December 10, 2018 - Sunday was the Second Sunday of Advent. Do you remember when early this year we all wanted rain? Well, we certainly have had a wet autumn. On Friday we had more than four inches, and I am sure we got more Saturday. Our daughter was visiting us this weekend, glad to see her little dog after a month apart. We always enjoy seeing Megan, this time getting to hear all about her travels in Asia. Sue and I went to Nacogdoches to meet up with Sue’s brother and sister-in-law who came up from Houston—also Sue’s sister and brother-in-law, their granddaughter, and Sue’s mom. We had a good visit and a nice dinner at Napoli’s, our favorite restaurant in Nacogdoches.
Our Sunday School lesson was titled “Choose To Love and Serve God.” The scripture that Gene read was Joshua 24: 1-3, 13-15, 21-24. In the reading Joshua asks the people who they will serve, saying that for him and his family, they will serve the LORD. Fannie led us in several good discussions: I think we all know that to declare one’s service to God is easier than actually living for God each day. But in fine Methodist tradition, we must try to stay on the road toward Christian Perfection.
We were in double digits this morning! It was so great to see Theresa and Larry. Joe and Hilda brought us our music, Fannie lit the Advent Candles, and Sue did the Advent reading and prayer along with her usual duties as liturgist. We began worship with the “Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus)” and our affirmation of faith.
Thursday is going to be a busy day for our little church. Our ministry at Focused Care is at 10AM. The Paxton Christmas Party is that night at 6:00. We got the tables moved after church. The church is decorated and looks so festive. We’re looking forward to an evening of songs, readings, and of course, good food.
All this month we will be collecting cans of soup for Community Christian Services. Next week Joaquin First Baptist will have its Children’s Christmas, to which our church contributes a small part with donations, an Angel Tree child, and Sue speaking a little Spanish during the actual Giveaway.
The Gospel Lesson was about John preaching in the desert; the words of Isaiah are used to proclaim that the way of the Lord should be made ready. The Epistle Lesson was Philippians 3: 9-11, where you just feel the love Paul has for these people. This was the first Jesus community that Paul founded in Europe.
Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here.” Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist you can send me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
