Saint Matthew Today for April 17, 2024
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2418 – The Same—but Different
Friday’s Word
The Body of Christ
I was unable to serve Communion Sunday due to a hip problem (now gone). The assistant pastor and our lay leader served.
This allowed me to sit and watch as people knelt (and stood) at the rail to receive the sacrament. And I was struck by the spiritual beauty of the congregation.
“This is truly the Body of Christ,” I thought.
We received a new member who lives in Idaho. He was in town for the big eclipse show on Monday.
Obviously, Chris will not be driving in each Sunday for worship. He watches online and sends his offering by mail.
He is one of our faithful people, part of our church family. Now an official long-distance member.
A woman, Barbara, visited on Good Friday. She came with a clutch of these little articles in her purse. She had waited for an evening service.
Family matters make it hard for her to come on Sundays. She watches our services and will be reading this.
She loves St. Matthew.
A couple told me after worship recently, “Without Friday’s Word and this church, I don’t think we would have a church right now.”
Someone who joined recently said, “I was looking for a church that preaches a loving God.”
The people of St. Matthew know they are in a church that stands for something.
In reading the Bible, we put Jesus first. He sets the agenda as we read the rest of the Bible.
Everyone at St. Matthew is smart enough to know that gay people are just people who happen to be gay. God doesn’t care.
Give us a visit.
I’d like to meet you.
Worship–11:00 a.m.
Max’s Corner
A Good Sunday
The Sunday after Easter can sometimes feel like a let-down. This year, not at all. Mary had a fine sermon. Julien Rodriquez got a standing ovation for his rendering of Impossible Dream. And Kristi’s opening organ number from Handel rattled the window—several blocks down the street.
It was a spiritual morning.
Even with my hip hurting (gout), I felt good!
Breakfast this Sunday
This is “Let’s Bring It” Sunday.
Winston does weeks one and three.
Week two is up to us eaters.
I am bringing pigs-in-a-blanket.
You bring something. We’ll eat.
(Someone needs to set the serving table.)
Breakfast begins at 10:30.
Working on the Classroom
At the moment, the room where my sister will teach a course on near-death experiences is a junk room. It will take a couple of weeks to get it in shape as a really nice classroom. Sorry for the delay.
Eastside Ministries 40th
It’s at Botanical Gardens on Friday the 19th.
We will sell tickets this Sunday–$75 per plate dinner. That’s because this is a fundraiser for the poor on the Eastside of Fort Worth. Raising money is what it is about. But the buffet will be good.
I am the event MC. Blake and Shannon will sing.
More about it Sunday.
Sunday’s Sermon
Sermon: The Same—but Different.
Personal to Kristi: We open with Lift High the Cross.
Help! Please.
Yes, I can beg. We are entering a two-month period when we have a cash-flow problem until our investment income comes in in June. Please be faithful. Any additional giving will help.
God will get us through. Always has. Always will.
God bless—MB
Mary’s Corner
Greetings Easter People,
Some folks call us that — Easter People. We believe in the events at Calvary, at the tomb, in the upper room, and on the beach. I have been thinking about the scene at the beach since Sunday. I can imagine a place of peacefulness, with the sound of the waves in the background and a full belly. And also, more than enough fish for everyone. Isn’t that always God’s way in our lives? Walking into our failures and giving us abundance when we are obedient. Obedience is part of the scenario. They could have easily told Jesus that they had already tried and failed at catching any fish. But they did not. They listened and followed their instructions. While you are thinking about things this week, remember to pray for God to show you where you need to be obedient. Also, ask God to strengthen your own “body of Christ” as well as the St. Matthew body of Christ. There are fish to be caught folks, and we hold the net.
Remember our special prayer requests this week. We have folks in our congregation with new things happening in their lives that are going to be difficult. Prayer, love, and support are imperative.
Blessings to all of you, Mary