November 18, 2019 - Grace and peace from our brother and savior, Jesus, Amen. Sue and I got back home from Madrid, Spain, last Thursday. We had a really nice time with our daughter as we stayed in the old part of Madrid. Sue and I don’t get around as well as we used to, but our daughter was very patient—and finally decided we’d taxi or Uber everywhere. The worst part of traveling overseas was the long—ten hour—flight. It was nice getting home even though it sure was cold when we landed in Texas. It was cold in Madrid, but neither rain nor cold kept people out of the plazas. The city would come alive around 10:00 PM, with our apartment right in the heart of it all. And, by the way, around 9PM is the usual dinner hour!
Paxton Methodist welcomed a Gideon speaker, John Dulin, last Sunday while I was gone. He gave an update on the work of Gideon International, and everyone said he was a particularly good speaker. Paxton Methodist also remembered the veterans who have served our nation.
Sunday morning our Sunday School lesson focused on the need to remember that only God can impart life. We sometimes get so wrapped up in material things and the comfort they give us that we forget it is only in God that we will find life. In him, we find the strength to get through bad times. Our author quoted Proverbs: “Fools find no pleasure in understanding.” Also from Proverbs was this reminder: “Wise are those who restrain their talking; people with understanding are coolheaded.”
As we gathered yesterday morning we heard from Mr. Fielder’s granddaughter and awarded her another scholarship. We also discussed some dates for the Paxton Community Christmas Party. Since this is the beginning of the really busy holiday season, dates are filling up fast. We decided to go home, look at our calendars, and discuss a date next Sunday. We also received a thank-you card from the Joaquin Children’s Christmas Fund for our contribution to this wonderful program. On Tuesday, we travel to Holiday for our monthly program. During November, we will be collecting rice and beans for Community Christian Services. Larry and Theresa will celebrate their anniversary this week: We wish them years and years of continued happiness!
My sermon was based on the words of the minor prophet, Haggai. Haggai is referred to as a minor prophet not because his speech or impact was minor but because his words were brief—only two chapters. My focus was on Haggai’s call for reestablishing sacred space—a new temple for the people to come worship and bond with each other, their ancient faith, and God. We modern people may not realize it, but we too need sacred space—special time. This sacred sanctuary doesn’t have to be in a church; it really has more to do with carving out time to experience the Divine—the wonder—the more!
Because I was not here to write about our previous nursing home program, I am including it here:
We had a nice group at Focused Care on Monday, November 4—both presenters and “customers.” Before the program started, Theresa distributed holiday door hangers she had bought (an excellent idea for nursing home residents). Minnie kept us going with her piano accompaniment, and Margie and Hilda swelled the ranks of presenters. I was the emcee, sharing anecdotes between songs and pronouncing the benediction at the end. With deference to Veterans Day, Fannie read “I Am the Nation,” a piece from Ann Landers; afterward, she shared a Thanksgiving acrostic poem. Pastor Sarah talked about her own lack of preparedness (running low on gas) compared to God the Planner, and also discussed All Saints Day. Sue performed Dr. Seuss’ Gertrude McFuzz. Nora “sang a book,” a children’s version of “Over the River and Through the Woods.” Then, with the help of her sister Jo, she did a touching “How Can I Keep from Singing Your Praise?” Altogether a lively, fulfilling program.
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.
