JUST THESE LINES, MY FRIENDS… … to say that in the last few days Karen and I have returned from some special moments of renewal, vacation and family time. Here are a few of our activities:

I concluded the Transforming Community, a spiritual life community I’ve been a part of during the last 27 months. I’ve made my way to Chicago, once a quarter, along with 60 other persons from all over the world, for spiritual renewal. Our time has been spent at a Franciscan Church and Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois, called Marytown. It has been one of the most spiritually enriching experiences of my life.

Seeing our friend of 40 years, Tom Nedderman, touring Chicago’s Miracle Mile, Wrigleyville, enjoying some Chicago deep-dish pizza and so much more.

Lunch with friends Joe/Tami Pringle in their lovely home on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, one of the most idyllic lake communities I’ve ever visited.

Driving through the rolling farmland of western Wisconsin and Illinois. I’ve never seen so many cornfields … ever. Sitting on a bench in historic downtown Galena, Illinois, waiting on a woman…my lovely wife Karen. It gave me an opportunity

to stay open to the ordinary moments, like conversations with people from all over the region. Catching up with other 40-plus year friends, Ken/Lori Dulany and Ken’s mother, Gloria. I married Ken and Lori 25 years ago. On

Saturday, July 15, at the Oak Hill Farm in Apple Valley, IL, I married their son, Joshua Dulany and his beautiful bride, Arianna, both of them recent Notre Dame graduates.

Sitting with the matriarch of Oak Hill Farm and learning of the history of this majestic piece of land. Traveling from Chicago to Seattle to gather with all our children. Downtown Seattle, Lake Union, Lake Washington and Mercer Island, Washington. Playing golf at Gold Mountain on the Olympic Peninsula and The Home Course in DuPont. Walking up Capitol Hill in Seattle. Hamburger and fries from Great State Burger. Seeing the Mariners and Yankees play at Safeco Park. The urban landscape of Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Sea to the Sky Highway to Whistler,

British Columbia, Canada for a wonderful weekend. Hiking at Joffre Lakes, British Columbia. Exploring Queen Anne, Freemont, and University Village (University of Washington) in Seattle. Nightly dinners on the roof (24th floor) of our daughter/son-in-law’s apartment building in downtown Seattle. The unbelievable views of Mt. Rainier from just about any place in Seattle. Breakfast at Portage Bay. Concluding our trip with a special evening on Bainbridge Island, Washington. We rode the ferry from downtown Seattle 6 miles

across the Puget Sound to the island. It was a special time for the entire Wilson family. Thank you so much for allowing me the time to invest so deeply in my family.

We are so looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. In the Sanctuary, we’ll be sharing a special film that helps to introduce our sermon, “When I Think about Love, I Think about a Table” from Exodus 25:30.

Remember, our faith community called Matthews United Methodist is a unique one, where imperfect, messy lives come together to pursue and experience a transforming relationship with Jesus and with each other. Everyone is welcome here, whatever your story, whatever your questions, whatever your doubts, whatever your struggles. You don’t need to leave anything at the door.

Growing in Grace,

Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II Chuck@MatthewsUMC.org

Let’s worship together! Sunday mornings at 8:15 (Classic), 9:30 (Contemporary), 11:00 (Traditional), 11:00 (801South),

12:30 Centro Cristiano Hosanna (Servicio en Español), 9:30 (The Deep Family Worship - 2nd Sunday of each month).

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Please visit Adult Ministries under the Reach tab at matthewsumc.org to view the Adult Ministries Calendar.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Nearly 200 friends, family and Fellowship Sunday School class members gathered at Rolling Hills Farm for a surprise 80th birthday party for Ted Kiker.

Randy and Melissa Meadows have served the church faithfully for 3 years as the Acolyte Volunteer Coordinators by planning, training and scheduling over 54 children to bring the “Light of Christ” into our Sanctuary! Please thank them for their dedication as they transition to other areas of service.

Jack and Ilse Stegall celebrated 60 years of marriage with a gathering on Saturday, July 29 in The Commons! Dozens of their friends, family and Elizabeth Patrick Sunday School class members came out to celebrate with them.

CCH Intercessory Prayer Meeting: Saturdays from 5:30 - 7:00 am in the

Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to join us to pray for our own families, this Church

and this Nation.

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6

Please remember in your prayers: All those in our church family with special needs and concerns.

Global Impact Prayer: God of new beginnings, bless the efforts of Rainbow Express Ministries as they resume serving our community through Feast With Friends. May these young adults with special needs glorify you while providing refreshment for body and soul.

MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ∙ www.matthewsumc.org 801 South Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105, (704) 847-6261, Fax (704) 845-2830

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The Celebration newsletter is a weekly publication for the families and friends of Matthews United Methodist Church. The deadline to submit an article is noon each Monday, the week of publication. If you would like to submit information for publication,

please e-mail your articles to communications@matthewsumc.org or drop them off at the Church Office with “Celebration request” noted on the envelope. Please note that all articles are subject to editing for space and content. Subscribe online at MatthewsUMC.org.

studies classes

CCH Intercessory Prayer: Saturdays at 6 am in the Chapel.

WORSHIP MESSAGE When I Think About Love,

I Think About A Table

Scripture: Exodus 25:30

For care and protection, we lift up all the men and women serving in our Armed Forces throughout the world.

Visit MatthewsUMC.org for more information. Childcare may be available if requested in advance. Contact kim@matthewsumc.org.

8/5 Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am in The Commons

Speaker: Mary Asbury, MUMC Hospitality & Outreach Coordinator. Free Childcare

8/13 Explore 801South 12:05 pm - 12:50 pm

Hear Pastor Stephen’s story & learn about 801South’s vision, values & history.

8/16 Young Adult Gathering 6:30 pm at El Valle

8/18 Stephen Ministry Training Potluck begins at 6:30 pm in Room 99 StephenMinistry@MatthewsUMC.org.

8/19 MAGI Spiritual Gift Workshop

9:30 am - 3:30 pm Contact Karen@matthewsumc.org.

New Permanent Address for Pastor Ken & Lydia Lyon

3909 Wesseck Rd. High Point, NC 27265