February 6, 2017 - Sunday was the 5th Sunday of the Epiphany. The Gospel Lesson continues with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We find a similar story only in the Luke Gospel in Luke’s Sermon on the Plains. Matthew’s telling of the story is more difficult and much more Jewish. In Matthew’s telling Jesus has a problem with the Temple and those that serve the Temple. In today’s lesson, Jesus tells those listening that they are the salt of the earth and the light that will bring brightness into the world.
It was raining Sunday morning. Fannie went to see her great-grandchild baptized today, so the folks at Paxton had to put up with the preacher for both Sunday school and worship. This quarter all of our lessons came from the Psalms and all dealt with praise. Today’s lesson was Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Paul established this church, but word has reached him on his missionary travels that trouble brews. In the church at Galatia, some are teaching that in addition to believing in Jesus, a follower also has to keep the Mosaic Law. This was the first known split in the early Jesus movement: This letter has often been called Magna Carta of Christian Liberty.
Even though it was a cold, rainy morning, we had a nice crowd at worship. Susan, Laura, and Joe have become regulars, and we all so enjoy them. Today was Keith’s birthday, so we sang Happy Birthday to him. Joe and Hilda had us rocking through two peppy hymns. After the “Service of the Word” we celebrated Holy Communion. We appreciate Fannie preparing the “bread and wine”—the elements of communion—for us. Tomorrow we go to Green Acres Nursing Home for our monthly outreach. We are so thankful to Hilda for organizing these outings. This month we are collecting soap and shampoo for Community Christian Services.
“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!
