I am Sherribeth Wright.  I am a Charter Member of St. Matthew’s.  My first Sunday was in early 1988—January, I think? As you probably know, the service was in the cafeteria of Mississippi Farm Bureau.  I never went to Wesley, the church where most of the people in attendance that day had previously attended.  I had not attended church regularly since moving to Ridgeland about a year and a half before.  I was invited by my longtime friend, Jim Woodrick.  I visited some churches – some more than once or twice.  But I didn’t feel like I was home until I went to church in a cafeteria.

Allen Hart was there.  Hollis and Harriet Frasier were there plus John, Peggy and Megan Frasier who wasn’t even 2 years old yet.  Megan was maybe the first nursery baby being kept by Octavia and Dot during services.  I’m sure Earl and Estelle and Madeline and Marcia Blackwell were there.  Plus, many more faces and names in the history of this congregation.  I remember fondly the saints that have gone on to their heavenly home–several in just these few I have named.

This church has been a shelter for me in times of trouble, a comforter in times of grief, a cheerleader in times of joy and celebration.  Together we’ve gone through life’s twists and turns and peaks and valleys.  This church –her people–and I have been together on this journey – we have sustained each other through good and bad.  It’s the relationships and shared experiences that formed a bond that is so precious to me it’s hard to find words to truly express it.  I will simply say it this way:  I love this Church.  

Our current focus on stewardship reminds us that we are all in this together.  Each person has their gifts and graces to contribute to the ministry and mission of making and growing Disciples of Christ.  You, too, have a role to serve and help make up the Body of Christ.  You, too, are on the Journey with me I was speaking of earlier.  A journey through which we love and support one another.  What is calling to you?  Where can you serve and contribute?  My experience in service to others has been that I always come away with more than I feel I left with others.  There are many needs and opportunities available in our church. I challenge you to answer the call. 

I’ll close with the theme verse for our emphasis on Stewardship from The Message—James 15:13 and I have included verse 12, too.  “This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you.  This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.”  

John 15:12-13