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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
November 9, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday we celebrated Veterans Day a little early. We are so thankful for all those men and women who answered the call and put themselves in harm’s way. Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day, but we wanted to honor all those who served in our congregation and around the world.
Paxton Methodist Church is still meeting each Sunday for in-person worship wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Our music is only on piano and CD—no singing to spread germs. Our first song this morning was the bagpipe version of “Amazing Grace” played at Ronald Reagan’s funeral. The second song was “Stars and Stripes Forever,” played by the Texas State Band that included my son in 1999, and used in honor of veterans around the nation.
We have been treated to a real fall this year. Sometimes East Texas goes straight from summer to winter, but this year we have had really pleasant days and cool mornings. It has been perfect dog walking weather. I have lettuce and herbs growing in my raised garden this fall. The rest of my garden work concerns getting my perennials ready for winter. Sue and I went to Nacogdoches on Friday—Sue and her sister to see their mother, and I to the recycling center and Lowes. I also discovered a new nursery called The Plant Shed on Appleby Sand Road. It was really nice with a big selection of plants and nice folks to help.
We had a surprise at Sunday School when Joe walked in. He has pretty much stayed at home since the start of the pandemic. It was really good to see him and to get his input on today’s lesson. Our Sunday School lesson came from Luke 4, dealing with Jesus speaking harshly to and casting out demons. We modern folk have a difficult time with the pre-scientific idea of demons. But we often see the challenge of evil in our world. Our author spoke of the challenges of racism, misogyny, greed, violence, exploitation, oppression, apathy, and a host of other examples of the demonic in our own time.
The parable from Matthew that served as today’s Gospel Lesson was about the ten maidens who were waiting with the bride-to-be. Five of the maidens came with extra oil for their lamps because part of the excitement of the wedding was that no one knew the exact time the bridegroom was coming. Unfortunately, the other five didn’t think ahead, ran out of oil, and missed out on all the festivities. This parable isn’t in my top five favorites, but the message is clear: We need to be prepared to live in God’s Kingdom—today and tomorrow.
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.
November 5, 2020 - The First United Methodist Church (UMC) of Center announces their People's Choice Award winners for the Best Decorated Trunk competition held Sunday, October 31, 2020 at their annual Trunk or Treat event. First UMC extends their appreciation and gratitude to all the participants with decorating their vehicles, donating candy and to their congregation and community for supporting this free family-friendly event!
First Place People’s Choice awards for Best Decorated Trunk Competition were presented in two divisions, Best Adult and Best Youth (Under 17). The judging criteria was based on creativity, attention to detail, theme, costume and interaction with the children. First place winners received trophies; second and third places received medals.
- 1st Place Best Adult B&D BBQ Restaurant: Diana and Billy Jack Pearce, Jr.
- 1st Place Best Youth (under 17) Trump & Secret Service: Christi and Wyatt Foster
- 2nd Place Bee A Christian: Sara Harrison and Clayton Windham
- 3rd Place Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin: Janelle & Jim Gibson
Please visit First UMC Facebook link for all the Trunk or Treat photos!
For information about First United Methodist Church, please contact Rev. Malcolm Monroe at (936) 598-2707; for details about our children and youth programs, please contact Faythe Abraham, First UMC Director of Children and Youth Ministry, (210) 487-0097 or visit www.fumccentertx.org.
1st Place Best Adult B&D BBQ Restaurant: Diana and Billy Jack Pearce, Jr.
Left to Right - Back Row: Megan Bartly, Diana Pearce, Billy Jack Pearce, Jr., Megan Lovett, Josi Pace / Front Row: Cadence Williams, Kyndel Bartly, Islee Pace
Billy Jack Pearce, Jr., Diana Pearce, Megan Lovett
1st Place Best Youth (under 17) Trump & Secret Service: Christi and Wyatt Foster
Wyatt and Christi Foster
2nd Place Bee A Christian: Sara Harrison and Clayton Windham
(Photo courtesy of Leon Aldridge)
3rd Place Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin: Janelle & Jim Gibson
November 5, 2020 - It was only a couple of months ago that Hurricane Laura blew into our world. Trees were blown down around us, we were without power, some for several days, and life was generally disrupted. I remember that morning when the power went off. I immediately went to the cabinet for a flashlight, and the very first one I picked up had no light. The batteries were dead.
Well, I was thinking about that the other day, and I thought how much that is like so many of us. It is disheartening, in the darkness to have a flashlight with dead batteries. Yet, how much more tragic in a world of darkness and sin to find followers of Jesus whose spiritual batteries are dead. Jesus told his followers to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. Yet, how many followers of Jesus in our day and time are failing to shine their light because their spiritual batteries are dead? A Christian with a dead battery is as useless as a flashlight with a dead battery.
In order for our spiritual batteries to remain at full charge, we must be living our lives within the will of God. We must be seeking opportunities to meet God at His house for Worship. Our batteries are charged as we speak to God in prayer, let God speak to us through His word and spend time having fellowship with other Christians. Are you planning on charging your battery this coming Lord’s Day?
It’s something to think about…..tbp
Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
“For they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid…” Zeph. 3:13
November 2, 2020 - Along with Castor oil, Castoria and Birdseye diapers, Mother always kept several cans of Carnation Evaporated Milk in our house. All ten of us were raised on a mixture of Carnation Evaporated Milk, water and Karo syrup.
From their beginning in 1907, The Carnation Company made “From Contented Cows” their slogan. This motto implied that their milk was better because Pacific Coast grass made their cows happier. Their condensed milk was issued as backup nutrition to our troops in World War I, II and in Korea.
And Christians are happier when they feed on the Word of God. David said, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”. In other words, “He feeds me well and gives me rest.” Many church members aren’t happy because they’re eating the wrong kind of grass. Good grass not only makes contented cows... it makes contented Christians, too!
November 2, 2020 - The Goodwill Baptist Church in Pineland, Texas is actively searching for a next Pastor and is accepting resumes. Please send resume by Certified Mail to: Goodwill Baptist Church, PO Box 413, Pineland, TX 75968
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15)
November 2, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was All Saints Day. This important and vital Sunday is the day Christians remember all those souls in the local church who died this past year, and all those who helped the church and us as individuals grow to become what we are. It is a day to remember the past, rejoice in the present, and anticipate the future.
We are coming to the end of the Christian year this month. Christ the King Sunday will end our November, and the first Sunday in December will begin a new year with Advent. I think most of us are ready to see 2020 getting smaller and smaller in our rear-view mirror. But with the pandemic growing by leaps and bounds, we wonder if 2021 is going to be much different than the last eight months. I sure hope so. But for that to happen, we all must practice our patriotic duty: wash our hands regularly, practice safe distancing, and yes, wear a mask in public. On November 11, we will remember and give thanks for all the veterans who made the patriotic decision to defend our nation. Every generation has had to make sacrifices for the nation and for future generations. We must do our part right now and right here.
Paxton Methodist Church is meeting each Sunday wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Shelby County has had a big increase in Covid cases just as the nation as a whole has seen a huge spike in cases and deaths. Our music is only on piano and CD—no singing to spread germs. Today Mrs. Hilda’s leg was giving her trouble, so she skipped her usual piano solo. Instead, we listened to Willie Nelson’s “Where the Soul of Man Never Dies.” (Today is also called All Souls Day.)
This past month we collected peanut butter and jelly for Community Christian Services. I delivered all the goodies, along with checks from some of our members. In November we will collect rice and beans. Community Christian Services has had several extra-large food giveaways during October, with long lines of vehicles coming for food boxes. This has really helped out during a very difficult time. The volunteers are such hard-working people doing good works! The pandemic has caused eight million more people to fall under the poverty line. Texas has the highest number of uninsured people in the United States, which has added to the burden of providing medical care to those in need. So CCS is definitely meeting an important demand.
Today’s Sunday School lesson urged us to look for God’s presence in unlikely places and critical times. This was quite an undertaking for the author; he used four different Old Testament scriptures to emphasize that God will meet us anywhere and at any time.
The Gospel lesson for Sunday came from the Jesus Manifesto. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains who is truly blessed and living in the Kingdom of God. The 2020 All Saints Day landed on a Sunday, which I think we needed this year. So many saints have died from Covid 19, leaving so many people grieving, with just memories of their loved ones.
We also celebrated communion today. Last week’s Sunday School lesson said communion brings together the past, the present, and the future. When we commemorate the love of God through communion, we are joining Christians worldwide in this important rite. All Saints Day reminds us that those of the past and the future are also part of our worshipful remembrance.
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.
October 28, 2020 - New Life Church is excited to announce that NLC Kidz will be hosting a fun, family experience on Thursday, October 29th from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm. The night will be FULL of Fun, Food and Fellowship! Trunks FULL of Treats with Cool Games, “Train” Rides, Funnel Cakes, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Photo Stops and oh so much more!! Please share with all your friends and we sure hope to see you there!!
October 29, 2020 - Words are wonderful things. They have a beauty all their own. They have associations in our minds that give them reputation. Some are bores and some shine brilliantly.
Yet, there is an eloquence without words. “Silence is golden” someone has said. Silence can be eloquent also. Jesus was a master at using the eloquence of silence. He used it many times.
Remember when a woman was brought to Him who had been caught in the act of adultery. The law said such a person must be put to death. What must Jesus say? He was silent. He stooped down and wrote in the sand and said, “Let the sinless one throw the first stone.” When he looked up, His words and His wise silence had done their work. All the accusers were gone, and a penitent woman stood there alone.
He told Peter of the sins he would commit in denial. Peter argued. The day of trial came. Peter sinned. At the right time, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. That was all. He just looked. Yet, that was enough to make Peter go out and weep bitterly.
Truly, silence can be golden. Silence can be as eloquent as words. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is one mark of real wisdom.
It’s something to think about ... tbp
Center Church of Christ
Yet, there is an eloquence without words. “Silence is golden” someone has said. Silence can be eloquent also. Jesus was a master at using the eloquence of silence. He used it many times.
Remember when a woman was brought to Him who had been caught in the act of adultery. The law said such a person must be put to death. What must Jesus say? He was silent. He stooped down and wrote in the sand and said, “Let the sinless one throw the first stone.” When he looked up, His words and His wise silence had done their work. All the accusers were gone, and a penitent woman stood there alone.
He told Peter of the sins he would commit in denial. Peter argued. The day of trial came. Peter sinned. At the right time, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. That was all. He just looked. Yet, that was enough to make Peter go out and weep bitterly.
Truly, silence can be golden. Silence can be as eloquent as words. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is one mark of real wisdom.
It’s something to think about ... tbp
Center Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas
“Love your neighbor as yourself...” Matt. 19:19
October 26, 2020 - I watched the brown headed Cowbirds pair off so sweetly again this year, but as usual they didn’t build any nests. When birds of smaller species build theirs and lay their eggs, the cowbirds sneak in, roll their eggs out, replace them with their own, and then let the smaller mother hatch their eggs. If an egg from the natural mother is allowed to hatch, the mother cowbird will come and push it from the nest.
The Audubon Society blames the cowbird for the sharp decline in the bunting and finch population. Like moss, leeches and other parasites, these crafty little devils live off the hard work of the smaller species.
And what about cowbird people? They too want the best for their own and will stop at nothing to see they get ahead, even if it means pushing someone else’s babies from the nest. Cowbird people are even more despicable than cowbirds because (unlike birds) they have the power of choice. So there’s little to admire about cowbirds...and even less about cowbird people.
October 26, 2020 - The Senior Nutrition Site will host a Community Health Care Provider Meeting on Thursday, October 29, at 1:30. We are inviting all Health Care Providers that work in Shelby County to attend.
We will be discussing our senior meal programs for senior citizens 60 and older. We will also discuss the other programs that Shelby County Outreach Ministries offers to seniors in our community.
Due to providing adequate seating arrangements, please let us know if you can attend by 12 noon on Wednesday. We would love to see you there! For more information and to confirm your attendants, please call Mrs. Darlene Mitchell at 936-598-7768.
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