March 7, 2022 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. We have entered the forty days of Lent. This period of time prepares us for the coming of that last terrible week in the life of Jesus—but also the promise of Easter. Lent is often a time of contemplation and sacrifice.
March has come in “like a lamb,” being pretty warm. But I think Mother Nature has a few cold snaps left to bestow on us. I have started watermelon and cantaloupe seeds, but in my greenhouse. We still need rain: I hope I remember that the next rainy day, and especially during those damp dog walks.
I took a couple of checks and a back seat full of soap and shampoo to Community Christian Services. As always, it is nice to see friends and to observe all the good they do for folks in our area. During the month of March we are collecting cans of chili for CCS.
Uppermost in our hearts this week has been the brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. It is heartbreaking to see every day the savagery of the invaders and the suffering of ordinary people, whose lives will never be the same again. I hope that the Western democracies and their people will keep up their resolve, continuing to put pressure on Russia, while supporting and supplying the people of Ukraine.
We were delighted to have Carolyn back with us at Sunday School. She has been gone for most of the last 16 months lovingly looking after her sister. Our Sunday School lesson focused on Mark 8: 27-38, when Jesus asks his disciples “Who do people say I am?” He then asks the same question of the disciples. Peter is quick to answer for the twelve, saying Jesus is the Messiah. But when Jesus explains what that entailed, Peter is shocked and unbelieving. We all admit not understanding why Jesus had to suffer as terribly as he did.
Our first hymn, “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed” speaks of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. “Standing on the Promises,” our second song, reminds us to stand firm and not to give up hope. We had two quotes in the bulletin Sunday: “When you follow your dreams, you encourage other people to follow theirs,” from American actress Nafessa Williams. Also an illustration from the music legend Duke Ellington: “I don’t believe in the generation gap. I believe in regeneration gaps. Each day you regenerate—or else you’re not living.” Ellington said this back in the 70s when people talked plenty about the generation gap.
I used the Old Testament lesson, Deuteronomy 26: 1-11 which is the liturgy for the celebration of first fruits. It is important to remember difficulties in our past past as well as celebrate the goodness that God brings to the people. Lent is also meant to keep alive the hopes, dreams, and promise of living in God’s Kingdom, which we do every day.
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, and Open Minds.” Worship begins at 10am. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist, you can send your email address to the Paxton email address, and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
