December 17, 2018 - “You are the Christ, the son of the Living God…” Matt. 16:16

I was really surprised when one of my seminary professors suggested that we use an “X” to abbreviate “Christ” when taking notes in his Homiletics class.  “You’ll have a hard time keeping up with my lectures unless you know shorthand or can create your own,” he warned. I learned right away that he gave us good advice.  

I’ve always felt a little guilty using an “X” for “Christ”, especially in a time when Americans are slowly trying to take Christ out of Christmas. A town in Pennsylvania recently forbad the use of red poinsettias in decorating their City Hall for Christmas because “red is a symbol for Christianity.”

But my Greek professor explained the “X” in Xmas to me.  

The Greek symbol “X” stands for two of our English letters (Ch). And the Greek word for “Christ” is the word, “Christos.”  Since the use of “X” was used originally to abbreviate the name “Christos,” it’s more than an English “X” to those who know the meaning in Greek.

So what does all of this prove?  I guess it says that writing “XMAS” might not be as sacrilegious to some as it is to others.  But since most people will never know the way this got started, it’s probably better not to abbreviate it. 

Since He took the time to die for our sins, we could at least take time to write out His Blessed Name.

December 17, 2018 - Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent.  Christmas is just over a week away, a time of year of renewed hope and joy.  I no longer have that wild-eyed anticipation of presents that I did as a kid, but I sure love to hear the hymns and stories—they never grow old.  Our Christmas service will be next Sunday at our regular time—10:00 AM.  We will not have services on Christmas morning, as many of our folks will be visiting family or hosting get-togethers. 

All this month our church has been collecting cans of soup for Community Christian Services.  Our church also gave a donation to First Baptist Church Joaquin to help provide Christmas gifts for young folks whose families need a helping hand this year.  Some members took a name from the Angel Tree to buy gifts for a child or gave an additional money donation. 

The scripture for our Sunday School lesson was Psalm 103.  The title was “Love and Worship God.”  The poet says that God’s mercy and compassion is so great that it overcomes our shortcomings.  He also points out that human life is like when a wildflower blooms: It is here, the wind blows, and it is gone.  But the poet reminds us that the LORD’s faithful love is forever! 

The Old Testament Lesson (Zephaniah 3: 14-17) and the Epistle Lesson (Philippians 4: 4-7) both urge us to be people ready and willing to rejoice even in uncertain, troubling times.  Why should we always be ready to rejoice?  God is forever in our midst! 

This past week several of us ventured to Focused Care for our monthly ministry.  We sang many Christmas songs, and then the residents had a special surprise.  Kindergarteners from Center came caroling!  Pastor Matt spoke about the Magi, and Ms. Fannie read her 2018 Christmas poem.  Fannie is the Poet Laureate of Paxton!  We struggled a little bit with some of the lesser known songs, but I think everyone had a good time.  And, of course, it helps that Hilda knows all the tunes and can lead us through!

Thursday night was rainy and foggy.  It was not a good night to go to a Christmas party.  But that is what we did.  Our Paxton Christmas party was very well attended, by both members and guests.  We had a wonderful program of songs, stories, and even a quiz!  We had plenty to eat and nice people to visit with.  We certainly have some good cooks at Paxton Methodist. 

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, Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and 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 me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.

Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church

December 14, 2018 – A longtime Christmas tradition continues at the First United Methodist Church (UMC) of Center as the church’s Chancel Choir presents its annual Christmas Cantata. Rev. Karen Jones extends the invitation for everyone to attend the cantata on Sunday, December 16 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Center First UMC located at 211 Porter Street.

The First UMC Chancel Choir will perform this year’s cantata titled “Sing a Song of Christmas” written by composers Michael Barrett and Joseph M. Martin offering traditional carols in a jubilant mix and musical variety ranging from galloping gospels, to contemporary ballads and joyful carols to tender manger lullabies. Under the direction of Chris Watlington, First UMC Music Director, the cantata will include the church hand bells ensemble and local musicians accompanied by a video developed by Watlington with the assistance of church members sharing the Christmas story. 

December 14, 2018 - Huxley Helping Hands, a local mission group from the Huxley community is holding a food pantry for the residents of Shelby County. It will be held the third Saturday of December 2018. Proof of residencey and identification will be required. Only (1) box per household will be given.

Date: December 15, 2018
Time: Sign-in starts at 9am until food is gone
Location: Hillcrest Baptist Church, 901 Southview Circle, Center, Texas 

December 14, 2018 - Short United Methodist Church is hosting a candlelight service on December 16, 2018 at 5pm. Come join us for an evening of singing and fellowship. We would love to have you and your family.

December 11, 2018 - Everyone is invited to attend Sacred Sounds of the Season Tuesday, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Center First United Methodist Church sanctuary. Choirs and individuals from across Shelby county will perform musical offerings that celebrate birth of Christ in this holy Christmas season.

Prelude, Songs of the Season -- Jim Green
Welcome and Prayer -- Mary Lynn Tinkle
Nativity Scene -- FUMC Children
Christmas Story -- Jack Callen Watlington
Away In A Manger, UMH Page 217 (Red Hymnal) -- Congregation
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel -- Zac Payne
I Need Jesus -- Stellar Walker and Chris Watlington
Mary’s Song -- Keaton Watlington
Christmas Hallelujah -- Becky Parfait, Terri Lacher, Bob Lacher, and Chris Watlington
Rise Up Shepherd -- David Mathis
Mary Did You Know -- Charity Tinner
I Quietly Turn To You -- Ellie Walker
Silent Night -- Mt. Zion Gospel Choir
O Holy Night -- Jim Green
We Need A Silent Night In Here -- FUMC Choir
Postlude, The Messiah Medley -- Jim Green

 

December 11, 2018 - We live this day in a world filled with violence and hate. 

A world divided by all manner of things, things which do not matter in the end, but things which govern our lives today. Earthly things, worldly attractions that call out to all who will listen; “come here, have fun, do as you please, all is well.”

Nothing could be farther from the truth than what we are being led to believe by the deceivers of this world. 

Deceivers, led by the “prince of the air”, the ruler of this world, the devil, Satan himself. Just as he deceived Eve in the garden of Eden, he works without ceasing today to deceive all who are not grounded in the Word of the Lord God. 

So, what am I to do you might ask!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Lean upon the Lord for strength to overcome the deceptions of the evil one and his minions. 

So many of us would say; “Oh, that I had winds like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness.” (Psalm 55:6-7)

But to run away and hide is not the answer, no, we have the most powerful force in the universe on our side, the Lord God of heaven, our Heavenly Father, we have only to lean on him for protection and guidance in any battle, in any storm of life.

Cry out to the Lord when in needwh for in him we find our consolation. 

This I know, that God is for me.” (Psalm 56:9)

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; “I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:10-11) 

The God who created all things, the God so powerful that he simply spoke and the universe came into being. The heavens and the earth were formed by his words, the seas and the fish in them, all the beasts of the land and the birds of the air, spoken into being by our Heavenly Father and Master of the universe.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!” (Psalm 57:2-3)

I will cry out to God for by his holy power he delivers me from all troubles, my soul from death and my feet from falling, allowing me to walk before him in the light of life, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be all over the earth!” (Psalm 57:9-11)

As Joshua spoke to his people when they had entered the promised land and had begun to fall away from the Lord and back into the idol worship of their fathers, may I say to you today!

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River ( the Jordan), or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Choose the Lord today and he will serve you with his rich blessings and you will live in his house forever…

https://ingodswordcom.wordpress.com/

December 10, 2018 - The Golden Harvest Ministries Club will meet Monday, December 17, 2018 in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at 11:30 AM. The program will be Installation of Officers for 2019 by outgoing president, Helen Collard, followed by singing of favorite Christmas carols.

Visitors are always welcome to join us for a delicious covered dish luncheon, a good program and time of fellowship.

Submitted by Joe and Linda Anderson

December 10, 2018 - Sunday was the Second Sunday of Advent. Do you remember when early this year we all wanted rain? Well, we certainly have had a wet autumn. On Friday we had more than four inches, and I am sure we got more Saturday. Our daughter was visiting us this weekend, glad to see her little dog after a month apart. We always enjoy seeing Megan, this time getting to hear all about her travels in Asia. Sue and I went to Nacogdoches to meet up with Sue’s brother and sister-in-law who came up from Houston—also Sue’s sister and brother-in-law, their granddaughter, and Sue’s mom. We had a good visit and a nice dinner at Napoli’s, our favorite restaurant in Nacogdoches.

Our Sunday School lesson was titled “Choose To Love and Serve God.” The scripture that Gene read was Joshua 24: 1-3, 13-15, 21-24. In the reading Joshua asks the people who they will serve, saying that for him and his family, they will serve the LORD. Fannie led us in several good discussions: I think we all know that to declare one’s service to God is easier than actually living for God each day. But in fine Methodist tradition, we must try to stay on the road toward Christian Perfection.

We were in double digits this morning! It was so great to see Theresa and Larry. Joe and Hilda brought us our music, Fannie lit the Advent Candles, and Sue did the Advent reading and prayer along with her usual duties as liturgist. We began worship with the “Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus)” and our affirmation of faith. 

Thursday is going to be a busy day for our little church. Our ministry at Focused Care is at 10AM. The Paxton Christmas Party is that night at 6:00. We got the tables moved after church. The church is decorated and looks so festive. We’re looking forward to an evening of songs, readings, and of course, good food. 

All this month we will be collecting cans of soup for Community Christian Services. Next week Joaquin First Baptist will have its Children’s Christmas, to which our church contributes a small part with donations, an Angel Tree child, and Sue speaking a little Spanish during the actual Giveaway.

The Gospel Lesson was about John preaching in the desert; the words of Isaiah are used to proclaim that the way of the Lord should be made ready. The Epistle Lesson was Philippians 3: 9-11, where you just feel the love Paul has for these people. This was the first Jesus community that Paul founded in Europe. 

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, Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and 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 me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.

Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church

December 7, 2018 - Bright Morning Star Baptist Church announces the installation service of their new Pastor Anthony Q. Jackson Sunday, December 30, 2018 2:30pm.

Pastor H.F. Johnson and the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church of San Augustine, Texas will be the special guests.

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