Transitions 3

Pentecost Sunday
Just these lines, my friends …

… to say thank you for all our graduates this past Sunday. We love seeing them finding their way and now moving forward to new goals and aspirations. May you become everything God intends for you to become.

Thank you, Pastor Corey for your deeply inspiring message. You are such a fine preacher, teacher, and communicator. We are most fortunate to have you in our midst. Your sermon from Sunday could be Part 1 to my sermon for this coming Sunday, June 8. And how about those wonderful young people (Youth Praise Team) leading us in our music all morning?!? So special. If you missed worshipping with us, you can do so by clicking here.

As I ponder my final days with you, with the Psalmist (Psalm 16:5-6), Karen and I can say that the lines have fallen for us in good – though not always easy – places. We’ve been given opportunities we never imagined, challenges we didn’t expect, and friendships that will outlast our lifetimes. As the old spiritual says, “I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now.” Thanks be to God.

Video Devotional

This is my final devotional as the Senior Pastor of the Matthews United Methodist Church. I’m retiring after 47 years of service in The United Methodist Church, nearly 20 of those years living right here in Matthews. I do so with mixed feelings of shock at how quickly these years seem to have gone, gratitude for the privilege of being in ministry, sadness in departing, but excitement about what lies ahead and more. I’m tempted to simply post two words … but you’ll have to click here to find out those two words.

Pastor’s Benevolence and Discretionary Funds

If you are able, please consider a financial gift to a couple of important funds for the church so that the new pastors will get started with what they need for the Pastor’s Benevolence Fund and/or the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. These funds support a number of vital pieces to our ministry that are often unplanned but require action.

• The Pastor’s Benevolence Fund gives the Pastoral Staff discretion and authority to provide confidential financial support to persons in our church community who are in need, and may include food, medicine, or assistance with bills.
• The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund is under the direction of the Senior Pastor and utilized at his discretion for items that are not within the Operating Budget. This Fund is reviewed by the Finance Committee each month.

You can contribute to these funds here by choosing “Other” and typing “Pastor’s Benevolence Fund” or “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” in the memo box.

Town of Matthews Police & Fire Training at MUMC

The Town of Matthews Police and Fire Departments, along with other emergency service partners, will conduct joint training exercises on the campus of Matthews United Methodist Church on Tuesdays, June 10, 17 & 24 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. These sessions are crucial to practice collaborative responses and enhance the ability for emergency services to serve the community effectively.

During these training periods, you may observe an increased presence of police cars, fire trucks, and emergency personnel on the church grounds. Please be aware that these are simulated exercises, and there is no emergency situation. As we try to provide minimal disruption to regular church activities, we request that you please plan any visits to the church outside of the noted training dates and times.

Read the complete announcement from the Town of Matthews Police and Fire Departments. Thank you for your understanding and support of our hard-working emergency services teams.

Upcoming Events

• Common Heart Food Drive – Now thru June 15: Immediate Need for non-perishable, unexpired food due to a 50% cut in their federal funding. Please place donations in bins at campus entrances. (MOST NEEDED: Cereal, Chef Boyardee, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Mixed Veggies, Mixed Fruit, Snack Bars).
• Morning of Wellness – Saturday, June 21, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, in The Commons. Experience the Wellness Benefits of Visual Journaling, Breathwork, Mindfulness, Desk Yoga and a Sound Bath. Register

This Sunday in Worship

We invite you to join us this Sunday in person at 8:15 (Traditional), 9:30 (Contemporary), 9:30 (Family Worship in The Gym), 11:00 (Traditional), or online at 9:30, 11:00 or 1:00 (Spanish service – Special time for this Sunday only! In person or here on demand).

Have I told you lately how much I love our CCH (Centro Cristiana Hosanna) Community and Rev. Roldan Flores? They are remarkable, courageous, and resilient people who add so much life and vitality as bright spots in our community of faith. We are very fortunate to have these individuals as a part of MUMC. This week, Pastor Roldan’s sermon is titled Let the Holy Spirit Work from Romans 8:14-18.

All are welcome to join us at Family Worship (9:30 in The Gym), an interactive, high-energy worship service for the whole family. This month we’ll be learning about the “Armor of God” with lots of fun activities, games and challenges based on the scripture from Ephesians 6:10-18. Plan to stay following the service in the Courtyard, for refreshments and a hands-on kids activity.

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and the coming of the Holy Spirit, so be sure to wear some red. It will also be my final sermon to preach as your Senior Pastor. WOW! What a ride! My sermon is titled The Gospel in a Change of Pastors from Genesis 12:1-2. I hope you’ll be able to worship with us.

And now, during these strange, uncertain, confusing and yet, hopeful days, remember … God does God’s best work in moments like this.

Jesus is on the loose!
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II

Did you know that Larry & Beverly Merritt celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Rick & Kathleen Benjamin celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 1?

Did you know that the Home2Home crew not only picked up and handled 80 pieces of furniture recently, but also made a delivery of 18 items to a family in need? It was a full day of being the hands and feet of Jesus. Thanks so much for supporting this Global Impact partner.

Did you know that a group from MUMC served lunch to the residents of Dove’s Nest, part of Charlotte Rescue Mission? Thank you Karin Dunham, Marilyn Sczech, Sandy Smith, Debbie Forbis, Amy DeVore, Susan Higgins & Diane Bogart for being the hands and feet of Jesus. If you would like to serve, contact Amy DeVore at the Church Office.