Just These Lines Pastor Blog

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 Just These Lines

Just These Lines, My Friends: The Heart of a Child

2nd Sunday after the Epiphany Just these lines, my friends … … to say that I’m still reveling in our time of worship on Sunday (1/14). How about our Sanctuary Choir and Libby Preble! Remarkable! Exceptional! They took my breath away! A very special thank you to all our deeply committed people who make up our music and arts community....
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 Just These Lines

A Few New Year Thoughts

1st Sunday after the Epiphany | Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Just these lines, my friends … … to say that in case you missed being with us on Sunday in worship, I hope you’ll take the time to worship with us by clicking here. I think it will give you insight to the note I share below. The note...
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 Generosity
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The Story We Wish Wasn’t There

Epiphany Sunday Just these lines, my friends … … to say that I hope you were able to worship with us this past Sunday. The music was beautiful, and Pastor Corey was deeply inspiring with her message. If you missed it, you can worship with us by clicking here. As we’ve begun the New Year having experienced an inspiring Advent Season...
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 Just These Lines

Happy Quotidian New Year

1st Sunday after Christmas Day Just these lines, my friends … … to say that I hope you take a minute and read below about our financial update and current financial position as of December 28. My heart is bursting with joy and wonder as I reflect on our 2023 Christmas Eve at Matthews United Methodist. We had over 2600...
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 Blessing
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Joy in the Desert

Christmas Eve | 4th Sunday of Advent Just these lines, my friends … … to say that my heart is singing with gratitude today as I remember our time together on Sunday. There were over 100 children enacting our annual Matthews United Methodist Children’s Nativity for us. Is there any more magical moment in every year than when baby Jesus...
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 Inspirational
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Swords into Plowshares

3rd Sunday of Advent Just these lines, my friends … … to say I am still reveling in a Sunday of Sundays with beautiful 2nd Sunday of Advent morning worship and then, The Glory of Christmas in the evening. I was blown away by the beauty and sound of it all. I kept thinking, “This is our church! This is...
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Camping Out in the End Times

2nd Sunday of Advent Just these lines, my friends … … to say we began this past Sunday in worship grounding our souls in the rhythms, reminders, and rituals of the Advent season. On Saturday, our Family Matters Class and others adorned our Sanctuary with Chrismons, lights and wreaths. During Advent, we will visit traditional scripture lessons in The Gospel...
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Our Upside Down God

First Sunday of Advent Just these lines, my friends … … to say this past Sunday was the last Sunday in the Christian calendar known formally as Christ the King Sunday. In 1925, as Fascist nationalism was on the rise, Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King. It was a reminder that Christ reigns above all earthly...
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Three Tips for Thanksgiving

Christ the King Sunday Just these lines, my friends … … to say that we had a beautiful Community Thanksgiving Service in our Sanctuary on Sunday evening. It was splendid seeing so many guests from Mt. Moriah, Matthews Presbyterian and Morningstar Lutheran. I know they felt the love and welcome of our people. Click here and watch the Ben Rector...