Happenings at Paxton Methodist, Jan 19th

January 21, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother, Jesus, Amen. It is Saturday, January 18, and I am at my computer working on my sermon for tomorrow. The Gospel lesson comes from the John Gospel, which was one of the later writings to be included in the Christian Testament. We don’t know who the author of this very spiritual book was, but are fairly certain it was written at the end of the first century of the Common Era. It is very different from the first three gospels. I have pulled several wonderful books from the bookshelves about the period of time when Jesus was thought to have lived in Capernaum. This part of his life is after his tribulations in the wilderness and the beginning of his three-year ministry. From his home base at Capernaum, Jesus makes frequent trips to the Jordan where John the Baptizer is urging people to turn away from the old ways of living. In our Gospel story, people seek out Jesus, who invites them to his home.

Our Sunday School lesson comes from the Jewish (Old) Testament and focuses on the covenant between Yahweh and David. From the scripture we see that the covenant Yahweh made with Saul had many conditions, and also that Saul failed to meet them. But the special bond between Yahweh and David had no preconditions, as David had a special place in God’s heart. It seems as if David was the favorite and that he could get away with more than others. His poor choices did complicate his life and bring him sorrow, but God’s love for him did not weaken. That kind of love is a comforting thought as we muddle through our own living!

I had a busy week seeing doctors this week. I had four appointments—but I guess I’m good to go for awhile longer! I am feeling better after having the flu and a sinus infection. The weather has been so strange, it is hard to figure out if it is going to be raining and warm or windy and cold. We have had temperatures in the 70s in January! After my last doctor’s appointment Friday, I drove by Community Christian Services and found workers busily getting the food bank ready to go. Paxton Methodist collected cans of soup in December, so I was able to deliver those. In January we are collecting cans of tuna. We have two nursing home ministries this week. On Tuesday at 2:00 we head to Holiday Nursing Center; the same time on Thursday will find us at Lakeside Village Assisted Living.

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.” 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.