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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
“Go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in…that my house may be filled..” Luke 14:23
May 29, 2017 - A few years ago, Pam and I visited Arizona’s Saguaro National Park near Tucson and it has since become one of our favorite vacation stops. Along with the display of animals in their natural habitat, there’s a large avian enclosure that houses numerous species of gorgeous birds. Orioles, warblers, doves, and buntings all fed, watered and nested in the lush trees of this large wire enclosure. They all seemed so happy, and none of them were trying to get out.
Then we noticed an unusual thing. Scores of wild birds were hanging on the outside of this wire enclosure trying to get in! Woodpeckers, jays and wrens frantically sought to get through the wire mesh to be with the tame birds.
And I thought: this place is like some of our churches. The members are so busy eating, drinking and enjoying the safety of their home that they haven’t even noticed that wild ones are wanting in. And there’s one thing for sure: They’ll never get in….
… until we show them The Way.
May 29, 2017 - Sunday morning began with a little rain. When I started to Paxton, it was raining pretty good. By the time worship was over at 11:00, it was a sunny, warm, humid day. There are no promises in the weather department for Memorial Day. Sunday we celebrated the ascension of Jesus. This was another milestone in the church’s history, considered an important holy day. And of course, for us modern Americans, it was Memorial Day weekend. This solemn day dates back to just after the Civil War in the United States, called Decoration Day. Today’s families take a break, get together, have cookouts and remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. For the church the ascension marks the moment when the baton was handed off from Jesus to his followers, charging them with spreading the good news and helping bring God’s Kingdom upon the earth. Part of my sermon was also about the 2016 Chicago Cubs winning the World Series. As most everyone knows, I am a big Cubs fan, and I just finished reading a book about the Cub’s super year.
Our Sunday school lesson finished up a quarter, so we got new lesson books. Today’s lesson also finished Jonah’s story. We all know that instead of Jonah being happy that the people of Nineveh repented and that God saved the city, Jonah was angry at God for his great mercy. I think this strikes a chord in all humans, as we certainly want God and others to forgive us our shortcomings—but we are a lot less willing to forgive. We are not really sure that we want God to care for our enemies.
At the beginning of our Sunday school class, we had a nice surprise when Carolyn came in. Carolyn has been in Pennsylvania for the longest; we were so happy to see her and to hear what she has been up to. As our Sunday school class was ending, we had another surprise. Hilda and her sister Linda came in. Hilda looks so good, and her health is defiitely improving. Our numbers this morning soared into double digits. Cynthia played the piano for us again, which really appreciate. All month we have been collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. In June we will be collecting paper towels and toilet paper. Next Sunday is Pentecost, when we celebrate the official birth of the Jesus movement and also Holy Communion.
We had our ministry at Lakeside this week. Pastor Matt started the program with prayer. Sue then spoke to the group, telling them how Mrs. Hilda's rehabbing was coming along. With accompaniment from Joyce Hughes, we sang a number of congregational songs. Tori was unable to attend, but Nora, Gene, and Jo kept us in tune (well, they tried) and making a joyful noise (more realistic). Joyce sang and played a lovely special of "Like a River, Glorious." Nora sang her soulful "Put a Little Love in Your Heart." Gene recited and then sang a modern favorite, "Hymn of Promise." At the end of the program, he led us in a stirring rendition of "God Bless America." Fannie read that hilarious piece, a 9-year-old's interpretation of God. Ollie read a sweet story of a little boy and an elderly man, both seeking God and finding him in each other. Sue recited various jump rope chants and song parodies from her childhood, like "On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese" (to "On Top of Old Smoky"). Matt did a devotional on Jacob, choosing various verses to show how Jacob's faith evolved and matured over time.
“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.
May 26, 2017 - Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church will have revival May 29 - June 2 starting at 7pm each night.
Evangelist will be Bro. John Raines, with music led by Bro. Jay Pollan and pianist Bro. Travis Worsham.
Bro. Hiram Melton, Pastor.
May 26, 2017 - Have an un-bear-ably fun adventure at VBS this summer!
At Camp Our VBS, kids will discover an important truth that Jesus is the light!
First Baptist Church Tenaha June 10-11. Fun begins at: 8:30AM Saturday, June 10th and ends at 2:30PM. Sunday Celebration: June 11th at 10:30AM.
For more information, call: 936-248-320
May 26, 2017 - Lydia Missionary Baptist Church invites you to Summer Revival on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 11am until 6pm and June 5-7 at 6pm nightly. Special music by Bro. Josh Adams and family. Special speaker is Bro. Josh Adams.
Lydia Missionary Baptist Church is located at 14998 FM 139, Shelbyville, Texas 75973. For any questions or more information, call 936-368-2462.
Wilt thou not revive us again; that thy people may rejoice in thee? Psalms 85:6
Songs from Danny Paul Windham’s New Recording Project to be Included
May 25, 2017 - As part three of its 2017 Concert Series, First United Methodist Church in Center presents in concert the band Watlington, Peppard, Shelton, and Scott. The group of veteran musicians will lead praise and worship, present original material, and provide audience-interactive musical comedy this Saturday night, May 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the FUMC Fellowship Hall. In addition, the band welcome’s special guest Danny Paul Windham who will perform selected tunes from his new studio CD project. Admission is free and everyone is invited.
May 23, 2017 - We all know the world is in a mess, that there is turmoil in all things and in all places, hate and racism spewed by all colors of peoples toward others. Injustice upon people of other faiths, creeds and colors. Famines, droughts, floods, earthquakes, and storms dominate the news and our lives. If you watch the "news" all you will see are bad things.
So people worry, people are anxious about their lives. While this is natural for us humans, it is not useful nor recommended.
Let me tell you what the Bible says about being anxious or worrying your life away.
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow not reap nor gather into barns and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26)
Jesus is telling us that man is God's most prized possession on earth and he breaks down our needs to the most basic; food, drink and clothing. You are probably thinking; well I have many more concerns that those few basic needs. I ask you then, why?
Why are you worried about the things of this earth? Do you not know that all the physical things of this earth will eventually be burned up and only the Words of God left for eternity? That is why Jesus keeps things so simple, for those are the only things that truly matter. At the end of this age as the world changes and this heaven and earth pass away only two things will be left from all that you see today. God's Word and God's children, the saved of this world, all else will be gone, burned up. Don't worry about it!
Jesus asks us; "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matthew 6:27) Think about it. Just what good does it do to worry or be anxious about the things of this world. The world we know is temporary, heaven and hell are permanent and our destiny is in one or the other.
Then what should I do? How should I conduct my life here on earth if I am not to be concerned about the things of this world?
Jesus explains the things that worldly people seek after which include; what we will eat, what we will drink, what we will wear, most would include what we would call "the finer things of life", but we are talking about the physical rewards of life on earth.
About those he says this; "For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all." (Matthew 6:32) God knows our needs and will provide for them, Jesus gives us the path to follow. "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
By keeping our lives simple and looking for the spiritual things instead of physical things, if we seek we will find, the right thing, the kingdom of God.
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34)
Try these three principles in your life. First, do your very best in everything you do. Second, pray often for guidance and inspiration from our Lord. Third, leave everything else to the Lord for by our weakness, His strength is shown to all.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you this day...
May 23, 2017 - The annual New Hope Cemetery Homecoming will be at 12 noon on Sunday, June 4, 2017. Bring your lawn chairs and favorite dishes. The Shelby County Singers will be hosting the singing inside the church after lunch, so please plan on joining us during that time of fellowship.
If you are unable to attend the homecoming this year and you would like to send a donation to help support the upkeep of the cemetery, please send your checks to: New Hope Cemetery Association, c/o Patricia Helms, 1721 FM 138, Center, TX 75935.
May 23, 2017 - New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Bro. Billy Windham invite you to attend their annual revival starting May 29, 2017. Enjoy Evangelist Bro. Cliff Durham at 7pm nightly Monday, May 29th through Friday, June 2nd.
May 23, 2017 - The Old Salem Cemetery located on FM 711, will be holding its annual homecoming this Sunday, May 28, 2017. We will begin gathering around 10:30am to fellowship with lunch being served at 12 noon. Please bring your favorite dish and enjoy fellowship with family and friends. The committee will be accepting donations for the upkeep of the cemetery. Please join us or if unable to be present, send donations to 8612 FM 711, Center, Texas 75935. For more information, call 936-598-9405 or 936-591-2543 or email ceciliaboles@sbcglobal.net. See you there!
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