Terri led our meeting today with twenty-two Mat Makers attended this week’s meeting, continuing to be God’s hands and feet in our community. Kathryn opened the meeting in prayer.

Upcoming Events

Superhero Fire Event — Saturday, September 26

Mat Makers will participate in the Superhero Fire event in Cullman, sponsored by Karen Cook Ministries. The event will raise awareness of suicide prevention and the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

We will be one of approximately 30 participating ministries and will share information about our outreach to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Metal crosses and tiny Jesus figures will be available as giveaways.

• Andy Jordan will lead this outreach event.
• Please wear your Mat Makers shirt.
• Food will be provided free of charge.
• We will discuss carpooling arrangements on Tuesday 9.22.26.
• Please see the attached Superhero Fire Event flyer for additional details.

First Saturday Serve: Mat Makers Style — Saturday, October 3

Please join us at 8:00 a.m. for First Saturday Serve: Mat Makers Style. Lynn P. will coordinate the Serve.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to introduce others to Mat Makers, recruit additional crocheters, and invite newcomers to participate in hands-on ministry. Our main focus will be making mats, as this is where we currently need the greatest help and productivity. As fall weather approaches, mats are especially needed.

• Please wear your Mat Makers shirt.
• We will have one small display table representing several Mat Makers ministries.
• The main activity will be mat-making and preparing materials for the colder season.
• More details to come.

Ministry Highlights

Anthem Night

Laura shared that Anthem Night was sold out and included great food, desserts, fellowship, and an inspiring message from Pastor Jill.

The evening’s message reminded us that our lives are meant to be an anthem to Jesus. We can easily fall into comparing ourselves with others, but God has uniquely gifted and anointed each person. Like instruments in an orchestra, we are each called to play our part so that our lives can join together in a beautiful anthem of praise to Christ.

Remembering Liz

We shared precious memories of Liz, her faith, her loving family, and the many ways she blessed Mat Makers. Her family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.

Liz asked what amount Mat Makers might wish to donate to the church in her honor. The group discussed possible ways to remember her through a church donation, a community act of kindness, or another meaningful ministry project. Lynn will help guide next steps, and we will continue the conversation next week.

Our Blessing Fund currently totals $398. We will prayerfully consider how gifts given in Liz’s honor may be used.

Ministry Projects

Mats
Several mats are currently in progress.

• Nancy has a mat in progress and is working to finish two additional mats.
• Vanessa completed one full mat.
• Two partially completed mats came from Columbiana. Because of changes at the correctional facility, they could not be completed there and will need volunteers to finish them.
• Mats have been delivered to Woodlawn’s Dream Center, with the help of Valerie.
• As we enter the colder months, completed mats remain one of our greatest ministry needs.

Hats, Scarves, and Lapghans

• Susan completed two hats and a scarf, including hats to coordinate with donated scarves.
• We still have scarves that need to be widened, along with a need for matching hats.
• Samantha made two lapghans.
• A large supply of yarn is available downstairs for hats, scarves, lapghans, and other ongoing projects.

Walker Bags

Walker bags are available for members to take and BLESS OTHERS!

We need quarter-size, two-hole buttons and elastic for walker bags. Please ask neighbors, friends, and family members if they have buttons they would be willing to donate.

T-Shirts and Other Projects

T-shirts are available to cut into strips for jump ropes.

Devotion and Prayer

Carolyn led a devotional on joy as a fruit of the Spirit. She reminded us that our joy is found in the Lord and is not dependent on our circumstances. We were encouraged to bring Scripture into our daily prayers and to allow prayer and devotion time to sustain us as we serve.

The Fruit of the Spirit—Joy

A joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22 NASB).

Many times we expect the fruit of joy to bring us unlimited happiness and fun times. Yet when we read Scripture, we are encouraged to reflect on what it really means to experience joy and to have a joyful heart and a joy-filled life.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Happiness and fun are good in themselves, but they come and go with circumstances. Joy, however, is not tied to our circumstances. It is beyond what we are going through, what we are thinking, or what we have as a daily challenge. While happiness is affected by cause and effect and that is how the world relates to a sense of inspiration, God provides us with an experience far beyond happiness. His joy can be experienced even when times are difficult.

Joy becomes the fruit of our faith and an attitude that we come to know through our relationship with God. His faithfulness brings us joy. His love opens us up to a greater capacity for joy.

This joy from our heavenly Father is a treasure of the heart, a comforting knowledge of God’s intimate presence. As we view the events of our life, we can choose to be resentful toward God for letting certain things happen to us or we can choose an attitude and a commitment to joy.

I’m telling you right now, joy is our best choice. We are so blessed by God’s goodness. Let cheer pour forth from your heart and soul, even when there is sorrow, change, discomfort, or uncertainty. Even when we don’t know what is up ahead, we can be certain that God

is in charge of what is up ahead. In that assurance, we find joy. And when we learn to take circumstances and the ups and downs of life in stride and use all situations to bring glory to God, we live out joy.

When we have joy in the Lord, we begin to see life from God’s point of view, and we realize that things have never looked so beautiful or felt so upbeat. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Be strong in the joy of the Lord, my friend.

God and joy of my life, You know that joy belongs with love, and that our entire being should reflect this great virtue. I thank You for the joy of my salvation. I praise You for always being my source of hope no matter what I face. This is my joy. May my life bring You joy, my dear Lord. Amen.

Take Action

Show a deep down joy of the soul, even when you are having a terrible, awful day.

Jackie prayed for requests and to have rejoice in the Lord always; not because we don’t struggle but because he is the answer.

We will see you on Tuesday in the Sunroom!  And remember that according to Pastor Mark “TGIMonday!”  (and that I love you )

Lynn P