Happenings at Paxton Methodist, Jan 20th

January 21, 2019 - Sunday was the 2nd Sunday of Epiphany. The Gospel Lesson comes from the second chapter of the John Gospel. The other three gospels are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels because they are similar—they borrow from each other and possibly another source that German scholars simply refer to as “Q.” John’s Gospel is a theological statement, full of “signs” pointing to Jesus as much more than the Hebrew messiah or the savior of the Gentiles: more like a preexistent being coming from heaven and becoming God Incarnate (in flesh). The first sign in John comes when Jesus changes water into wine at the wedding in Cana. All three of today’s scriptures speak of God’s love for his creation, including us. Words such as “enjoy” and “delight” are used to describe God’s great love.

We were in double digits this morning, although we certainly missed Gene at Sunday School and worship time. Hopefully he will feel better soon. Our Sunday School lesson used Philippians 1: 12-21 as its scripture, where we hear Paul speaking about demonstrating Christian love even in difficult situations. The purpose of the lesson is for us to practice our devotion to Christ daily in the ordinary things of life. This really goes along with the book I am reading about mystics of faith. 

It is Saturday morning as I start writing this article. It was 53 when I got up and by the time I walked my two faithful companions, Gunter and Sam, it had already dropped to 40! It was so windy that it felt much colder than that. And, of course, Sunday morning was forecast to be below freezing. My uncle in Maine says, though, that we Texans don’t really understand winter. I’m thankful for that!

This past Tuesday a group of us met at Holiday Nursing Center for our monthly program. Mrs. Hilda was our able pianist. Sue read a funny story about a class field trip, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash. Nora has her voice back; she sang a zippy song about Dr. King and another song that many of the residents knew. Monday is MLK Day, when we remember one of his quotes, “It is always the right time to do what is right.” Jo is on the mend and added her voice to our singing. Sally sang “How Great Thou Art.” Matt spoke about the wedding at Cana, and I talked about the baptism of Jesus. When we started, there were just a few residents, but not long into our program the dining hall filled up.

All month long we will be collecting cans of tuna. At the end of the month we will donate them to Community Christian Services in Joaquin. This coming Thursday we head to Lakeside Assisted Living for a program. Sue contacted our faithful folks by email and phone to remind them of the Lakeside ministry. Next month the worldwide communion of the United Methodist Church will meet in General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The church is trying to figure “a way forward” over questions of sexual orientation. Disputes have divided the church worldwide and in the United States; church leaders as well as the folks in the pews are looking for “a way forward” that will honor and respect everyone, despite differences. That is a pretty daunting task.

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.