September 3, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother, Jesus. Happy Labor Day! Not much going on in downtown Joaquin—not that much ever happens. It is just plain hot outside. Labor Day used to signal the end of summer and the beginning of school. But kids in Joaquin have been back to work for a couple of weeks—and we’re expecting triple digits this week. Once again, Texas is dealing with a mass shooting. We are left to wonder what can be done to stop the carnage. The folks along the east coast are dealing with their own potential tragedy as Mother Nature has created quite a powerful hurricane.
At Sunday school we started a new quarter with new books that are smaller and lessons with a different format. But that didn’t stop us: We had a good class about the creation stories in Genesis that tied into the message for this Sunday in Ordinary Time. At church we celebrated Holy Communion as we do each first Sunday of the month. My sermon came from Luke 14, where we find Rabbi Jesus invited to a Pharisee’s home for Sabbath dinner. Jesus uses the situation to explain how it will be in the Kingdom of God. We certainly hear how important humility is in the Kingdom and that everyone—even people we marginalize—are more than welcome to join him.
Paxton Methodist got the nicest letter from Heaven Umbrell, who is finishing up her work on her Master’s Degree (with a 4.0). During the month of September we will collect macaroni and cheese for Community Christian Services. Last week I caught them busy on a Wednesday and delivered our August donations. Our Charge Conference is coming up in October; I need to get the reports done so we can have everything ready.
Labor Day turned out to be our regular date for the program at Focused Care in Center. I was under the weather, so my wife Sue took over the emcee duties, leading the group in songs from Heavenly Highways and sharing anecdotes. Mrs. Hilda was lively as ever on the piano—and visited nursing home folks before and after the program. Mrs. Margie visited them also but saved time to join in with our singing. Pastor Sarah shared a sweet story about her own dog and a stray that seemed to have adopted them, linking it to a passage in Revelation. Sallie lent her sweet, clear voice to “I Come to the Garden Alone.” Sue presented Yertle the Turtle, her mother’s favorite of the Dr. Seuss classics.
Our worship time is 10:00 AM; we would love to have you come to worship with us. I know how very busy everyone is: Our early meeting time enables you to move on to family get-togethers or jobs afterward. Not to mention naps, which my wife says are best on Sunday afternoon. 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.
