May 8, 2017 - Sunday was the Fourth Sunday in Easter. I am doing a series on the many stories that people have told in the past, stories that are being told, and stories yet to be told. Today’s story comes from the John Gospel, where Jesus says he is the gate to the sheep pen. Of course, most people don’t think of Jesus as a gate or a door. We need to remember the words of John Wesley, who felt that when you try to take the Bible literally, you kill its meaning. We should not take the Bible literally, but we should take it seriously. Our pathways are the Christ’s ways. The gate is open to all who love God and love their neighbors.
Sunday morning was yet another beautiful day. I slipped off to Tenaha Methodist to hear Rev. Matt preach. We preachers need to be preached to also. It is always enlightening to hear Matt preach and to visit with my Tenaha friends.
We had a small gathering at Paxton this morning. Being the first Sunday of May, we celebrated the Service of Communion & Remembrance. I used the liturgy called Table of Plenty for communion. Ms. Fannie always prepares the bread and juice for our service, and we surely do appreciate her being so faithful in doing this for us. During May, we are collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. Our Holiday Nursing Center ministry is Tuesday, May 16th and our Lakeside Assisted Living ministry is Thursday May 25th. Both are at 2:00.
Our music was again a capella Sunday, since Mrs. Hilda is still rehabbing in Nacogdoches. Some of us have talked to and/or visited with her there. She says she is determined to do what it takes to get well—although recent “word on the street” is that she is also determined to go home soon.
“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, 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 me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed!
