Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

I bring you the good news of Jesus Christ from the Horizon Texas Conference in Wichita Falls. When you read this, I will have been commissioned as a provisional elder in the United Methodist Church.

This week, I joined clergy and laity from across Texas for worship, learning, fellowship, and service. It was a powerful reminder that the church is far larger than any one congregation, yet it is strengthened by the faithfulness of local churches like St. Matthew.

The theme of this year’s conference was Love Boldly. Throughout the week, I was reminded that loving boldly is not reserved for pastors or church leaders. It is the calling of every follower of Christ. We love boldly when we welcome a visitor, encourage a friend, serve a neighbor, pray for someone in need, or share God’s grace with those around us.

One of the most moving parts of the conference was witnessing the commitment of so many people who have answered God’s call in different ways. Some were commissioned or ordained. Others continue to serve faithfully in their churches and communities. Together, they reminded me that ministry is not something we do alone. We are part of a larger body of Christ, united in our mission to share God’s love with the world.

Thank you to our conference volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this gathering possible. I would also like to thank everyone who made the journey to Wichita Falls to support me during this important step in my ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and presence were a blessing to me, and I am grateful to serve and love boldly alongside you.

As we prepare for Bring a Friend Sunday, may we continue to love boldly by welcoming others, sharing hope, and helping people discover that they belong in God’s family.

Grace and Peace,

Mary

I bring you greetings in the name of the Ascended Christ and covered in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I pray this newsletter finds you well and happy.

Pentecost reminds us that God is still doing unbelievable things. In Acts 2, the disciples experienced rushing wind, tongues of fire, and the power to speak across every barrier. What seemed impossible became the birth of the Church. Just before this moment, Jesus had already begun preparing them. Scripture tells us, “He opened their minds to understand.” That same promise is still true today—when we don’t understand, God is still at work.

Pentecost is not just a moment in history—it is a living reality. Through the Holy Spirit, God continues to guide, equip, and transform us. In the Wesleyan tradition, we call this sanctifying grace: God shaping us into who we are created to be. This is not our work; it is God’s work. God is working through us by using the gifts God has given us. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Would you like to know and to learn about those gifts? Even in moments of uncertainty, fear, or change, we are not alone. The same Spirit that empowered the early church is eternally active in our lives—through worship, community, and acts of love.

So when faith feels surprising or even impossible, remember this: God is still moving. And we are invited to respond with a simple, powerful word— Yes.

• May 31, 2026 – Worship through Song Sunday
  Join us as our service will be focused on singing favorite hymns, praise, and worship songs!
• May 31-June 3rd – Horizon Texas Annual Conference
  Wichita Falls, Texas
• June 2, 2026 – Service of Commissioning and Ordination
  (Mary’s commissioning service)
  Live stream June 2nd, 7 pm, at https://www.htcumc.org/ac26
  For those attending in person, the event will be held at the Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall in the Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Event Center.
  The address is 1000 5th St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301. (ADA Parking is located between the Convention Center and the Ray Climer Exhibit Hall).
  Remember, this is my commissioning service. Official ordination will happen (God willing) at Annual Conference 2028. Location TBD.
• June 7, 2026 – Cookout and Bring a Friend to Church Sunday
  We will have pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs. Please bring desserts if you are able.

Looking forward to singing with you this Sunday!

Blessings, Mary