May 22, 2017 - Sunday was the Sixth Sunday in Easter. Today’s First Lesson came from Acts 17:23-32. Since it comes from the second half of Acts, we know the main focus will be Paul. The first half focuses on Peter. Paul has come to Mars Hill in Athens to speak. Mars Hill was the meeting place to discuss theology, religion, philosophy, and the law. It is still the place where Greek court is held for civil, criminal, and religious matters. Paul is very respectful to his audience made up of many learned people. He knows he will not get many converts, but he does get some who are interested in the outlandish story about a Jewish peasant God raises from the dead. The part that is unbelievable to them isn’t the resurrection but that it was a Jewish peasant who was raised to the status of God.
We still have many folks who are out sick or traveling. We had a very special guest today: Cynthia came from Joaquin to play the piano for Paxton Methodist! We sounded so much better with her accompaniment. We got a head start on Memorial Day by singing two patriotic songs that Joe selected. Cynthia also played a beautiful song for the offertory, but I forgot to ask her the name of it. During May we are collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. This week our ministry takes us to Lakeside Assisted Living. We are so thankful for all those who attend other churches but meet us and help make the nursing center ministries successful. We are very happy to hear that Hilda is now at home and getting stronger every day.
We did the Holiday program Tuesday, thanks to Minnie agreeing to play piano for us. We sang lots of songs, which Minnie and I chose from the list of ones we know. Sue read a new kids' book, The Nose That Knows--about a dog that follows his nose everywhere he smells food (even to the moon, which is made of peanut butter). Nora sang a “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” and passersby in the hallway paused to listen. Fannie read the funniest thing: a third grader's idea of who God is. Jo came too--not to present anything, but she definitely upped our singing talent. Even though we had to compete with two fire alarm tests, we had a nice program.
“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!
