Happenings at Paxton United Methodist Church, Aug 17th

August 17, 2015 - Grace and peace from our brother, Jesus. Sunday was the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Old Testament Lesson was 1 Kings 2: 1-12, 3: 3-14. In this part of the history of the Jewish people King David dies and his son, Solomon becomes king. Solomon faces extreme danger from palace intrigue. Not everyone is happy that Solomon has become king. To begin his reign Solomon leaves the capital for Gibeon which is a holy site and where once the Ark of the Covenant was. Like many ancients, Solomon goes to a holy sight and camps out. He prays and meditates and waits for God to speak. Solomon has his moment with God and God is ready to grant Solomon any wish. Solomon might have wished that the problems back in Jerusalem would disappear. He could have wished for riches or a long reign but he wishes for “an understanding mind, and the ability to discern good from evil.” God was impressed and made known to Solomon the wisdom that he already placed in Solomon’s heart.

The Sunday school lesson was titled, A Call for Repentance.” The main scripture for the lesson was from Ezekiel 18 and the prophet said that God would judge each based one one’s “ways.” Ezekiel calls upon the people to repent and make “yourself a new heart and a new spirit.” Our teacher, Fannie is very good at taking the words that are so ancient and show how they speak to us. Many ancients including the people of Israel and Judea thought that the sins of the parents were visited on their children but Ezekiel dismisses that idea.

It was great to have Liz and Evie worship with us this morning. Joe wasn’t feeling well and we hope that after his doctor’s visit this week he will feel better. Joy says she is feeling better. Gene selected the songs and led us in our singing. Liz makes us sound pretty good! Ms. Hilda played the piano and we so appreciate her coming to Paxton every Sunday. All but the Trustees Report are ready to be voted on and signed. Our Charge Conference will be on September 8th. The way this month is flying by September 8th will be here shortly. This Tuesday at 2:00 will be our ministry at Holiday Nursing Center . It will be good to see our friends at Holiday and also those who join us each month like Bro. Allen.

“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!