Happenings at Paxton United Methodist Church, Sept 19th

September 19, 2016 - Sunday was the 18th Sunday after Pentecost.  The Old Testament Lesson came from Jeremiah 8: 18-9:1 and it is a mournful passage.  Jeremiah speaks of God’s heart being broken.  The idea of God hurting has been debated from the time of the early church fathers and mothers.  In my own theology I can certainly understand God feeling pain and sadness at the terrible stewards of creation we sometimes are.  The passage ends with the question, “Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no physician?”    

The Epistle Lesson was 1 Timothy 2: 1-7.  The letter writer calls upon fellow Jesus followers to pray for their rulers.  I am not sure that everyone was receptive to the idea of praying for Caesar.  I am not sure we latter-day Christians are any more willing to pray for our leaders.  Are Clinton supporters praying for Mr. Trump, and Trump followers praying for Secretary Clinton?  Somehow, I doubt it!

This week is a busy one for Paxton Methodist.  On Tuesday we go to Holiday Nursing Home for our monthly ministry.  Mrs. Hilda works hard to organize these programs, and we really appreciate her devotion.  Thursday is the monthly gathering at Lakeside Assisted Living, full of songs, stories, and fellowship.  Our programs start at 2PM, and all are welcome to join us.  On Thursday we also have our yearly Charge Conference—a Methodist organizational thing.  Not only will we be turning in our yearly reports, but Paxton will also be presenting its method of assuring the continuation of our scholarship program. 

This month we are collecting macaroni and cheese for Community Christian Services.  Gene came into church with his arms full of mac-n-cheese boxes—he and Joy are always faithful contributors to our monthly donation.  Gene is also celebrating another birthday this week: Happy birthday and many more to come!  A shot clinic will be held at the Joaquin Senior Center this week on Friday, September 23: Flu, pneumonia, hepatitis, and T-dap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) shots will be offered from 9:30 until noon.  All are welcome.  Paxton Methodist has been a long-time supporter of the Gideons, and this year we will have a Gideon speaker on Sunday, October 9th.

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!