November 2026 - In This Issue:

  • BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS 
  • A MERRY HEART
  • BLAST FROM THE PAST
  • TEACHER OF THE YEAR
  • NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • THANKSGIVING FUN
  • FALL FESTIVAL
  • SENIOR SAINTS ON A TRIP
  • CANVASSING
  • YOUTH NIGHT

BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS

cornucopia-flowers.jpg

Webster defines "Blessed" as... 


"Enjoying the bliss of heaven; characterized by happiness and good fortune." 


It is a state of being that we all want and strive to enjoy. We all like blessings don't we? There is no one that does not enjoy a blessing! We prefer a good old fashion blessing any day to a curse.

We prefer to be blessed by God than to be cursed by the devil or by anything that is evil, evil people included. 


We are a blessed people! We’ve seen through scripture and in life when God has withdrawn His hand of blessing. We are starting to wonder if God has withdrawn His hand of blessing from our nation. 


Psalm 33:12 a

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.


It appears that our nation has decided that it no longer wants to submit to God or His Word. Even in the early 1900’s, President Theodore Roosevelt said, “The times are evil; that is, there is much that is evil in them." 


Ephesians 5:15-16

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.


The days are evil and Paul admonishes us to be careful how we live! We’ve got to make the most of our time on this earth. Those who are in Christ should never contribute to the evil in this world. We live for God every day and in every area of life: at home, at work, while socializing, vacationing, etc. We must be willing to stand up for what we believe and be a witness for Christ. It is so refreshing to hear someone make a stand for the Lord and speak up for Him.


Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”


God has blessed us, and even the devil recognizes how God has blessed us.


Job 1:10

10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.


God has blessed us with a bounty of blessings; however, it doesn't take very long to realize that we live in a thankless age. People have more than they ever had but because they don’t have everything they want, there's no gratitude.


Psalm 136:1

1 Give thanks to the Lord.


After God has been so good to us, how can we possibly be so greedy, always demanding more? We should look at our bounty of blessings and then look up and say, "Thank you Lord for your bountiful blessings on me!"

A MERRY HEART

BLAST FROM THE PAST 

Enjoying fall in the 1980's!

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

We are very proud of our very own "Abby Brackett Salsedo" for winning the "Teacher of the Year" at Rocky River Elementary where she teaches 1st Grade.


In Union County, NC, winning Teacher of the Year is a prestigious, publicly celebrated recognition of an educator’s exceptional teaching, leadership, and impact on students and the school community, often accompanied by awards, recognition, and opportunities for further leadership.

 


Grant Widener 11/1

Eddie Squires 11/3

Jonae Johnson 11/6

Rita Dinnoo 11/7

Cody Griffin 11/7

Deane Morehead 11/11

Jacinth Chambers 11/13

Carolyn Griffin 11/14

John Fox 11/16

Scott Lemon 11/17

Liz Stilwell 11/20

Beth Baker 11/21

Gayle Brackett 11/22

John Davis 11/23

Mark Mueller 11/26


THANKSGIVING FUN

  • What do you call a running turkey? (Fast food)
  • What type of key can’t open doors? (A tur‑key) 
  • Who delivers the best Thanksgiving sides? (Yam‑azon)
  • Why did the cranberries turn red? (They saw the turkey dressing!) 
  • What’s a turkey’s least favorite day? (Fry‑day) 
  • What did the turkey say to the computer? (Google, Google, Google) 
  • Why don’t turkeys ever finish their meals? (They’re always stuffed)
  • What do you call a turkey that’s good at bowling? (A turkey strike)
  • Why was the Thanksgiving soup so expensive? (It had 24 carrots) 
  • What’s the key to a great Thanksgiving? (The tur‑key)
  • What did the Pilgrim wear to dinner? (A har-vest)
  • What kind of music did the Pilgrims like? (Plymouth Rock)
  • What did Pilgrims use to bake cookies? (May-flour)
  • Why do Pilgrims' pants always fall down? (Because they wear their buckles on their hats)

FALL FESTIVAL

Our annual "Fall Festival" didn't disappoint! We had a great time of food, fun, and fellowship!

It's always great to get together with friends and family as well as to meet new friends in our community. A special shoutout to our incredible volunteers – your hard work and dedication made this event possible. Thank you for helping create such a memorable evening for everyone! 

"Little Bo Peep" (Skylar Salsedo) "Batman" (Logan Salsedo) "Cochise" (Alex Baker)

SENIOR SAINTS ON A TRIP

Our Senior Saints took a memorable trip to Southern Supreme Fruitcake Co. in Asheboro, N.C.


Over 40 years ago they began selling their Nutty Fruitcake at Christmas shows and never thought it would grow into a large company. With the stigma of the word fruitcake, it was a challenge to get people to try their product, but it didn't take long for customers to line up to purchase their famous fruitcake. They have built a successful store and mail order business in Bear Creek, North Carolina.


After visiting enjoying some delicious fruitcake, our seniors had lunch at Americas Roadhouse in Asheboro. A great time was had for all.


Their next trip is planned for December with a visit to the Gingerbread House Display at Grove Park Inn in Asheville followed by lunch at Moose Cafe.

CANVASSING


We are so thankful for these wonderful folks for going door to door in the neighborhood inviting folks to church. This is just an example of the wonderful people we have at Matthews that don't mind putting their faith into action.


L-R: Alex Baker, June Bridges, Otis Bridges, Eddie Griffin, Rob Gibson, Mary Lemon & Scott Lemon. Edward Baker is behind the camera who also orchestrated the events of the day.


 

YOUTH NIGHT

We are truly blessed to have such remarkable young people actively participating in the ministry of MCOG. Each month, we gladly provide them with a platform to showcase their unique talents, creating an environment where they can grow and develop into the future leaders of our congregation. Their powerful testimonies, uplifting songs, and heartfelt messages enhanced our Sunday evening worship service. It's exciting to see the spirit and potential that is blossoming within the next generation. We are committed to nurturing that spirit as we guide them on their spiritual journeys.

Matthews Church of God

517 E John St.

Matthews, NC 28105

www.matthewscog.org

704-847-5625

 
 


COME WORSHIP

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 "A Church with open arms, a smiling face and a loving heart for all people."