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Dear Church,
I hope and pray that these words find you well. It is my pleasure to be your new pastor! There is much to say, and there is much to learn. I promise we will take the time to say and learn all the things as we begin walking together during this season of our lives.
Mostly, I want you to know that I look forward to sharing this new story. I look forward to the beautiful, new, and surprising things God has in store for all of us.
I became aware of my call to ministry when I was in elementary school. I was raised a Roman Catholic, and I was captivated at an early age by the ritual of worship and the beauty inherent in a life of faith. I became focused, obsessed even, on discovering God’s movement in my life and the lives of those around me. I became a United Methodist in 2009 when I accepted the position of Music Director at St. Mark UMC. Consequently, this also marked my conversion from Catholicism to Methodism. It was the practice of a Wesleyan spirituality where I discovered the language, the tradition, and the movements toward an expression of a faith life I had long felt but never realized.
During my tenure at St. Mark, I accepted an invitation to work for the Austin District Office of the UMC. It was through my work there in multiple capacities which eventually led me to help form and implement the district initiative known as FreeStore Austin – a direct service that provides clothing and household goods to those in need.
After a few years, I accepted a position at Covenant UMC as their Worship Leader/Student Pastor. I chose to simultaneously attend Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where I earned a Master’s of Divinity in May 2019.
In May 2019, I was appointed to Bee Creek United Methodist Church as their Discipleship Pastor. I've enjoyed being part of many creative endeavors at Bee Creek, and I look forward to working with and alongside all of you.
I will be getting married on August 12th to Jeannie Corbitt. She is a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). She is currently finishing a pastoral residency at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas.
I have two AMAZING children: Abel and Emilia. Abel is nine years old, and I think you’ll find that he has an old soul. Emilia is seven years old, and I think you’ll find her energy infectious and inspiring. We love spending time together, and we love eating.
I love reading, and I love story in all its forms. Jeannie and I love walking/hiking with the kids, and we love long conversations over food and coffee. Musically, I am a multi-instrumentist and a vocalist. I enjoy making music with others. I am passionate about walking with others as we discover God’s presence in our lives, and I’m excited to continue this work with you. I’ll see you June 26th!
Peace,
Rev. Matt Cardona
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