August 14, 2017 - Sunday was the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. We have had a rainy August which means we have had cooler temperatures, with no string of 100 degree days this August! Since this is the year of Matthew, our Gospel Lesson for Sunday was Matthew 14:22-33. Once again Jesus sends his disciples ahead so that he can find that quiet place to pray and think. When Jesus rejoins his disciples, he does so in dramatic fashion. He comes walking on the water toward the boat. At first the disciples think they are seeing a vision or a ghost. But then they realize it is the teacher. Peter asks permission to join Jesus on the water: Peter does well in the “walking on water” category until he realizes what he is doing and starts to sink. Jesus reaches for him and pulls him to safety.
Our Sunday school lessons for this quarter have all dealt with how people respond to the call of God. The scripture from The Acts of the Apostles tells us of Philip and his chance meeting with the Gentile eunuch. This man was considered very unclean and yet Philip is moved more by Jesus’ love than he is by religious purity. Philip proclaims the Good News, and on the side of the road the eunuch is baptized. That is all we know about this fellow. I wish someone would write a book about his life—maybe someone has and I just haven’t found it. Ms. Fannie led us in a spirited discussion and our time flew by.
We were in double digits this Sunday, a reason for celebration (but we controlled ourselves). Fannie read a request for a scholarship from a Joaquin graduate for whom the church is very happy to provide money to further her education. This month we are collecting children’s underwear and socks for Community Christian Services. Most students are already in school or will be starting next Monday. In the Prayers of the Church the teachers, students, and all those who make school possible were lifted up. We pray that Vera has a productive school year.
Our monthly ministry to Focus Care (Green Acres) was last Thursday at a new and improved time—10:15. Hilda said everything was great—larger crowd and quieter environment. Sue and I were in Dallas. My brother had a lung transplant, so we went to Dallas to provide moral support and prayers. My kids have been with my sister-in-law the whole time. My brother is doing fine—Monday will be a big day as they will remove the ventilator and allow him to wake completely up. We are all hoping and praying for continued renewal.
“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.
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
