November 1, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. Sunday was All Hallowed Saints Eve (Halloween); Monday is All Saints’ Day, when Christians remember all the saints that came before them, honoring and thanking them for the impact they made. Paxton Methodists recalled the saints of the church and the saints of our personal lives with photos we displayed, recollections during the service, and special hymns for today.
Sue and I got our Covid-19 booster. As I was preparing services for All Saints Day, I thought of all those families who have lost loved ones from Covid-19. Over 750,000 of our fellow citizens have died since the pandemic began. We are experiencing fewer cases and deaths right now, which is great. But still. 100,000 people are infected each day and 1,300 Americans die each day. Let’s keep up the fight to to rid ourselves of this virus.
We sure had some strong winds for a couple of days last week. Saturday, I spent some time picking up tree limbs that were blown to the ground. We had a nice rain but really need more. Predictors of the weather think we are going to get more rain and wind by mid-week as another cold front is supposed to move through. And...some mornings in the 30s! I will really have to bundle up when I take Gunter and Sam for a walk.
Paxton Methodists have been bringing peanut butter and jelly to add to the Community Christian Services collection this month. I will deliver it all, along with a couple of checks, on Wednesday. It is always so nice to see those friendly dedicated volunteers at CCS. In November, we will collect rice and beans. Joaquin First Baptist folks are also gearing up for Children’s Christmas, their part of CCS.
Our Sunday School lesson was about “Covenant Renewal,” and our scripture was Deuteronomy 29: 10-29. The author told us that the earliest form of this Old Testament book was found in 621 BCE. Josiah was king in Judah, the southern kingdom. With the discovery of the book, there was a major effort to revive the covenant that Moses and his people made with God generations earlier. The author tied that to the need of the modern church, and us personally, focusing on the renewal of our covenant with God. Paul speaks about being born daily: I too think we need to renew our lives often and live as Jesus did.
We had a business meeting this morning to approve the reports of the church and the budget for 2022. I gave out copies of next year’s budget to everyone—but unfortunately, it still said Budget 2021. It is hard for me to think or write 2021, and here it is November! No telling what year I will think 2022 is. I will send off copies of the reports to our District Superintendent ahead of our Church Conference on November 20.
The scriptures for All Saints Sunday came from the New Testament, Revelation 21: 1-4, 6b, and from the Apocrypha, Sirach 44: 1-12. This scripture from Revelation is often read at funerals, because John speaks of a new heaven and a new earth coming. He proclaims that God is among his people—that he is the Alpha and the Omega. In Sirach, the writer talks of those who had great impact among their people. They knew their history and were wise. They were respected by people in their own time. Some may not have monuments built to them, but their influence, goodness, and love were still felt. These are the saints of our lives.
Our hymns—two sung and one listened to—further carried out the All Saints theme for this Sunday. We began with “When We All Get to Heaven,” a lively, spirited song we are all familiar with. The other one we sang was “Shall We Gather at the River.” The CD accompanist chose to play this one rather slowly, but if Mrs. Hilda had been at the piano, it would be another toe-tapper. I taped the listen-to hymn on my tablet, but it’s actually in the Methodist hymnal also: “Sing with All the Saints in Glory.” I didn’t think I knew it, but my wife pointed out that the tune was Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Talk about uplifting music!
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.
