A cement wall ...

Several years ago I was driving in the Callahan Tunnel in Boston with Sherry when my GPS told me to take an immediate right.  Only problem was there wasn’t an exit, it was a cement wall.  The obvious lesson -- we need to be careful what and who we listen to.

In contrast, after the Last Supper Jesus tells the disciples that He is going away but that they shouldn’t be afraid, that it’s OK.  He then tells them that they know the place where He is going.  Thomas immediately objects that they don’t have any idea where Jesus is going or what He’s talking about.  To which Jesus replies, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”   This is one of the most basic but important passages in the Bible.  Jesus is saying that He is the way to God.  As one Biblical commentary states it, “as the way, Jesus is our path … as the truth, Jesus is the reality of all God’s promises … as the life, Jesus is our very existence – both now and for all eternity.  Some would have us believe that it doesn’t matter what we believe as long as we are sincere in our beliefs.  But, that isn’t what the Gospel teaches.  Jesus said that He is, “the way, the truth and the life!”  When we fail to listen to Jesus, it’s like driving in the Callahan Tunnel and taking a turn into a cement wall.  Just saying!

Texas Mission Trip -- We’re ready to head for Texas in three weeks to help rebuild a Christian youth camp.  Thanks to all those who have volunteered to get up at 4 a.m. on February 25 to drive us to the airport but we still need more one vehicle.  If you can help, please let me know ASAP as it is a long walk with all our gear … 48.4 miles to be exact!

Update on our building project-- Thanks to your generosity, we have raised more than 75% of the money needed to buy 2X4’s to frame the lower level.  Folks have asked what the footprint will look like.  Essentially it will be one large meeting room, additional bathrooms, a shower and a kitchenette.  For emergencies, it will also include a generator so if the power goes out at your home, you – and the community -- can actually live at the church with heat, hot water and the love of Christ!  Sounds like a project worth supporting.

Welcome to the Real World -- We began a new sermon series last week on the study of James which helps us to understand how to live the Christian life in 2017.  The key point from last week’s message was that we should consider it all joy when we face trials and difficulties in our lives because they help us develop perseverance.  Having stood the test, James tells us that we will receive the Crown of Life.  If you missed it, the message, from both St. Matts and The Rock, is available on our website AChurch4All.org/   This week we’ll be talking about how religion is not based on what we say, but on how we act and live.  Join us Sunday at 8:45.  We’ll be blessed to have the choir with us this week!

Pastor Frank

Frank@StMattUMC.org

John 14:6

Happy Tuesday, St. Matthews!

One of my favorite Bible verses is John 14:6 where Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  When Pastor Steve asked me to write this weekly blog for St. Matthews, I tried desperately to think up a name that was interesting and compelling.  You know, something that would make you want to read it every week.  I have to admit that I was a little envious of our other pastors who had great names for their blogs.  Pastor Steve –“On this Rock” -- Pastor Rachel – “Love. Grow. Serve with Pastor Rachel”  -- Pastor Jon – “Plaistow Junction with PJ.”  In comparison all I could come up with at the time was a pathetic “A message from Pastor Frank.”  (It’s OK to pause and yawn.)  As I thought about it this week, our Lord reminded me of His words that He is “The Way!  The Truth!  The Life!”  Words I believe that we should be reminded of daily.  As we go forward, we’ll talk more about those powerful nouns (my high school English teacher would be ecstatic that after all these years I still remember the parts of speech she tried so desperately to teach me) and we will reflect on Christ’s compelling words that “no one comes to the Father except through me.”  For now, just remember that Jesus is:  The Way!  The Truth!  The Life!

            This Sunday we’re going to start a new sermon series and will be doing something a little different -- we’ll be working our way through the epistle of James, verse by verse.  James is one of my favorite books because its message is a valid for us today as it was when it was written to Jewish Christians more than 2,000 years ago.  It is full of practical advice for living the Christian life.  James helps us to understand “how to” live in times of trial and difficulties … just like the times we’re living in right now.  I would encourage you to bring your Bibles with you as you may want to take notes as we go along.  I promise you it will be a great series.

            Have you visited our website recently?  It is chocked full of helpful, useful information.  You can even read the “blogs” from our other pastors.  From the home page, click “Member Central” and scroll down to the blog section.  Starting last week we also began posting the St. Matthew’s worship service under “Teaching Series.”  Now if you miss the St. Matts service, or just want to share it with your friends, it is available on the website.  The St. Matts service is also broadcast on Sandown’s local access channel as well as livestreamed and on Facebook.  Thank you Pastor Lee!

            Special thanks to Jen Johnston for the delicious treats last Sunday morning.  If you would like to share the love with our church family, please get on the schedule by emailing Kristen Gondolfo.

            See you Sunday,

            Pastor Frank

            Frank@StMattUMC.org

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet...

A much loved member of our church was going to assist us last week with our monthly worship service at the Fox Den Retirement Home in Sandown when she slipped and fell.  The result was that rather than worshiping with us, she ended up in the emergency room of a local hospital.  As I prayed for her, I realized that I seem to be slipping and falling more recently myself.  In my case, maybe it’s a result of my age or perhaps I’m just not paying attention to where I’m going, or trying to do too many things at one time.  When I applied that metaphor to my life, I was reminded of the words of psalmist who said: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” and reminded me that without a daily commitment to God’s Word I’m going to be slipping and falling through life, making the same mistakes over and over and never really become the person that Christ wants me to be.  Great lesson to stay in the word for all of us.  If you’re in the word – don’t let anything distract you.  If you’re not, a great place to start is with the Gospel of John.  It will change your life and help you from slipping and falling.  Just saying!

Our first core value at St. Matthews is everyone needs Jesus!  One of the powerful ways that we share the Gospel is through our missional outreach.  We have a team returning to My Little Lambs orphanage in Honduras this week.  The team will be spending time with the kids, building relationships in the community and sharing the love of Christ.  Please keep Pastors Rachel, Jon and the team in your prayers.  If you would like to help financially support one of the orphans, contact Pastor Rachel or Pastor Jon.

Final plans are in the works for our 8th Mission Trip to the Gulf Coast February 25-March 4.  This year we will be helping to rebuild Wilderness Ridge Camp at Forest Glen – Springs, a Christ-centered wilderness experience for young folks and families.  Led by Rick McCully, we have an amazing team of 32 men, women and youth.  Folks often ask, how can “we help?”  Here are some thoughts:

•  Join us!  While the mission trip is sold out at the moment, historically at the last minute conflicts arise from team members and we’re usually scrambling to find a replacement or two.  On faith we purchased 25 non-refundable airline tickets which means that if they are not used we forfeit the ticket.  Let me know if you’d like to be on the waiting list or want more information.
• Pray!  The most important thing you can do for the team is to keep them in prayer.  They work long, hard days, always going above beyond.  Thankfully we’ve never had a serious incident which we firmly believe is an answer to prayer.  Like the Apostle Paul said, “pray without ceasing!”
• Ride to the Airport.  We're leaving EARLY on Saturday, February 25 from St. Matts to Logan Airport.  If you can help transport the team and luggage that would be greatly appreciated.  Please let me know and I'll get you all the details.  Since our return is late on March 4th, we've arranged for a bus to pick us up.
•  Financial support.  Team members pay their own way including airfare, food and their personal expenses.  Presently there are one or two that could use a little financial help.  Any money left from the trip is donated to projects at the camp or goes back to the Mission’s Fund for the next project.  If you would like to support the team, please make a check out to St. Matthews with “Texas Mission Trip” in the memo line.   

This week we will conclude our current sermon series Reboot with some important insights that we can apply to our lives to make 2017 the best year ever.  Join us!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Frank

Frank@StMattUMC.org

Radical hospitality...

St. Matthews is known for its radical hospitality, making everyone feel welcomed and part of our church family.  This past Sunday, a person from out-of-town commented to my wife that they love coming to St. Matts because they are greeted so warmly.  Our hospitality team over the years has done a great job.  With the opening of our new worship center, we’re expanding that team and need some additional folks.  Brian Morrill is leading the charge.  If you would like to be part of the Hospitality Team, contact Brian at bmorrill@coastalsolargroup.com .  One of our core convictions at St. Matthews is that “everyone is gifted to serve.”  Joining the Hospitality Team is a great place to start!

            Over the years, folks have brought cookies and treats to share during the fellowship time following the service.  Now that we have a beautiful new welcome center we would like to formalize that so that every Sunday goodies will be available.  Our administrative assistant Kristen Gondolfo is starting a list so that treats will be available every week.  Please contact Kristen at kristen@stmattumc.org if you’re interested in sharing the love with others.

            If you’ve been with us for the last two weeks, you’ve heard us talk about “Reboot … a fresh start for the New Year.”  One of the best ways to Reboot is to make a commitment to join a LifeGroup.  Currently there are 32 active groups between our three campuses, everything from Bible studies to interest-based meetings.  LifeGroups are really at the heart of our church as we learn to do life together, to support and encourage one another and to grow in our faith.  In last Sunday’s bulletin there was a listing of the current available groups.   The great thing about LifeGroups is that you can participate at any campus.  A family member recently attended a group meeting on Tuesday night in Amesbury.  He texted me the next day and said, “grandpa it was awesome!”  Ed and Sherry Lucia are our LifeGroup champions.  Contract Ed elucia@gsinet.net or Sherry slucia@gsinet.net and they will answer your questions and get you connected.  They will also assist you if you are interested in starting or leading a group.  Making a commitment to joining a LifeGroup with change your life!

            Despite the ice, cold and snow, we had almost 100 people at the 8:45 service this past Sunday.  Special thanks to Rick McCully and Kyle Reynolds for their hard work shoveling and sanding. Kudos as well to Chris Tammany for plowing our parking lot.  Our online pastor Lee Elliott tells me that we had numerous others watching on livestreaming and Facebook.    If you missed the message, it is available on our website AChruch4All.org/   The core of the message was that our choices matter and that if we make the wise choice, the Godly choice and the right choice, 2017 can be the best year of our lives.

            This SundayPastor Steve will be continuing our sermon series “Reboot” talking about stepping out of the boat and sharing great steps of faith that we can all take to reboot our lives.  It’s a message you don’t want to miss.

See you Sunday, Pastor Frank