September 16, 2018 - Sunday was the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our prayers have been answered this week with some nice rain! Everything was greening up, which I guess means we will need to mow. Our prayers and thoughts go out to those in the Carolinas. My sister-in-law’s niece was to get married in North Carolina over the weekend. I don’t know if they soldiered on or postponed the wedding. My brother and sister-in-law had planned to attend—not having watched any weather—but (I think and hope) they changed their minds about going.
I love our Sunday school theme this quarter. Of course we have a master teacher in Ms. Fannie, who makes every lesson interesting. This quarter has focused on creation, a fascinating subject. Today the reading from Genesis centered on God’s crowning creation—us! There are two creation stories—one in the first chapter and another in the second chapter. We discussed the fact that the Jewish holy words were passed down orally for generations and centuries. There were many different versions over time. Eventually these slightly different stories were incorporated into the Jewish Testament.
We had our regular crowd this morning. Joe and Hilda provided our music: We sang two songs that we all know very well, so we sounded pretty good. Gene has an upcoming birthday, which we celebrated in song. Thanks, Joe and Hilda! Sue, our liturgist, led us in our Gathering Words and our Affirmation of Faith, which today was the Apostles’ Creed—Traditional Version. My scripture was the Epistle Lesson for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, James 3: 1-12. I love James because he is so practical. John Wesley often spoke about practical Christianity, taking our faith and turning it into action. In today’s part of James’ letter, he says that a very important step toward Christian maturity is learning how to control our tongues. Oh boy! I know that through the years my tongue has caused me much grief. I think as I have gotten older I have been better in keeping that pesky tongue in check, but I still have a way to go.
Last Thursday we went to Focused Care for our singing and ministry. Minnie played the piano and Pastor Matt shared some thoughts about Ruth and Naomi. Fannie read a story and some fun facts, most of which I didn’t realize were facts. Nora read and sang, and I gave a short talk about the importance of reputation. And, as usual, our Hilda was there to help with the singing and lead behind the scenes.
Our announcements today included upcoming shot clinics at the Joaquin Senior Center. Both will be handled by Joaquin Quick Care, offering flu and/or pneumonia shots. The first is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, with a second chance on Thursday, November 15.
“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.
