February 19, 2018 - Sunday was the first Sunday of Lent. In the Gospel Lesson today from Mark, we see Jesus whisked away to the wilderness right after his baptism. For the next forty days Jesus fasts, prays, and is tempted. The temptations in Mark are not spelled out, leaving it to the hearer’s or reader’s imagination as to what they actually were. The number 40 is important in Jewish numerology and often signifies completeness. Traditionally, people try to give up a bad habit or something they think is important during the 40-day Lenten season. I have tried to give up something that bothers me about me, but so far I have had only moderate success. Maybe this year!
We were in double digits, which is always a nice thing at little Paxton. It was great to see Keith this morning. Keith and Vera have had a tough winter health-wise, and we are hoping and praying that they are on the mend. Lillie, Liz, and Mike were at worship this morning—always a joy to have our Pasadena family with us. They gave me a Houston Astros World Series Champions cap. They know that I am a loyal Cubs fan, but when the Cubs didn’t make it to the World Series, I rooted for the Astros. Carolyn reported on grandson Guy Ross, now out of the hospital and being cared for by family at her house. After his stay in the hospital, he was particularly craving Nan’s macaroni and cheese with stewed tomatoes. Nothing like a grandmother’s cooking!
Our Sunday School lesson was titled “Faithful Disciples,” using the scripture Acts 9: 36-43. The thrust of the lesson stressed the need to seek out others in our faith journey. As usual Fannie prepared a thoughtful lesson. During February we have been collecting soap and shampoo to donate to Community Christian Services.
On Saturday Paxton Methodist had a memorial service for Nancy Thompson. LuAnn Jordan sang “Amazing Grace” and “When We All Get to Heaven,” accompanying herself on the piano. The congregation, led by Joe Fiedler, sang “Hymn of Promise.” Ms. Hilda played the piano for that and the prelude, and I brought the message. Many of Nancy’s friends and family shared stories and memories, which really made the service special. Afterwards, family and friends went to Fannie Watson’s home for a dinner provided by the church. The food was delicious and the Thompson families had a nice time visiting and catching up. One of the saddest things is that the day before the memorial service, Nancy’s brother Robert died. Lillie, Liz, and Mike have yet another funeral to prepare. Our prayers are with our dear friends.
“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
