March 29, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Lent’s somber forty days come to an end with Palm/Passion Sunday. Sunday we witnessed through scripture the glorious entry of Jesus into the city—and then things fall apart on Thursday. What is referred to as Holy Week speaks of the many contradictions that accompany human life: During that one week, we witness the best and the worst of humanity.
We had a very nice week weatherwise—until Saturday evening. The Carthage area was hit hard by hail and winds, and our prayers go out to our neighbors. Earlier, we had just enough rain and some mild spring temperatures. Sue and I had Zach and his crew from Grand Finish clean and detail our car and truck. Our vehicles have been neglected during the lockdown, but Grand Finish got them looking showroom new. In fact, my brother-in-law asked if I got a new truck! My pandemic therapy got a real workout, as I weeded, trimmed, planted, and watered all week. My four-legged pals, Gunter and Sam, “helped” with the yard work and joined me in two walks a day.
On Saturday morning, Gunter, Sam, and I headed back to the park to get my 4,000 steps in. Downtown Joaquin was bustling. It really was. Our heroic Volunteer Firemen ran a Covid-19 vaccination site, and people were lining up. The firemen do so much more for our community than fight fires; they help people in any number of emergency situations. This morning they were once again being good guys, getting vaccine to our neighbors and friends.
I read all the scriptures for both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. Passion is used an old-fashioned way meaning suffering. Preachers much prefer speaking on the glories of the Palm Sunday arrival in Jerusalem to the suffering, torture, and death of Jesus mere days later. But both are inescapable parts of Christian theology. A week from today is Easter. The word Easter comes from the name of a pagan goddess, but we of the Christian faith see it as a day of hope, promise, renewal, and new life. Our beautiful natural world is also showing all kinds of renewal. In the words of Louis Armstrong, what a wonderful world!
Our Sunday School lesson was thought-provoking as usual. Ms. Fannie always does a superb job. Gene read the scripture, which had Jesus telling his disciples how they should pray: One should seek a secret place to talk with God. Jesus also gave them the Lord’s Prayer to be spoken communally, which most churches still do thousands of years later.
Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! The first song I chose for this morning’s worship service was the old Reformation hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” I grew up in the Lutheran church, where this song by Martin Luther was the anthem of Lutheran congregations around the world—just like “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” by Charles Wesley is the Methodist anthem. The second hymn was “My Hope Is Built,” sung by a Mennonite a cappella youth choir—to totally different music than we’re familiar with but quite beautiful.
All during March, Paxton Methodist has been collecting cans of chili for Community Christian Services. Next month will be toothpaste and toothbrushes. Many weeks Community Christian Services has two giveaway days, one local and one a program from the federal government that helps farmers as well as those who need food. During this time of pandemic, economic crisis, and high unemployment, the need is greater than ever.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals, who know more than politicians about this subject, say that we can do three simple things to curtail the spread of Covid-19: wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks—mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. And get that vaccine! How has simple science—wearing a mask or getting a vaccine—become a political hot button issue? Let’s all use our common sense and defeat Covid-19 together!
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.
Randy & Sue Smith/Paxton United Methodist Church
