*Please note that some activities are not church-sponsored or may be private; contact the church office to confirm.

In July, the Missions and Outreach Committee is collecting cases of pint-sized bottles of water for a neighborhood City of Mesa hydration center.

The committee thanks you for your generous and continued support of our projects!

What an incredible two years it has been! It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. As I reflect on our journey together, one phrase comes to mind above all others: “Thank you.” Thank you for welcoming this “Peculiar Pastor” and allowing me to walk alongside you in this beloved community called St. Matthew United Methodist Church. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to pray with you—from the pulpit and in the pews—to study scripture seriously, to celebrate life’s joys, to grieve together at life’s hardest moments, to share stories, and to listen to the beautiful stories you have shared with me and with one another.

Speaking of stories, thank you for the incredible storytelling at the pastor’s potluck. What a memorable and heartfelt gift that was! And thank you for putting together the best potluck ever—truly, you outdid yourselves.

At this year’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas, St. Matthew received the “One Matters Award.” I am so incredibly proud of you and the work you have done as a church, expressing love and care to each other and to our neighborhood. I don’t see this as an award for accomplishment, but as a recognition of your deep commitment to being disciples of Jesus. Being a disciple isn’t always comfortable—it often means taking risks and letting go of outcomes, trusting them to God. I pray you will continue to take those risks and be all that God is calling you to be. Remember to pay attention to what you notice, to practice the spiritual discipline of “God Sightings,” and to watch for God at work in our world—through creation, through relationships, and in the unexpected surprises of life. And never forget: we don’t do this work alone. We do it together, and always with the help of the Holy Spirit.

As a farewell blessing, I offer you these words—words and phrases that are near and dear to my heart:

St. Matthew, you will always have a special place in my heart. You are loved, and you are appreciated.

With gratitude,

Pastor Joel

From the weekly newsletter 6/20/25:

Fellowship Time is alive and well in the Activity Center after service each week! Come join your fellow worshippers for conversation and light refreshments. We've started something new this spring: Fellowship Time (including providing food and cold drinks, setup, and cleanup) is now hosted by a different committee each month. But Nolan will continue to make us delicious coffee each week!

Hope to see you in Fellowship Time next Sunday!