Happenings at Paxton Methodist, Nov 28th

November 28, 2016 - Sunday was the First Sunday of Advent.  It was the beginning of a New Year in the ancient Christian Calendar. This will be the year of Matthew, and most of the Gospel Lessons this year will come from the Matthew Gospel.  The Matthew Gospel is the second oldest of the Canonical Gospels and was written in a way that follows the Jewish year of festivals and celebrations. Matthew was another way to introduce Jesus as the Messiah. I am really looking forward to seeing Jesus and the Matthew Gospel with new eyes.

The Old Testament came from the first Isaiah, where the prophet reminds Judah of God’s desires. He says that if people would learn not to make war, they could walk by God’s light. Light is a major metaphor for the Kingdom and right-living found during the Advent Season. The great star of Bethlehem certainly was seen as a light to lead the way. In the Gospel Lesson from Matthew 24:36-44 Jesus condemns those who are so wrapped up in “end times.” No one knows how or when the “Human One” will come again.

We completed our quarter’s worth of Sunday school lessons, agreeing that we really like the author who gave us new ways of understanding and living our faith. The final lesson once again came from Revelation—saying that our hope is rooted in the idea that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. We all really appreciate Fannie being our teacher and making us think! We had a small crowd at worship—and the ladies pointed out that they were outnumbered almost two to one. We sang Happy Birthday to Ms. Hilda and hope she knows how much we appreciate all she does at Paxton and by bringing joy to area nursing homes.

Since this was November’s last Sunday, we gathered up the many donations of rice and beans to take to Community Christian Services next week.  Who knew rice and beans would be so heavy? Next month we’ll be collecting cans and boxes of soup.

Paxton Methodist is busily planning (or finding out plans from Mrs. Fannie) our Christmas program on December 6, followed by finger foods. Friends of Paxton are certainly welcome to join us, starting at 6PM. We’re also happy to be included in Joaquin First Baptist’s plans for kids’ Christmas gifts. We are doing both money and gifts: If you’re interested in helping with either, talk to Beverly Jousan or Lynn Silvey. This is the first year of Community Christian Services, and we’re all hoping for a merry Christmas like those supervised for the past 30 years by Joaquin Christian Services, thanks to Gayle Samford, Harold and Judy Irish, and Leah Madden.

“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!