Calendar, Upcoming Events, and News
*Please note that some activities are not church-sponsored or may be private; contact the church office to confirm.
November Worship Series & Thursday Bible Study: The Changemakers
Sunday 9:00 a.m. worship (Sanctuary), Thursday 9:30 a.m. study (C6-7)
A Changemaker is a risk-taker, someone who puts their faith into action to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Jesus was a Changemaker. The good news is… so are we! Made in the image of God, sharing in the purposes of Jesus, and empowered by the Spirit, we are the “assets” we’ve been looking for. Our wealth lies in the Compassion, Collaboration, Creativity, and Empowerment that sustains us through change, for change, for the sake of a better world. Join us as we hatch new ideas and fly to new heights, risking something big for something good!
| Nov. 9 | Compassion Leads to Passion - Luke 10:25-37 |
| Nov. 16 | Collaboration + Creativity = The Practice of Change - Luke 10:1-11; Luke 7:36-50 |
| Nov. 23 | Pass the Power - Mark 10: 46-52 |
Living Among the Saints Adult Sunday School class
Sundays 10:30 a.m. in C1-2-3 (resuming November 16)
Living Among the Saints is an eight-week adult Sunday School class led by Rev. Jim Ek that explores how Jesus forms us into disciples through compassion, collaboration, creativity, and empowerment. Each Sunday stands on its own--no commitment required! The last four weeks will be an Advent Study, where we anticipate the Nativity through a journey of the heart.
We'll read Scripture, hear a brief lesson in parallel with the pastor's sermon, and reflect, followed by small-group discussion, supporting one another in following Christ together through ups and downs/ins and outs, and leaving with a spiritual practice to carry into the week.
All are invited--come as you are! Sundays at 10:30 in C1-2-3 in the Activity Center (with the exception of Nov 9th--we'll join the rest of the church and eat pie together after the all-church conference).
November Youth schedule
From the weekly email 11/15/25:
Advent & Christmas Worship Series & Study
Advent is the beginning of a new year of waiting, but it is an active and watchful waiting. It is tapping into the world's longing for redemption, salvation, and transformation. November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent when we turn our attention toward preparation for the coming of Christ. Our Advent worship theme this year is All Earth Is Waiting, from the hymn Toda la Tierra and its first line, “Toda la tierra espera al Salvador/All earth is waiting to see the Promised One,” hymn #210. This hymn, and indeed the worship series, is a reminder of what is at stake. “All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty” in the first verse allows us to look back to the story of the Incarnation and to look forward to the coming of the kingdom of heaven, when the will of God will be done on earth as in heaven. All of earth is waiting for this fulfillment. In worship, we can see the signs of the nearness of Emmanuel, God with us.
| Nov. 30 | "Signs & Times" | Matthew 24:6-44 |
| Dec. 7 | "Signs & Story" | Matthew 3:1-12 |
| Dec. 14 | "Signs & Truth" | Matthew 11:2-11 |
| Dec. 21 | "Signs & Faithfulness" | Matthew 1:18-25 |
An Advent study prepared by Pastor Ann will accompany this worship series and will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays 12/4, 12/11, and 12/18. Booklets for the study will be available through the church office, at worship, or in class. Ideally, class members will pick up the booklet by November 30 in preparation for the first class the following Thursday, December 4. A $5 donation to offset the cost of printing the booklets is appreciated but not required.
From the weekly email 11/7/25:
November Mission Focus: Washington School Turkey Trot (and Food Boxes)
In November, we will be focusing on collecting pies for Washington School to give away to students.
Turkey Trot Pies Needed
November begins the season of celebrations and traditions. Booker T. Washington Elementary will have their traditional Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 20, a week before Thanksgiving, and St. Matthew UMC traditionally donates pies for the event. This year we are looking to collect 32 pies for their Trot. We will be collecting store-bought, not frozen Thanksgiving pies to deliver to the school on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Please bring a pie to the service on Sunday, Nov. 16th. Last-minute donations can be dropped off at the church office on Monday morning before noon. Gobble gobble! (Thank you!)
We are also collecting food for the food box ministry. Our next distribution of food boxes will be November 22. We are particularly concerned this month because of the confusion and legal gyrations surrounding SNAP benefits (Nutrition Assistance/food stamps). With those benefits in flux and most Federal employees not receiving paychecks, we anticipate an unprecedented call for food assistance this month. If you are able to help, please consider bringing nonperishable food, including small jars of peanut butter, cans of tuna or chicken, canned vegetables, pasta, canned pasta sauce, and cereal, to the church Sunday morning or during the week while the office is open. We can also use empty egg cartons (6- and 12-count) which allow us to divide bulk egg purchases into family-sized portions. We love to receive gift cards for local grocery stores, which allow us to supplement donations as needed.
From the weekly email 11/14/25:
Advent Food Boxes
For over 40 years St. Matthew UMC has blessed our community with Christmas food boxes, and we're not stopping now! In the link below you can find our 'Advent Food Box' list. There will also be paper copies available in the Sanctuary Narthex this coming Sunday, November 16.
Choose a few items from the list, or buy everything for a complete box. All donations are appreciated.
Please bring all donations by December 14, as boxes will be given out on Saturday, December 20 through our Food Box distribution. (Yes, the list is in the form of an Advent Calendar, but this time, we can't wait until Christmas!) Thanks in advance for your generous donation and participation!
—Missions & Outreach Committee
From the weekly email 11/14/25:
A Place for Quiet Hope: Our Longest Night service
Sunday, December 21 at 5:00 p.m.
For many, Christmas is a season of lights, laughter, and joy. But for others, this time of year can feel heavy. Grief has its own calendar, and it doesn’t take a holiday break. Worry, loneliness, or exhaustion don’t simply disappear because the world around us seems determined to be merry. And this year, especially, so many are carrying burdens—grief after the death of a loved one, the ache of being far from family, strained relationships, financial struggles, illness, anxiety, political unrest, or the deep uncertainty facing so many in our community and world.
If this describes you—or someone you love—then our Longest Night service (sometimes called "Blue Christmas") is a place made especially for you. This quiet, reflective worship service creates space for honesty, healing, and hope. It reminds us that it is holy to stop pretending to be joyful when joy feels far away. It reminds us that God sees us, just as we are, and meets us in our need....
From the weekly email 11/15/25:
Stories of Hope
Saturday, November 22, 6:00 p.m. at St. Matthew; weekly around the East Valley
Tuesday, November 11, 5:30-8:30 in the St. Matthew UMC Sanctuary
Followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall
Followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall
From the weekly email 10/17/25:
Lay Servant Course Opportunities Coming in January
Are you interested in some low-cost professional training to improve your skills in ministering to people and serving the church? No need to go to seminary! East District Lay Servant Ministries is offering courses locally. You are encouraged to take the Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries course first, but anyone with a special interest in an advanced course is welcome to register for it. The courses aren't until January, but they may fill up, so give them some thought today!
For more information or to register, please click on the link(s) below:
Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries
Saturdays Jan. 10 and Jan. 17, 2026 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Location: Gilbert First UMC, Gilbert
https://dscumc.org/event/lsm-introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-at-first-umc-gilbert/
Saturdays Jan. 10 and Jan. 17, 2026 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Location: Gilbert First UMC, Gilbert
https://dscumc.org/event/lsm-introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-at-first-umc-gilbert/
For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts (Advanced course)
Saturdays Jan 10 and Jan 17, 2026 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Location: Gilbert First UMC, Gilbert
https://dscumc.org/event/lsm-for-the-common-good-discovering-and-using-your-spiritual-gifts-january-10-17-2026/"
Saturdays Jan 10 and Jan 17, 2026 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Location: Gilbert First UMC, Gilbert
https://dscumc.org/event/lsm-for-the-common-good-discovering-and-using-your-spiritual-gifts-january-10-17-2026/"
Lay Pastoral Caregiving (Advanced course)
Sundays Jan 11, 18, 25, and Feb 1, 2026 (1:30- p.m.4:00 p.m.)
Location: Zoom
https://dscumc.org/event/lsm-lay-pastoral-caregiving-via-zoom-january-11-18-25-and-february-1-2026/
Sundays Jan 11, 18, 25, and Feb 1, 2026 (1:30- p.m.4:00 p.m.)
Location: Zoom
https://dscumc.org/event/lsm-lay-pastoral-caregiving-via-zoom-january-11-18-25-and-february-1-2026/
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 weekly email 11/7/25:
Viva la Church!
Several leaders of St. Matthew (Pamela and Greg Beihl, Sue Edman, and Pastor Ann) went to Las Vegas October 21-23 for "Viva la Church," a conference about what’s next for the UMC. This conference promised to be “a dynamic innovator gathering for leaders, dreamers, and doers who are passionate about the future of the Church…designed for clergy and laity who are ready to reimagine church…revitalizing a small congregation, exploring new models of ministry, or simply curious about how to reach new people in new ways outside of church walls.” And we were not disappointed! The conference drew participants from all over the connection, not just the Western Jurisdiction (75 from our Annual Conference alone) but from all over the US, and we had participants of all ages, from the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) through Gen Alpha (born 2010-2025) and everything in between. Please click the button below to read more of our experience of Viva la Church!
From the weekly email 11/7/25:
Thank you, Dobson Ranch!
The Food Box program was the recipient of a huge donation of food collected by La Casita Preschool here in Dobson Ranch. Two teachers at the school had a food drive this past week and stopped by St. Matthew with a Suburban full of food! We really appreciate their donation and the support of our food ministry here at St. Matthew.
From the weekly email 11/7/25:
UWF Annual Holiday Bake Sale
United Women in Faith will be holding their second annual bake sale on December 7, after the church service/choir cantata. As last year, all items will be things that can easily be held in a hand (so no pies or large cakes – sorry!).
From the weekly email 11/7/25:
Following Jesus: A Reflection on Faith & Christian Nationalism
On this off-year election day 2025, and as I look toward Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, my thoughts turn toward the problem of Christian Nationalism that is causing so much harm to our nation, to our churches, and to our friends and families. I am grateful to Ben Furlong who provided the spark for this article in the form of summaries of several articles about Christian nationalism. The following is written out of a deep love of this country and an even deeper love for Jesus....(Please click the button below to read more of Pastor Ann's reflection article.)
From the weekly email 11/7/25:
A Prayer for our Nation
Gracious and Loving God,
You are the Maker of all peoples and the Giver of every good gift. In this season of gratitude— when we give thanks for harvest and home, for freedom and community — we pause to lift before you our nation.
We thank you for its beauty and abundance, for the diverse people who call it home, and for the ideals of liberty and justice that have inspired generations. Yet we confess that we have not always lived up to those ideals. Heal the divisions that wound our common life. Calm the fears that drive us apart. Grant wisdom and humility to those who lead, and courage and compassion to those who follow.
Teach us to be a thankful and faithful people: not only for abundance, but for the responsibility to share it; not only for freedom, but for the wisdom to use it well; not only for peace, but for the courage to make it real.
Forgive us when pride blinds us to your grace, when fear hardens our hearts, or when faith becomes a weapon instead of a way. Deliver us from the false gods of power and privilege, and draw us again to the humble heart of Christ.
Renew in us the spirit of your Son — who blessed the peacemakers, who welcomed the outcast, who lifted the lowly, and who gave thanks before breaking bread. Let that same spirit shape our witness, that our gratitude may become generosity, our faith become service, and our lives become instruments of your peace.
Make our nation more just, our people more kind, and our hearts more open. Make our witness gentle but strong, so that our lives may reflect the justice, humility, and boundless grace of your kingdom.
Through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all nations and the Giver of every good and perfect gift,
Amen.
From the Desert Southwest Conference 11/5/25:
Changes to the UMC constitution and organizational structure ratified, now in effect
All four constitutional amendments approved by the United Methodist Church's 2024 General Conference have now been ratified by the required two-thirds of votes at annual conferences, the Council of Bishops has announced.
From the Desert Southwest Conference Bishop's Office 10/28/25:
This coming weekend on November 1st, 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not receive their benefits because of the ongoing government shutdown. This is according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website that says that “the well has run dry.” ...
From the Desert Southwest Conference newsletter 10/29/25:
Viva la Church: A Call to Imagination, Rhythm, and Joy
What happens in Vegas might usually stay in Vegas, but not this time! The Viva la Church gathering brought together innovators, dreamers, and builders from across the country. Everyone left the gathering stirred up and ready to do the work of holy disruption....
A Year of Awe
As we learned during our worship series, “The Purveyors of Awe,” a sense of awe helps us remain connected to each other, be more caring, and encourages us to be more community minded. The Purveyors of Awe series included the suggestion that we continue our pursuit of awe, and that we invite others to join us. Accordingly, you are invited to A YEAR OF AWE.
Our first AWESOME experience was our Peace Pole Rededication on October 26 after worship. Please join us in turning our attention, our energy, and our prayers toward peace. In a world where we hear about, and even see, so much violence, we have never needed peace more.
Each month, we will arrange a special event, often free, that can help us maintain a sense of awe and wonder. While some of these events, like the Peace Pole, will take place on the St. Matthew UMC campus, many will not. Instead, we will find awe around us, in our neighborhood, in our community, and in the larger Phoenix area. The various activities I am hoping to arrange include the Scottsdale Canal Convergence, seeing Christmas Lights together, walking the Desert Botanical Gardens, taking an “Awe Walk” in our neighborhood, and much more. While the Thursday morning Bible study class gave me lots of ideas, if you have ideas about “awesome” experiences we could share, especially if they are free or low cost, I would love to hear them! Send your ideas to me at pastorann@stmatthewmesa.org, or schedule an appointment to see me at https://calendly.com/pastorann-stmatthewmesa/1-hour-one-on-ones.
Blessings,
Pastor Ann
Pastor Ann
From the weekly email 11/14/25:
Thank you, St. Matthew!
Thank you all for your increased support of the Food Box program! This past Sunday there were two shopping carts filled with food, and some gift cards. We were able to purchase 35 dozen eggs with some of the money, and there are still some gift cards we can use in the coming giveaways. We are prepared 17% more food boxes for the most recent giveaway (Nov 8th) in anticipation of the increase in need.
Thanks again,
The Food Box Crew
The Food Box Crew
From the weekly email 10/31/25:
Food Box Update
Upcoming 7:30 a.m. food box distributions: Saturdays November 8 & 22, 2025
Only a few more weeks until our last Food Box giveaway of the year! The Food Box crew would like to be able to provide a Christmas stocking to everyone that receives a food box, so we are asking for help in acquiring 60 stockings. They can be purchased from Dollar Tree for about $1.25 each. We have attached pictures of last year's stockings as an example. They measure about 8" wide x 16" long and come in a variety of styles. We have most of the items to put in the stockings, so we really only need the stockings. If you can help, please place them in the grocery cart outside the sanctuary Sunday mornings.
And (of course) if you're looking for ideas of non-perishable items to donate, we're always happy to see small jars of peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, canned vegetables, canned pasta sauce, and cereal.
The Food Box Crew thanks you for the love and support you help us to share with our neighbors!
—The Food Box Team
From the weekly email 10/24/25:
Thank You, St. Matthew!
We would like to offer many thanks to everyone who helped make our week of hosting Family Promise such a great success: delicious food every night, caring overnight hosts, and the help with setup and takedown and laundry. With so much to do throughout the week, it is you, our church family, that allows us to share God's love.
It is so rewarding as the families leave on the last day, and they give us hugs and tell us how they have enjoyed their stay. Our hearts were filled this time as they all expressed how EVERYONE had made them feel like they were part of a family. Mission accomplished!
Thank you all for your support and help.
--Carol and Rosemary
From the East District email 10/21/25:
Join the “Mobilizing the Laity for Transformational Ministry” Think Tank: Help Build a Healthy Church for a Healthy World
The Desert Southwest Conference is forming a Conference-wide think tank of 8-10 passionate individuals to help shape a new future for lay leadership in the Conference! Click here for more info!
10/21/25:
Alaska Typhoon response
On Oct. 12, remnants of Typhoon Halong impacted the Alaskan coast with hurricane-force winds and severe flooding, sweeping away dozens of homes and destroying towns, especially along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta coast. As the people of western Alaska work to clean up their communities and rebuild their lives after this month's devastating storms, the United Methodist Church is working to give them our love and support.
Visit the St. Matthew page on Disaster Relief to learn more and see ways you can help.
From UMCOR 10/20/25:
2025 Alaska UMC Response to Typhoon Halong
On Oct. 12, remnants of Typhoon Halong impacted the Alaskan coast with hurricane-force winds and severe flooding, sweeping away dozens of homes and destroying towns, especially along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta coast.
In response, UMCOR has awarded a solidarity grant to the Alaska Annual Conference. This emergency grant will assist with the immediate needs of the thousands of individuals impacted, especially those currently sheltered. These efforts will be carried out in close collaboration with United Methodist leaders and partners in Alaska, ensuring that aid reaches those who are most vulnerable. The Alaska Annual Conference and its partners are currently coordinating to provide food, a shower trailer and shelter for those impacted, as well as continuing to communicate with all affected communities as they assess their needs.
From the weekly email 10/10/25:
St. Matthew Prayer Tree
At St. Matthew UMC, we support each other and our church with our prayers. If you have a prayer request, reach out to the church office or fill out a prayer request form on Sunday morning and put it in the offering plate. Likewise, if you would like to support others through prayer and join our prayer chain, just let us know and be sure we have your email address so we can send prayer requests to you.
Please be aware that we cannot share specific medical information unless the person in question requests that we share it. If they do want the specifics shared, please provide contact information so we can verify their consent, or ask them to contact the church directly. Otherwise, the information shared will be: “Please pray for healing for [person's name].”
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.
Page updated 11/15/25
Rev. Ann Lyter, Senior Pastor
2540 West Baseline Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 838-7309
Office hours M-F 9 a.m.-noon
Office hours M-F 9 a.m.-noon
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