January 29, 2018 - Sunday was the 4th Sunday after Epiphany. I have not preached the last two Sundays. After spending a week in the hospital I got to come home just in time to watch the beautiful snow falling. After a few days of feeling better, I was diagnosed with the flu. Sue got the same diagnosis, and we have both been quarantined quietly at home. Finally I have started to improve, but still am weak.
For the scripture basis of my sermon I used the Epistle Lesson for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany—1 Corinthians 8:1-13. As is often the case, Paul is putting out fires, trying to resolve disagreements among the Jesus folks in Corinth. We look back at this early church disagreement and are puzzled at why there was such a fuss. And yet, today the Jesus Church is as splintered and divided as it has ever been. We really need to remember John Wesley’s words about the essentials of faith and charity toward others.
It was so great to be back at Paxton this morning. It seemed as if I had an extended absence. I sure missed everyone and am planning a healthier February. We ended up skipping all three of our January programs at nursing homes and assisted living, due to illness—we’re hoping to improve that record also. All this month church members have brought cans of tuna to donate to Community Christian Services. In February we will be collecting soap and shampoo. I would like to wish happy birthday to all who had birthdays in January. Happy birthday to Bill, Jake, Stephen Joe, Liz, and Lillie.
Sue and I came to church this morning to find Ms. Fannie with a good Sunday school lesson going. The scripture lesson was Daniel 10:10-19. From the little we heard, this lesson stressed how important it is to continue—not quit or turn back—plug forward! It was great to see everyone this morning. Gene made me a couple of CDs of Brother Dave Gardner. Bro. Dave is a comedian from the 50-60s; to listen to him is a flash from my childhood.
We were all saddened to hear of the death of Liz’s sister/Lillie’s daughter, Nancy. Liz, Lillie, and Mike will head back to Tennessee for her memorial service. Carolyn called after church to report that her grandson, Guy Ross Barton, is in ICU in Tyler after a wreck. We’ll keep all these people in our prayers.
“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. Godspeed.
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
