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Thank you!
Thank you, generous congregation, for your
enthusiastic participation in our St. Matthew Angel Tree outreach!
Because of everyone's efforts in "adopting" Angels from the
tree, shopping, returning gifts to church and the many people who showed
up to wrap all those gifts...four families with children attending
Booker T. Washington Elementary School had a much brighter Christmas than
would otherwise been possible. In this way you were the hands, feet and
voice of Jesus to families none of us will probably ever meet. And isn't
that what we're all here for? Blessings from your Missions and
Outreach Committee!
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Pledge
Commitment Cards
Thank you to everyone that has already submitted a
2026 pledge commitment card. It is a tremendous help in planning our
programs for next year. It is not too late to turn one in by placing it
in the offering plate, mailing it in, or dropping it off at the church
office.
We did receive one pledge card in the 12/7 offering
plate that did not have a name. If you think this might have been yours,
please email us at rstmatthew@gmail.com or call
the church office.
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January 2026 Youth schedule
| Jan. 4 |
Food & Faith Devotional |
9:15 a.m. |
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| Jan. 11 |
"New Year for Youth" Lunch |
12:00 p.m. |
(for grades 6-12) |
| Jan. 18 |
"Pay It Forward" service project |
9:15 a.m. |
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| Jan. 25 |
Wacky Winter Olympic Games |
9:15 a.m. |
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Events Hosted by Our Partners in Ministry
From the Desert Southwest Conference 9/24/25: 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 27- 5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 (overnight)
When we see the devastation caused by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires, our hearts go out to those whose lives have been turned upside-down. Our DSW Conference has over 30 trained and certified Early Response Team members who are prepared to enter the scene of a disaster directly after first responders leave. But more important than the physical aid we provide after a disaster is the human aid, being compassionate listeners to people who often need to talk about their experience to begin the healing process.
Our disaster response ministry is preparing to broaden our ability to serve these families and their children as they seek to rebuild their lives. This will also allow many who are not physically able to aid in disaster relief the ability to serve. On February 27 and 28, 2026 at Dove of the Desert UMC, we will be offering a training presented by the Church of the Brethren's Children’s Disaster Services. CDS travels across the country to offer this unique training; UMCOR staff endorses and works closely with this ministry and encourages members to attend their training.
Although next February may seem far off, if you are interested in taking the training, please sign up soon, as the class is limited to 25 participants.
For more information, or to register, please visit the CDS page at https://www.brethren.org/cds/training/ .
From the Desert Southwest Conference 12/10/25: UMC Council of Bishops 2025 Advent Message: Embracing, Living Our Vision
As we enter the sacred season of Advent, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church urges all United Methodists to embrace our new Vision as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, who brings hope to a world full of despair.
The Holy Scriptures tells us that even in these times of despair, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”(Isaiah 9:2) and it encourages us not to live in fear, for God proclaims, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10-11) Our Vision Statement serves as our guide reminding us that “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” Advent is a time of expectation and renewal—a season when we prepare for Christ’s coming as we live into our shared Vision in tangible ways as disciples of Jesus Christ. Love Boldly: As Christ’s love breaks into the world, we are called to extend grace and compassion to neighbors near and far. Serve Joyfully: Advent reminds us that service is a gift. Every act of kindness becomes a sign of God’s kingdom breaking into our communities.
Lead Courageously: In times of fear and despair, we lead with faith—proclaiming the good news that Christ comes to dwell among us. So, as we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, let us embody these gifts in our homes, churches, and communities. Advent is not passive waiting; it is active preparation. It is living our vision so that the world may know Emmanuel—God with us. May God empower us through the Holy Spirit to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously as we await Christ’s coming. In grace and love,
Bishop Tracy S. Malone
President, Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
From the weekly email 12/5/25: Note: Lost tool While a Trustee was working on electrical outlets in the Activity Center on Friday, November 28, his personal Amprobe electric meter disappeared. If you have seen a meter somewhere on the campus, or perhaps moved it to a more secure location, please contact the church office or Roy H. Thank you! From the weekly email 12/5/25: A Year of Awe—December
It is my intention to gather with St. Matthew family and friends every month to celebrate life by connecting with awe. But December is upon us and I do not see an easy or convenient time to gather as one group. There are, however, an abundance of opportunities to experience awe this month.
Instead of gathering together to experience awe, let’s gather our experiences on Facebook and share where we find awe around us. You might find awe in your family, in community events, or in gathering with friends. Here are some ideas for where you might experience awe:
· Mesa Temple Christmas Lights 2025: 101 S. LeSueur, downtown Mesa, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each evening from now through December 30; free and open to all. Experience the gleam of hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Mesa Temple grounds alongside 10 biblical vignettes depicting the Christmas story, complete with QR codes for additional content. · Mesa’s Merry Main Street: Downtown Mesa 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every evening through January 3, with some additional afternoon activities; includes an Ice Rink, Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest, and so much more. Find the full calendar of events at merrymainst.com/calendar/. · St. Matthew UMC Christmas Cantata: December 7 in 9:00 a.m. worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir in preparing for the Christ Child with “Night of the Father’s Love.” Find your holiday awe and then share your pictures and your experiences on the St. Matthew Facebook page. Mark your post with #yearofawe. And watch for announcements about our January 2026 Awe Walk. You won’t want to miss it!
Blessings,
Pastor Ann
From the weekly email 12/12/25: A Note from St. Paul's UMC in Globe
Dear St. Matthew United Methodist Church--
On behalf of our congregation, we thank you so much for your generous donation of $500. Our church donated funds to a local lumberyard-people that need lumbar for rebuilding, got it! We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Have a beautiful peaceful Christmas Season and a Happy New Year! In Christ's Name,
Pastor Jeremy B
& Debbie G, Lay Leader & Servant
From the weekly email 12/5/25:
Thank you!
The Worship Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came last Saturday to help decorate our worship space. Because of your generosity, care, and willing hands, the Sanctuary looks beautiful!
From the weekly email 12/5/25:
Thank you!
"Congregation of St. Matthew Church-- Thank you so much for your generous donation of pies for our students' families. Your kindness brought smiles and holiday cheers into the homes of Washington Elementary Families. Thank you for making the season so much sweeter! --Washington Elementary"
We delivered 32 pies the congregation donated to the Booker T. Washington Turkey Trot, which allowed two students from each classroom to win a pie. Gobble Gobble!
From the weekly email 12/5/25: Interested in a Pilgrimage?
St. Matthew UMC has been approached with the opportunity to plan a pilgrimage to Wesley heritage sites. Pilgrimage has long been central to our Christian tradition—a sacred journey that invites us into deeper communion with God, one another, and the broader Church. Whether walking in the footsteps of Jesus and the Apostles, visiting Celtic Christian sites, or exploring spiritual landmarks around the globe, pilgrimage offers rich opportunities for reflection, fellowship, and renewal. These shared experiences often spark lasting transformation, strengthening both individual faith and congregational life. Here is a description of the planned journey:
Can you imagine walking the same streets where John and Charles Wesley preached, worshiping in the chapels they founded, and experiencing firsthand the birthplace of Methodism? The itinerary, "In The Footsteps of John and Charles Wesley (10 Days / 8 Nights)," takes a group through the most significant sites in Methodist history. From the Wesley family home in Epworth to the chapels of London where the movement flourished, your congregants will gain a profound appreciation for the roots of their faith tradition. If you would be interested in taking such a pilgrimage, email Pastor Ann at
pastorann@stmatthewmesa.org and be sure to put in the subject line “Pilgrimage.” Let her know if you are interested and how many people might travel with you (a couple, single, family of 4, etc.). An email will not commit you to anything, but it will let us know if enough people might be interested to start the planning process.
From the weekly newsletter 11/21/25: Thank you, Girl Scout Troop!
Another big thank you to our local Girl Scout troop, led by Marion R, who also donated a large box of food to the food box program. You're not only being friendly and helpful, but you're making the world a better place! Thanks again!
—The Food Box Program
From the Desert Southwest Conference: The Desert Southwest Conference lists job openings weekly for positions in local churches, Conferences across the country, and United Methodist General organizations. To see the listings, check out dscumc.org/classifieds/jobs. | | | |
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