December 18, 2017 - Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent. This is often called Mary’s Sunday, as we celebrate the angel coming to Mary with the unbelievable news. The Advent candle we light is the one that stands for rejoicing. We rejoice with Mary. We remember Paul tells us that no matter our circumstances, we are to rejoice. Next Sunday we will have our Christmas Eve service at our regular worship time—10:00 AM. Paxton Methodist will not have services Christmas morning. Center FUMC will have a communion service at 5:00 and a candlelight service at 6:00 on Christmas Eve.
Our Sunday school lesson spoke about having a faith that perseveres. The scripture came from Acts 14, showing Paul quite determined to persevere regardless of the opposition he faced. Our author spoke of faith and the need to find the right balance in our spiritual living—good advice.
We were in double digits this morning which was cause to celebrate. For Sue and me, having our daughter Megan as one of those was even better! We really appreciate Joe and Hilda for our music, joyful Christmas songs. And on this special day of Advent Joy, we sang “Happy Birthday” to another joy—Joy Hutto, whose birthday was Sunday.
Our worship this morning began with us reading responsively The Magnificat or The Canticle of Mary. This reading is a retooling of Hannah’s Song in the Old Testament. Whichever you read, you can feel the wonder and joy these woman are feeling. In my sermon I stressed the importance of Advent and the need to prepare for the coming of Christ into the world.
This past week volunteers went to Focused Care—Green Acres. Pastor Matt is between semesters and has been able to join the volunteers at the various nursing homes. This Tuesday at 10:00 will be our ministry at Holiday Nursing Center, a different time because they have something else scheduled for our usual slot. The holiday season is a busy one everywhere! All this month we have been collecting cans of soup for Community Christian Services, and our church is pleased to help with the CCS mission for Children’s Christmas this next week.
“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.
