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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
July 29, 2021 - It is an exciting time when a toddler abandons crawling and takes those first faltering steps. Once that happens, it is not long until they are going to attempt to climb the stairs. If they have reached The talking stage, they will inform you that they will do it "all on their own." However, parents are standing nearby to see how they make out and make sure they do not fall. To be sure, that little toddler will reach the top safely if they just keep going. For them, the last step is just as easy as the first one. Trouble comes only if they begin to wonder why they are so high and they get in trouble if they turn back. It is then they will take a tumble.
Paul would write, "Forgetting those things which arre behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:13-14) As Christians pressing toward the goal, we can learn some things from a toddler. You see, our heavenly Father is standing by, ready to assist us when we stumble. We also can leer that the struggle is not greater as we climb higher, but it is easer because we have experience behind us. Then, it is dangerous to look back, we must forget what is behind.
It is a big adventure for a child to climb the stairs. It is the greatest possible adventure for us to climb the heights toward God. Are you moving closer to God day by day? If not, you should be.
It's something to think about... tbp
Join us for worship this coming Lord's Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
July 26, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. The typical Texas summer weather pattern has come to our part of East Texas. After months of rain and more moderate temperatures, next week promises to reach almost 100! I am watering my various gardens and fruit trees every day, which takes about an hour and a half. But gardening has kept me going during the quarantine, so I have no complaints.
That is not completely true. I can always complain about something. People, we must step up and get vaccinated! Texas and most other states are seeing Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths increasing at an alarming rate. We are entering a fourth wave. This spike will be be mostly among those not yet vaccinated. But there are breakthrough infections among those who have already had Covid-19 and those who are vaccinated. These are very troubling times. It is your patriotic—and Christian—duty to get your vaccination now!
Fannie had a very thought-provoking lesson prepared for us. The title of the lesson was “Love Your Neighbor. Really.” Ms. Fannie asked us what story we usually associate with being a good neighbor: The Good Samaritan, of course. But the scripture for today that Gene read was Mark 2: 1-12 about four men who lower their paralyzed friend through a hole they created in the roof. This man is not only healed but also forgiven. Of course, that sets off the legal experts who wonder who this Jesus thinks he is.
Sue operates the CD player; luckily, we have many hymns on CDs. We are able to play and sing the Gloria Patri and the Doxology in response to our Affirmation of Faith and our offering. Today’s hymns were “Shall We Gather at the River” and “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand.” Both songs have water themes, which I thought was appropriate for the Sunday we read about Jesus walking on the water.
My sermon was based on the scripture, John 6: 1-21. Today’s Gospel tells two miracle stories. The first is about Jesus feeding the multitude and the second, Jesus walking on water, telling his disciples not to fear. Each of these beloved stories should have its own Sunday, but for some reason the lectionary scholars put them together. I focused on Jesus’ caution to avoid being fearful. We are living in scary times and need to call upon Jesus, as well as our friends and families that God has given us, to calm our anxious minds.
All during the month of July, Paxton Methodist collected cans of spaghetti and ravioli for Community Christian Services. I will deliver the food and some checks to Community Christian Services. In August, with its school reopenings, we will focus on “Undie Sundays” to help outfit returning students. This was the original monthly collection for Christian Services at Joaquin Methodist, which later was expanded to various foods and hygiene items each month. It’s August, so we will be collecting kids’ underwear and socks all month long.
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.” 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.
July 26, 2021 - Back To School Bash at Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church on Saturday, August 7th at 6pm. Come enjoy activities: inflatable obstacle course, kiddie bouncy house, horse shoes, washers, dunking booth, 42 - dominoes, cake walk, and free hotdogs.
All Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the fellowship.
Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church, 5527 FM 417 East, located 2 miles off of Hwy 87 on 417 East in Shelbyville, Texas 75973.
July 23, 2021 - The annual North Jericho Homecoming is set for Sunday, August 1, 2021, the first Sunday in August. There will be a service and business meeting starting at 11am following with dinner on the ground at 12 noon. Please make plans to attend!
July 22, 2021 - Lydia Missionary Baptist Church would like to invite all children ages 2 years old through 12th grade to Vacation Bible School beginning August 2nd through the 6th at 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm each night.
Climb aboard for mountains of fun at Rocky Railway VBS! On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs.
You can pre-register your kids at our website lydiambc.org.
We are located on FM 139 in Huxley. For more information, please call the church at 936-368-2462.
July 22, 2021 - In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said, "Unless you change your whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Phillips). Do we really comprehend what it is to have the faith of a child?
We had our grandsons with us over the weekend, and the oldest is almost 3 and is an early riser. He would come into the kitchen with me before the sun was up and I would be making coffee. One morning he asked me, "Poppy, where is the sun." Well, I summoned all my scientific vocabulary and told him, "the sun is asleep, but it will be waking up soon." Then he asked "why?" (that's his favorite question). I told him the sun needed to rest so it could spend the day lighting and warming the earth.
Our kitchen window faces east. As soon as the sun started to peek out over the treetops, I picked him up and stood him on the cabinet and said, "Mason, look, the sun is waking up."
He looked at me and said, "Poppy, God made the sun... and the moon." There was no question there. It was just a matter of fact statement from a 3 year old informing me the sun was coming up that morning because God made it. Every morning he came in and wanted me to pick him up so he could see the sun "wake up."
Jesus said that is the kind of faith you and I need. A simple childlike faith in God. Maybe we should work on that.
It's something to think about... tbp
Join us for Worship this coming Lord's Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
July 19, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. We are supposed to have a week of rain and high temperatures only in the 80s. Now, that is unusual for Texas in the middle of July! I not only enjoy the more moderate temperatures, but I also look forward to not having to water every day. Of course, rain means working my dog walks in between showers. I’ll still take it, gladly.
We were in double digits Sunday morning at Paxton Methodist—something we get excited about! It was great to see Sue and Fred. Our music today was again on CDs, “Amazing Grace” and “Wonderful Words of Life.” Sue, our music tech, tries to select hymns that we all know pretty well—and that have pauses. Our little congregation plugs away, but we don’t have any strong singers to help carry us. Last week Sue suggested providing her with a tambourine to keep the beat!
During Sunday School we talked about the author of this quarter’s lessons and her unique way of looking at things. The title of our lesson was “Inside Out,” which we didn’t quite get. The purpose, using Acts 6: 1-7, was for the local church to figure how best to care for those in need. We know that Jesus had great compassion for widows, of which the early Jesus movement had many. Some were better off, but life in those times was hard for most, with widows particularly hard-hit. Our author asked, “Who are the most vulnerable among us today?” We discussed some new ways our church might be able to lend a helping hand.
Sue is not only our music tech; she is also the Liturgist. She led us in a responsive reading of Psalm 23 and in the 21st Century Affirmation. She also read the Epistle lesson from Ephesians 2: 17-22. Paul assured everyone that Jesus came to bring peace to those that were already close to God—but also to those far away.
The focus of my sermon came from one verse in Mark: “When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” In eight different places in the Gospels, the writers mention that Jesus “had compassion.” He had great concern for the poor and marginalized, the hungry, the sick, and those who were grieving. By looking at the Christ, we realize that God is about compassion and caring for one another.
All during the month of July, Paxton Methodist is collecting cans of spaghetti and ravioli for Community Christian Services. Come August—and school reopening—we will focus on “Undie Sundays” to help outfit returning students.
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.” 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.
July 15, 2021 - Jesus was a man of few words, that was His general character. He was not one of those who would tell you how to make a watch. Neither was He one who used flattery or exaggeration. When Jesus complimented someone, the things He said were very few.
When Jesus gave someone a compliment, it was not superficial. It had nothing to do with a person’s clothing or style. It had to do with their heart and their character.
When Jesus was first introduced to Nathaniel, he said, “behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile” (John 1:47). When Jesus spoke of John the Baptist, he said that among those born of woman, there was none greater than John (Luke 7:28).
When Mary anointed Jesus with the costly ointment, Jesus said that wherever the gospel would be preached, that would be spoken of as a memorial to her.
Some day, when our forms have been bended low and we cross the great divide into eternity, I want to hear a compliment from the lips of Jesus. I want to hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. I want to live my life so that I will hear Him speak those words. If we are to hear those words, we must live His kind of life and live it His way.
It’s something to think about… tbp
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or find us online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
July 12, 2021 - Joaquin First United Methodist Church would like to invite all children between 3 and 18 to Vacation Bible School beginning July 19 at 9am until 12-noon.
Island Adventure is this years theme. We will have classes for all ages, activities, crafts and as usual, puppets will be part of our morning of fun. Lunch will be provided each day.
We are located on Faulkville Street in Joaquin. All are welcome.
July 12, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. We are in the middle of summer, in a period the church calls Ordinary Time. It has been hot and muggy, but I certainly remember much worse summers. That is all I am going to say because there is plenty of summer left to get really hot.
Ms. Fannie had a friend who came to visit from the great city of Dallas, and she joined us at Paxton Methodist. Our small Sunday School class really enjoys it when we have someone new study with us.
I taught today’s lesson, based on Ruth 2: 4-16. The stated purpose of the lesson was “to remember to care for the stranger in our land.” This certainly is a relevant—and very hot—topic today. In the scripture, the owner of the fields showed kindness to Ruth as she was following the harvesters, getting enough grain for her and her mother-in-law. Boaz assures her she will not be bothered and will be treated with respect. We remember, as the author said, that Ruth was a stranger in a strange land. The Torah requires Jewish people to remind themselves of the difficulty of being that “stranger in a strange land.” In like manner, the Discipline of the United Methodist Church says, “United Methodist churches are to welcome newly arriving migrants in their communities and to love them as we do ourselves…”
Our music today was again on CDs, “My Hope Is Built” and “I Am Thine, O Lord.” Sue, our music tech, chose today’s hymns by one necessary feature: Both had resting places where we could all take a breath! The CD musicians sometimes fly through the songs like they had somewhere else to be, with nary a thought for the congregation trying hard to keep up.
My sermon scripture was the Gospel lesson for this Sunday—Mark 6: 14-29. What a terrible story to include with tales of healing so many people, feeding 5,000 with just a small amount of food, and listing how and why people are blessed. This story centers on Herod and his wife and daughter. John the Baptizer has been arrested; this injustice is followed by demands from Herod’s wife, through their daughter, to have the Baptizer killed. After much agonizing, that is what Herod does. The focus on the sermon was the battle of good and evil that enveloped Herod, a battle that we humans all face in ordinary as well as extraordinary situations. To live in the Kingdom of God we must work daily—be born anew each day to goodness and justice and compassion. We must not choose the Dark Side. May the Force be with you!
All during the month of July, Paxton Methodist is collecting cans of spaghetti and ravioli for Community Christian Services. Come August—and school reopening—we will focus on “Undie Sundays” to help outfit returning students.
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.” 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
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