August 13, 2018 - Sunday was the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. These slightly cooler temperatures and the little bit of rain certainly are appreciated. As I am writing this article on Sunday afternoon, the sky is full of sunshine as the heavens are thundering! I sure hope we get some of the rain. Sue and I missed church last Sunday. My son Jacob and I have birthdays, my daughter’s renovation of her 1950s home are complete, and my brother celebrates his first year anniversary of having new and healthy lungs. We had a wonderful visit. We have been keeping our daughter’s dog Stella for these past months as the renovation was in process. So we took Stella to Dallas and she is now home. We are going to miss her, but we still have two more to walk, feed, and play with.
Last Sunday, Larry filled in for me, speaking about the history of Shelby County—especially Tenaha and Paxton. Larry is a historian who loves the stories of Texas and particularly local ones. I know everyone enjoyed the talk, and Sue and I really appreciate him filling in.
The Gospel Lesson for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time was John 6: 35, 41-51. This account of Jesus saying he is the “bread of life” and feeding the multitude is the longest narrative in the Gospels except for Christmas and Easter. So John must have thought it was very important. We celebrated Holy Communion today: When I pass the plate of bread I always remind folks that it is the “bread of life.”
We had a business meeting today. Joe made a motion that Paxton Methodist give $600 annually to the Joaquin Senior Center, which was passed. Fannie read two applications for Paxton scholarships, and the church voted to award $1,000 scholarship to both students. It’s a good feeling to be able to help older folks and those just starting out.
This past week we had our ministry at Focused Care in Center. I had a doctor’s appointment and was late, but Pastor Matt had everything going when I arrived. Hilda, Jo, Nora, and Fannie joined Matt in singing and telling stories. Everyone seemed to have a good time. No nursing home programs this coming week, but both the others fall on the following week.
Our Sunday School lesson was such an important lesson for us to hear. The title was “Global Economic Justice,” about the need for living generous lives, from 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15. The author says that giving is the “third rail” of life in the church. He explains that the third rail is what transmits electrical power to trains at a high voltage. Paul urges his fellow Christians to give all that they can afford. We who have so much are sometimes reluctant to give as we should. August is traditionally our month for “Undie Sundays,” so we are collecting children’s socks and underwear for Community Christian Services.
“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.
