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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
April 26, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the 4th Sunday of Easter. Springtime and Easter certainly go together like peas and carrots! With the rain and the warmer temperatures, we see rebirth and renewal all throughout nature—a vital and sacred part of God’s Kingdom. With our brutal cold snap earlier this year, I thought I lost many different plants in my garden. Thankfully that wasn’t the case. One set of bushes that I slated for the chainsaw has budded out—a wonderful sight.
Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! Both pieces I selected were found in the Methodist hymnal so we could follow the words if we wanted to. The first hymn, by Charles Wesley and considered the anthem of the Methodist movement, was “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” It has a multitude of verses, but the singer thankfully chose just three. Our second selection, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” also from the 1700s, is one of my wife’s favorite hymns.
Our Sunday School lesson continued to stress the importance of Sabbath rest as a spiritual practice. The main purpose of the lesson was to remind us that we need to have a faithful spirit all the time. The scriptural focus was 2 Corinthians 4: 7-18: Paul reminds us that we live in an imperfect world, where no one is immune from suffering and hardship. Along with that truth, he says that death is at work in all living things—but that there must also be life at work in us. Paul links the words grace, gratitude, and glory together in his letter.
In my sermon I focused on John’s first letter, 3: 17-18, 31. John the Elder’s epistle explains to a Jesus community how one comes to experience the great love expressed and shown by Jesus. In several of the other scriptures for this Sunday, Jesus is depicted as the good shepherd. That image is certainly one we find comforting. Our Psalter lesson was the 23rd Psalm, probably the best-known psalm among Christian folk.
On Sunday afternoon we met again to celebrate the life of Rose McNeill. Our little church was packed with family and friends. Afterward Larry hosted a reception at his and Rose’s lovely home.
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: wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks—mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. And get that vaccine! How has simple science—wearing a mask or getting a vaccine—become a political hot button issue? Let’s all use our common sense and defeat Covid-19 together!
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.
April 26, 2021 - Pam and I have fed the birds at our house in San Augustine for twenty-seven years now. It is unbelievable that we have around fifteen species that live at our house---only a few blocks from town. We always look forward to the Spring and Fall migrations that stop by on their annual trips north and south. And the Spring birds are here! And every good rain sends them down at our house for a few more days.
As of today, we have seen Catbirds, Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, Summer Tanagers, and several others. We also have several White-winged Doves and five species of local Woodpeckers that are enjoying eating with our visitors. We hope to see some Painted Buntings before the migration is over.
Lots of people ask how we have so many birds. And the answer is simple: Feed them, not occasionally, but every day. The birds, like all living things, love to eat.
April 26, 2021 - The Antioch Homecoming will be held Sunday, May 2, 2021. Church service and business meeting will begin at 11:00. Dinner on the grounds will begin at 12:00 noon.
All donations to the Cemetery Fund May be mailed to Lenora Walton 237 CR 3129 Center, TX 75935.
April 24, 2021 - Jackson Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us for a Farewell Celebration honoring Bro David Long and his family for their many years of dedicated service as they start their New Journey following God’s call. The celebration will held on Sunday, May 2 from 4pm to 6pm at the Jackson Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall locaated at 11620 State Highway 7 E, Joaquin, Texas.
April 20, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Eastertide: We are still dealing with resurrection and what that means to 21st century Jesus followers. I think we can all agree that spring time is the right time for resurrection and rebirth. Martin Luther said that the Lord wrote the promise of resurrection not only in books but in every leaf of springtime.
Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! Our hymns this week came from Fannie’s CD God Bless America. The first song—not a hymn, but maybe should be—was “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Our second selection, “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” is in the Methodist hymnal, followed with the inspirational line, “and let it begin with me.”
Our Sunday School lesson once again focused on how we can live lives of holiness in God’s Kingdom. Paul in Ephesians 4: 21-32 speaks of this as beginning with a whole new wardrobe, appropriate for a whole new way of living. The biggest stumbling block to this new way are old enemies—ignorance and closed hearts. Paul wrote that we should work to not make the Holy Spirit unhappy.
In John’s first letter he tries to reassure the Jesus community that, despite troubles and turmoil, they must always remember they are children of God. Even in these times of pandemic, doubt, and disbelief we can also be children of God by planting the seeds of resurrection—leading to transformation, hope, and our need to be close to God.
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: wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks—mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. And get that vaccine! How has simple science—wearing a mask or getting a vaccine—become a political hot button issue? Let’s all use our common sense and defeat Covid-19 together!
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.
“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ Jesus.” Galatians 4:7
April 19, 2021 - I woke up early this morning to a fact that I never realized about my Dad. In all the years of growing up around him, I never remember his calling me anything but “Son.” I know he called me “Henry” or “Hen Doug” when he talked to others about me, but when he addressed me, it was always “Son.” When he took me on my first squirrel hunt on Mill Creek near Center, Texas, we completed the four-mile walk just before day light. “I hope the wind lays down soon,” he said. “It’s hard to see squirrels when its windy.”
When he shot a fox squirrel in a Magnolia tree, I raced to grab the wounded squirrel. Daddy hollered out, “Son, don’t pick that squirrel up—he’ll eat you up.” While I was a second grader, I told Daddy that James Hughes kept shoving me at the water fountain. Daddy replied, “Son, don’t you ever start a fight, but when you have to fight, be sure to get the first lick in---hit’im as hard as you can.” I came home from college one day to visit my parents and noticed Daddy wasn’t smoking his pipe as he always did. When he told me he had quit, I said, “Oh, Daddy, I am so proud of you quitting after all these years ... I know it’s been hard.” “Son, it wasn’t hard—I never inhaled nothing.”
When Daddy’s truck backed over him near Snow Hill it was two days before we found him half-conscious with mattered eyes and covered with blood and ants. As I stood weeping over him, he weakly raised his hand to my shoulder and whispered, “Son, I’m alright.” I grabbed a tin can and got him a drink from a nearby spring.
I remember talking to him on the phone only once. (Actually, we never had a phone until after I left for The Seminary in 1951). But he called me at college one day, and I remember his exact words: “Son, come home. Mickey’s gone.” Mickey, Mother’s younger brother, my favorite uncle, had crossed the Jordan at 28 years of age.
Daddy was not one to say, “I love you” and never said he loved me. But there was never a day that I doubted he loved all his ten children. When he said “Son” to me, there was a tone of love and endearment that was unmistakable.
And how wonderful it is to be called “Son” by my Heavenly Father.
April 15, 2021 - Can you see by an eye of faith, Jesus, as he is hanging on the cross? He has been hounded, betrayed, denied, tried before an unjust court, led out of the city, and nailed to a rough-hewn wooden cross. Yet, hanging there, his first words were not a complaint. Though he was innocent, his first word was not a plea for his own innocence. Neither was his first statement a cry for vengeance against those who crucified Him.Rather, Jesus first words from the cross were a prayer for forgiveness. A prayer for those who put Him there. He prayed, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do”.
There is in our world today a pressing need for the grace of forgiveness. It is needed in our nation, it is needed in our community, it is needed in each individual life. There are many who are unstained from sensuality, free from immoral practices and they attend church services regularly. They can sing “O How I Love Jesus” louder than anyone in the building. Yet, these same people carry enough malice in their hearts to damn their souls to the fires of an eternal hell.
If we do not learn to forgive, malice will multiply in our souls and stifle every noble impulse. Hatred will rob us of the joy of the Christian life and the leaven of enmity will embitter us taking from our soul the sweetness implanted there by Jesus.
The prayer on our lips must ever be the prayer of Jesus, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do."
It’s something to think about … tbp
Center Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas
April 12, 2021 - A BBQ Chicken Plate Fundraiser for Smyrna Community Church Youth Group to attend church camp is Friday, April 16, 2021 starting at 10am until sold out!
Come enjoy a BBQ chicken plate for $10 which will include half-chicken, baked beans, potato salad, bread, and bottle of water. We will be selling plates at Huxley Fire station and Lasting Impressions in Center on Foster Street. Deliver is available for orders of 10 plates or more. Please call 936-332-0052 to reserve yours.
April 12, 2021 - Pleasant Hill Cemetery Homecoming on Saturday, May 15th this year will be a little different. We are asking each family to bring lunch for just your family alone this year instead of our usual big spread for everyone to share.
We will be outside so there is plenty room to social distance. Masks are welcome if you want. Hand sanitizer will be available.
We will be unveiling the Historical Marker at 11am at Homecoming this year.
As years go by, fewer people attend homecoming and less donations are received. Each year the expenses have increased. This cemetery depends on donations for its upkeep.
If you can’t attend this year, please take this time and send in your donation to ensure that the Pleasant Hill Cemetery will continue to be taken care of in a manner that shows respect to the ones buried here.
Donations may be mailed to:
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
P.O. Box 91
Shelbyville, TX 75973
"Consider how the wild flowers grow...” Luke 12:27
April 12, 2021 - Back in the seventies, I had an appointment to preach a morning service at The Old Salem Baptist Church near Newton, Texas. When Amber, my youngest daughter, said she’d like to go with me, I told her that my old pickup was not air conditioned and that all my tires were treadless “may-pops.” It was during one of the “leanest” days of my life and I warned Amber that it would be an exceptionally hot summer drive.
After the service, we were returning home on that hot afternoon when a booming blowout pulled me off the highway. There was not a house in sight, cell phones not yet invented, and I didn’t have a spare tire. I was not only concerned about a tire, but was especially worried about how Amber was going to do in the hot sun. As I stood at the roadside thumbing a ride, Amber called out, “Look, Daddy,” and as she held a bouquet of flowers in her hand, smiled, “Aren’t they beautiful!”
I have thought of that day many times since then. We all experience stressful blow-outs during our lives, and when we do, we often don’t see the flowers growing along the roadside. It would be good if we’d forget our problem for a moment and pick some of these beautiful flowers ... just like Amber did.
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