December 7, 2015 - Sunday was the 2nd Sunday in Advent. The Old Testament Lesson was from Malachi. In the third chapter God says, “Look! I am sending my messenger on ahead to clear the way for me.” The name Malachi means messenger. If we look at the Hebrew Scriptures and assign a theme, it would be “covenant making and covenant breaking.” For the Jewish people there is hope in Malachi’s words even though they were often about covenant breaking. We of the Christian faith read those words and think of John the Baptizer and Jesus. In the translation of the Bible called The Message, our Gospel Lesson has John the Baptizer say, “Everyone will be there to see the parade of God’s salvation and transformation.”
We celebrated Holy Communion on Sunday. In our church’s tradition all who love God and seek to live in peace with one another are welcome to the table. Our attendance was in double digits, which always brings smiles to our faces. Joe and Hilda worked together to bring our music this morning, and we sounded quite lively. Ms. Fannie had a really good Sunday School lesson. This quarter begins in Exodus; today’s lesson was about the Sabbath and keeping it holy.
Our Paxton Community Christmas program and dinner is this Tuesday at 6:00. When I came Saturday to collect the rice and beans that our church collected for Christian Services, the tree was up and decorated and tables covered in tablecloths.
Sue and I have been in Dallas . Our daughter bought a new house that needs renovation, like what you see on HGTV. It rained as we went to Dallas , but the last few days have been beautiful. We have my daughter’s dog staying with us; like our hound dog, she loves going to the park. She is so full of energy that our older dog and cat don’t know what to make of her. We call her the Wild Child.
Monday, December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day, which many remember or have been told about. Monday at 3:30 volunteers will be at Green Acres to sing Christmas carols. This Thursday at 2:00 PM volunteers will meet at Lakeside Assisted Living for song and fellowship. I imagine we will sing many Christmas carols there also. On Tuesday December 15th at 2:00 we will meet at Holiday Nursing Center for a similar program. We really appreciate all who help with these ministries.
During the month of December we are collecting cans and boxes of soup for Christian Services. On Monday, December 14th at 9:00 AM, volunteers will meet at Joaquin Methodist Fellowship Hall to begin sorting and putting into family boxes cans and nonperishable goods. On Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday, volunteers will wrap gifts for the children. Then on Friday, December 18th starting at 9:00, perishable goods will be sorted and family-sized boxes, bags, and gifts will be given out. Come help if you’re able—all are welcome, and everyone will receive a blessing.
“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 9:15 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!
