Reminder: We have one more week off before restarting for the summer. Remind everyone that due to Pastor Don's health issues, we are pushing our Rita's hangout to next Wed, June 4th. Tues Zoom Huddle will resume Tues June 3 at 10. Thank you for your prayers and patience with me as we try to resolve several health issues. I am feeling your prayers! Please continue! I will be attempting to make several more specialist appointments this week. The main need is the need for sleep as I have been only able to sleep about 2-3 hours a night for over a month, even with sleep aids. It seems to be CPAP/pulmonary related.
See Sarah's update below.
Good Morning Amazed By Grace Worshipers! Isn't God's grace simply, well...amazing! Dwell and meditate on that this morning. What makes you go, "WOW!" when you think of Jesus, His Word, and/or what's He's doing? Check out ODB about that below, as well as, Sarah Young's devo about seeking God's face daily and putting on Jesus, His righteous, heart and mind. It's how we are able to live and love like Jesus and our courage, wisdom and strength to go make disciples. Seek first the Kingdom of God and He will add all we need to complete our missions. PTL!
OK, time to try to get some sleep as I was only able o log about two hours over night. I'm trying to be still, abide and rest in the Lord! help me, Lord! Heal and deliver me from Satan's testing grip. Thanks! Amen!
Sarah Young:
ODB
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“Wow!” was the response of our team members who toured a retreat center—purchased at great cost by a person with a vision for the refreshment and encouragement of people serving in ministry. We were amazed by double-decker, queen-sized bunks and bedroom suites with king-sized beds. The exquisitely equipped kitchen and dining area also generated wide-eyed delight. And, just when you thought that you’d seen it all, there were more surprises—including a full-sized, indoor basketball court. Every “wow” was warranted.
The Queen of Sheba had a similar “wow” response when she visited King Solomon in ancient Jerusalem. When she “saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built . . . she was overwhelmed” (1 Kings 10:4-5). Centuries later, another royal son of David—Jesus—appeared, and He amazed people in other ways. Everywhere He went, people recognized the wonder of His wisdom and works (Luke 4:36), and He urged them to see that “someone greater than Solomon” had stepped onto the scene (11:31 nlt). The stunning ministry of Jesus grants forgiveness of sin—purchased at great cost, His death. He welcomes anyone who will to come to Him. And those who do will experience His beauty and grace and will sing His praises now and throughout eternity. Wow!
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
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What about Jesus compels you to say, “Wow!”? If you haven’t yet experienced the goodness of God through Jesus, what’s keeping you from getting to know Him?
Dear Jesus, please continue to open my eyes and heart to see how amazing You are.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Luke 11:31, Jesus says that “someone greater than Solomon is here” (nlt). The uniqueness of Christ’s words and works inspired faith and wonder in the people of His day. One word that captured their response is amazed, translated from the Greek word thaumazō, which means “wonder, marvel, admire.” After speaking at the synagogue in Nazareth, Luke said of Jesus: “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips” (4:22). Regarding His works, after Christ delivered a boy from demonic power, “everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did” (9:43).
Another word used in reference to Jesus’ awe-inspiring ministry is existēmi, which means “to amaze, astonish, throw into wonderment.” In response to Christ raising a little girl from the dead, “they were completely astonished” (Mark 5:42). The Message renders it: “They . . . were all beside themselves with joy.”
Arthur Jackson |
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Sarah Update
Hi prayer warriors,
Dean Marks is asking for prayer for his oldest son, Ryan and family. They lost their dog on Monday, and Ryan's daughters are crushed.
Their dog has been a part of their lives since they were born. The girls are 6 and 8 years of age.
Dean is also praising God for the great service and brunch on Sunday - he says thanks Mike and Lori! His parents were in attendance
and really enjoyed their day with St Matthew's!
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Today Pastor Don received a call from Anna Mae Diefenderfer's son: He shared that his mother is currently in the care of Hospice at
Ephrata Manor, and is nearing her time on this earth. She is patiently waiting for the Lord to call her home. Please keep her family
in your prayers during this difficult time.
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I have also included our May Financial update for you to look over.
St Matthew’s Financial Update
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May
2025
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Monthly
Revenue
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Monthly
Expenses
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YTD
Revenue
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YTD
Expenses
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General Fund
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$11,285
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$12,580
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$66,548
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$81,457
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The figures for the “General Fund” include all revenue and all expenses for the month. This includes all revenue from offerings, rent, and other income. The expenses reported above are actual expenses for the month. The totals reported for Missions and the Rebuilding Fund are also included in the “General Fund” figures.
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Missions
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$776
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$1000
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$4,258
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$5,150
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Rebuilding Fund
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$40
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$0
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$551
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$0
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Please continue to keep Pastor Don, Pastor Mike and myself in your prayers as we continue to serve the Lord in many
unique ways, sharing God's love, peace and hope with those we come in contact with.
We all covet your prayers for our health, safety, and wisdom.
Praying you all have a good rest of your week.
Blessings,
Sarah
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