August 21, 2018 - Sunday was the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. We had our regular bunch for Sunday School and church. One of our regulars is far away visiting her sister, and we sure miss her. Our Sunday School lesson was a really good one. Gene read the scripture, Romans 12: 9-21. It speaks about love and justice, which can not be separated. Paul lists many actions that come out of God’s love and justice, such as not thinking one is better than anyone else. We as Jesus followers are to contribute to the needs of those less fortunate. We are not to judge or try to get back at people who have hurt us. These are all actions which are hard for us humans but are part of our moving toward Christian Perfection.
My sermon was based on the Old Testament lesson for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. On his death bed, David names Solomon as his successor. This does not set well with his son Adonijah, who had the backing of David’s trusted general, Joab. So Solomon goes off to the holy city of Gibeon and prays and offers sacrifices. God comes to Solomon in a dream and promises to grant him what he wants. Solomon asks for wisdom and a discerning heart; God is very pleased by such a thoughtful request.
This month we are collecting children’s socks and underwear for Community Christian Services. August in our church is “Undie Sunday Month” and we voted to give an extra $50 from the church to Community Christian Services. Kids returned to school on Monday, August 20, in Joaquin. We at Paxton have been praying for returning students, teachers, and staff—hoping they have a safe and productive school year. I loved the years that I taught and was a principal, but I sure enjoyed sleeping until 9:00 Monday morning! Next month we will collect boxes of macaroni and cheese. This week we have two nursing home ministries. On Tuesday we have Holiday Nursing Home; Thursday is Lakeside Assisted Living.
Our Charge Conference this year is the latest it has been since I became a Methodist minister. Methodists, I discovered, strongly believe in connections between local churches, districts, conference, and the worldwide Methodist Church. Our Charge Conference will be held with the other Shelby County United Methodist Churches at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 25th. We will have a church conference at Paxton before that and approve a budget, officers, and the pledge to pay our apportionments in full, which Paxton always does. Apportionments are what a local church pays to support the larger worldwide Methodist Church.
“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. Godspeed.
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
