April 6, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Old Man Winter seemed to resist giving up this past week, as we had several mornings with temperatures in the 30s. I sure was hoping there would not be a frost to wreak havoc on my gardening work. Several walks in the park this week were really chilly: My four-footed pals Gunter and Sam didn’t argue about cutting the walk short to go home. Of course, they know they are getting a treat when they get back.

March 22, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the 5th Sunday of Lent. We are reaching the end of this Christian time of reflection, with next Sunday being Palm Sunday. Over half of each of the Gospels deals with that last week of Jesus’ life between Palm Sunday and Easter morning. Life, death, and new life is at the heart of Christianity, so it is Easter—not Christmas—that is the most important Christian celebration. But the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday make it the saddest time also.

March 8,2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Lent. Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals, who know more than politicians about this subject, say that we can do three simple things: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do.

February 22, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the First Sunday of Lent. We sure had a winter storm last week—missing Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Time flies, whether you’re having fun or not! We called off church last Sunday before the snow and ice made it to East Texas but decided to try church today. It turned out to be a beautiful warm day, with snow and ice melting everywhere. Our prayers are for all those still without power, water, and other necessities of life.

February 1, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was the 4th Sunday of the Epiphany. We’re starting another month in this new year, and it doesn’t seem that much different from last year. That is not a good thing. I read a new word today, “quarantired.” Yes, we are. Despite troubles and tribulations, we were all hoping that 2021 would see us emerge from the fog—that we would start seeing the light –that we would be moving beyond this terrible pandemic. This is certainly the worst situation for our world in at least a half a century.