News from Paxton United Methodist Church

March 8,2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Lent. 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, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself.

As soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice. Sue and I got our second dose of the Covid vaccine last week. We both felt achy for a few days but were really happy about getting vaccinated. Even with the vaccine, we’ll need to observe precautions. This isn’t a time to let our guard down. The District Superintendent of the Methodist East District, Dr. White, sent a memo to all the churches, asking us to continue our safety procedures. He ended with this: “We are not over this pandemic, so continue to be vigilant in all you do.”

Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! I took today’s songs from the CD of 25 Gospel songs that my wife ordered for me. Listening to “Count Your Blessings” and “I Saw the Light,” sounded like one of our nursing home programs! I like Hank Williams’ version of “I Saw the Light” better, but both were still toe-tapping.

Our Sunday School lesson from last Sunday was the Gospel Lesson for today, the 3rd Sunday in Lent. Jesus turning over tables and chasing money changers out of the Temple is found in all four Gospels. Last week in Sunday School the Matthew Gospel was the focus, and this week it was John’s telling of the story. I learned so much last week that I used some of it in my sermon.

We began a new quarter this week in Sunday School, which meant we had new literature and met a new author. The focus of our lesson was Leviticus 19: 1-18, one of the places in the Jewish Testament where you can read the Ten Commandments. These instructions told the ancient people how to conduct their relationships with God and with other people. The author said that when we treat others with kindness and respect, we are following God’s instructions.

The Gospel Lesson for the 3rd Sunday in Lent comes from John 2:13-22. All four of the Gospels that made it into the Christian Testament tell this story, so we know that it was important to the early Jesus followers. In John’s telling of this story, Jesus made a whip from ropes and chased people out of the Temple. Unlike the other three gospels, this cleansing of the Temple occurred at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus, a devout Jew, felt strongly that the Temple should be a holy place—a place of prayer—where people came from all over the known world to be closer to God. Also, in his reply to the temple leaders, Jesus prophesied his death and resurrection, the focus of our Christian Lenten/Easter season.

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