The Day Democracy Died

4^th Sunday after Pentecost | July 3, 2022
Just these lines, my friends …

… to say what a wonderful day among the people of Matthews United Methodist. All morning long, our music was transcendent. At the 9:30 hour, we experienced the beautiful baptism of Ruth Isla Mitchum, daughter of Mark and Amelia Mitchum. If you missed being with us, I hope you’ll take the time to watch here. Then at all three morning hours, we featured the GodStory of Caroline. Click here to watch her amazing story.

I’ve promised you some pictures of the wedding of our youngest daughter, MacKenzie. She was married on May 1. By the way, I cry ugly.

I’m really looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. Be sure and invite someone to church; you never know who might need a little bit of inspiration and hope for living.  

Wednesday Devotional

Please take a few minutes to watch my devotional for the week titled, The Day Democracy Died. This devotional focuses on the words and experience of the great Methodist missionary, E. Stanley Jones.

Abortion and The United Methodist Church

With the overturning of Roe vs. Wade by the Supreme Court last week, many of you have asked about The United Methodist Church and abortion. You can find our official position in Book of Discipline, p. 114. Please read by clicking here.

In addition, many of you have asked for a copy of my prayer from Sunday. You can read and copy it here.

This Sunday in Worship

We invite you to join this Sunday in person or online at 8:15 am (traditional – in person only), 9:30 am (contemporary), 11:00 am (traditional) or 12:30 (Spanish – in person only).  Since it’s the Sunday before our nation’s birthday, let’s wear some red, white and blue!
 
In our Spanish-speaking CCH community, Pastor Roldan is preaching from II Kings 5:14 and his sermon is titled Respecting God’s Process.
 
This Sunday, our congregational singing in our 8:15 am and 11:00 am hours will be songs that have held this nation together: America and America the Beautiful, with our anthem, Heal Our Land. My sermon is titled Let Freedom Ring and it focuses on Leviticus 25:1-10. I hope you will join us for beautiful worship that will focus on God and give thanks to God for our country. 
 
And now, as always, during these strange, uncertain, and hopeful days, remember … God does God’s best work in moments like this.

Faithfully yours,
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II
 
Did you know that Hunter Ross was the guest preacher for Indian Trail UMC on Sunday, June 19?  Greg Hamilton, former member of MUMC, serves this church as their pastor.

Did you know that families are enjoying gathering on the playground for cold treats and fun between the 9:30 and 11:00 services as part of United Kids Summer Sundays Program?

Did you know that Matthews UMC is announced as a sponsor at the Beats ‘n Bites events at Stumptown Park? Ministry-area volunteers provide a personal invitation to people attending the events and hand out swag with our website address provided by Our Faithful Next Steps funding. We met someone at the first event who is now regularly attending a weekly group meeting on campus! Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to provide a welcome. Please contact the Church Office if you would like to serve at a community event. (Photo credit to Sandi Lee!)

Did you know that over 45 men and women ages 17-80 learned about positive health with a Christian focus during our Saturday Morning of Wellness? Thank you to the following instructors/leaders who led sessions and taught us new techniques for relaxation, stress management, breathing and healing: Anjie Vickers (Aromatherapy), MUMC’s Recreation Coordinator, Camille Gotta (Reiki), MUMC Yoga instructor, Kathy Sherwin (Yoga), and long-time church member, Katrina Larrison (Mindfulness).  We received great feedback from the participants, many who were from the community and being welcomed for the first time on campus.

Did you know that the parking lot concert put on by the MUMC Contemporary Praise Team this past Saturday was a fun mix of music and dialogue between the team and the audience? This was a gift from the Praise Team to the community and was well received by those who attended.