April 29, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was Second Sunday of Easter. Traditionally, the Sunday after Easter is called “Low Sunday” because it is the one with the lowest attendance. This isn’t always true at Paxton Methodist, but it was this time. We have members out of town and under the weather. I also had problems getting from Joaquin to Paxton, as the fire department had Highway 84 E blocked. I had to detour along the FM road to Willow Grove and then onto a dirt road to FM 699 and back to Highway 84, arriving late for Sunday school. We had a really good lesson on our need to answer Jesus’ call and commission to make disciples. The stated mission of the United Methodist Church is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Unfortunately, we as a denomination have sometimes done a poor job being a church with open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
The Epistle Lesson for the 2nd Sunday of Easter was Revelation 1: 4-8: We see John living a harsh life imprisoned on an island but at the same time inhabiting the glorious Kingdom of God. I think our scripture provided a road map to dwell in the reality of the moment and the promise of the Kingdom. Joe and Hilda got us moving with our music this morning—we appreciate both of them. We received a certificate for 2018 from the Bishop thanking Paxton Methodist for paying 100% of our apportionments. Apportionments are a “Methodist thing,” a church’s share in the worldwide ministry of our denomination.
During the month of April, Paxton Methodist has been collecting toothpaste and toothbrushes for Community Christian Services. In the month of May we will be collecting cans of fruit. Our monthly ministry to Focused Care has changed to 10am on the first Monday of each month.
Last week was our regular program at Lakeside. I emceed, choosing mostly Easter-ish hymns and filling in between songs with various anecdotes. Hilda, as usual, was our lively accompanist on the electronic baby grand. Fannie read a piece about aging gracefully (may we all listen and learn). Sue read There’s Something in My Attic, and uncharacteristically for her, led us singing “In Your Easter Bonnet.” The real singers, Nora and Gene, chose Easter songs: “Up from the Grave He Arose,” and “Because He Lives,” respectively. Also adding to the program were Maggie, Jo, and Margie—cheerfully, needless to say. Maggie was between stints at the library book sale; after the program, Nora and Sue hastened over there to find bargains.
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.
Randy & Sue Smith Paxton Methodist Church
