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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
March 14, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the 4th Sunday of Lent. In the United Church of Canada, today is also Laughter Sunday. Lent is such a solemn time for people of the Christian faith, but we must never forget laughter and humor. An old proverb says, “If you don’t laugh, you don’t take life seriously enough.” During my sermon I told some of the “humorous” tricks the Joaquin high school seniors played on me, their first-year teacher who wasn’t much older than they were.
Ms. Fannie had another good Sunday School lesson for us today. Gene read the scripture that served as the focus of the lesson—1 Peter 2:1-10. Our writer says that this letter was written to the many new Gentile Jesus Followers. They must have seemed out of the loop, not knowing all the Jewish spiritual stories, commandments, and special celebrations. Peter tells them that they need only to remember two things—love God and love your neighbor. Pretty good advice for everyone.
Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! The two songs we used during worship were from a CD that Fannie loaned me. Our first hymn was “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” soothing and melodic. Later, we enjoyed a lively banjo version of “Where the Soul Never Dies.”
The Gospel lesson for this Sunday includes John 3:16. The writer of the John Gospel refers back to what was the Old Testament lesson today: Moses crafts a bronze snake on a pole so all the Israelites who had been bitten by God-sent snakes could look upon the idol and be saved. The Gospel writer says that the Son of God must be raised up just like Moses raised up the bronze snake. In case comparing Jesus to a snake sounds strange, I reminded the congregation that Hebrews viewed snakes as a symbols of wisdom, not just as sneaky evildoers like the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals, who know more than politicians about this subject, say that we can do three simple things to curtail the spread of Covid-19: wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks--mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. And get that vaccine!
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.
March 11, 2021 - One of the things I miss from my childhood is the fireplace we had in our home. I can remember many cold, dreary winter mornings laying in bed, pulling the covers up tight and hearing the sound of my father chopping kindling to get a fire going. It was still dark outside, there were coals in the fireplace from the fire during the night, but dad wanted to make sure there was a big fire going before my mom and I would get up in the mornings. Those roaring fires he built would fill the room with cheer and brightness as their radiant warmth pushed away the frigid winter dreariness.
The love that Jesus taught and demonstrated has that same transforming quality. When Paul wrote the First Corinthian letter, he would tell us in that great chapter on love in verse 13, “but the greatest of these is love.” Love is our greatest weapon against the cold selfishness and deep despair of the world around us. Just like the old family fireplace was central to the warmth of our home in the winter, so love is central to our Christian faith. Without love, there is no Christian. With love, the Christian has need of little else.
They tell the story that when John became too old to preach, and too weak to walk to worship services, his friends would carry him on a stretcher. They would place his stretcher on the floor and he would say over and over to those who passed by, “little children, love one another.” Some finally grew weary of his ceaseless repetition and asked why he always said the same thing. “Because” he replied, “it is the Lord’s command, and if only this is done, it is enough”.
It’s something to think about…..TBP
March 10, 2021 - Huxley Helping Hands drive thru food pantry, Saturday, March 13 at 9 am, at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Center, TX. Only (1) box per household, must show your ID and be in line by 9:30 am to receive a box.
March 10, 2021 - On behalf of the McWilliams-Rather Cemetery Association, we invite you to attend and participate in our Fundraising Drive and Annual Meeting to be held on Sunday, March 28th at 3:00pm at Todd Spring Baptist Church.
“In this world, who can do a thing, will not; And who would do it, cannot, I perceive.” (Browning)
Read the story of “The Good Samaritan” Luke 10:25-37
March 8, 2021 - On the day before the Texas great Snow-Ice Storm of 2021, Pam and I drove to Atwoods in Nacogdoches to buy bird food. We parked in front of a stack of bundled firewood about five sticks to a bundle and I waited in the car while Pam was in the store. Suddenly as if they knew that we were about to be hit by a winter storm the next day, a large number of husky, young men drove up and feverishly began to snatch up these small bundles of oak.
Then through my window I saw an elderly white-haired woman slowly stumbling to the wood. Her steps were short and unsure, and she trembled as she bent over and tried to lift a bundle that she could not hold. Meanwhile, the steady flow of men walked around her as if she were invisible. There I sat, unable to get out of the car without my walker. My shouts of “Help her!” went unheard as she stumbled away with a bundle of wood.
When Pam came back, I tearfully told her what I had seen, and the old lady slowly disappeared in the parking lot behind us. “I was Browning’s man that “would do a thing but could not’” I said. “And all those thoughtless men could have done a thing but would not.” Where did this lady go with her bundle of wood and did her five sticks keep her warm when the massive storm brought the temperature to three degrees in Nacogdoches? That eighty-year-old lady was very unfortunate. The Levite and Priest passed her by and could have helped her.
But the Good Samaritan was in the car ... and could not.
March 8,2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Lent. Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals, who know more than politicians about this subject, say that we can do three simple things: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself.
As soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice. Sue and I got our second dose of the Covid vaccine last week. We both felt achy for a few days but were really happy about getting vaccinated. Even with the vaccine, we’ll need to observe precautions. This isn’t a time to let our guard down. The District Superintendent of the Methodist East District, Dr. White, sent a memo to all the churches, asking us to continue our safety procedures. He ended with this: “We are not over this pandemic, so continue to be vigilant in all you do.”
Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! I took today’s songs from the CD of 25 Gospel songs that my wife ordered for me. Listening to “Count Your Blessings” and “I Saw the Light,” sounded like one of our nursing home programs! I like Hank Williams’ version of “I Saw the Light” better, but both were still toe-tapping.
Our Sunday School lesson from last Sunday was the Gospel Lesson for today, the 3rd Sunday in Lent. Jesus turning over tables and chasing money changers out of the Temple is found in all four Gospels. Last week in Sunday School the Matthew Gospel was the focus, and this week it was John’s telling of the story. I learned so much last week that I used some of it in my sermon.
We began a new quarter this week in Sunday School, which meant we had new literature and met a new author. The focus of our lesson was Leviticus 19: 1-18, one of the places in the Jewish Testament where you can read the Ten Commandments. These instructions told the ancient people how to conduct their relationships with God and with other people. The author said that when we treat others with kindness and respect, we are following God’s instructions.
The Gospel Lesson for the 3rd Sunday in Lent comes from John 2:13-22. All four of the Gospels that made it into the Christian Testament tell this story, so we know that it was important to the early Jesus followers. In John’s telling of this story, Jesus made a whip from ropes and chased people out of the Temple. Unlike the other three gospels, this cleansing of the Temple occurred at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus, a devout Jew, felt strongly that the Temple should be a holy place—a place of prayer—where people came from all over the known world to be closer to God. Also, in his reply to the temple leaders, Jesus prophesied his death and resurrection, the focus of our Christian Lenten/Easter season.
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.
Randy & Sue Smith/Paxton United Methodist Church
March 4, 2021 - Words are wonderful things. They have a beauty and eloquence all their own. Yet, there is often an eloquence without words. “Silence is golden” someone has said. Silence can also be eloquent. Jesus was the master at using the eloquence of silence. He used it many times.
A woman was brought to Him who had been caught in the act of adultery. The law said such a person must be put to death. What must Jesus say? He was silent. He stooped down and wrote in the sand. He said, “Let the sinless one throw the first stone”. Then He went on writing. When He looked up, His words and His wise silence had done their work. All the accusers were gone. A penitent woman stood there alone.
He told Peter of the sin he would commit in denial. Peter argued. The day of trial came and Peter sinned. At the right time, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. That was all. He just looked. That was enough to make Peter go out and weep bitterly.
In His trial, He refuted all charges made against Him. The paid liars came back with their exploded stories. It was then Jesus fulfilled a prophecy made about Him and opened not His mouth. The judge and others wondered. But the judge was so impressed with him that he pronounced Him innocent of all fault as he pronounced the sentence of death.
Silence is golden. Silence can be as eloquent as words. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is one mark of real wisdom.
It’s something to think about…..TBP
March 1, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the Second Sunday of Lent. After a harsh and deadly winter storm, we’ve had really mild temperatures the last few days. I hope everyone has water and electricity by now. Watching the news, I see there are still parts of Texas without water. We’re lucky to have such devoted water system workers—they worked tirelessly for over a week to keep and restore services.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals say that we can do three simple things: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least six feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks—at least for the next hundred days. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself.
As soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice. Sue and I got our first dose of the Covid vaccine the first of February and will be getting that second shot this week. But even with the vaccine, we’ll need to observe precautions. This isn’t a time to let our guard down.
We had a really nice crowd for Paxton Methodist this morning. It was so good to see Larry and Theresa, Sue and Fred, and—a blessing after so long a time—Mrs. Hilda! We want to be as safe as we can. Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! Since we depend of CDs for our hymns, my dear wife Sue bought me two new CDs—one with 25 traditional hymns and the other with 25 gospel favorites. Fannie has also loaned me CDs, so I should have great success in choosing our hymns each Sunday. The songs for today were “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” AKA Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” and Fanny J. Crosby’s “To God Be the Glory.” As both were in the hymnal, we were able to follow along and “sing” them in our heads.
Our Sunday School lesson was the last for this quarter, so we got new Sunday School material. This final lesson used Matthew 21: 12-16: Gene read the verses about Jesus clearing the Temple. The author gave us plenty to think about, explaining parts in this passage that we all know and shedding light on topics I had never thought about. One thing the author said really stuck with me: “You can tell a lot about people by what makes them angry.” He felt that what was really important was whether there is room in our hearts for those who might be excluded.
The Old Testament Lesson for the 2nd Sunday in Lent was Genesis 17: 1-7 15-16. This wonderful spiritual story about Abraham and Sarah featured the growing relationship between this couple and God. God asks these two older people to pull up stakes and venture somewhere else. The promise is that Sarah and Abraham will become the mother and father of many nations. Sure enough, Sarah becomes pregnant; we know that the story of Abraham becomes the beginning of the three great faiths of Abraham—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
On Monday morning, I had my first-ever Zoom meeting! After dreading it for several reasons, I was easily able to connect and follow along. My meeting—usually in-person but altered by Covid—was with the District Committee of Ordained Ministries. The meeting is part of the United Methodist Church’s connectional system, just another aspect of being a Methodist. As for the Zoom element, welcome to the 21st century!
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.
Randy & Sue Smith/Paxton United Methodist Church
"Don’t carelessly place yourself in tempting situations. Avoid them" (Proverbs 14:16 TEV)
March 1, 2021 - Today was another sunny day in San Augustine, a perfect day to do much-needed things around our yard. But instead of working in the yard, we went to Nacogdoches and had my blood thickness checked. After a quick visit with the nurse, we drove to Staples and then to Wal-Mart. I decided to wait in the car while Pam went in and while I listened to Fox News, I began watching two ladies in the car parked next to me. Both of them were even more over-weight than I am and the number of chocolate-covered donuts they were consuming was just unbelievable.
After one lady choked down three of them, she stepped outside to smoke. In a few moments, she got back in the car and ate two more. About this time, Pam walked up and I began telling her what I had just witnessed. After a discussion about fattening foods and how thoughtless people are who eat them, we went back into the store to buy some low-calorie groceries. We bought lettuce, carrots, asparagus and some stir-and-fry things. As we approached the check-out, I spotted some beautiful bananas and asked Pam if she’d like to buy just one to divide on the way home. “Oh, a half banana won’t hurt us much,” she giggled as we loaded six large ones into the plastic bag.
Suddenly she burst out, “Have you ever seen a chocolate covered doughnut shaped like a football?” And there they were scores of them, large, covered in heavy chocolate and decorated on top with a white-football-lace-shaped icing. We bought two of them and after eyeing a 4-pack of Blueberry Muffins, bought them, too.
While eating the doughnuts on the way home, Pam shouted, “Hey look! They’re cream filled!! This is just too much!” That night we ate a baked chicken breast, sliced cucumbers, and a huge Blueberry Muffin.
We’ve still got to lose the pounds we gained while on vacation and we have every intention of doing it ... just as soon as the bananas and muffins are gone.
February 25, 2021 - When Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter, he has this to say in chapter 3, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves… unthankful.” Does that description fit us in our own day and time? Lovers of self would indicate a certain degree of selfishness and along with that comes a lack of gratitude.
The events of the past week were a trying experience to say the least. We were without power, we were without water and we were cold, very cold. Perhaps it revealed to us the many things we take for granted in our world.
We always assume that if we are cold, all we need to do is adjust the thermostat and we can be warmer. We are accustomed to turning on the faucet and being able to get water to make coffee, or cook our food our get a drink. We are accustomed to flipping a switch and having light in the room. Yet, during our bitter freeze last week, we did not have the use of these things we have come to take for granted.
If anything comes to us out of our cold weather experience, it is that we have many things in our life that we take for granted and do not appreciate as we should. However, more than electricity, heat and water, we should make certain we appreciate the people in our lives. The people who make our lives better. Let’s make sure we don’t take them for granted but thank God for them.
It’s something to think about… tbp
Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
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