February 1, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was the 4th Sunday of the Epiphany. We’re starting another month in this new year, and it doesn’t seem that much different from last year. That is not a good thing. I read a new word today, “quarantired.” Yes, we are. Despite troubles and tribulations, we were all hoping that 2021 would see us emerge from the fog—that we would start seeing the light –that we would be moving beyond this terrible pandemic. This is certainly the worst situation for our world in at least a half a century. But our problems seem to pale when compared to what many people wake up to each day. We should begin each day thinking of ways that we can help alleviate suffering and being thankful that we are not oppressed or starving.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals say that we can do three simple things before the vaccines are generally available: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least 6 feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks—at least for the next hundred days. It could save 50,000 lives. Things are certainly hitting closer to home: Most of us now know people and families who have suffered or died from Covid-19. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. As soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice.
Our Sunday School lesson was based on Revelation 21: 1-8 and 22: 12-15. These verses are often heard at memorial services. Revelation is a strange book, but there is nothing strange in the comforting words that God is with us from the beginning to the end. God has chosen to “pitch his tent” with humankind.
We want to be as safe as we can. Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! Our first song was “Hymn of Promise,” a favorite of churches familiar with it. The second, “Where Could I Go But to the Lord?” sung by Elvis, was not one I knew. Of course, Elvis nailed it.
Sue read the Gospel Lesson from Mark 1: 21-28, where Jesus and his band of brothers were in Capernaum. On the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue to teach and to tell people about God’s Kingdom. The people who heard him were really impressed by his knowledge and his command of the Torah, especially as he was a country boy from Nazareth. The time was marred by a young man, said to be deeply disturbed. Jesus didn’t wait for the elders of the synagogue to remove or silence the troubled man; as always, he showed great compassion and healed the man on the spot. Jesus’ reputation and fame grew more.
Sue and I will get the checks and cans of tuna delivered this week to Community Christian Services. These volunteers have really stepped up in this time of crisis to help the community’s most vulnerable—plus being creative in observing pandemic protocols. In February we will be collecting soap and shampoo to donate.
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 10:00. 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.
