April 24, 2022 - Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. This Sunday was Orthodox Easter in the East and Low Sunday here in the Western world. Easter sees the highest attendance at our churches, and usually the lowest attendance is on the second Sunday of Easter (thus, “low Sunday”). Oh, human nature—quite marvelous. Sunday morning the sun began to peek through the clouds, and by the time I got ready to go to Sunday School, it was shining brightly. It has been windy and dry, and we are still suffering from drought. I water just about every day, but with the mild temperatures I don’t mind. Ask me about that in a month or two and you will hear a different story.
Paxton Methodists have been collecting toothpaste and toothbrushes for Community Christian Services during the month of April. But in this last week of April, I will take what we have collected and a couple of checks to CCS. Next month we’ll bring cans of fruit. Paxton Methodists also want to send along anniversary best wishes to Vera and Keith.
Our Sunday School lesson was based on Psalm 104, a poetic look at God and creation. From the springs to the mountains, the writer is really in awe of all that God created. The author of our lesson points out that Methodists have a commitment to protect the planet and to work on a sustainable environmental lifestyle. She also speaks about that first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. This Friday we celebrate Arbor Day, another reminder of God’s beauty.
The quote on the front of the bulletin from Henry David Thoreau said, “Nature if full of genius, full of the divinity.” That sure went along with our Sunday School lesson. Our Gathering Words were from Psalm 118, and our affirmation was The Apostles’ Creed. The Gospel lesson, John 20: 19-30, told the story of Doubting Thomas. Our first song was “I Stand Amazed in the Presence,” a rousing hymn. The second was a more sedate hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
Before the Prayer of the Church, Fannie reported that her grandson Jake broke his leg during maneuvers. Being an active duty serviceman, he is always on our prayer list. Jake, we hope you bounce back quickly. Sue announced the addition of a mini library to Joaquin, next to the Blessing Box downtown. So people can get and give non-perishable foods and hygiene products in one and books and magazines in the other.
In my sermon I complained that the John Gospel refers to Thomas as Doubting Thomas. I understand why, but the writer didn’t take into account what a faithful believer he was before that fateful week in Jerusalem. Post-Resurrection when Jesus first appeared to the disciples, Thomas wasn’t even there. Maybe he should be referred to as Absent Thomas. In the first appearance among his disciples, Jesus takes a big breath, breathing the spirit on each of his friends. I am sure he would later do the same to Thomas. I used Owen Meany from the John Irving novel, A Prayer for Owen Meany, to illustrate what the John Gospel imagines really strong faith would look like. I also stressed how important it was for the disciples that they had each other. Friends are the greatest gift we receive from God.
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.
