRIDE parade? The United Methodist Church celebrated with other area groups and houses of faith. Link to resources, merchandise and more through our Inclusive Grace Ministry. Thank You, MUMC, for being present!

Did you know that the 20th Racial Bridge Building Community Forum took place last week at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church? It featured Q&A with candidates running for Matthews Town Council. Events are held in partnership with area churches.

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