November 14, 2016 - Sunday was Remembering Our Veterans Sunday at Paxton. Friday was a national holiday set aside to remember our veterans and all the sacrifices they endured when called upon by our nation’s leaders. As we memorialize those who have died and honor those still living, it is vital to remember how important it is that we as a nation only call upon our young men and women during true national emergencies. The Sunday before last was All Saints Sunday, and next Sunday is the last Sunday of this Christian year. Next Sunday is Christ the King Sunday. The idea of kings is outdated, but I think we all understand what we mean when we say Christ is King. The Gospel Lesson changes drastically next Sunday and takes us to that final horrible week in the life of Jesus. After that, the season of Advent begins a new Christian Year when we prepare for the birth of Jesus.
This past week we went to Green Acres Nursing Center for singing, stories, and visits. It was great to see Pastor Matt from Tenaha and Timpson Methodist. Also Sylvia played the piano and sang. Nora, Fannie, and Sue told stories. Nora, Hilda, and Sylvia made us sound pretty good as we sang patriotic songs and some of the residents’ favorite hymns. This coming week we head to Holiday Nursing Center on Tuesday and Lakeside Village Assisted Living on Thursday (changing Lakeside ’s day because of Thanksgiving). Both ministries are at 2:00.
The Old Testament Lesson for Sunday was Isaiah 65: 17-25. Theologians and scholars refer to this later part of Isaiah as the 3rd Isaiah. The last part of this large book was written to the people after some returned to their ancestral homeland. God is speaking for the entire lesson and describes the New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem will be a place of joy, and its people will be a source of gladness. The hopeful nature of this lesson reminded me of our Sunday school lesson from Revelation the last two Sundays. Last week the Sunday school lesson was titled Everything Is Brand New and this Sunday the title was I See a New Jerusalem.
Even though the exiles were given permission to return to their homeland, most had already made a life in their adopted countries and stayed put. We, of course, are not planning a trip to Jerusalem —well, at least I am not! So I look upon the Old Testament Lesson and see a description not of a city but of a new direction—a way to live a new, hopeful life. We certainly need to hear hopeful words—now more than ever!
The members present this morning had a church meeting between Sunday school and worship. It was decided that the Paxton Community Christmas Party would be on Tuesday, December 6, at 6:00 PM. Everyone in the Paxton Community and all the many friends of Paxton Methodist are invited. It was decided that for the meal, finger foods would be served. Also, the church decided to send $200 to Community Christian Services for children’s clothing and Christmas gifts, which this year is headed up by Joaquin First Baptist. Some members also expressed the desire to get angels from the Angel Tree as individuals, buying clothes and presents. If you are interested in helping with this worthy project, contact someone from First Baptist; Beverly Jousan and Lynn Silvey are in charge of the community and school aspects of Angel Tree Christmas.
“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!
