December 17, 2018 - Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent. Christmas is just over a week away, a time of year of renewed hope and joy. I no longer have that wild-eyed anticipation of presents that I did as a kid, but I sure love to hear the hymns and stories—they never grow old. Our Christmas service will be next Sunday at our regular time—10:00 AM. We will not have services on Christmas morning, as many of our folks will be visiting family or hosting get-togethers.
All this month our church has been collecting cans of soup for Community Christian Services. Our church also gave a donation to First Baptist Church Joaquin to help provide Christmas gifts for young folks whose families need a helping hand this year. Some members took a name from the Angel Tree to buy gifts for a child or gave an additional money donation.
The scripture for our Sunday School lesson was Psalm 103. The title was “Love and Worship God.” The poet says that God’s mercy and compassion is so great that it overcomes our shortcomings. He also points out that human life is like when a wildflower blooms: It is here, the wind blows, and it is gone. But the poet reminds us that the LORD’s faithful love is forever!
The Old Testament Lesson (Zephaniah 3: 14-17) and the Epistle Lesson (Philippians 4: 4-7) both urge us to be people ready and willing to rejoice even in uncertain, troubling times. Why should we always be ready to rejoice? God is forever in our midst!
This past week several of us ventured to Focused Care for our monthly ministry. We sang many Christmas songs, and then the residents had a special surprise. Kindergarteners from Center came caroling! Pastor Matt spoke about the Magi, and Ms. Fannie read her 2018 Christmas poem. Fannie is the Poet Laureate of Paxton! We struggled a little bit with some of the lesser known songs, but I think everyone had a good time. And, of course, it helps that Hilda knows all the tunes and can lead us through!
Thursday night was rainy and foggy. It was not a good night to go to a Christmas party. But that is what we did. Our Paxton Christmas party was very well attended, by both members and guests. We had a wonderful program of songs, stories, and even a quiz! We had plenty to eat and nice people to visit with. We certainly have some good cooks at Paxton Methodist.
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
