+ Church Directory
+ Read the Bible Online (Link)
Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
April 12, 2021 - Strong Cemetery’s annual homecoming is cancelled this year. Donations can be mailed to: Strong Cemetery, P.O. Box 1383, Center, Texas 75935.
April 12, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Last week was pretty typical as far as spring weather was concerned. We had sunshine, and we had rain. The weather folks say that we’ve seen our last really cold temperatures. I heard from my uncle Kent, who lives in Maine, that they have had several “warm” days that reached the 50s. That still sounds pretty cold to me!
This was “low Sunday,” so-called because the Sunday after Easter traditionally sees churches’ lowest attendance. This was true of small Paxton—but not because of lack of interest. Several in our congregation have been hit hard by illness; our hearts and prayers go out to them with compassion.
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 of today’s hymns were sung by Elvis. He was the king of rock and roll, but he always loved gospel music. We first listened to “He Touched Me,” a Gaither tune in the Methodist hymnal. Later we rocked and rolled with “Put Your Hand in the Hand.” We appreciate Sue DeFee bringing the CD music this morning. One day we will surprise everyone and sing away. I hope we don’t scare too many people when we do!
Our Sunday School lesson this morning reminded us that Sabbath rest is a great gift from God. The author mentioned sacred rhythms: The older I get, the more I realize that setting aside time in our week is important. The main scripture came from 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21, where we hear Paul reminding the faithful that being part of the reconciliation among people is our Christian responsibility. We can sure use a little of this in the 21st century as well!
The Gospel lesson for the second Sunday of Easter came from John 20: 19-31. The disciple Thomas is mentioned in all four gospels—but his importance to the Easter story is really seen in the John narrative. “Doubting” Thomas in John becomes vital to the unfolding story because of his disbelief. It wasn’t that Thomas doubted Jesus and his Kingdom; he was a faithful follower but questioned the stories about the resurrection.
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 9, 2021 - Jackson Cemetery Homecoming will be Saturday, May 15, 2021, beginning at 11am with a financial report. Families are then invited to bring a picnic lunch for outside eating and visiting. If unable to attend, financial offerings for cemetery upkeep may be sent to Jackson Cemetery Association, PO Box 15, Joaquin, TX 75954.
April 8, 2021 - We are living is turbulent times. Our political landscape has become a minefield and it seems that every day the rhetoric becomes more hateful and divisive. Yet, there is a very significant passage of scripture from Paul in Romans chapter 12. Paul tells how we should treat each other. He tells us to be kindly affectioned toward each other, to bless them that persecute us, to rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those who are weeping. He then writes this very meaningful statement in verse 18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”Have you ever thought, really thought about that passage? Paul wants us to understand there will be people we cannot get along with. There will be people we cannot be popular with. There will be people who just plain do not like us.
If we are honest, this should not come as a great shock to us. You see, to be truthful, none of us completely likes everything about the way we are. Perhaps that is one of the great tragedies of all our electronic gadgetry in the 21st Century, at least it is for me personally. With the internet, it is relatively easy for me to listen to myself preach. Listening to myself, I have to admit I have heard preachers I would rather listen to. So, when someone indicates they do not like my preaching, I sometimes am inclined to admire their judgment.
Yet, Paul says we are to live peaceably with others as much as possible. That means we are to understand the Body of Christ, the Church, is bigger than any individual and more important than any individual. That means we must turn loose of the idea that “it’s all about me” and realize it is all about the Lord. Until we do that, we will never please the Lord and the Church will never thrive and prosper the way the Lord wants it to.
It’s something to think about … tbp
Center Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas
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.
Sunday was the most important holy day in the Christian faith. Easter, AKA Resurrection Sunday, speaks of new life and new hope. The messages of Easter are always welcome, but this year the promise of rebirth and renewal seems especially poignant. I guess everyone survived April Fools’ Day without being pranked—one thing quarantining is good for. It’s hard for me to realize that we are already in April of 2021.
We had special folks for Easter Sunday School. Brenda and Gene joined our regular group for a really good lesson. The main scripture focus was from the Luke Gospel, an early sighting of the resurrected Jesus when he fell in with two of his disciples on the road from Jerusalem. It wasn’t until nightfall that the two disciples noticed how their hearts had been warmed, finally realizing that the fellow traveler was Jesus himself.
All four gospel stories told about Easter Sunday. The shortest and earliest narrative comes from the Mark Gospel. I particularly like Mark’s version because he shows just how puzzled and frightened the first followers were. The original ending of this gospel has the women returning to the city, too afraid to tell anyone. Some sense of understanding and realization will come later.
Easter is a day that is built on hope and promise, the linchpin of our Christian faith. It was a beautiful morning and turned into a wonderful day. Our numbers for church swelled—almost twice the number we’ve had recently. Mrs. Fannie’s three grown children, son-in-law, and little granddaughter Grace filled up the Watson pew. Mrs. Hilda felt strong enough to venture out, and it was great to have Theresa and Larry. Our prayers are with Rose and Larry as they navigate medical mazes.
Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! I chose two of my favorites from the Methodist hymnal for our Easter songs. The first, sung by Cat Stevens, was “Morning Has Broken,” a softly beautiful rendition. Our other hymn, “Lord of the Dance,” is sung to the Shaker melody of “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple,” here by Donovan. Both are hopeful songs about life and renewal, good Easter themes.
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!
Easter was the first Sunday of the month, so it was also Communion Sunday at Paxton Methodist. As usual, I repeated the admonition of St. Teresa of Avila: Our task is to be the eyes, ears, body, hands, and feet of Jesus in this world. Our Covid-safe Communion has me giving each person a Ziploc bag containing a wafer and a sealed cup of grape juice—after thoroughly sanitizing my hands. Different but necessary.
I was sick much of this past week and didn’t get our March collection of cans of chili to Community Christian Services. I will put that down on next week’s to-do list. My dogs do not like the cans and boxes in “their” back truck seat! This month we are collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste—definitely lighter to deliver than cans of chili!
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 1, 2021 - Jesus didn’t quit assembling with the disciples because Judas was a hypocrite, or because Peter was always “buttin’ in”. Nor did he quit because James and John “flew off the handle” occasionally. His interest in these men was not lessened because they were envious and jealous of each other at times. He did not quit teaching the high standard of life because some of his close associates failed miserably to live as they should. He did not refuse to teach others because they were unkind and unbelieving.
Jesus did not quit as a leader because some could not see “eye to eye” with him and criticized him to his back. He did not cease to teach good morals, just because he associated with an adulterous woman, an unscrupulous business man or demon worshippers. When he didn’t get everything his way he didn’t stop praying nor did he give up the fight because all his disciples fled from him when there was danger.
Instead, he chose a course of right and was sure it was right, and let nothing stop his development and accomplishments for God. He drank the bitter cup of betrayal, crucifixion, death and burial. But he didn’t quit there. He came from the grave to be the ruler of the universe.
If you ever feel like quitting or taking off, just remember Christ and Him crucified. I believe that will keep you at your post of duty.
It’s something to think about… tbp
Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
March 31, 2021 - Blount Chapel Missionary Baptist Church will have Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 7am. Masks are required.
Pastor Byron Coutee, Jr.
Sis. April N. Moore, Church Clerk
March 29, 2021 - Come worship with us at the First United Methodist Church. The Easter Sunrise Service on April 4, 2021 will be in the garden. We will meet at 6:45am to watch the sun rise and worship our Risen Lord.
The church is located at 105 Faulkville Road, Joaquin TX.
March 29, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Lent’s somber forty days come to an end with Palm/Passion Sunday. Sunday we witnessed through scripture the glorious entry of Jesus into the city—and then things fall apart on Thursday. What is referred to as Holy Week speaks of the many contradictions that accompany human life: During that one week, we witness the best and the worst of humanity.
We had a very nice week weatherwise—until Saturday evening. The Carthage area was hit hard by hail and winds, and our prayers go out to our neighbors. Earlier, we had just enough rain and some mild spring temperatures. Sue and I had Zach and his crew from Grand Finish clean and detail our car and truck. Our vehicles have been neglected during the lockdown, but Grand Finish got them looking showroom new. In fact, my brother-in-law asked if I got a new truck! My pandemic therapy got a real workout, as I weeded, trimmed, planted, and watered all week. My four-legged pals, Gunter and Sam, “helped” with the yard work and joined me in two walks a day.
On Saturday morning, Gunter, Sam, and I headed back to the park to get my 4,000 steps in. Downtown Joaquin was bustling. It really was. Our heroic Volunteer Firemen ran a Covid-19 vaccination site, and people were lining up. The firemen do so much more for our community than fight fires; they help people in any number of emergency situations. This morning they were once again being good guys, getting vaccine to our neighbors and friends.
I read all the scriptures for both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. Passion is used an old-fashioned way meaning suffering. Preachers much prefer speaking on the glories of the Palm Sunday arrival in Jerusalem to the suffering, torture, and death of Jesus mere days later. But both are inescapable parts of Christian theology. A week from today is Easter. The word Easter comes from the name of a pagan goddess, but we of the Christian faith see it as a day of hope, promise, renewal, and new life. Our beautiful natural world is also showing all kinds of renewal. In the words of Louis Armstrong, what a wonderful world!
Our Sunday School lesson was thought-provoking as usual. Ms. Fannie always does a superb job. Gene read the scripture, which had Jesus telling his disciples how they should pray: One should seek a secret place to talk with God. Jesus also gave them the Lord’s Prayer to be spoken communally, which most churches still do thousands of years later.
Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! The first song I chose for this morning’s worship service was the old Reformation hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” I grew up in the Lutheran church, where this song by Martin Luther was the anthem of Lutheran congregations around the world—just like “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” by Charles Wesley is the Methodist anthem. The second hymn was “My Hope Is Built,” sung by a Mennonite a cappella youth choir—to totally different music than we’re familiar with but quite beautiful.
All during March, Paxton Methodist has been collecting cans of chili for Community Christian Services. Next month will be toothpaste and toothbrushes. Many weeks Community Christian Services has two giveaway days, one local and one a program from the federal government that helps farmers as well as those who need food. During this time of pandemic, economic crisis, and high unemployment, the need is greater than ever.
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.
Randy & Sue Smith/Paxton United Methodist Church
March 26, 2021 - NLC Kidz invite you to come join us for a “Unique Glow in the Dark Easter Event” on Friday, April 2nd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm for ages 3-11.
In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.” At Easter, we celebrate the life that Jesus brings through his death and resurrection, and kids can learn more about how Jesus is the Light at our Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt!
The first part of the evening, beginning at 6:30 pm will offer open stations with Easter games, crafts, and even a GIANT Obstacle course! Whenever you arrive, you and your family can enjoy these stations at your own pace. We’ll transition to a time of worship and a short lesson at 7:30 pm before giving instructions for our two unique Glow in the Dark Egg Hunts. We will provide kids with a special Easter basket for the hunts, but you may want to bring an Easter basket to carry with the crafts you create during station time. We will end the evening with hotdogs and smore’s!
Guaranteed to be a night to remember and best of all it’s for the whole family! Please share with all your friends and we sure hope to see you there!! Friday, APRIL 2nd.
New Life Church is located at 718 Hurst Street, Center, Texas 75935.
Pages
