January 29, 2019 - Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany. We had a small crowd this morning, as several members were out of town. Our Sunday School lesson today was based on Philippians 2: 1-11. Paul. while languishing in prison, urges Jesus followers to be of one mind by being humble and looking out for the interests of others. Our writer speaks of resetting our mind-defaults to the ways of Jesus. Mrs. Fannie read a prayer used in the lesson that asks God to guide our thinking in all matters. We should all be asking for his advice daily.
All during the month of January, Paxton Methodist has been collecting cans of tuna. After church today we loaded them up in my truck, and I will deliver them to Community Christian Services. In February we will collect soap and shampoo to donate. It is hard to believe that we are one entire month into 2019! Living in Texas we sometimes—like recently—have all four seasons in one week! It has been so cold but today the sun is shining and it is beautiful outside. My four-legged companions and I went walking in the park, and I had an extra step in my get-along. But the weather folks says we are about to be hit with an artic blast. At least in Texas that kind of weather doesn’t hang around long.
The Old Testament Lesson and the Gospel Lesson both are about reading and hearing the scripture. In the lesson from Nehemiah, the returned exiles are hearing the wonderful stories of the Torah for probably the first time. They learn how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt and brought them to a Promised Land. And most importantly, they found out that the Creator decided long ago to pitch his tent among his people. In our Gospel Lesson from Luke, Jesus preaches at the synagogue in his home town. He reads from Isaiah and says that the promises made are being fulfilled at that very moment (in him).
Our nursing home program was at Lakeside Assisted Living this past week. As usual, it’s not just our little church—or even the Methodist churches—that have folks willing to take part in the program. Minnie played piano for the group, which Hilda always appreciates since it leaves her free to sing. Another of our favorite singers is Margie, who is always so kind to join us. Pastor Matt handled the preacher duties with Scripture, explanation, and prayer. Gene sang my favorite hymn, “Morning Has Broken,” and the beautiful “Hymn of Promise.” Nora, who not only sings a capella but also solo, was this time joined by her sister Jo in a duet. Those girls (including others of their sisters) can really sing! Fannie had a reading about older folks, which included pretty much everyone listening—except Pastor Matt. Sue read a kids’ book, The Day the Goose Got Loose,” rhyming away.
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.
