News from Paxton Methodist, May 23rd

May 24, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. May 23rd was the Day of Pentecost on the Christian calendar. Traditionally this marks the beginning of the Christian mission: Some call it the Christian faith’s “birthday.” Next Sunday is Trinity Sunday. I no longer even pretend to understand the concept of the Trinity—well, not exactly true, as I keep trying to understand.

Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. Still no vigorous singing! The songs I chose were very different from our usual hymns. The first was “Peace to the World” by one of the greatest guitarists of all time—B. B. King! Then we had “What the World Needs Now” played by Burt Bacharach—and, of course, the answer is “love, sweet love.” Next week we are going to try some for-real singing, though since we’re out of practice, we’ll use familiar songs. With our music, we are reminded yet again how much we miss Hilda being here. Hilda called Sue and me Saturday night, sounding so strong! She is working hard at her physical therapy.

Our Sunday School lesson was a peculiar one. Gene read the very long passage from Daniel 7: 1-14, which describes a vision or dream Daniel had. Like Revelation, this part of Daniel is classified as Jewish apocalyptic literature. And like Revelation, it sounds so strange. But both these books brought comfort to the people with their promise that goodness—love, AKA God—would win out in the end.

My sermon this morning mainly focused on that first Day of Pentecost described in Acts 2: 1-21. But I started with the last of Jesus’ longest teaching session found at the end of John (chapter 15 and the beginning of chapter 16). Jesus tells his disciples that he will never leave them. He adds that God’s Spirit will be with them always. Then Jesus prays to God, asking him to protect and comfort his friends. So this is yet another Biblical passage serving to bring comfort to listeners and readers.

We are collecting canned fruit for Community Christian Services. This is a five-Sunday month, and next Sunday is part of Memorial Day weekend. In June we will be collecting paper towels and toilet paper for CCS. This Wednesday, May 26, CCS will be hosting a Farmers to Families truck, a pandemic program set up to aid farmers as well as those in need of food.

Joaquin Senior Center, closed for over a year because of the pandemic, plans to reopen on Tuesday, July 6. Sue will send out the new procedures, which include showing proof of vaccination, to the Seniors on their list. If you haven’t been a Senior Center participant but would like the details on becoming one, you can call 936/269-3975 and leave a message with your name and address or send it to PO Box 567, Joaquin TX 75954. Joaquin Senior Center serves eastern Shelby County and western DeSoto Parish.

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.