April 11, 2022 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Today is both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. At one time in the universal church, the faithful would come each day during Holy Week: Today was reserved for waving palm branches, while the suffering and passion of Jesus would be celebrated later in the week. I chose once again to focus on Palm Sunday. Sunday began as a warm day, with the sun was shining brightly. We certainly have had some powerful winds this past week, and we have a good chance of severe storms this coming week. We need the rain, but we can do without high winds and bad storms.
Yesterday I officiated over the wedding of Elizabeth and Newton. It was an outside wedding, and the weather was perfect. Although it was a simple ceremony, they had some lovely festive touches. The reception was also outside—at Paxton Methodist Church. Sue and I saw many of our former students—including Liz’s two sisters—and enjoyed getting caught up.
All month long Paxton Methodists will be collecting toothpaste and toothbrushes for Community Christian Services. I sent out sermon copies and the Paxton Methodist news article to Joe, Lillie, and Dixie. We wish them good health and all our best wishes.
We have six wonderful people in our Sunday School class, and Fannie always has a good lesson for us. Our lesson title today was “Off Target.” In the scripture, Mark14: 27-42, Jesus told his disciples that they would falter in their faithfulness. He knew human nature too well. The author had a wonderful illustration about a hot dog vendor in New Orleans. I had to share the book, Confederacy of Dunces, about one such vendor. A hilarious but really strange book. We know that despite our best efforts we will miss the mark from time to time. We are blessed to have a merciful God, a giver of second chances.
Sue began our worship with the Gathering Words based on Psalm 118. Our affirmation was the Apostles’ Creed, the best-known of all the ancient doctrinal statements. The Gospel lesson was Luke 19: 28-40, telling of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This day begins the most holy of weeks in our Christian faith. Our first hymn was “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed,” fitting for this season. Then came “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” I titled my sermon “What If?” I spoke about Palm Sunday, of course, but my main focus was on a series of “what if” questions about the coming week. What if Jesus’ message of love, humility, compassion, and acceptance was embraced by all the folks in Jerusalem? Christus Victorious! Let’s hope that Jesus will find a more receptive welcome in our hearts and churches today.
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.
