September 2022 - In This Issue:
  • DON'T BURY ME YET
  • YOUTH REVIVAL
  • A MERRY HEART
  • HARDWORK
  • SENIOR ADULT & GRANDPARENT'S DAY
  • NEW MUSIC TEAM MEMBER
  • STAFF APPRECIATION DAY
  • GATEWAY CAMP MEETING
DON'T BURY ME YET!
The prophet Elisha became sick and died and was buried. This great prophet of God was not able to protect himself from the universal law of death which is an appointment for all men.

Regardless of how long and useful a life may be, this will always be the end of it; an appointment to keep. That fact alone should motivate us to work while it is day and seek the Lord while He yet may be found, and serve Him for the sun is sinking fast.

There are no details regarding Elisha’s death other than he became sick and there are no details of his burial. But according to Josephus, the Jewish historian, his funeral was one of great grandeur and rightly so. Elisha represents the last mighty move of God at the time of his death. He was raised up by God to do a special work in a special time and he was faithful to his calling for sixty years. After the mantle of Elijah fell on him, he received a double portion and performed double the miracles of Elijah; Elijah performed 8 miracles and Elisha 16 miracles. But when a move of God subsides, the people are often left confused and lost; it was a very sad time for the people when Elisha died.

Just because it seems that things aren’t happening doesn’t mean it’s over.

There’s a story about a train traveling through the night in a very violent storm. The flashes of lightning were almost blinding, the rain hitting the windows was deafening and the strong gusty winds rocked the train from side to side. When the lightning flashed and lit up the darkness, the passengers could see the rising water along the tracks, and all this created terror in the minds of the passengers. But several passengers noticed that through all the noise, lightning and wind that a little girl seemed to be perfectly calm. Finally, one of the passengers asked her, “How can you be so calm when all the rest of us are worried sick about what might or could happen?” The little girl smiled and said, “Because my father is the engineer.”

Things might look bleak and dismal but don’t bury me yet because God is the engineer, pilot, and captain. He is sovereign God and He’s still in control regardless of what’s happening.

When one leader dies, God always has someone waiting in the wings.

• Moses had Joshua
• Eli had Samuel
• Elijah had Elisha
• Paul had Timothy

God has a plan and a purpose, and He doesn’t need our permission or our approval.

Isaiah 55:8-9
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Things can be going so well and then something happens that leaves us scratching our heads in disbelief. God didn’t deliver the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace, but He kept them safe in the fire. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but then allowed him to die a second time. God delivered Peter out of prison but then He allowed James to die. Some people are healed by God and others are not. But it’s foolish for us to try and tell God what to do. It’s always best to submit to the sovereign will of God and His plan! One thing you can always count on is that it’s not over until God says it’s over! So, don’t bury me yet!
YOUTH REVIVAL
MCOG Annual Youth Revival was a great success! We enjoyed having Pastor Glenn Walters from Judah church, along with Vincent Kelley & Worship Team, Dylan Costner & Yorkwood Church of God drama team, the Shepherds, John & Jasmine Encarnacion and Sherika Cohens and the High Praise Mime Ministry.

A special thank you to Edward & Beth Baker, along with our youth board for all their hard work in pulling the youth revival together, from décor, to serving, to doing anything needed. A special thanks to the following: Amy Griffin, Paula Butler, Kevin Cooper, Christina Cooper, Stephanie Hobbs, Sonia Solis, and Hailey Rollins.
A MERRY HEART
HARD WORK
We appreciate the hard work of Aaron & Yaniris Loera along with their children. They did and excellent job trimming back the trees and clearing the shrubbery along our church fence line and adjoining property.
"Muchas gracias por tu duro trabajo!"
We turned a storage room into a beautiful office for our Associate Pastor Phillip King, who did the carpeting himself. Kevin Cooper installed the ceiling grid and lighting and Aaron Loera did the painting.
New floors were installed in the restrooms adjacent to the fellowship hall. A big thank you goes to Pastor Phillip King for making this possible through his hard work.
SENIOR ADULT & GRANDPARENT'S DAY
Guest Speaker Bishop Bobby Gilley
MCOG annual Senior Adult & Grandparent's Day will be held Sunday, September 11.
We are looking forward to an exciting day as we give recognition to these pioneers.

God's Word teaches us to honor our parents and grandparents.

Psalm 92:14 a NLT
14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
NEW MUSIC TEAM MEMBER


We are delighted to be able to add to our music team, Tonya Walker Griffin. Tonya is an excellent musician and singer and adds so much to our music program.

Tonya is the daughter of the late Roby & Mattie Walker who served our state well in pastoring and music. Tonya is married to Eddie Griffin, who also adds another voice to our music program. Eddie is also a "PK", being the son of the late James & Dorothy Griffin who were both a blessing to WNC.
STAFF APPRECIATION
Sunday, September 18 has been designated as:
"Staff Appreciation Sunday"

We are so thankful for our church staff and for all they do in the work of God. We encourage everyone to come and help us celebrate the ministries of our paid staff: (Phillip) & Debbie King, Edward & (Beth Baker), (Abby Salsedo), (Beth Ann Simmons), (Tonya Walker Griffin).

(Paid Staff in Parentheses)

Special presentations will be made and a catered dinner will follow the service.
Everyone is encouraged to bring cards, gifts, gift cards etc. to show their appreciation.
Matthews Church of God
517 E John St.
Matthews, NC 28105
704-847-5625
COME WORSHIP
WITH US!
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