Ash Wednesday and a New Message Series

Ash Wednesday Worship and Lent:              March 5^th, 7:00 PM, ARC

Christians around the world will gather in a place of worship tomorrow, Wednesday March 5^th, to be marked by a cross made out of ashes.  This ancient tradition practiced on the first day of Lent is a symbol of beginning a forty day season of confession and repentance. After 1517 and the Protestant Reformation, many mainline denominations abandoned the practice of the being marked by the ashen cross because they wanted to distance themselves from their Roman Catholic heritage and the
“showiness” of wearing a cross on the forehead.  In the past 30 years, Evangelicals have returned to their roots, again embracing repentance and the imagery of being outwardly marked by a cross made of ashes.

Please join us tomorrow in the ARC to as we begin one of the most holy seasons of the Christian year.  This 30 minute powerful, prayer focused worship time will prepare you for the journey to Easter and the joy of the Resurrection.  I will be looking for you!

Journaling:               Spiritual Discipline

We are going to learn and practice the discipline of journaling during this Lenten season.  Bring $3 on Ash Wednesday or weekend worship and pick up your Lenten journal. We only ordered 600 so do not procrastinate!  We will explain and get you started on using your journal in weekend worship.

New Message Series and Small Group Launch:          March 8-9   “Love, God” Study of I John

“What’s love got to do with it?”  Everything!  You name it, marriage, parenting, friends, hobbies, work, politics, money,  love impacts every area of your life.  How many times a day do you use the word “love?”  ……. I love my wife. I love my husband. I want somebody to love. I love going to bed.  I love my new outfit. I love chipotle. I love baseball. I love chips and gummy worms.  I love it when Spring Break and time change weekend happen on the same weekend. (That last one was sarcasm J )

What’s love got to do with it? Everything.  Beginning this weekend, we will begin a six week of study of I John and the over used, water downed, but desperately sought after word called “love.” In worship, we will dig deep into the scripture. In our small groups, we will grow together in our understanding and practice of love in every area of our lives.  

Women and Men, young and old, long to love and be loved.  And yet, nothing is more complicated.  Truth is, most of us mess love up because we are not very good at it and some of us do not even know what love is.  

Invite a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker and let’s relearn how to receive and give love. Most of all, invite someone who does not believe in God or who has been turned off the church or who simply needs to be loved by someone who will never betray or hurt them.  “Love, God”

I am praying for you. Please pray for me.

Rick

State of the Church Address

Fantastic! Marvelous!  Superb! Magnificent! Unbelievable!  Exciting!  Growing! Moving! Intense!

Do you get the picture? Are things perfect? Absolutely not. We have much to learn, much to accomplish and areas where improvement is direly needed, but we are experiencing a season of God’s favor unlike I have witnessed in my 27 years as your pastor.

• Percentage of our congregation serving is the highest ever
• Most  ever believer’s baptisms in 2013 and 2014  off to a Wow start
• 52 solid Small Groups meeting year round
• Families being transformed through Family, Women’s and Men’s ministry.
• Most evenings, every room in our facility is in use.
• Grief Share has become a Community Ministry
• The depth and width of our Outreach Ministries is strong and far reaching
• A PSK audit and local Banks testify that our financial health is in the top percentile of
• all churches in America.
• Guests, especially young families are flowing through our doors every weekend.
• You are embracing the concept of Celebration, Community and Call
• You are embracing the importance of inviting and sharing your faith.
• Worship attendance across all 5 worship celebrations averaging 1100 a weekend
• I am proud of how our staff is growing and strengthening their servant leadership skills.
• We have three young, talented, high quality young men preparing for ordination.
• We are becoming a disciple making church.

In fear of sounding like an infomercial I will refrain from saying ”Wait…there's more”, but there really is. I am over whelmed and thankful beyond measure for God’s favor and your commitment to the mission. Below are a few headlines you could see in 2014…….

• Revealed and discovered BHAGS changing the world for area children and youth…
• 24 year old Sanctuary remodeled just in time for Palm Sunday and Easter
• 13,000 Eggs gathered and a great time had by all at the annual Community wide Palm Sunday Easter Egg Hunt
• Over 1,000 attended Good Friday Worship, 3,000 on Easter
• Men bonded with parent-less young men on Nicaragua Mission trip
• Job Opening: Facility Manager
• Gregg Gammon and Perry Allan will respectively serve as point leaders for Building Construction and Construction Finance Campaign.
• Porte- Cache  on Thomas street completed. Parking lot demo begins by June 1 to proceed with construction of New Community Space (connecting ARC & Sanctuary) , Nursery and Children’s space. 
• St. Matthew High School Graduates ready to do their part to change the world.
• Ground  Breaking for Mission outpost in Ethiopia to take place  after rainy season
• Record attendance at Vacation Bible School and Summer Camp. Young disciples challenging adults to grow in their knowledge of the bible.
• Jorge Chaco smiling in heaven. Birthday gift to Jesus proceeds help fund the completion of church in Rio Bravo. Two Mission trip groups provided the skill and muscle. 
• New Message Series:  “Radical Followers”
• Rebranding Efforts  to be revealed by Thanksgiving
• 10th Anniversary of our Birthday Gift to Jesus surpasses the million dollar mark
• New Community, Nursery and Children’s space dedication, January 2015

Blog already way too long so I will stop……..but I hope you get the point……..the state of God’s church can be summed up in one word….”Blessed.”

Dream Big!
Rick

Thank you

November 11, 2013 marked the 27^th year of God calling and you allowing me to serve as one of your pastors. Twenty seven years ago, the phrase “one of your pastors” meant being the fourth different pastor called in your young existence but today it means being one of four ordained pastors (five counting my dad) and one of nineteen full time staff members.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in the some of the most holy moments of your lives, profession of faith and baptisms, births and deaths, graduations and weddings. Thank you for trusting me to be present when life was so dark you could not fathom living another day and when the joy was so ecstatic laughter and smiles were laced with tears of joy. Thank you.

Thank you for taking a chance on a young, green, inexperienced, uneducated, brash 31 year old wet behind the ears overly confident kid. Today, I understand why you first balked at hiring me because if the 31 year old “Rick Owen” applied today to join our staff I would more than balk. His resume wouldn’t make the first cut. I wouldn’t hire me, but you did. Thank you.

Thank you for loving Dallas and Justin from the moment we arrived on the scene. Thank you for being present when Jacob and James were born and helping us raise all three into God fearing young men. Justin and Jacob are thriving in their careers. James has a job waiting for him when he graduates from UT next May. Most of all, all three are followers of Jesus. Thank you.

Thank you for hanging in there with Dallas and me when our marriage was on the rocks. We will celebrate 35 years of marriage January 6, 2014 in large part because of the love and grace of Jesus you showered upon us both. We will forever be indebted to you being the hands and feet of Jesus to our family when the shadows of darkness turned our days into what seemed like years of endless night. Today our marriage is stronger than ever for even when day gives way to night the light of Jesus shines upon us. Thank you.

I have many regrets. There are a litany of sermons, conversations, conflicts, meetings and leadership moments I wish I could do over. At age 58, I just now understand what it means to really follow Jesus and be a senior pastor. At age 58, I realize how much I didn't know then and don’t know now. At age 58, I finally understand what my elder mentor Paul Buening told me time and time again. “Love and prayer are the two most powerful forces in the world.” Thank you Paul, I get it.

Yes, I have many regrets but there are two decisions I will never regret. Saying “yes” when you invited Dallas, Justin and me 27 years ago and saying “no” to every suitor who invited me to pastor their church, change denominations and other various other opportunities that came my way. I will never forget at age 23 telling the District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church, after he laid out my 20 year plan of climbing the ladder from church to church that I didn't see the Holy Spirit in that plan. I told him “If I am going to be a full time pastor, I want to grow with one church so I can really know and love the people, and so they can really know and love me.” He said “The likelihood of that happening is slim to none.” But thanks be to God and thanks be to you, here we are! Thank you!

And we are not finished yet. I am more excited and hopeful about our future than ever before. 2013 has been one of our best years ever but hold on dear friends. I have said it many times before and believe it more today than I did 27 years ago when these words came out of my mouth. “God is not finished with us yet! The best is yet to come!” Thanks be to God and thanks be to you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rick

Extra………Extra……..Read all about it…… Exciting Changes coming in 2014

THANK YOU AND ELECTION TIME: It is time to say thank you to elders and deacons rotating off their perspective bodies. December 31, 2013 and elect a new class to serve in 2014.  Please offer a prayer of thanks giving for the service of deacons; Roxanne Ancy,  Michael Effertz and Jim Perkey, elders; Lana Horadam, Paul Keese and Mike Richey.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit their work has born much fruit. Thank you dear partners in the Lord!

Please read the most recent E News letter to become more familiar with our respective slate of 2014 elder deacon slate of nominees:  Denise Gales, Karen Harris and Rick Martin;  Nathan Higbee, Tim Love and Deanna Mullins. 

The nomination process included, nominations from the body, prayerful discerning discussion of all nominees by the nomination team, presentation of 12 elder and `12 deacon nominees to the session, more prayerful discerning discussion, ballot voting by session elders, votes counted by session clerk and nominating chair resulting in a slate of nominees. Nominees were approached and asked to pray about accepting the nomination. 

We will proceed to elect by acclamation at a short business meeting near the beginning of the Thanksgiving Blowout, Sunday, November 24^th 5:32 PM.  For integrity purposes, our polity allows for other nominations from the floor up to two weeks before the election by contacting the moderator of the session, yours truly.  If the nominee is willing to serve, the body will be notified and we will elect by secret ballot on the same date. 

   

FACILITY UPGRADES  on the way in 2014!   The Sanctuary is going to get a face lift early 2014.  New  floor covering, a coat of paint, some audio/video upgrades are in the works  and if the price is right a few other nice surprises.   We also plan to remodel the ARC bathrooms and spruce up the ARC foyer.  If funds allow, we will replace the floor covering in the stair wells and around the track.

BUILDING EXPANSION back on track for 2014 as well!   In 2008, for economic reasons, we placed on hold the planned construction of more community space, expanded nursery and new worship center. It is our intent to begin construction on additional nursery space and an expanded Community space (foyer) after Easter 2014.  The plans are being modified so the Community Space will connect the ARC and Sanctuary foyers.  Sketch drawings will be revealed when available. It will be about a $3.5 million project and will take around 10 months to complete.  Much work has to be done prior to construction but your session has prayerfully put the wheels in motion and will be keeping you informed as the plans for design, costs, funding and construction schedule unfold. We will give you an update at the Thanksgiving Blowout and be around to answer any questions.

REBRANDING UPDATE:  Your re-branding team has been meeting for a year (Arlen Fuhlendorf, Lana Horadam, Cheyanne Davis, Josh Fortney, Liz Mitchell, Bill Whatley, Nedra Lamar and Jeff Ogden) praying and discussing the process that will result in new name for our faith community which will better reflect our DNA and better connect with the unchurched.   We are now partnering with a firm out of Atlanta called Root Radius to help us. Root Radius specialize in helping non profits, especially churches,  identify their DNA and develop a branding strategy to accelerate mission fulfillment.  It is our prayerful expectation that the Rebranding Team will have at least three names to present to the session for consideration in early 2014. 

Yes, there is much going on every week and every weekend. God is working overtime. Through Jesus, lives are being changed before our very eyes   God is doing a new work among us in the here and now and by  the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are posturing ourselves to participate in what God wants to do in the future.  

Change is always challenging, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow in faith, hope and love. I remain as excited and hopeful about our future as I did 27 years ago so it is with boldness I declare once more,  the best is yet to come! 

Peace,

Rick

Great , Busy, Crazy Summer

Camp Fun

It has been a busy, crazy  but great summer around and about the ol Church House.  Many children and youth  have been blessed and served by the masses at VBS and Church camp.  Mission work has been successfully accomplished at home and abroad.   Our Women’s and Men’s ministries are rocking and rolling and I could go on and on. Most of all, people have come to Christ and others have made a decision to be more intentional about becoming a disciple.   So “Praise Be to God” and “Thank you St. Matthew” for being serving and giving God your best. I hope you have had a great summer and are ready for a life changing experience as we gear up for the Fall. 

Elder Deacon Nominations:

It is that time again!  Please pray for who God wants to call out to serve on session and the diaconate.  Every year three elders and deacons rotate off and three nominated and elected by the body rotate on. The election process begins with you and a nominating team praying and then placing name

s in nomination.  Paper ballots will be available in worship August 3-4 and 10-11. You may also place names in nomination by using your smart phone. Text  “votecpc” to 99000. You will receive a response inviting you to submit your names.

Basic Qualifications to serve include:

·         Must be a member and been active in the life of the church for at least one year.

·      Ideally have taken all three core classes, Inquirer Series, Bible 101, and Place

·         Displayed a commitment to the purpose and vision.

·         Tithe:  time, talent, and financial resources.

·  Committed to worship, small group and servant leadership (Celebration, Community, Call)

Read our Confession of Faith, pages 30-31 and I Timothy 3:1-13  to further understand the desired characteristics of an elder and deacon.

Ministry Partner in Need:

Jorge Chacon

Jorge Chacon, our friend, neighbor and ministry partner who facilitates all of the ministry in Rio Bravo Mexico is gravely ill.  Jorge is in dire  need of a liver transplant, dire meaning as soon as possible.   Three of our own Paula Peckham, Theresa Young and Heather Mc Kenzie are spearheading a nationwide movement to raise funds ($250,000) for Jorge’s transplant.Jorge has facilitated mission trips for churches all across America that have resulted in the poorest of poor receiving a roof over their heads and the Good news of Jesus sown in their hearts. Jorge and his family are loved by many.  

St. Matthew is acting as trustee for all funds collected for Jorge's transplant, so every gift besides helping on of God's servants will be a tax deductible donation. You may donate online at

http://stmattcpc.org and click on Giving. Find "Chacon Medical Fund" and check the box so your contribution will be designated for Jorge. You can choose to have your donation withdrawn from your checking/savings account or you can use a credit card for your donation. 

I am praying for you. Please pray for me. 

Peace, 

Rick

June By The Numbers

June 8-9......36 St. Matthew servants were in Oklahoma for tornado disaster relief clean up.

June 8..........36 St. Mathew servants hosted a dinner for our 24 high school graduates

June 8-9......38 St. Mathew servants responded to the appeal to serve twice over the summer in children’s ministry during weekend worship.

June 8-13....13 St. Matthew servants were in Mexico building a “casita”, repairing a local church and hosting a medical clinic.

June 15.........14 St. Matthew servants hosted 60 dads and 60 daughters for our first daddy daughter dance

June 15-16...... 3 Believer Baptisms....4 Profession of Faiths....10 Reaffirmation of Faith's.....6 Infant Baptisms

June 19.........10 St Matthew servants provided courtesy parking security and to the door
transportation for the 1,000 plus mourning the death of Brian Jennings, long time local   youth pastor of Alsbury Baptist church.

June 21-23....25 St. Mathew servants were in Oklahoma for tornado disaster relief clean up.

June 23-27.....205 St. Matthew Servants hosted Vacation Bible School for 385 children.

June, 155 (on average) St. Matthew Servants worked each weekend to prepare and host
worship and all age small group needs. Average weekend attendance, 941.

January to June     General Fund Giving        $1.31 Million
                                  General Fund Expenses  $0.96 Million

Why June by the numbers? Because these numbers tell us that God’s people (now) called St. Matthew are answering the call to serve like never before. We have a long way to go but we also need to celebrate the presence of God’s favor upon us and the Jesus Followers who are answering the call.  Way to go Church!!  We are maturing.  We are growing in faith, hope and love. We are a blessed people! To top it all off, the above numbers barely scratch the surface of all we are doing  and about to do that will glorify God as we share the love and grace and Jesus with as many people as we can.

I am sincerely humbled and honored to serve as one of your pastors and the amazing part is, the best is yet to come!

I am praying for you. Please pray for me.
Peace,
Rick

News You Can Use

Your Disaster Relief Response to the tragedies in West, Cleburne, Granbury and Oklahoma communities is a powerful testimony to your love of God and neighbor. I am very proud of you! I suspect there will be mission opportunities off and on all summer as the recovery efforts continue.

Facility News:

- Thank goodness for insurance. Two spring hail storms mean you will soon see workers replacing the church roof with a brand new layer of shingles.

- Thanks to Claudia Humphreys and Jim Perkey for taking the lead on upgrading our landscaping. It is looking so good!

- Thank you Steve Willmoth for continuing to mow and edge our mammoth property.

- Your Session continues to prayerfully consider out next steps on how to upgrade our current sanctuary, expand the ARC foyer and construct a new worship and community space.

- Thank you Staci Eisner, Perry Allen, Vonna Pool, Karen Harris, Sunny Hammonds and Dena Adamson for evaluating how we can improve the function and aesthetics of the ARC foyer.

Please continue to pray for the Rebranding Team, Jeff Ogden, Sherri Sechrist, Will Johnson, Lana Horadam, Arlen Fuhlendorf, Cheyenne Davis, Josh Fortney and Nedra Lamar as they continue their important work. We are seeking God’s direction for a church name that that will increase our ability to share the love and grace with the unchuched and ideally, better describe our DNA to surrounding communities.

Staff News:

- After 16 productive ministry years on staff and 5 ½ years of seminary, Judy Madden is an ordained minister. Praise be to God!

- Chris Bohon visited with the session requesting to become a candidate to the ministry. The session said a resounding “Yes” so soon a letter will be sent to presbytery recommending Chris to the Committee on the Ministry as a candidate.

- Robin Medina has been a part of our Nursery Staff for 8 1/2years caring for our infants and toddlers while supervising others to do the same. Robin completed her official term of service May 26th. Please be in prayer for Robin as she begins a new season of life and the Family Ministry Team as they seek new leadership for this very important ministry area.

- Jonathan Leonard’s time on staff ended May 11th. The Staff Development team will soon name an interim Outreach Minister and begin a nationwide search to fill the open position.

- The Media, Communications and Worship ministries are in the midst of a reorganization process. In the near future you will hear of people shifting seats on the bus and new part time seats being created.

We begin a New Message Series this weekend titled “# Church Stuff.” For those not familiar with Twitter, “#” is called a hash tag which refers to trending topics or matters of interest worth following or investigating. This summer, our “# Church Stuff” series will look, from a biblical basis, at why we do certain things like worship, small groups, communion, read the bible, mentor, pray, gather food for people, music etc.

June, July and August will be busy months around the ol Church House. High School Senior Recognition, Mexico Mission Trips, Disaster Relief Mission Trips, Vacation Bible School, 4 Church Camps and hours spent preparing for the Fall, winter and 2014.

Mark Your Calendar: August 25th. Church wide outing to Hawaiian Falls. Discount tickets will soon be available.

Most Importantly, the southwest part of the metro-plex is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States. That means lots of people will be moving into the area this summer,  looking for and or needing a church home. Demonstrate your commitment to the Great Commandment and our purpose by Inviting Others to join you in worship. I am eager to spend the summer studying God’s Word with you, your family and friends.

Peace,

Rick