600 E. Florida Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
(336) 272-4505
info@stmattchurch.com

K-8 Students, We Want Your Art to Highlight Historic Educators

K-8 students, this is your opportunity to recognize and celebrate education through the art of coloring!

Color one of the prints of historic educators located on the tables in the Narthex and at the Britton Street exit for Mother’s Day. You may use crayons, watercolors, color pencils, markers, etc. Complete and submit your pictures May 7-11.

Contact Albertina McGirt with questions or if color supplies are needed.

National Day of Prayer Service (May 1)

Saint Matthews United Methodist Church will provide an opportunity for the congregation and non-members to participate in the National Day of Prayer Service on Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The altar will be open 5-6 p.m. for individual prayers, and the service will begin at 6 p.m.

“Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled” is the 2025 theme. The theme verse is Romans 15:13 (NIV), “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The annual National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for Americans to pray together in faith—believing and standing on God’s promise and abounding in HOPE, which is defined in the Bible as “joyful, confident, expectation.”

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About the National Day of Prayer: The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775, setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established in our public law an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

 

SMUMC’s Earth Day Celebration (April 27)

While Earth Day is observed annually on April 22, Saint Matthews United Methodist Church will celebrate this year on Sunday, April 27, at both worship services.

The global theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet. EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global organizer of Earth Day, is inviting everyone around the world to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.

Renewable energy comes from replenishable sources, like the sun, which do not produce greenhouse gases and do not drive climate change: it is energy that ends our reliance on fossil fuels and the damage they cause to our environment and human health.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Let’s continue to raise our congregation’s awareness of the collective responsibility to care for the creation God has entrusted to us by heeding the call to environmental stewardship as part of God’s call in our own lives—individually and collectively—for lasting change and climate impact.

For more information about SMUMC’s Earth Day celebration, contact Karlah Burton, Creation Care Ministry (UM Earthkeeper).

 

 

40 Days, 40 Items Lenten Donation Challenges

The United Women in Faith (UWF) and the Shepherding Ministry challenge you to join them by donating items that will benefit those in need.

UWF invites you to select one item of gently used or new clothing from your closet and put it in a large trash bag: shoes and linens also are acceptable. At the end of the 40-day period, they will collect your bag(s) in the Coley Hooker Jr. Fellowship Hall on Saturday, April 26, from 2-4 p.m.

The Shepherding Ministry encourages you to collect nonperishable food items daily during Lent for the Food Pantry. Please store your items in a box at your home and bring your completed box to the church on Monday-Thursday, April 14-17, 10 a.m. to noon, or Sunday, April 20, 10-11 a.m. Nonperishable food items needed by the Food Pantry include the following: canned meats, entrees, fruits and vegetables; crackers; peanut butter; jelly; boxed/canned milk; pasta; small bags of rice or pinto beans; oatmeal; grits; boxed cereals; and small sizes of ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. Please check the expiration dates before donating food as outdated items cannot be distributed.

Journey through Lent

During Lent, did you know that Jesus was tempted after his baptism in the River Jordan? Satan tempted him with power and glory and even food. Jesus said the words, “Away with you, Satan!” How many times do we need to learn to reject the temptations that lead us away from Jesus? Can we trust God enough to let go of some of our “busyness” and distractions today and rest in Him, as Jesus did? 

During this season of Lent, we are invited to turn our hearts back to God. On Ash Wednesday, many Christians get ashes on their forehead and hear the words from scripture, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19). We are reminded that God has brought us into existence and one day we will return to him. 

Reflection: What prayer, almsgiving and fasting commitments can we make this Lent? God is inviting each of us to walk in the ways of Jesus. 

FASTING PRAYER FOR LENT: Do you want to fast this Lent? Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and have trust in God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

“Sleep On It” Drama Rescheduled (March 30)

The First Fruits Drama Ministry’s Black History Month performance of “Sleep On It,” featuring the DayStar Dancers, has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, March 30, at noon, immediately following the Faith, Fellowship and Friends reception in the Coley Hooker Jr. Fellowship Hall.

Sunday School Classes: Children, Youth and Young Adults

Sunday School is back in session for children, youth and young adults. Classes will be held on first and second Sundays, 10-10:50 a.m. Children and youth will meet in the Coley J. Hooker Fellowship Hall, and young adults in room 20. Those who are interested in teaching/facilitating should contact Myra Waddell or Shanise Goldsby.

New Adult Bible Study Class (Feb. 17-April 7)

A new eight-week adult Bible study class on “Grace” – The Power of the Gospel, will convene on Mondays at 7 p.m., from Feb. 17 to April 7. The goal of the class is to help students better understand what grace is, why grace is, and the practical application of using grace in everyday life.

The class will be conducted via Zoom with the final class possibly in person.

Class size is limited to 15; registration is required. To register or for more information, contact the Church Office at 336-272-4505 or smattumc600@gmail.com.

2025 Northern Piedmont Lay Servant Training (February, March)

Registration is open for the 2025 Lay Servant Training in the Northern Piedmont, which will take place Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2.

Five in-person classes will be held at Guilford College United Methodist Church and two advanced classes via Zoom:

  • One “Basic” class (limited to 20 persons)
  • Six “Advanced” classes (limited to 15 persons per class):
      • Ministry to the Forgotten: Dementia through a Spiritual Lens
      • Planning Worship
      • Biblical Interpretation
      • NEW! Preaching: A Lay Preacher’s Guide
      • Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century (Zoom only)
      • Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Groups (Zoom only)

All in-person participants agree that they will stay home if they have any symptoms of illness (e.g., COVID-19, Flu, other illnesses), have tested positive, or have a known recent exposure.

Register online by Wednesday, Feb. 12. Class sizes are limited, so sign up today to get your first choice. Recommendation by your pastor is required to enroll and to receive course credit.

UMM Sweetheart Breakfast (Feb. 8)

Saint Matthews UMC’s United Methodist Men will host the annual Valentine’s Day Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 8, in the Coley Hooker Fellowship Hall. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m.