October 18, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. Sunday was the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Fall has finally showed up. It was so cool Saturday morning that I had to wear a jacket when I walked Sam and Gunter. While in Dallas I bought plants at several nurseries: When I got home, I had to first find a place in my various gardens and then put them there—fun, yes, but also work. My daughter bought me a plum tree, the original reason for the trip. Kinda like going to Walmart for two things and coming out with a buggy full!
During this month we are collecting peanut butter and jelly for Community Christian Services. Rice and beans come next. Last week, the folks at Paxton Methodist voted to increase their donation check to the Joaquin FBC for the Community Christian Services Kids’ Christmas program. We also decided on an addition to our giving for the local VFW. This week we made contributions to medical research and an educational opportunity for two people connected to our church.
In fine Methodist tradition, we will have a Church Conference chaired by the District Superintendent of the East District, Dr. White. I am working on the 2022 Budget, the Trustee Report, the Finance Committee Report, the Pastor’s Report, and a list of officers for 2022. Before the conference, the church will need to vote on continued support of the pastor.
Our Sunday School lesson had as the main scripture Matthew 16: 13-19, when Simon states his belief that Jesus is the son of God. Jesus renames Simon; he will be known as Peter, which means rock. Jesus says it is upon this rock that he will build his church.
The writer of our lesson started out talking about the Methodist Episcopal Church’s split in 1844, North and South, over the issue of slavery. Now we cringe at that division, but then it was a real stumbling block. We talked about the 2022 General Conference for the worldwide Methodist church, when it looks like we’re headed once again for a major split.
The scripture for my sermon was the Gospel lesson for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mark 10: 35-45 is the story of James and John asking Jesus to name them second and third in command of Jesus’ coming Kingdom. What a very human story—wanting advancement while not considering the repercussions. I reminded everyone that the key to the Gospels is the Kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed—not a special seat in heaven but a way of living now.
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.
