March 15, 2022 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Our small congregation of Paxton Methodists met Sunday, the 2nd Sunday in Lent. We are about 10 days into Lent, forty days of introspection, prayer, and thought. Our church ancestors set aside these forty days so we can prepare ourselves for Easter. This year, Easter comes late—April 17th. I am hoping and, yes, praying that we have seen the last of the freezing temperatures. I have always been told to wait until after Easter to plant vegetables but such will put gardeners later than usual in 2022.
During the month of March, Paxton Methodists will be collecting cans of chili to take to Community Christian Services. Last night I spoke to Joe’s son Ben, and we had a really nice conversation. Ben says his dad is feeling better and making progress. That is certainly heartening as we keep Joe in our prayers. Also in our prayers, of course, are the people of Ukraine. Their bravery, love of country, and steadfast democracy are totally admirable, especially when facing the cold-hearted Putin and his well-armed troops.
Our Sunday School class is so happy to have our dear friend Carolyn back. She adds so much to our Sunday School lesson. In the article before Sunday’s lesson, the author mentioned that John Wesley urged Methodists to begin a routine practice of self-examination and reflection. Carolyn had her granddaughter get on Google and print off those 22 questions we are to ask ourselves, and they are as relevant today as they were 250 years ago.
We began our church service with the Gathering Words that are based on Psalm 27. Our affirmation of faith was A Modern Affirmation, a little different from the 21st Century Affirmation that we have used the last few weeks. Needless to say, the sentiment is the same. Because of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, our bulletin quote was part of a traditional Irish blessing: “May peace and plenty bless your world/with joy that long endures/May all life’s passing seasons/bring the best to you and yours!”
Our first song was “Take My Life and Let It Be,” which was a little slow-moving for my taste. The second hymn, “I Stand Amazed in the Presence,” made up for that as we all spiritedly sang out on the chorus. Our service also includes the Gloria Patri as a response to the Affirmation of Faith and the Doxology in thanksgiving after the offering is collected.
The Gospel lesson (Luke 13: 31-35) seemed right for Lent. Jesus is at the outskirts of the city and laments that Jerusalem doesn’t often welcome those who speak for God. Jesus wants to pull the people close to God and himself—just like a mother hen gathers her young under her wing.
John Wesley certainly called upon Methodists to study scripture and to work really hard to discern the words of God. As you are reading ancient scripture, you will hear the voice of God. One of my first professors at SMU said if you are not preaching the Good News, then you are not preaching the Gospel of Jesus. These ideas join together to show the comfort we can find in scripture.
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.
