News from Paxton Methodist, May 7th

May 7, 2018 - Sunday was the Sixth Sunday of Easter. It was also the first Sunday in May. The day began beautifully and promised to be a warm day full of sunshine. I really enjoy the spring, but also know that those really hot Texas summer days are on their way.

I missed most of Sunday school so I could worship and take communion at Tenaha Methodist. Pastor Matt is just a few weeks from graduation at SMU Perkins; I know he is ready to say goodbye to the weekly drive from Tenaha to Dallas. His wife Amy, about to finish another school year, is looking forward to the summer break. Our congratulations go out to Matt and Amy!

The lesson for Sunday school was “Giving from a Generous Heart.” The scripture was Exodus 35: 20-29. The part of the lesson I heard dealt with overabundance of material things and the problem that causes for our Christian spirit. It is not always easy to be a cheerful giver. 

The fourth evangelist has Jesus using the word “love” nine times in just a few verses in John 15: 9-17. Love defined here as brotherly love and compassion for others is the essential part of the Jesus faith. To love God and our fellow humans is Jesus’ commandment. To care for one another isn’t a suggestion or an option—it is a requirement of Christian living.

We celebrated Holy Communion this morning. During the month of May we will be collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. Our first monthly nursing home ministry is this Thursday at 10:15 at Focused Care of Center. 

“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.