News from Paxton Methodist, July 24th

July 24, 2017 - Sunday was the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, in the midst of Ordinary Time on the Christian calendar. The Gospel Lesson from Matthew 13 continues with the Kingdom parables. In today’s parable Jesus speaks of a field of wheat that has also been sown with weeds. The particular weed in question looks like wheat but is actually poisonous. Parables are wonderful in their simplicity and poetry, but parables have a way of having multiple meanings. Looking at this field of dreams, the hope is that the wheat will grow and produce a bountiful harvest so that the most basic food of the ancient world—bread—can be produced. The weeds that had looked so falsely promising have turned darker than the wheat and are easily removed. Next week the Gospel will once again focus on kingdom parables, and in quick succession Jesus explains what the kingdom will be like.

Our Sunday school lesson was on Ezekiel’s Call and continues with the theme of the calling of the Old Testament prophets. Ezekiel was told to speak to the chosen people who had forgotten about God. Ezekiel’s courage to do this comes from the fact that God has fed him holy words and would be with him always.

Billy and Dianna Collum, friends of Keith and Vera, worshiped with us this morning. We certainly enjoyed having them and hope they will return. We were in double digits, and for a church our size that is something to celebrate. Joy and Gene Hutto brought okra from their garden to share with everyone.

Last week folks ventured to Holiday Nursing Center for our monthly program. We had more residents than usual and a rollicking good time. Minnie cheerfully played everything we threw at her. Fannie and Sue, because some of our presenters had to be absent, each read two selections. Mrs. Hilda and Jo strengthened our crew and our singing ability. It’s so nice that Mrs. Hilda is able to be with us again.

This Thursday we will head to Lakeside Village Assisted Living at 2:00 PM. All month we have been collecting cans of spaghetti and ravioli for Community Christian Services. In August we will collect new children’s underwear and socks. This summer has gone by fast, and it won’t be long until kids will be buying school supplies and other necessities for a new year. With the heat and humidity lately, it is hard to imagine riding a school bus to school. But stores are already shelving school supplies; at Hobby Lobby recently, they were selling Christmas items right alongside Fourth of July and summer markdowns!

Our sister church, Joaquin Methodist, is having Vacation Bible School this week. We thought they outdid themselves last year by building a barn façade in the sanctuary and having live animals. This year, though, they’ve built a castle and have knights in shining armor! What’s more, they received an award from the District as the best small church. Way to go, FUMCJ!

“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