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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
July 22, 2019 - I got a letter from my dear High School friend, Jack Fontaine. When we graduated from High School in 1950, he enrolled in Texas A & M and became an Engineer. I enrolled at The Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and became a Preacher. He has retired in Frankston, Texas now and we are blessed to still communicate after all these years. He is my "blood-brother."
Since we have just celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing of Apollo 11, I am printing his great story in the papers I write for.
Dear friend Henry,
I have read almost all of your stories over the years and I feel like I almost know your life's story. So I thought I would write some of the experiences that made up my life and share them with you. Only the good one's of course!
As the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing approaches, it brings back many memories of the time I spent at NASA'S Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC), now the Johnson Space Center, from 1967 to 1972. I was a member of the Ground Support Group that provided on site services in Occupational Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health. The contractor was Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Houston. My job was as an Industrial Hygienist conducting on-site evaluations of employee exposures to noise, toxic chemicals and non-ionizing radiation.
One of the most interesting evaluation that I did was to evaluate exposures to the very toxic chemicals used as attitude control rockets in the Apollo 11 Command Module. This was after it was quarantined in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL), along with the astronauts. Thankfully, no traces of the chemicals were found. As I finished the survey, a North American engineer (they were the contractor that built the spacecraft), came over and asked if wanted a souvenir. I said "of course," and he ripped of a strip of gold Mylar film that had covered the spacecraft and gave it to me! The edges were all burnt from the heat of re-entry through the earth's atmosphere. I still have the film and the special badges that allowed my entry into the LRL. I consider my time at the MSC as one of the highlights of my professional career.
Your old friend and blood brother, Jack
July 22, 2019 - Let us look this morning at the cure for all that ails the world around us. Could it be that we could have a cure for the problems of the world, oh, but we do, and it is written out for us in God’s Holy Word just waiting for us to deliver it to the world…
So here is that long-sought-after-cure…
“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:11)
So simple in word, so difficult in deed, to just love one another.
“We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brothers righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:12-15)
Cain murdered Able not for anything that Able had done to him, but because Cain had failed to please God with his sacrifice while Able had done as God had required and received God’s blessing for his own sacrifice.
Cain became so angry with Able simply because of his own disobedience and Able’s obedience.
Cain’s solution to the problem cost his brother his life and himself a lifetime of rejection by God, both were therefore dead from that time forth.
The scripture says that if one does not love others that he abides in death, that if one simply hates his brother then he has murdered his brother. Showing that the works of the mind are as strong as the works of the body. One can murder with the mind as well as with the body.
So just who is my brother, who is it that I must love if I am to abide in God’s love and have God’s eternal life abiding in me?
Let me answer that by using an example of a neighbor. Who is my neighbor? One might say; “Whoever touches me is my neighbor.” If this is true then my neighbor is every person around the world, for the chain is unbroken from me, around the world and back to me. All people are my neighbors, as all people are my bothers.
This includes all nationalities, all colors, all creeds for God only made one race, the human race. He made many nationalities, many colors of people but only one race of people, we are all human beings, made in God’s image, in the image of God he made us. (see Genesis 1:27)
How can one say that he loves his brother if he looks with hatred on someone of another color than his own? How can one abide in God’s love if he does not love his brother? He can’t…
The opposite of love is hate and the world is full of hate today and only the true love of Jesus Christ can cure what ails this evil cruel world.
“By this we know his love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
Jesus died not just for you and I but for all people, all nationalities, all colors, all creeds and if we are to follow him we must also love all others and serve all others with the gifts that God has given us.
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)
It cannot, for it is with the mind as well as the body that we reject others. If we look on another that is in need and do nothing to help then we do not have God’s love abiding in us which means that we then abide in death. This cannot so be for a child of God!
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
“By this we shall know the we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” (1 John 3:19-22)
Love God with all your being, love your brother as yourself and life eternal with our Lord will be yours.
July 22, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother, Jesus. It seems like the entire US is suffering from high heat and humidity—including Alaska, which my daughter just returned from last week. It looks like we are going to have a break from the heat with some unusual July temperatures and some rain this coming week—both will be appreciated.
The Gospel Lesson for Sunday was a familiar one. Martha and Mary welcome Jesus and his friends. Martha is busy working, preparing not only a meal but her home; Mary, on the other hand, sits and listens to Jesus. Martha would have appreciated Mary’s help, but Mary is so engrossed in Jesus and his teaching that poor Martha is ignored. What everyone in this story seems oblivious to (except Jesus) is the great danger Jesus is in.
So much of our story is out of character for first century Palestine. We assume that Martha is a widow because she owns property. But is Mary a widow also? We are not told about Martha’s or Mary’s situation in the lesson. Even though the Gospel doesn’t say, we assume that Martha is the older sister—I guess the more responsible one. And the idea that Mary, a woman, would be allowed in the company of men to study with a rabbi was unheard of. So much to ponder is so few words.
Ms. Fannie did such a great job of navigating us through a complex scripture. Matthew 5: 38-48 is certainly one of those difficult teachings of Jesus. Jesus tells us that no longer are we to live by the idea of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Now, if some one slaps us on the right cheek, we are to offer our left. If someone sues us for our shirt, we are to offer them our coat. If someone demands that we walk a mile for them, we are to walk two. The writer says that the old way was the “law of retaliation”: Jesus’ new way is not to fight fire with fire. Learning to love our enemies is going to require a lot of practice and a lot of determination.
Last week our nursing home ministry took us to Holiday. They are currently without an activity director, though, so there was no one to announce the program or bring people there. We also had a light showing from our folks. So we did lots of congregational singing, accompanied by the lively playing of Hilda and Minnie. Jo read a cute poem called “Why Worry,” and Sue performed Shel Silverstein’s “Sick.” Nora sang a moving piece that combined some of the words of “Amazing Grace” with the idea that “He is forever mine.” W.O.W. I was, as usual, the emcee and did the benediction.
Our worship time is 10:00 AM; we would love to have you come to worship with us. I know how very busy everyone is: Our early meeting time enables you to move on to family get-togethers or jobs afterward. Not to mention naps, which my wife says are best on Sunday afternoon. 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.
July 19, 2019 - The First United Methodist Church on Porter St in Center invites you to Sunday's service, July 21, 2019 at 8:30 am. July is "casual month" and worshipers are encouraged to dress comfortably. The message will be brought by pastor Karen Jones and breakfast will follow. This Sunday, the music includes several big congregational hymns and a choral anthem featuring instrumentalists from the staff of the CHS Band. Longtime band directors Chris and Christina Smith will be playing trombone and flute, and the congregation will get to meet the band's two newest directors playing the clarinet and trumpet. The woodwind and brass will be joined by bass, piano, organ and voices to create a unique worship opportunity.
July 18, 2019 - If you remember from Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, he had a burning desire to preach the gospel in the Capital city. In Acts 27 we find Paul on his way to Rome, yet he is going as a prisoner. While there, he would have great success and members of Caesar’s household would be converted.
However, the voyage to Rome was not without incident. A great storm occurred which threatened to tear the ship in pieces. The crew struggled to keep the ship afloat. They lightened the load by throwing everything overboard that was expendable. They went for days upon days not being able to eat.
Yet, in the midst of it all, Paul stood upon the deck of the ship and told them to be of good cheer. He did not tell them to be of good cheer because of the seaworthiness of the vessel. They were not to be of good cheer because of the experience and dedication of the crew. They were to be of good cheer because the Lord had promised Paul that there would be no loss of life. Paul said, “Be of good cheer, for I believe God.”
The faith that sustained Paul on that voyage and in that storm can sustain us in the storms of life. Whatever storm may be blowing through our lives, we can be of good cheer, for “we believe God”. Like the words of that old familiar song, “Be not dismayed, whet-er be tide, God will take care of you”, and He will.
It’s something to think about… tbp
Join us for worship this coming Lord’s day at the Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
July 18, 2019 - Tennessee Cemetery Homecoming is Sunday, July 21st. Music by Royel Clark from 10:30 to 11:30. Business meeting from 11:30 to 12:00. Lunch from 12 to 1:00. Music from 1:00 to 2:00.
Come out enjoy fellowship and good food. If you would like to make donations they can be mailed to:
Tennessee Permanent Trust Fund
% Jeanie Rhodes
1434 CR 4916
Timpson, TX 75975
Tennessee Working Committee
% Roger Balkcom
P O Box 94
Joaquin, TX 75954
July 18, 2019 - White Rock Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Burger plate fundraiser for lunchtime on Wednesday, July 24th. Burger plates are $7 and includes a cheeseburger with fixins, chips, dessert, and bottle water.
Delivery available to Center and Nacogdoches. Pickup is also available at the church and you are welcome to eat in the fellowship hall at White Rock MBC.! Contact Sonya Wilburn at 936-332-9392 or Jessica Dillard at 936-488-0673 to place an order.
July 17, 2019 - Supplicating Women’s Prayer Conference 2019 ~ The GATHERING, slated on Saturday, July 20th at the John D. Windham Civic Center.
Recently added to the illustrious platform of speakers will be Janet Kasper from the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott. She is the East Texas Regional Administrator of the Child Sex Trafficking Team.
She will make a presentation on Governor Abbott’s initiative to address child sex trafficking across the state of Texas.
The conference is designed to serve the women attendees holistically through Bible teaching, corporate prayer and exhortation. The conference will also provide viable information and resources as helps and tools to empower.
Other speakers are Dr. Cathy Moffitt of Heartfelt International Ministries, Dallas, Texas, Elder Tou U. Whittington of The Potter’s House Church, Dallas, Texas and TouUCommunications and Marketing Firm, and Karla Osayi, Pastor of Temple of Praise Church, Houston, Texas.
Elder Cassandra Bering, conference host, visionary and founder/CEO of Cassandra Bering Ministries, Inc. will be the keynote speaker.
Cassandra is a native of Tenaha, Texas and now resides in Fort Worth, Texas. She has been in ministry for seventeen years. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Texas Christian University Brite Divinity School and is in her second year of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Regent University. She is passionate about the empowerment and uplifting of all people, especially hurting people through leadership training, prayer, education, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ using the prophetic voice of advocacy through social justice.
There is a $25 registration fee which includes continental breakfast. Register at www.cassandrabering.org.
July 16, 2019 - Supplicating Women’s Prayer Conference 2019: The Gathering, slated on Saturday, July 20th at the John D. Windham Civic Center.
Recently added to the illustrious platform of speakers will be Janet Kasper from the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott. She is the East Texas Regional Administrator of the Child Sex Trafficking Team.
She will make a presentation on Governor Abbott’s initiative to address child sex trafficking across the state of Texas.
The conference is designed to serve the women attendees holistically through Bible teaching, corporate prayer and exhortation. The conference will also provide viable information and resources as helps and tools to empower.
Other speakers are Dr. Cathy Moffitt of Heartfelt International Ministries, Dallas, Texas, Elder Tou U. Whittington of The Potter’s House Church, Dallas, Texas and TouUCommunications and Marketing Firm, and Karla Osayi, Pastor of Temple of Praise Church, Houston, Texas.
Elder Cassandra Bering, conference host, visionary and founder/CEO of Cassandra Bering Ministries, Inc. will be the keynote speaker. Cassandra is a native of Tenaha, Texas and now resides in Fort Worth, Texas. She has been in ministry for seventeen years. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Texas Christian University Brite Divinity School and is in her second year of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Regent University. She is passionate about the empowerment and uplifting of all people, especially hurting people through leadership training, prayer, education, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ using the prophetic voice of advocacy through social justice.
There is a $25 registration fee which includes continental breakfast. Registration starts at 8 am or you can register at www.cassandrabering.org.
July 15, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother Jesus. We are in the midst of Ordinary Time, and unfortunately, as I start writing my article for next week, Barry is churning in the Gulf. Saturday morning I took my puppies and our granddog to the park. It wasn’t nearly as hot as it had been all week, and there was a gusty wind blowing. I sure feel for those on the coast and hope people stay as safe as they can—but I’m enjoying the scraps of the storm we’re getting.
The title of our Sunday school lesson was “Jesus Teaches Us to Love One Another,” but the scripture from Matthew 5 sounded harsh to our modern ears. Our author also spent quite a bit of time talking about human brokenness. Toward the end of the lesson, the author reminded us that God has a one-item agenda: reconciliation, AKA learning to care for each other.
My sermon was based on the Gospel Lesson in which Jesus tells of the Good Samaritan. I titled my sermon, “The God Rule,” which is to love God completely and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes quite sure that his listeners understand that everyone on God’s earth is our neighbor.
We had a small crowd this morning, but we all had a good time visiting. Joe and Hilda kept our music going. Sue, our liturgist, led us in our Psalter Lesson, affirmation, and the Gospel Lesson. Our announcements reminded us that Tuesday at 2PM is our Holiday Nursing Home ministry. Also, July is our month for collecting cans of spaghetti and ravioli to donate to Community Christian Services in Joaquin.
Sue told us of seeing Pastor Jody, whose church is home to Community Christian Services. He said how much he enjoys seeing the many volunteers—from other churches and many areas of life—working so well together. But something else has been happening to give him additional joy: Those who are the clients of CCS have often become its volunteers as well. Our church is so happy to help in some small way with this worthy effort.
Our worship time is 10:00 AM; we would love to have you come to worship with us. I know how very busy everyone is: Our early meeting time enables you to move on to family get-togethers or jobs afterward. Not to mention naps, which my wife says are best on Sunday afternoon. 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.
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