May 15, 2017 - Sunday was the Fifth Sunday in Easter and, of course, Mother’s Day! This is a big day for florists and those stores selling boxes of candy. My kids sent Sue a beautiful arrangement of flowers created by Roy at Sunshine Flowers. Roy always has interesting flowers and plants and is so creative in arranging them. I hope all the moms everywhere in the US have a great Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is a secular holiday, but I think there was probably a word or two about moms in most houses of worship.
In two of the lessons stones play a major role. In the First Lesson from Acts 7:55-60, the stones are killing stones. In these verses the stoning of Stephen is recalled. In the Epistle Lesson from 1 Peter 2, the writer speaks of Jesus as the cornerstone of faith that was discarded by the Jewish people. The Gospel from John 14:1-14 is part of Jesus’ final farewell, verses often used at funerals. Jesus tells his disciples that he is leaving to prepare rooms for all believers in God’s home. What comforting imagery we find in the Gospel Lesson!
We had a small crowd at Paxton. I need to find other words to describe this because “small” and “crowd” really don’t go together. Joe has been so good in selecting songs most of us know really well since our beloved piano player Hilda is still at rehab. Gene and Joy and Sue and Dixie went to visit her this week; all had glowing reports about how Ms. Hilda looks. The plan is for Hilda to come home Tuesday, which I think is pretty good therapy in itself.
This week Joy and Gene are celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary. Last week they reported that their twins were 45! Like all of us, I am sure they are wondering how the years flew by. We had a very special guest today. Carly Watson came to Sunday school and worship so she could be with her grandmother—Fannie. Fannie had a big smile the whole time that we shared together. Carly is working at the hospital in Carthage, really enjoying the area and her job.
This week we have a ministry at Holiday Nursing Center on Tuesday starting at 2:00. Minnie Baker agreed to play the piano, and Sue has either called or e-mailed all the regulars. Pastor Matt is finishing up with his last final this week, and I know he is looking forward to the break. During the month of May we are collecting cans of fruit 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!
