January 1, 2019 - Sunday was the First Sunday after Christmas. A Happy New Year greeting from all your friends at Paxton Methodist. We wish that 2019 will be a year of spiritual growth and health. Sunday morning was cold, and it looks like East Texas is in for more rain. I remember this summer wishing we would get some much-needed rain. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could save this rain until July and August—and maybe some of the cold temperatures too!
I hope everyone had a good Christmas. Christmastide continues until next Sunday, when traditionally, January 6 is the Epiphany. In the lectionary this is the year of Luke, who has no wise men in his telling of the Gospel. So I plan to head back to Matthew and pick up the story next Sunday. This Sunday the Gospel sees Mary, Joseph, and almost-teenage Jesus traveling to Jerusalem. This is one of the few glimpses into the life of the young family. Jesus is totally absorbed in all that he hears to the point that the extended family heads home without him!
Fannie had an inspirational Sunday School lesson, perfect for the coming New Year, titled “Modeling God’s Love.” In the scripture reading, Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. Jesus thanks the righteous for feeding him when he was hungry and welcoming him even though he was a stranger. The righteous don’t remember doing all these things; Jesus tells them that acting with kindness toward the least among us is the same as doing it for him.
It was so great to see Lillie, Liz, and Mike at church this morning. They are up at the farm for a few days. I hope that the weather gets better so they can spend some time enjoying being in the country. Sue was pleased to show Lillie pictures of the Joaquin Senior Center on her phone, including one of the plaque commemorating Lillie and husband Buddy’s hard work during their time at the Senior Center.
Last week, our ministry was at Lakeside, but at two days after Christmas, entertainers and entertained were both in short supply. We certainly couldn’t do without a piano player, and Hilda ably fulfilled that role. Fannie read two sweet poems bridging the time between Christmas and the New Year. That’s what we tried to do also with our song choices—some Christmas and some non-Christmas. Gene sang different types of noels, like the calypso version of “Away in a Manger” and Harry Belafonte’s “Mary’s Boy Child.” Sue read How Santa Lost His Job and later did “Jingle Bell Quiz” with the residents. Maggie, as emcee, kept things moving along. And as usual, we were joined by one of the nicest ladies in Shelby County, Margie Dorner. So even with a small group, we had a good time.
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.
