March 4, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the Transfiguration, one of the more obscure holy days of our church—but since Mark, Matthew, and Luke all speak of this mountaintop experience, it must be important. This holy day needs to be a day when we continue to change, or be transfigured, into what God knows we can be. Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, which begins the forty days of Lent as we prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually for Jesus’ last week and Easter.
We began a new quarter of lessons at Sunday School. The scripture that was the basis for the lesson was Luke 14: 1-7, Jesus’ parable about a banquet. He urged his listeners to be humble and to be inclusive with others just as God includes all at His heavenly banquet.
It is hard to believe that we are already into the third month of this New Year. Yesterday was Texas Independence Day. This Sunday we celebrated Holy Communion. Next Sunday we have to set our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time. And in Texas, we keep jumping back and forth from spring to winter. Our Christian Services collection this month is chili, which sure sounds good for a wintery day!
Last week was our monthly program at Lakeside Assisted Living. We had a group from Joaquin Methodist join us: Theresa played piano for the first half the program so she could accompany Chestine, whose selections included “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden.” Minnie and Hilda got to be singers instead of players, but Minnie took over the piano duties partway through. Pastor Matt was the MC and also spoke of the Ten Commandments—both the biblical story and the Charleton Heston version. Maggie was Matt’s able assistant and husband Gene sang a medley that included “That’s Amore” and “Blessed Assurance.” Jo, Margie, and Chestine’s Ed joined in congregational singing. Fannie read two sweet poems by Helen Steiner Rice, and Sue finished up with “The Teacher from the Black Lagoon.” We appreciate everyone who helps make these programs a success and, we hope, something the residents look forward to.
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.
