January 18, 2016 - Sunday was the Second Sunday after the Epiphany. Our Gospel Lesson moved from Luke to the John Gospel. We find Jesus at the wedding at Cana. This story is only found in the John Gospel. John is different than the other three Gospels found in the New Testament. The writer of John spends much of his gospel speaking of signs pointing to the unique and wonderful character of Jesus. The sign of turning water into wine speaks of the abundance in the Kingdom. Even for the poor and the marginalized—Jesus’ audience, there will be plenty—more than plenty. The lesson begins with “On the third day…” which is a reminder of the three days and resurrection.
We had a small crowd even by Paxton UMC standards. Joe and Hilda teamed up and we had good music this morning. Sue is our liturgist and read our Psalter Lesson and the Gospel Lesson. She also led us in reading the Apostles’ Creed which is the one most Protestants know the best.
Our Sunday school lesson came from Hosea. Fannie did a great job even with a difficult scripture. We are so removed by thousands of years that it is sometimes hard for us to really grasp the situation. Even though the scripture is a hard one, Hosea intended to show how disappointed God was and is in his great creation—us humans! Reading through our lesson it is like God’s feelings have been hurt. But as in all the words of the prophets God always finds a way to bring us back into the fold.
This Tuesday is our church’s ministry to Holiday Nursing Center. Actually it is more than just our church’s ministry as many others join us to bring songs and stories to the residents at Holiday. Since I retired I understand the kind of traveling seniors do—going to the doctor. I have an appointment on Tuesday in Nacogdoches and a Longview doctor visit on Thursday.
“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!
Randall Smith, Pastor
