Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

  • What is Our Vision?

    Jason Hardy
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    Watch the full service online by clicking here.

    What Is Our Vision?
    Luke 14:28–33; Habakkuk 2:2; Proverbs 29:18; 16:3

    In What Is Our Vision?, we are invited to reflect on how we discern the path God is setting before us. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Luke, the vision given through the prophet Habakkuk, and the wisdom of Proverbs, we are reminded that vision is not something we create on our own, but something we receive from God. Where there is no vision, we lose our sense of direction, but as we commit our plans to the Lord, we are invited to trust that He will establish our steps. As we are encouraged to “write the vision and make it plain,” we are called to listen carefully, trust deeply, and respond with intention as we follow Christ together.

    Jesus’ teaching invites us to pause and consider the cost of discipleship—not as a burden, but as a way of grounding our commitment. This is not about hesitation, but about clarity—choosing to follow Christ with purpose and awareness. At the same time, the words from Habakkuk remind us that God’s vision unfolds in its own time. We may not always see the full picture, but we are called to remain faithful, trusting that God is at work even when the way forward is not fully clear.

    As a church, this becomes an invitation to move forward with both clarity and trust. We are shaped not only by where we are going, but by how we choose to follow. In this season of new beginnings, we are reminded that our vision is rooted in Christ—guiding us, forming us, and leading us together into a deeper and more faithful life.

    Take Time to Reflect

    • Where is God inviting you to seek His vision more clearly in your life?
    • What does it mean to trust God with your plans and your next steps?
    • How can we move forward together with both intention and trust?
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  • A Word from Mary

    Mary Teague

    Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

    What a glorious service we shared on Sunday. Our choir set the tone for a service filled with light, love, and praise through their passionate rendition of He Never Failed Me.

    And then…

    God sent a messenger of the gospel to speak to us. A prophet, filled with the Holy Spirit and transformed by love, who helped draw the line between going to church and being the body of Christ. What an indescribable blessing it was to have Hanna Newcomer Sliva preach to us on Sunday. Our lives were touched by the words, the tone, and the presence of God in her message. I have listened to the sermon again and have pulled out some of the things that were especially meaningful to me, and I encourage you to do the same, to listen again and discover what speaks to your heart.

    Here are a few of the reflections that stayed with me:

    • The grace, providence, and sustenance of God’s power
    • A priesthood of believers… we all together make up the body of Christ
    • Understanding different phases of life and the importance of intergenerational ministry
    • God designed us to live in holy unity with one another
    • We are more than our individual selves… we are called to live and grow in faith together
    • Chances are, to somebody in the world, God looks like you

    These words remind us that the Church is not just something we attend. It is something we are. Together, we are called to reflect God’s love, to grow in unity, and to carry that love into the world.

    The United Methodist Church is raising up young pastors like Hanna all across the world. Her message, delivered with sincerity and tenderness, gives me hope. I look forward to welcoming her again.

    God’s blessings to you, the Body of Christ, as you spend this week being the church beyond the walls of 2414 Hitson Lane. Love to all.

    And don’t forget our Congregational Business and Ministry Meeting this Sunday, April 26, immediately following worship. Lunch and dessert will be served.

    Blessings,
    Mary

  • Kids’ News – Jesus and the Miraculous Catch

    Sue Kelcey

    Have you ever worked really hard at something and still came up empty?

    After Jesus had risen, some of the disciples went back to fishing on the lake (John 21:1–14). They fished all night long but didn’t catch a single fish. As morning came, they saw someone standing on the shore. At first, they didn’t realize it was Jesus.

    Jesus called out to them and told them to throw their net on the other side of the boat. It might have sounded strange, but they listened, and suddenly their net was so full of fish they could barely pull it in. When they finally counted them, there were 153 fish, so many that they could hardly believe it.

    That’s when they realized it was Jesus. Peter was so excited that he jumped right into the water and swam to shore to be with him. When the others arrived, they found that Jesus had already prepared breakfast, with fish and bread waiting for them by the fire.

    Even after everything that had happened, Jesus was still caring for them, providing for them, and spending time with them.

    This story reminds us that Jesus is always with us, even when we don’t recognize him right away. When we feel tired, discouraged, or unsure, Jesus meets us where we are. He provides what we need, and he invites us to trust him, even when things don’t seem to be working.

    What We Learned

    • Jesus is with us, even when we don’t realize it
    • We can trust Jesus, even when things don’t go as planned
    • Jesus provides more than we expect
    • We are never alone

    We loved seeing all of our wonderful kids this Sunday as we started working on something special for Mother’s Day. We hope to see you again this week!

  • A Word from our Church Family

    Jason Hardy

    We give thanks for the many ways God’s love is shared through the life of our church.
    This past Sunday, our choir offered a beautiful and moving expression of worship. Their singing was truly transcendent, lifting our hearts and filling the sanctuary with a spirit of reverence, joy, and praise.

    We are also grateful for Hanna Newcomer Sliva and the message she shared with us. Through her words and presence, we were reminded of what it means to be the body of Christ, living and growing together in love.

    Each week, we continue to come together in worship, fellowship, and service, experiencing the love of God in meaningful ways through music, prayer, and shared life.

  • Newsletter for April 22, 2026

    Jason Hardy
    2026-04-22 St Matthew TodayDownload