Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

In Matthew 9:35–38, Jesus looks out at the crowds with deep compassion, recognizing people who are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Then He says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” His response is simple yet powerful: pray for workers.

But here is the surprising truth—Jesus doesn’t stop at prayer. In the very next moment, He calls His disciples and sends them out. Those who prayed became the answer.

This scripture reminds us that God still works the same way today. We often pray for help, healing, and change—but God may be calling us to be part of the answer. In Wesleyan theology, this reflects God’s grace at work within us, equipping and empowering us to join in God’s mission. Grace is never passive; it moves us outward in love.

From the first disciples to us today, God continues to call ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We are invited to serve, to give, to pray, and to love boldly in a world that desperately needs hope.

As a church, we are stepping into this calling through new opportunities, including a prayer ministry where all can both receive and offer care.

So when you pray, listen closely—God may be saying, “Now go.”

Thank you for continuing to be faithful to God. Your devotion is evident on your faces. Blake’s rendition of “Come as You Are” brought us all back to the place where God waits patiently for us. The place where the only thing we can experience is the love of God. The knowledge that “Earth has no sorrows that Heaven can’t heal” is so very wondrous. I am eager to share this knowledge with those wandering through life living with their sorrows instead of being healed.  

This Sunday is Father’s Day. We will recognize and celebrate all the dads among us, and those who are no longer here. Join us in body or in spirit, in a pew or on the screen. Either way, know that you are loved by God and by the family of Saint Matthew. 

Veta McCullough is recovering very well from a broken hip she suffered this past Saturday. She will be out of the office for a few weeks. We are working on an alternative plan for the next two weeks. After July 2^nd, I will be in the office Monday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoon and Friday mornings. My love to all, Mary

One of the most meaningful moments in worship this past Sunday came as we welcomed Angelia Hardy into membership at Saint Matthew. Surrounded by family, fellow members, and friends in faith, Angelia was embraced by the community that walks alongside her each week. Moments like these remind us that the Church is more than a place we attend. It is a family of faith where people are welcomed, supported, and encouraged as they grow in their relationship with Christ.

This moment reflected the message Pastor Teague shared from Matthew 9. Jesus looked upon the crowds with compassion and called ordinary people to join in God’s work. Every person who offers a prayer, extends a welcome, shares a meal, serves a neighbor, or encourages a friend becomes part of that calling. Together, we help one another experience the love of Christ in tangible ways.

We give thanks for Angelia and for all who continue to share their gifts, prayers, and presence in the life of our church. As we continue learning to love boldly, may Saint Matthew remain a place where every person can find belonging, experience God’s love, and discover opportunities to serve alongside others in faith.