October 14, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. My newsletter is late this week because my dog Sam and I went to Dallas after church Sunday. We stayed with my daughter and her sweet dog Stella, which meant a human and canine great time. Megan had to work Monday, so I met my brother and sister-in-law for breakfast. We had a nice meal while getting caught up. I went over to their house afterwards to see all the things Mary has done to their yard and patio area. It looks really pretty. Afterwards I ran some errands and bought many things, including (more) plants. Megan had bought me a plum tree during a sale, so I picked it up. My sister-in-law gave me a small bench that I put in one of my gardens. I also bought a nice-size blueberry bush and some other perennials. I have been looking for a Desert Willow: One of the nurseries had it…..for $400! I guess I don’t want one after all.
Sunday was the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Paxton Methodist was in double digits! We had a really nice week, didn’t we? The temperatures got a little high for the middle of October, but no complaints from this guy, who’s been enjoying the cool mornings and occasional rain. The Poultry Festival has been in full swing, and I imagine the crowds are back. Both Joaquin and Tenaha won their football games. Go Rams and Go Tigers!
I have been working on the budget for the church next year in preparation for our Church Conference. This is one of many reports that must be completed, and we voted on a couple of changes to next year’s budget. The meeting will be November 20th at 2:00, when we will welcome the leader of the East District, Dr. Richard White.
I want to thank Theresa and Larry for the pretty paper we have been using for the church bulletin. When they retired from the printing business, they donated reams of paper to the church. The background colors really perk up the program.
Our Sunday School lesson was based on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 12. Gene read the scripture about how the early church was like the human body—all the parts had to work together for it to grow stronger. And of course, we know from the Christian Testament that the way to live in the Kingdom is to serve others.
Sue and the congregation read responsively the Psalter lesson today, which came from Psalm 22, followed by the 21st Century Affirmation of Faith. The congregation’s response to the affirmation was to sing the Gloria Patri. After the Gospel lesson from Mark 10: 17-31, we took up the offering, and sang the Doxology. We Methodists are methodical!
My sermon Sunday focused only on the Gospel lesson for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The lesson, Mark 10: 17-31, is about the rich young ruler who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. This story ranks right up there with the Good Samaritan as popular stories of the Christian Testament. Each of the Synoptic (Similar) Gospels has this story. In the Mark story, we only know he is a rich man. The Matthew Gospel adds that the man is young. In the Luke telling, he is a young ruler. The answer that Jesus gave puzzled and saddened the young man. Although we might not consider ourselves rich, we are wealthy compared to the rest of the world; these verses make us very uncomfortable, right along with the rich young ruler. I take a different route in my understanding of this wonderful parable.
This past Wednesday I took a couple checks and lots of macaroni and cheese to Community Christian Services. Mayor Frank and Mark helped me unload, and I sure appreciated their help. These volunteers provide such needed services to our community. During October we’re collecting peanut butter and jelly—and also getting lined up to aid First Baptist’s part of CCS, Christmas for Kids.
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.
