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Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
November 8, 2021 - Fall Revival Services at Lydia MBC, with Bro. Randy Fair.
Lydia is located on FM 139 in Huxley, Nov 8-10 at 6pm.
November 8, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. This Thursday is Veterans Day, so on Sunday we celebrated veterans, saying special prayers for those who gave so much for the country you and I love. Our first hymn was “America,” AKA “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” also commemorating these selfless heroes.
We have had some really cool mornings. I covered my citrus trees a couple of nights, still having lemons and limes that are not quite ripe. The (huge) lemons started out green and slowly have turned yellow. I will be busy in a week or so moving the trees into the greenhouse along with other potted plants. My dogs don’t seem to mind the cold at all and think I am kind of a nerd as I get all bundled up. My daughter gave me a Fitbit to keep up each day with the number of steps I take. Verdict: I have been averaging around 4 miles a day. Some of those steps are purposeful and others are just moving around and working in the yard and gardens.
Our Sunday School lesson from John was about Jesus feeding the 5,000 with a few loaves of bread and five fish. Our writer told us this is the only miracle story found in all four gospels. John, though, would not call it a miracle—but a sign as to who this Jesus was. Once again Jesus talks about helping the poor, making us feel guilty about the abundance of the kingdom. Unfortunately, religion sometimes does put a guilt trip on us. (My mother was pretty good at that too!) I guess we must struggle on and find our way, with the help of Jesus and our fellow travelers.
The Old Testament lesson came from the first chapter of Ruth. This is one of the most beloved books of the Bible and one of only two named for a woman. Parts of it are often used at weddings, even though the story isn’t about romantic love but about a steadfast love that comes from God. This week while I was working on my sermon, I knew I wanted to approach my sermon from different angles since I have preached this story many times. I also realized that I had too much to say and needed to make two sermons out of the material. So next week I will continue the wonderful words of love overcoming great sadness and grief. Naomi, full of sorrow and yes, bitterness, knew she had to find a way to keep on going. She forged on, showing Ruth how to live with strength.
Our first hymn was “America” in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day, a stirring choice at any time and particularly meaningful this week. Then we sang “Blessed Assurance,” a comforting and joyful hymn. Our song leader Joe says it’s one of his favorite hymn. We closed out our time of worship with “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” For celebrating Holy Communion, I used a liturgy called “Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful.”
Wednesday I took macaroni and cheese and a couple of checks to Community Christian Services. It is always refreshing and rewarding to see so many friends hard at work helping others. “Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks,” as William Shakespeare would say. In November, we will collect rice and beans. Joaquin First Baptist folks are also gearing up for Children’s Christmas, their part of CCS. They are organizing individuals and groups to “adopt” children, buying each a shirt, pants, shoes, and gift; First Baptist adds socks and Bibles.
We finished up our district reports this week, and I will send our Church Conference Reports to the District Office. Sue has bought some Covid-safe snacks and bottles of water for the conference, which will be November 20th at 2:00. We look forward as always to meeting with our District Superintendent, Dr. White.
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.
November 4, 2021 - According to the teachings of Jesus, every person is going through one of two gates. Either they are choosing to enter the narrow gate and the narrow way that leads to life or they are choosing the broad way which leads through the broad gate to destruction.
These two ideas represent two ways of life. One represents the way of good while the other represents the way of evil. The thought taught by Jesus in Matthew 7 is that more people will follow the easy and popular way of life than the one prescribed in the scriptures.
This teaching is harmonious with another of the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 22:14. Here he says, “for many shall be called, but few chosen” That indicates there will be only a few people comparatively speaking, who are interested in the Lord’s way enough to follow it and be saved. Jesus makes his call this way, “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in there at.Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
In this Jesus is warning people to be very careful how they live. Too many people, who may think they are on the narrow path, might be surprised to find themselves on the broad way if they carefully analyzed their lives. Jesus wants everyone to be saved, but he must have the cooperation of every person who wants to be saved. They must enter the gate he prescribes and live his kind of life, his way.
It’s something to think about…..TBP
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day
Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
November 1, 2021 - St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. Freddie D. Wilson, Pastor, are hosting the 112th Church Anniversary on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 11am.
The event is a Park and Praise and the theme is "The House of God" Genesis 28:17.
Pastor Wilson will bring the message.
November 1, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. Sunday was All Hallowed Saints Eve (Halloween); Monday is All Saints’ Day, when Christians remember all the saints that came before them, honoring and thanking them for the impact they made. Paxton Methodists recalled the saints of the church and the saints of our personal lives with photos we displayed, recollections during the service, and special hymns for today.
Sue and I got our Covid-19 booster. As I was preparing services for All Saints Day, I thought of all those families who have lost loved ones from Covid-19. Over 750,000 of our fellow citizens have died since the pandemic began. We are experiencing fewer cases and deaths right now, which is great. But still. 100,000 people are infected each day and 1,300 Americans die each day. Let’s keep up the fight to to rid ourselves of this virus.
We sure had some strong winds for a couple of days last week. Saturday, I spent some time picking up tree limbs that were blown to the ground. We had a nice rain but really need more. Predictors of the weather think we are going to get more rain and wind by mid-week as another cold front is supposed to move through. And...some mornings in the 30s! I will really have to bundle up when I take Gunter and Sam for a walk.
Paxton Methodists have been bringing peanut butter and jelly to add to the Community Christian Services collection this month. I will deliver it all, along with a couple of checks, on Wednesday. It is always so nice to see those friendly dedicated volunteers at CCS. In November, we will collect rice and beans. Joaquin First Baptist folks are also gearing up for Children’s Christmas, their part of CCS.
Our Sunday School lesson was about “Covenant Renewal,” and our scripture was Deuteronomy 29: 10-29. The author told us that the earliest form of this Old Testament book was found in 621 BCE. Josiah was king in Judah, the southern kingdom. With the discovery of the book, there was a major effort to revive the covenant that Moses and his people made with God generations earlier. The author tied that to the need of the modern church, and us personally, focusing on the renewal of our covenant with God. Paul speaks about being born daily: I too think we need to renew our lives often and live as Jesus did.
We had a business meeting this morning to approve the reports of the church and the budget for 2022. I gave out copies of next year’s budget to everyone—but unfortunately, it still said Budget 2021. It is hard for me to think or write 2021, and here it is November! No telling what year I will think 2022 is. I will send off copies of the reports to our District Superintendent ahead of our Church Conference on November 20.
The scriptures for All Saints Sunday came from the New Testament, Revelation 21: 1-4, 6b, and from the Apocrypha, Sirach 44: 1-12. This scripture from Revelation is often read at funerals, because John speaks of a new heaven and a new earth coming. He proclaims that God is among his people—that he is the Alpha and the Omega. In Sirach, the writer talks of those who had great impact among their people. They knew their history and were wise. They were respected by people in their own time. Some may not have monuments built to them, but their influence, goodness, and love were still felt. These are the saints of our lives.
Our hymns—two sung and one listened to—further carried out the All Saints theme for this Sunday. We began with “When We All Get to Heaven,” a lively, spirited song we are all familiar with. The other one we sang was “Shall We Gather at the River.” The CD accompanist chose to play this one rather slowly, but if Mrs. Hilda had been at the piano, it would be another toe-tapper. I taped the listen-to hymn on my tablet, but it’s actually in the Methodist hymnal also: “Sing with All the Saints in Glory.” I didn’t think I knew it, but my wife pointed out that the tune was Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Talk about uplifting music!
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.
October 29, 2021 - Center First Baptist Church is hosting Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 31st from 5pm until 7pm. Come for a night of fun for the whole family! First Baptist Church is located at 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas 75935.
October 28, 2021 - First United Methodist Church invites you to their annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat on Sunday, October 31 from 6pm until 7:30pm at 211 Porter Street in Center.
The free family-friendly event is open to the community and will include lots of activities, food and trunk-or-treating in the church parking lot. For information, please contact the church office or Rev. Malcolm Monroe at (936) 598-2707 or visit www.fumccentertx.org.
October 28, 2021 - Do you remember hearing that old saying, “you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar?” It is something we have heard all of our lives.
If you turn to the book of Genesis, when Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food, they took a lot of gifts, balm, spices, myrrh, nuts, almost are all mentioned and Genesis 43:11 says “a little honey.”
We have all known folks with a lot of ability, a lot of intelligence, but there was no honey in their lives, no sweetness, no joy.
Jesus came so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. Jesus brings sweetness into our lives. Paul would write, “be ye kind one to another.” (Ephesians 4:32) Truth be told, most of us have not committed unkind acts deliberately. Yet, how often are we guilty of unintentional unkindness? How often do we forget to speak a word of encouragement? How many times have we failed to weigh our words before they left our lips?
Kindness should be a positive force in our lives. We should look for opportunities to be kind to one another, to spread joy, to show people Jesus Christ living in our lives.
As Jacob told his sons on their journey to Egypt, “take a little honey” so we too should take a little with us every day of our live.
It’s something to think about… tbp
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
October 26, 2021 - New Life Church presents Scare Tactics "...A Cold Day in Hell" is October 24th at 10:30am and 6pm and October 25 and through 28 at 7pm Nightly.
What is Scare Tactics?
Scare Tactics is an annual production by New Life Church in its 10th year. This production includes; live action drama, video scenes, costumes, make-up, lights, sound effects, interaction with the audience, and a short gospel message. Each year’s production is totally new; new story lines, characters, scenes, etc. Although this is a difficult task it is essential in order to keep the experience new and fresh each year. This presentation is based on a TV show by the same name, in which participants wish to scare friends or family. In our version they are trying to scare others about the importance of our decisions concerning eternity i.e.; Heaven or Hell
Is Scare Tactics like “Hell House?”
In a word, NO! Scare Tactics is a drama with a complete story, a short gospel message and then ends with a scene depicting the wonders of Heaven for those who have become Christians. The presentation has been compared to Heaven’s Gate & Hell’s Flames, a production that has garnered national attention. Although some elements are similar, the total experience in every Scare Tactics presentation is unique because Pastor Steve writes a new story each year with the same heart for reaching people with the gospel message as he does for his sermons.
This year’s presentation is titled “...A Cold Day in Hell!”
Performances are Sunday, October 24th at 10:30am and 6pm and Monday through Thursday, October 25 - 28th at 7pm nightly. Nursery will be provided. For more information call 936-598-3286 or visit online at www.centernewlifechurch.com or www.mynlc.info.
New Life Church is located at 822 Hurst Street, Center, Texas.
October 25, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. Sunday was the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Next Sunday is All Hallowed Saints Eve that we know better as Halloween. But next Sunday, our scriptures, sermon, and service will celebrate All Saints Day, remembering the saints we have lost as well as those most meaningful in our personal lives. For me, All Saints Day is very important as we venerate those who came before us.
One week it feels like fall, and the next seems to slip back into summer. I started writing my “News from Paxton Methodist” last Saturday when Sam, Gunter, and I returned from my two- mile walk. Gunter had somehow injured a back paw—but was getting around on three legs. Dr. Sue and Dr. Randy looked closely at his paw, discovering nothing. Luckily, he’s been making steady progress, so he can skip the trip to Center and the real experts.
Paxton Methodists have been bringing peanut butter and jelly to add to the Community Christian Services collection. Next Sunday we will load it for me to deliver along with checks to the wonderful folks at CCS. And then switch over to November’s donation of rice and beans.
Also next Sunday we will fit in a business meeting to approve the 2022 budget, the Trustees Report, the Finance Report, and continued support of the current pastor. Plus, we must approve the Congregation/Clergy Assessment. These need to be voted on before our upcoming Church Conference with the District Superintendent on November 20th. I will send off the Church Council Reports to Dr. White afterward. All this is the “method” in our “Methodist” name.
Sue and Fred came this morning for Sunday School, and we sure enjoyed having them. Our Sunday School lesson’s scripture came from Revelation. We are often turned off by the graphic weirdness of this book, and too often people have taken literally the teachings of Revelation; the writer certainly did not not intend this. Our lesson focused on letters to two different communities that had let their faith grow lukewarm. The angels spoken about were not literally angels—but the leaders of that particular congregation of believers. We 21st Century American Christians get heartburn when the writer of Revelation questions how a community’s wealth affects its discipleship to Jesus. Compared to most folks back then and most of the world today, we Americans are amazingly rich—with plentiful water, gas, goods, and services.
With several folks out of pocket this Sunday, we had a small group. Since we knew ahead of time that would be the case, our hymns were ones we know best: “Amazing Grace” and “Hymn of Promise.” The quote on our bulletin was from L.M. Montgomery, the Canadian author of the Anne of Green Gables books: “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” Can’t you just hear Anne saying that?
The Gospel lesson for the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time is Mark 10: 46-52, the story of Jesus healing the blind beggar, Bartimaeus. This is the last miracle story in Mark as our attention turns toward Jesus’ fateful journey to Jerusalem. In Jericho, the blind beggar screams out to Jesus, asking for mercy on him. Jesus does grant the gift of mercy, healing the beggar of his blindness. What a wonderful story of kindness, mercy, and persistence!
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.
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