The Growth of Gratitude

Greetings in the Name of our Lord,

Don’t forget… THIS SUNDAY, ONE SERVICE AT 9:45 a.m.!

We are a community of faith. This Sunday, we are combining our worship services to celebrate the worshipping community of Stonebridge UMC. It gives us a chance for those who attend the two services to get to know each other for at least one Sunday. Come early. Invite your friends. It’s going to be a great day of thanksgiving and joy. Let us make this the most joyous place on earth as we live and love like Jesus. 

“Here I Am, Lord” Stewardship Campaign Off to Great Start

Wow! Stonebridge is amazing. We already have 93 estimates of giving for 2024 for $753,996. Thank you for your response. Our emphasis at Stonebridge is to focus on participation. We want everyone to have the chance to participate. Use this link to complete your commitment. 

Church Work Day was a HUGE SUCCESS!

Last Saturday, we had the first of many workdays here at Stonebridge UMC. It was amazing. We had an awesome turnout to do much needed tree trimming and other work around the grounds of the church. Now the many cars that drive by our facilities will be able to see the church again!

Nelson Smith commented jokingly, “I came to help trim the trees and found a church.” He was joking, but it was true. The main sign in the front is now clearly visible, and the church building is once again visible for several blocks on Stonebridge Dr. Within the next few weeks, the light on the main cross on the north side of the building will be working as well as the spotlight on the east main entrance. With all the work that was done and continues to be done, it will be impossible for people to miss Stonebridge UMC. 

With this increased “street” visibility, let’s take the next step and share with others the new energy that is moving through Stonebridge UMC. Let’s not only be visible from Stonebridge Drive, but let’s make Stonebridge UMC visible across the McKinney area by sharing the Stonebridge story. 

Sunday’s Sermon

This Sunday I will be preaching on Philippians 1:9-11. Paul’s letter to Philippi is an incredible letter of joy and thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite books in the New Testament, because Paul writes from prison awaiting execution, yet he writes of joy and thanksgiving. He writes, Rejoice in the Lord, again I say rejoice (Philippians 4:4). And, he writes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). 

I believe that Paul’s secret to joy amid hardship is found in the prayer of encouragement that he prays for the church in Philippians 1:9-11. Gratitude grows out of receiving and sharing the love of God through Jesus Christ. As Paul was transformed from an embittered persecutor of Christians to a joyous and gracious example for Jesus Christ, so can we.

We are a light for Jesus Christ. Let it shine. People may have missed us before, but now we will again be a light for Jesus Christ at 1800 Stonebridge Drive. 

SEE YOU SUNDAY!

Pastor John Allen

P.S. Some of our church members received false emails that said they were from me. Always know that my email address is john@mysumc.org. and I am always available by phone at 972-979-1188. Anything that says otherwise is not from me.