April 4, 2016 - Sunday was the 2nd Sunday of Easter. The Gospel Lesson for this Sunday came from the John Gospel—20: 19-21. The story of “Doubting Thomas” is one of the best-known post-Easter stories. We know that doubting is part of believing—an emotion that we all feel, and not just in a spiritual sense. We are so familiar with this wonderful story of belief and disbelief that we forget what Jesus promised those that experienced him: “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.”
We have had several birthdays these past two weeks: Evie Ideker, Carolyn Umbrell, and Fannie Watson. Happy Birthday! Evie was one year old, and I’m pretty sure that makes her the youngest of those three. Sunday being the first Sunday of the month, we celebrated Holy Communion. On Monday we head to Green Acres for our monthly ministry there. During the month of April, we will be collecting toothpaste and toothbrushes for Community Christian Services.
Last Sunday Fannie and her family hosted an Easter Sunrise Service. There are so many people to thank for all they did to get ready for the large crowd—around 120 on this 29th sunrise service. We also thank God for the beautiful weather that morning. According to the weather reports, there was a good chance of rain. Instead we got sunshine and a cool morning.
Stephen George played the keyboard for congregational singing and also sang a moving special. Larry McNeil read the Invocation. Brenda Giles welcomed everyone on behalf of the Watson family. Luke Johnson and Jonathan Williamson played guitar and drums, performing two songs of faith. Colleen Doggett led the Responsive Reading. Michael Black introduced Rev. Tim Watson, the interim pastor at Center First Baptist, who delivered a thought-provoking Easter message about eyewitnesses to the Resurrection. After the message, Fannie invited everyone to stay for breakfast (wonderful, as usual). Rev. Matt Cecil, the recently appointed pastor to Tenaha and Timpson Methodist churches, gave the benediction and blessing.
“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 9:15 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!
