Shelby County Today

March 10, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother, Jesus, Amen. On the Christian calendar, Sunday was the Second Sunday in Lent. This past week has seen heavy rains and storms, followed by warm days full of sunshine. I guess we can say we saw a typical East Texas winter week. I sure hope everybody remembered to “spring forward.” This is the time of year when I really don’t like Daylight Saving Time, even though I do appreciate that extra hour of light at the end of the day.

February went by in a flash and March marches on. Easter isn’t until April 12th this year. During this month we are collecting cans of chili for Community Christian Services. Our next Nursing Home ministry will be at Holiday Nursing Center on St. Patrick’s Day. Christian folklore says that St. Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. However, I read this week that people can import snakes into Ireland: Someone brought a venomous snake and was bitten this past week. This was the first case of snakebite in the history of Ireland—they had to send for the anti-venom from England. Why would someone want a snake—especially a poisonous one, and especially in a whole snake-free country? One of life’s little ironies, I guess.

Our Sunday School lesson dealt with the reality of suffering. Gene read the scripture lesson, Matthew 26: 36-46, which focused on Jesus and his time of desperation in the Garden of Gethsemane. Our writer says that to suffer means to bear, undergo, or endure. Suffering often comes on just an ordinary day, when everything is normal until it is not—when it becomes agonizing. We humans have all been there.

The Gospel lesson for Sunday was John 3: 1-8, about the secret meeting between Nicodemus and Jesus. Jesus speaks of being born again—being born from above—being born of the Spirit. Nicodemus seems not to know what Jesus could possibly mean by this, but I wonder. I took the idea that Nicodemus, a leader and well-versed individual, knew what Jesus was talking about but was uncomfortable with the changes such a “new life” would bring to his comfortable existence.

After the church service, the entire congregation went to Gene and Joy’s place. It’s a lovely spread—Gene’s family farm, with lots of outbuildings and even a cemetery. Recently Gene began building another house on the land, this one for a couple who agreed to be caretakers for the place. He wanted to give us a tour of the house, which is small but comfortable, with well-thought-out touches. Joy made lunch for all of us, an undertaking in its own right, and we had a pleasant gathering.

Last week, on Texas Independence Day, was our ministry to Focused Care Nursing Home. Our congregational singing was again accompanied by the faithful Minnie. So Hilda, along with Jo and Margie, was free to sing with the group. I emceed, telling about my gardening, Lenten sacrifice, and Nicodemus. Because it was also Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Sue read Gerald McBoing Boing, a lesser-known Seuss story. Pastor Sarah focused on Lent and a scripture about serving others. She talked a little about the Walk to Emmaus retreat, which both she and her husband had recently participated in. Nora led the joyful “(O Where Have You Been) Billy Boy” and then shared “Bless the Lord, O My Soul.”

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, and 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 your email address to the Paxton email address, and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.

Randy & Sue Smith/Paxton United Methodist Church

“Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever…” (Hebrew 13:8) 

March 9, 2020 - For the first time in thirty years, I returned to Bill Buxton Slough last week. It’s a part of Louisiana’s Big Island, a six mile stretch of gorgeous swamps and bayous that parallel the Sabine River near Orange and Deweyville, Texas.

While revealing no human tracks, the soft mud identified the many animals that still make this their home. Walking through moss-covered cypress and tupelo gum trees, I crossed some of the same logs and slough beds that I crossed thirty years ago. I even ate possum grapes and musky dines from the vines that grew along the banks… just as I did thirty years go.

As I sat in the quiet woods, an overpowering thought flooded my heart: how incredibly happy I am that this place remains the same after all these years! And another truth also flooded my heart: when I’ve wandered  from the Lord, I have always found Him where I left Him. He is the same…

"… yesterday, today… and forever.”

March 5, 2020 - One of the things folks sometimes have a hard time doing is being fair with the church. There are some Christians who are very active in finding fault with the church and its faithful members.

I read once of a congregation where a new minister had just moved to  town. He busied himself in contacting inactive members and exhorting them to faithfulness. One man,in justifying himself, said, “There is very little Christianity among the members. I was sick for more than a month and not a member came to see me. The men with whom I work – men of the world – took more interest in me than the church did.

Well, that sounded really bad, so the preacher investigated. It was true, the man had been seriously ill for several weeks, and no member visited him. The preacher also learned that the man had not attended a service of the church for some six months before the illness, and no member had been notified of his illness.

When the man failed to show up for work, those with whom he worked knew something was wrong. Had he been regular in church attendance, the members would have known something was wrong when he was absent. Get the point? If we are going to criticize the church, the least we can do is be fair and honest in our criticisms of the church.

It’s something to think about...tbp

Join us for worship this coming Lord’s day at the Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.

March 4, 2020 - Come enjoy sitting on "The Porch" at Smyrna Baptist Church in Huxley, Monday, March 9, 2020. Guest Speaker is Leah Chase with worship leaders are Hunter, Lindsay, and Abbie.

Refreshments served at 6:30pm and worship begins at 7pm. Everyone is invited to 'Come and Receive' a blessing! Bring someone! Jesus loves you!