March 21, 2022 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. The small group of Jesus followers known as Paxton Methodist met on Sunday as always. Sunday was not only the 3rd Sunday of Lent—it was also the official beginning of Spring. Yeah! The weather was beautiful this weekend: I visited the two plant nurseries here in Joaquin and plan to visit the others in Shelby County soon. We also got some much-needed rain, and the forecast is calling for a wet start to the week. I have a meeting in Nacogdoches this week with a yearly church committee that examines second-career ministers like me.
Gene read our Sunday School scripture from Mark 10: 35-45. Mark often portrays the disciples as clueless; John and James certainly lived up to this role in our lesson. They wanted to be on either side of Jesus when Jesus assumed his throne. Jesus calmly explained that in God’s perfect kingdom, things didn’t work that way. Those who lead do so, not by standing close to the king, but in serving others. I really can’t imagine Jesus doing much throne-sitting anyway—more like a lot of foot washing and caring for those who struggle.
Our little congregation reached double digits, a milestone since the pandemic! We were so happy to see Theresa and Larry, to hear about their new house and all their projects. Sure sounds as if they are staying busy, which seems to be the usual for retired folks. Fannie shared with the congregation that Ben and Joe came by to visit her on Saturday. They were heading to Shreveport to meet Ben’s wife and then fly to Virginia. Joe also stopped at King’s Nursery to visit with Margaret. We are happy that Joe is doing better, and I know he will enjoy time with his son and family.
Our church service began with the playing of the Ukrainian national anthem. Our hearts go out the people in Ukraine who are being uprooted and their homes bombed—ironically, in the name of peace. Let us all pray for real peace. Our bulletin cover featured a picture of the Ukrainian flag and a quote from poet Pavlo Chubynsky: “Ukraine has not yet died, nor her glory, nor her freedom. Upon us, fellow Ukrainians, fate shall smile once more.” A bulletin photo depicted Lent, that time of introspection and discerning the word of God, and another showed the joy of springtime. There was a special insert in the bulletin listing twenty-two questions John Wesley said everyday disciples should ask themselves. I plan to include those in the weekly newsletter.
Sue led us in the responsive reading based on Psalm 63 and our affirmation of faith. Our songs this morning were “Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus” and “My Hope Is Built,” both lively tunes. Our Gospel lesson came from Luke 13: 1-9, where some pilgrims from the Galilee questioned Jesus: Did the horrible deaths at the hands of Roman soldiers and a building collapse result from those people’s sins or the sins of their ancestors? Jesus assures them that the God of Love doesn’t single out certain sinners for death—and that we are all sinners, no better than anyone else.
Jesus shows the God of second chances in the parable of the fig tree that doesn’t produce fruit. I stressed that being spiritually healthy is important, like being physically and mentally strong. Our soul requires nourishment, so we approach our spirituality with curiosity, open-mindedness, and grace. We also must realize that there are no penalties for doubts or questions. Developing an understanding relationship with God becomes our decision and ours alone.
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 10am. 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.
