JUST THESE LINES, MY FRIENDS… · Israel crossing the Jordan River (Joshua ). Our CCH community...
4
JUST THESE LINES, MY FRIENDS… ... to say that have you seen the news report on our very own Frank and Terry Brown? Frank and Terry have been investing deeply in Matthews United Methodist now for several years: choir, men’s ministry, marriage ministry and a whole host of things. One area has touched their lives deeply: Financial Peace. Well, that is what the news report is all about. If you haven’t seen it, then please visit MatthewsUMC.org. Another one of our very own at Matthews United Methodist, Kim Holt, TV News Manager of Investigations and Special Projects with WSOC-TV, made this beautiful witness possible. Thank you Kim, Frank and Terry! Over the past months, we’ve been asking ourselves, “How do we build bridges of hope and understanding between races?” At times, our community seems to have an especially wide gap. Too often we view people of a race that is different from our own as “people we don’t trust” or “people we have no way to get to know.” Healing, hope and peace begins with relationships. This past Saturday, May 20, we launched Peace Meals with our friends from Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church here in Matthews. Several families from Matthews United Methodist joined together with families from Mt. Moriah to share stories and dream dreams of building friendships across racial lines. The Smith Family (John, Lauren, Jackson, Evan and Brady) are leading us in these efforts. If you’d like to be a part of building bridges of hope and understanding through Peace Meals with our friends at Mt. Moriah, please contact the Smith family at [email protected]. General William Westmoreland was once reviewing a platoon of paratroopers in Vietnam. As he went down the line, he asked each of them a question: "How do you like jumping, son?" "Love it, sir!" was the first answer. "How do you like jumping?" he asked the next. "The greatest experience in my life, sir!" exclaimed the paratrooper. "How do you like jumping?" he asked the third. "I hate it, sir," he replied. "Then why do you do it?" asked Westmoreland. "Because I love being with these guys who love jumping, sir.” We’ll do almost anything just to be around people we love. “Solo Christian” is an oxymoron. Christianity happens in community. Did Jesus teach us to pray, “My Father who art in heaven…”? No. “Our Father ... give us our daily bread … forgive us our debts ...... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ....” If you insist on going it alone, you are putting your faith at risk. Phillip Yancey tells of a friend who very nearly abandoned his faith as he went through a horrific series of health and emotional setbacks. In his darkest hour God was nowhere to be found. Prayer did nothing for him. When he finally emerged from the shadows, here’s what he said: “You know what kept me from chucking the whole thing? Just this: it would mean having to go to three or four people I respect more than anyone in the world and tell them, ‘You are deceived.’ I could not bring myself to deny the reality of God’s Spirit in their lives.” Friends, we need each other. Go to a roaring fireplace and drag out a single burning ember. How long will it last? A friend of mine used to tell me, “Chuck, remember… the banana that gets separated from the bunch always gets skinned.” As you plan your Memorial Day weekend, keep in mind Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” We hope to see all of you on Memorial Day Weekend Sunday. We have a very special day of “remembering” planned for all. Our Sanctuary services will feature a powerful story and a very unique piece of cello music as we dig deeply into the story of Joshua and the people of Israel crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4). Our CCH community (Centro Cristiano Hosanna) will finish their series, A Race of Resistance. Thank you MUMC for your long obedience in the same direction. I love the privilege that is mine to be one of your pastors! So grateful for sharing our life together, Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II [email protected] Let’s worship together! Sunday mornings at 8:15 (Classic), 9:30 (Contemporary), 11:00 (Traditional), 11:00 (801South), 12:30 Centro Cristiano Hosanna (Servicio en Español), 9:30 (The Deep Family Worship - 2 nd Sunday of each month).
Transcript of JUST THESE LINES, MY FRIENDS… · Israel crossing the Jordan River (Joshua ). Our CCH community...
JUST THESE LINES, MY FRIENDS… ... to say that have you seen the news report on our very own Frank and Terry Brown? Frank and Terry have been investing deeply in Matthews United Methodist now for several years: choir, men’s ministry, marriage ministry and a whole host of things. One area has touched their lives deeply: Financial Peace. Well, that is what the news report is all about. If you haven’t seen it, then please visit MatthewsUMC.org. Another one of our very own at Matthews United Methodist, Kim Holt, TV News Manager of Investigations and Special Projects with WSOC-TV, made this beautiful witness possible. Thank you Kim, Frank and Terry!
Over the past months, we’ve been asking ourselves, “How do we build bridges of hope and understanding between races?” At times, our community seems to have an especially wide gap. Too often we view people of a race that is different from our own as “people we don’t trust” or “people we have no way to get to know.” Healing, hope and peace begins with relationships.
This past Saturday, May 20, we launched Peace Meals with our friends from Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church here in Matthews. Several families from Matthews United Methodist joined together with families from Mt. Moriah to share stories and dream dreams of building friendships across racial lines. The Smith Family (John, Lauren, Jackson, Evan and Brady) are leading us in these efforts. If you’d like to be a part of building bridges of hope and understanding through Peace Meals with our friends at Mt. Moriah, please contact the Smith family at [email protected].
General William Westmoreland was once reviewing a platoon of paratroopers in Vietnam. As he went down the line, he asked each of them a question: "How do you like jumping, son?" "Love it, sir!" was the first answer. "How do you like jumping?" he asked the next. "The greatest experience in my life, sir!" exclaimed the paratrooper. "How do you like jumping?" he asked the third. "I hate it, sir," he replied. "Then why do you do it?" asked Westmoreland. "Because I love being with these guys who love jumping, sir.” We’ll do almost anything just to be around people we love.
“Solo Christian” is an oxymoron. Christianity happens in community. Did Jesus teach us to pray, “My Father who art in heaven…”? No. “Our Father ... give us our daily bread … forgive us our debts ...... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ....” If you insist on going it alone, you are putting your faith at risk.
Phillip Yancey tells of a friend who very nearly abandoned his faith as he went through a horrific series of health and emotional setbacks. In his darkest hour God was nowhere to be found. Prayer did nothing for him. When he finally emerged from the shadows, here’s what he said: “You know what kept me from chucking the whole thing? Just this: it would mean having to go to three or four people I respect more than anyone in the world and tell them, ‘You are deceived.’ I could not bring myself to deny the reality of God’s Spirit in their lives.” Friends, we need each other.
Go to a roaring fireplace and drag out a single burning ember. How long will it last? A friend of mine used to tell me, “Chuck, remember… the banana that gets separated from the bunch always gets skinned.”
As you plan your Memorial Day weekend, keep in mind Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
We hope to see all of you on Memorial Day Weekend Sunday. We have a very special day of “remembering” planned for all. Our Sanctuary services will feature a powerful story and a very unique piece of cello music as we dig deeply into the story of Joshua and the people of Israel crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4). Our CCH community (Centro Cristiano Hosanna) will finish their series, A Race of Resistance.
Thank you MUMC for your long obedience in the same direction. I love the privilege that is mine to be one of your pastors!
So grateful for sharing our life together,
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II [email protected]
Let’s worship together! Sunday mornings at 8:15 (Classic), 9:30 (Contemporary), 11:00 (Traditional), 11:00 (801South),
12:30 Centro Cristiano Hosanna (Servicio en Español), 9:30 (The Deep Family Worship - 2nd Sunday of each month).
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Please extend a warm MUMC welcome to our newest members (and their children) that joined our fellowship on May 14!
Bill & Gayle Allen; Lisa Arner (Logan); Bill & Janet Colyer; Steve & Becky DuBose (Ryan, Carson); Michelle Edens (Ashleigh, Henry & Caroline); Glenn & Patty Grable; Andy & Sue Lacara; Sheila Meador; Bryan & Louise Smith; Dmitriy Soloshenko (Lana);
Marcus & Tonya Terry (John, Amelia); Frank & Martha Trammell; and Paul & Lorie Williams (Piper, Bodie)
BECAUSE YOU GIVE...MINISTRY IS POSSIBLE
Redesigned New Member Class Offers Engaging Approach to Studying United Methodist Beliefs
We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to “Coffee with Pastors Chuck and Paul,” a gathering to meet others and an introduction to the 6-week “A Disciple’s Path” membership class. We have welcomed families and individuals who are seeking to learn more about the unique heritage of the United Methodist tradition established by John Wesley.
Since January 2017, 15 people have participated in the “Coffee” and “A Disciple’s Path” class, with five young families (representing 15 family members) joining the church in March. The current class, consisting of 21 adults, will have the opportunity to join with their families on May 14th. To register for the upcoming “Coffee with Pastors Chuck and Paul” on Sunday, July 9 (3:30-5:00 pm) and “A Disciple’s Path” class scheduled for Sundays July 16 – August 20 (9:30-10:30 am), please email [email protected].
"The New Member class was a fantastic way for my husband and me to explore our own faith and what it means to be called ‘Methodist.’ Taking this course allowed us to meet others from a variety of
backgrounds, who were grappling with similar issues and wanted to grow in their faith. Having the opportunity to explore our faith with others allowed us to see that Matthews United Methodist
was the home that we were seeking!" – Erika Akelman
Please visit Adult Ministries under the Reach tab at matthewsumc.org to view the Adult Ministries Calendar.
-
CCH Intercessory Prayer Meeting: Saturdays from 5:30 - 7:00 am in the
Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to join us to pray for our own families, this Church
and this Nation.
Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6
Please remember in your prayers: Sarah Tatham upon the death of her sister; Heath Gilbert upon the death of his mother; and all those in our church family with special needs and concerns.
Global Impact Prayer: Ever-present God, we give you all glory, praise, honor and thanks for the work completed, experiences shared, relationships built and safe return of our three mission teams from their service in North Dakota, Belize and Haiti.
MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ∙ www.matthewsumc.org 801 South Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105, (704) 847-6261, Fax (704) 845-2830
Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and Watch us on Vimeo @MatthewsUMC
The Celebration newsletter is a weekly publication for the families and friends of Matthews United Methodist Church. The deadline to submit an article is noon each Monday, the week of publication. If you would like to submit information for publication,
please e-mail your articles to [email protected] or drop them off at the Church Office with “Celebration request” noted on the envelope. Please note that all articles are subject to editing for space and content. Subscribe online at MatthewsUMC.org.
studies classes
CCH Intercessory Prayer Meeting: Saturday mornings from 5:30 - 7:00 in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to join us to pray for our own families, this church and this nation.
WORSHIP MESSAGE Don’t Forget To Remember
Scripture: Joshua 4:1-7
For care and protection, we lift up all the men and women serving in our Armed Forces throughout the world.
Visit MatthewsUMC.org for more information. Childcare may be available if requested in advance. Contact [email protected].
5/29 Church Closed For Memorial Day
6/4 Peanut Butter Sunday Please donate!
Peace Meals Households from Mt. Moriah & MUMC share meals together to see the world
from a different perspective. For details email John & Lauren Smith
WESLEY UMC Seeks to fill a part-time (15 hours weekly) Director of Children and Youth Ministries
position. The Director will develop, coordinate and implement ministries for
children and youth to provide opportunities for them to grow in their
Christian discipleship. If interested, please e-mail resume
