April 24 , 2017 - Easter Sunday was a glorious day for Paxton Methodist and about 120 folks. For the 30th year, the Watson family invited everyone to their home for Sunrise Service and breakfast. It was a warm, humid Easter but no rain, so the morning was perfect. Stephen George once again played the keyboard and led the congregational singing. He sang two beautiful Easter songs. Rev. David Mathis played his guitar, sang “Rise Again,” and gave the invocation. Brenda welcomed everyone on behalf of the Watson family. Nori Latimer led us in our Easter Responsive Reading. Ron Hilton, a cousin of Dock’s, gave the Easter message using the John Gospel as he discussed “rolling stones and empty tombs.”
After the morning service the Watsons provided coffee, juice, and doughnuts for those who couldn’t stay for their bacon-and-egg breakfast with all the fixings. It was so nice visiting with our many friends, welcoming Easter together.
The Hutto Cemetery on the property of Joy and Gene Hutto was dedicated as a historical site last Saturday, April 22. There was an overflow crowd of relatives, friends, and neighbors. The morning started with rain which soon cleared off, letting a cool breeze come in. By the time 1:00 PM rolled around, the weather was perfect. Ms. Doggett from the Shelby Historical Commission spoke, as did a cousin of Gene’s. Gene explained some of the genealogy of the Hutto family. Several groups of the Sons of Confederate Veterans fired a cannon, played taps, and shot rifles after the historical marker was unveiled. Joy, Gene, and their family served up quite a meal afterwards. We saw many friends; some were kin to the Huttos, but Sue and I not being from Shelby County hadn’t realized they were.
The Sunday after Easter is usually called “Low Sunday” because most churches record their smallest attendance of the year. We had a small crowd, and we all certainly missed Hilda. Hilda is “rehabbing” at Stallings Court in Nacogdoches after suffering a small stoke and breaking her ankle. We visited Hilda and her sister Linda in the hospital and plan to visit again this week.
Mrs. Hilda’s “Army” is working on continuing her nursing home mission while she’s out of pocket. She’s recruited many caring, talented people for these programs who are happy to carry on in her absence. We all hope she has a quick recovery.
The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter was the story of doubting Thomas. My sermon focused on all the Gospel accounts of encounters with the risen Lord. After a horrible week of death and hiding, Easter dawned and a new hopeful faith was resurrected. During the Easter Season, many of the scriptures focus on the early Jesus movement and beginnings of the Christian faith.
“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!
