Five years ago, Eastern Hills United Methodist Church -- traditionally a strong and active church -- had hit difficult times. Instead of letting the church continue to decline, the Central Texas Conference decided to link Eastern Hills to the life of St. Matthew.

My appointment to St. Matthew was "enlarged" to cover both churches, and another pastor -- new to ministry -- Rev. Nancy Allen, was appointed to assist me. Nancy turned out to be the "secret to success" here. She is a wonderful minister.

After a couple of years, Nancy was appointed pastor of Eastern Hills. I continued to help out, as Nancy has continued to help at St. Matthew.

We are glad to say -- the plan worked. Eastern Hills is a strong, growing church again.

The success of this effort lets us know that the Lord was in it -- and we give God the glory.

But we were almost too successful in linking the two churches in the public mind. Many people think that I am still the pastor at Eastern hills.

To help remove all confusion, the masthead of this little column returns to what it was five years ago -- referring only to St. Matthew, where I am the pastor.

With the goal met, the formal ties between the two churches ended at the first of this year. The ties of love and fellowship remain.

Plus, Nancy and I enjoy working together.

  The new SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE has begun at St. Matthew.

Why Saturday night? So that everybody can come who wants to.

This Saturday is "Provocative Question Night" -- and here’s the question: "What does the Bible say about flying the Confederate flag?"

Obviously, nothing directly---but there is actually a similar situation in the New Testament -- believe it or not!

Come -- join the discussion. Your opinion is welcome, whatever it is.

And the next Saturday, April 1, will be "Guest Night." Our special guest will be Rev. Andy Adis, pastor of Handley Baptist Church. I will be asking Andy how he came to faith in Christ.

We’ll also find out why Andy doesn’t know a few of the great old Baptist hymns!

And we’ll hear him play his saxophone. (Made me cry first time I heard it!)

We have a supper at 5:15 -- $3 a plate -- and Saturday worship begins at 6:00.

Worship somewhere this weekend. (Our Sunday service is at 11:00.)