Pastor’s Notes for September 2024

Luke 12:29-32,34

29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.   30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Last month, I talked about a tagline we have for our church: St. Matthew UMC, “The Church with a Heart in the Heart of Town.”  I’d really like us to continue thinking about this metaphor and work to build this into who we are and what we do.  Our church has a rich past & a hope-filled future.  I have seen this church’s heart already.  You have been so open and welcoming to me and my family.  This has come freely and naturally, and its been a true blessing to us.  I’ve seen your heart for one another in your care and concern for one another too.  I’ve seen your heart for our community with your connection to Our Neighbor, you providing a safe, and comfortable place for AA meetings, and especially the Community Meal.  These are things you do naturally, because you truly care, and not out of obligation or duty.

I’m really looking forward to seeing more ways we can reach out to our community.  Ministry begins at the intersection of our gifts, and the needs of those around us.  I see many gifts right here in our church.  Gifts that can change hearts and lives.  I also see some real needs within our community.  I watch so many people drive past our church and turn at the corner by our house.  I wonder where they’ve been and where they’re going, not just on our streets, but also along the road of life.  I watch a lot of people walking in our neighborhood.  Some do it for exercise, I know others walk as their only form of transportation.  Just like everywhere I’ve been, there are people in need in our town.  Do we know our neighbors well enough to know how to serve those needs?  Have we taken enough time to really see them, and understand where they have been and where they want to go?  That what a church with a big heart is called to do.  That’s where I feel Holy Spirit leading us.  Let’s listen to God’s voice calling us.  I know we’ll be blessed if we do.