Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

  • A Word from the Pastor

    Mary Teague

    In Luke 24, we hear a powerful yet often overlooked truth: “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” After the resurrection, Jesus spent time with ordinary people, fishermen, tax collectors, and laborers, who struggled to fully grasp who He was and what God was doing. Like them, we often long for immediate answers, relief, and clarity in uncertain times.

    The ascension reminds us that Jesus’ physical departure was not abandonment, but preparation. The mission would now continue through His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit. They were called to witness, to share, and to live out God’s love in the world. We are those witnesses now. We are Easter people, filled with the Holy Spirit and called to carry the story of God’s love into the world around us.

    Join us this Sunday at 11 am as we explore the question, “Can You Believe This?” Our sacred text this week is Acts 2:1-13, the story of Pentecost. I pray that you can join us in person or online at saintmatthewumc.com. Service begins at 11 am, with breakfast at 10:30 am. It is our turn to supply the food, and we hope you will come share in fellowship together.

    Upcoming events:

    • May 24th: Pentecost Sunday.
      Wear your red as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
    • May 31st: Lift Every Voice Sunday.
      We will spend the entire worship service singing your favorite hymns along with some of the newer praise and worship songs we have been learning together.
    • June 7th: Bring a Friend to Church Day
      Invite your neighbors, friends, coworkers, or anyone looking for a place of belonging. Following worship, we will gather for a cookout and fellowship together. Everyone is welcome.

    I am excited to spend this Sunday with you.

    Blessings to all,
    Mary

  • A Word from our Church Family

    Jason Hardy

    There is something special about gathering together in worship, sharing meals, lifting our voices in song, and walking through life side by side.

    As we prepare for Pentecost Sunday, we give thanks for the many ways God continues to move through our church family. From heartfelt worship and meaningful conversations to acts of kindness and shared fellowship, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit continues to shape us into a community rooted in love and belonging.

    We look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday at 11 am. Don’t forget to wear red as we celebrate Pentecost together!

  • Kids’ News – Jesus Prayed for Us

    Sue Kelcey

    Jesus Prayed for Us

    Have you ever had someone pray for you when you were sad, scared, or having a hard day? It feels good to know someone cares about you and wants good things for you.

    In John 17, Jesus prayed for His friends before He left them. He asked God to help them stay close to Him and close to each other. Jesus wanted His followers to love one another and work together like a family (John 17:20-23). Even more amazing, Jesus was also praying for people who would believe later. That means He was praying for us, too!

    Jesus knew there would be times when people would feel lonely, left out, or upset with one another. That is why He reminded His followers to love each other and stay together. When we share, help someone who is hurting, invite others to join us, or say kind words, we show people what God’s love looks like.

    You are important to God. Jesus cares about you, prays for you, and wants you to help others feel loved and welcome, too.

    What We Learned

    • Jesus prayed for us
    • God wants us to love and help one another
    • Kindness helps people feel welcome
    • We are all part of God’s family

  • Newsletter for May 20, 2026

    Jason Hardy
    2026-05-20 St Matthew TodayDownload

  • He Opened Their Minds

    Jason Hardy
    YouTube player

    Watch the full service on our YouTube channel.

    He Opened Their Minds
    Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

    In this week’s message, Rev. Mary Teague reflected on the moment after the resurrection when Jesus gathered with the disciples and “opened their minds” to understand the Scriptures. Even after walking with Jesus, the disciples still struggled to fully understand what God was doing through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Mary reminded us that faith is often a journey of growing understanding. God continues to open our hearts and minds, helping us see His presence in new ways through Scripture, worship, prayer, and community.

    Drawing from Luke’s account of the Ascension, the sermon emphasized that Jesus did not leave the disciples abandoned or directionless. Instead, He blessed them and prepared them for what was coming next. The disciples returned to Jerusalem not with fear, but with joy and renewed purpose. Mary reflected on how Christ continues to call ordinary people into lives of witness, trust, and hope. We are reminded that understanding does not come all at once. God patiently continues shaping us and guiding us forward together.

    The message also invited us to consider how God may still be opening our minds today. In a world filled with uncertainty, distraction, and division, Christ calls us to remain grounded in love, grace, and community. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to keep learning, keep listening, and keep responding to God’s movement among us. The same Christ who walked with the disciples continues to walk beside us now, leading us into deeper faith and greater understanding.

    Take Time to Reflect

    • Where is God helping you see something in a new way?
    • How have others helped open your understanding of faith?
    • What would it look like to walk forward with joy and trust this week?

    Luke 24:44-53 (New International Version)
    44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

    45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

    The Ascension of Jesus
    50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

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