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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
May 26, 2022 - Ramah Cemetery will hold our annual meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha, TX. The church gym will be open and families are welcome to bring a covered dish lunch to celebrate and honor our loved ones.
May 24, 2022 - New Hope Cemetery Homecoming will be Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12 noon. Please bring your lawn chairs and favorite dishes for a time of food and fellowship.
If you are unable to attend and wish to donate for the upkeep of the cemetery please send donations to:
New Hope Cemetery
c/o Alyson Porter
1597 FM 2974
Center, Texas 75935
May 23, 2022 - Sunday was the 6th Sunday of Easter. As promised by all the local channels, our part of the world got a nice rain last night. We had almost 2 inches in downtown Joaquin. Sunday morning also saw some cooler temperatures. All the plants in my little gardens and containers appreciate rain, and I appreciate not having to water. It is usually much later in the summer when I have to start watering every day.
Our Sunday School continued with the author’s theme about creation and the need to care for it. We humans may think we are the only important part of creation, but God cares for it all. We have a duty not just to each other and to future generations, but to God. There were two scriptures for our lesson: Joel 2: 18-26 and Romans 8: 19-22. Our author reminded us that we live with misconceptions of the truth. In the reading from Romans, Paul alerts us to the reality that humanity and nature exist in an interconnected relationship with each other. Paul’s words shatter the myth that we humans can act in whatever manner we please when it comes to the environment. The destiny of the earth is also part of our faith.
We had a small group at worship this morning—not that we ever have a large group! I guess it’s all relative. Our Gathering Words were based on Psalm 67, a hymn of praise that has a universal feel to it. We affirmed our faith by saying The Apostles’ Creed. For Christian churches that include affirmations in their worship services, this is the best known one. The bulletin quote from Andrew Murray mirrored the idea of stewardship from the Sunday School lesson: “The world asks, ‘What does a man own?’ Christ asks, ‘How does he use it?’” We can also see how this quote reflects our Christian duty to share compassion to all people, another theme from my sermon today. Our two songs were familiar and joyful ones: “To God Be the Glory” and “Wonderful Words of Life.”
The Gospel lesson today again came from John; John 14: 23-31 is part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse. The passages making up Jesus’ final words to the disciples are the longest speech by Jesus in the entire New Testament. Jesus promises that God’s Spirit will always be with the disciples (and with us). We used a more modern translation for the Gospel reading that refers to the Holy Spirit as The Companion. We are never really alone. The Companion will accompany us on our life’s journey. Jesus’ final gift to his disciples is peace—shalom. The use of “shalom” indicates more than just peace, meaning fullness and wholeness. Easter Season is about to end: In a few weeks we will celebrate the ascension of Jesus and the birth of the Jesus Movement on Pentecost.
During the announcement part of our service, I shared that I called our dear friend Hilda. I also talked to Mike, who said he, Lillie, and Liz were all doing well. I know that Lillie is happily rooting for the Astros. She is having a lot more fun than I am—as a long-time Cubs fan. Gene gave an update on a CD the church recently took out. May is getting closer to the end. All month we have been collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. In June we will start collecting paper towels and toilet paper.
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.
May 23, 2022 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, May 23.
Do you know what a “polymath” is? It sounds like a really hard arithmetic problem! But actually, it’s a person who has world-class ability in more than one area. Leonardo de Vinci is probably the prime example of a polymath, or "Renaissance man". But a close second would be one of our Founding Fathers - Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin was a writer, scientist, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, philosopher, and inventor. And, on May 23, 1785, he announced a new invention - bifocal glasses. This breakthrough was a blessing to those who were both far-sighted and near-sighted, like Benjamin Franklin (and yours truly).
Hopefully you're one of those lucky people with 20-20 vision, but most of us need help with our vision. And when it comes to spiritual vision, we all need help. And God has promised to supply His vision to help us find our way. The Bible, of course, is the primary way that He guides us - "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
The Apostle Paul offered this prayer for the church in Ephesus, and for us - "Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance" (Ephesians 1:18).
Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
May 20, 2022 - The Calvary Boys will be in concert on Saturday, May 21st at 7:00 PM at Old Home Baptist Church. The church is located 9 miles North of Center off of Farm Road 699 onto County Road 3455. Call or text for more information 936-332-9293.
May 29, 2022 - In Luke chapter 6 and verse 46, Jesus is preaching and says, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” At first glance, perhaps that sounds a bit harsh. However, it could have been a question in which the expression of pity, surprise and patient love on the face of Jesus softened the rebuke.
Let’s be honest. Often to do the things Jesus tells us to do is not an easy matter. He said so much and often they were such hard sayings. Yet, Jesus dealt in principles and what he said can be summed up in three principles.
We are to put God first in our lives. That is why Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We must put our neighbor second, remember Jesus said we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Then, we are to put ourselves last.
The great tragedy of our day and time is that we so often put self first, before God and others. Have you ever considered what a wonderful place this world would be if we all put God first in our lives and put self last? Why not start right now to put God first, others second and self third in your thinking. I just might make life better.
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
May 17, 2022 - St. John Missionary Baptist Church Center, Tx. Pastor Rev. Winston Kibbles Sr. Pastor & Wife’s Appreciation Service.
Rev. and First Lady Winston Kibbles Sr.
Honoring our Pastor & Wife’s 16th Anniversary
We the members of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church cordially invite you to come and celebrate this great occasion with us.
Theme: “Celebrating the Laborer that dwells among us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
June 5, 2022 12pm Special Guest: Rev. Cedric Grace, St. John Missionary Baptist church, Pastor: Rev. Winston Kibbles Sr. 2308 C.R. 2050 Center, Tx 75935
St. John Missionary Baptist church
Pastor: Rev. Winston Kibbles Sr.
2308 C.R. 2050 Center, Tx 75935
May 17, 2022 - Sunday was the 5th Sunday of Easter. We finally got some much-needed rain, but that was followed by heat, humidity, and winds. The old earth is parched again in Shelby County. I am watering my container plants every day. I have become a small-time gardener with mostly raised beds planted in perennials. The first blooms from my roses were really pretty; now the gardenias and cape jasmine are flowering, looking and smelling wonderful.
Saturday, Sue’s brother and sister-in-law drove up from Houston to visit with their mom. We met at a Nacogdoches restaurant along with Sue’s sister’s family. It was a really nice little reunion and Dixie was happy to have her family gathered around.
We had everybody back at Sunday School this week, and the lesson for May 15 was particularly interesting. The title was “In Awesome Wonder,” about God’s beautiful creation. You would think the main scripture would come from Genesis, the Hebrew creation story. But no, it came from the end of the book of Job: As he created the whole wide world, God was wondering where Job was. Job of course had no good answer, and God really didn’t have a response to why suffering happens to good people. We humans sometimes think creation is all about us. It isn’t. We are quite entitled and think we deserve explanations for all our “why” questions. But God has concern for every part of his creation.
John Wesley often spoke of the essentials of Christianity. When reading the history of the Methodist Movement, you soon see that Wesley had just a handful of requirements. He would say “Hear, Hear” to our Gospel lesson today. The Final Discourse is found only in the John Gospel, occurring on Thursday evening of Holy Week. Jesus has a pretty good idea of what is ahead. He is preparing his closest friends for a time they will take the Good News to people without him. He tells them everything begins with love—compassion. When that is your starting point and where your spiritual compass points, then you are on the right track. Jesus said that is how people will know that they are his followers—the great compassion they have for everyone. Even today, we should take a lesson from that.
All the regulars were back this morning, putting us in double digits. Our Gathering Words were based on Psalm 148: As one reads through this beautiful hymn, we see where St. Francis got his inspiration. We recited the ancient creed of faith, The Apostles’ Creed. Our first song was “Marching to Zion.” We listened to one verse to get the rhythm and then sang two. Next was “Standing on the Promises,” a more familiar hymn to our congregation.
During May we have been collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. Schools in Joaquin finish up this Friday, with most schools going through the next week. I know the teachers and of course the students are looking forward to the break. Ah yes, I remember it well!
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.
May 16, 2022 - Sunday was the 5th Sunday of Easter. We finally got some much-needed rain, but that was followed by heat, humidity, and winds. The old earth is parched again in Shelby County. I am watering my container plants every day. I have become a small-time gardener with mostly raised beds planted in perennials. The first blooms from my roses were really pretty; now the gardenias and cape jasmine are flowering, looking and smelling wonderful.
Saturday, Sue’s brother and sister-in-law drove up from Houston to visit with their mom. We met at a Nacogdoches restaurant along with Sue’s sister’s family. It was a really nice little reunion and Dixie was happy to have her family gathered around.
We had everybody back at Sunday School this week, and the lesson for May 15 was particularly interesting. The title was “In Awesome Wonder,” about God’s beautiful creation. You would think the main scripture would come from Genesis, the Hebrew creation story. But no, it came from the end of the book of Job: As he created the whole wide world, God was wondering where Job was. Job of course had no good answer, and God really didn’t have a response
about us. It isn’t. We are quite entitled and think we deserve explanations for all our “why” questions. But God has concern for every part of his creation.
John Wesley often spoke of the essentials of Christianity. When reading the history of the Methodist Movement, you soon see that Wesley had just a handful of requirements. He would say “Hear, Hear” to our Gospel lesson today. The Final Discourse is found only in the John Gospel, occurring on Thursday evening of Holy Week. Jesus has a pretty good idea of what is ahead. He is preparing his closest friends for a time they will take the Good News to people without him. He tells them everything begins with love—compassion. When that is your starting point and where your spiritual compass points, then you are on the right track. Jesus said that is how people will know that they are his followers—the great compassion they have for everyone. Even today, we should take a lesson from that.
All the regulars were back this morning, putting us in double digits. Our Gathering Words were based on Psalm 148: As one reads through this beautiful hymn, we see where St. Francis got his inspiration. We recited the ancient creed of faith, The Apostles’ Creed. Our first song was “Marching to Zion.” We listened to one verse to get the rhythm and then sang two. Next was “Standing on the Promises,” a more familiar hymn to our congregation.
During May we have been collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. Schools in Joaquin finish up this Friday, with most schools going through the next week. I know the teachers and of course the students are looking forward to the break. Ah yes, I remember it well!
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.
May 16, 2022 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, May 16.
When we moved to our place just east of Tenaha, Texas, there was an old hummingbird feeder hanging on the back porch. I cleaned it out, filled it with sugar water, hung it back up, and sat back and waited for the hummingbirds. That was four years ago... and I'm still waiting.
Well, at least until two weeks ago. My sister and brother-in-law visited from San Antonio, and came bearing a gift, a deluxe hummingbird feeder from Walmart. And I guess that's what the birds were waiting for, because a few hours later we saw our first little green visitor, and now there are two.
I've enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching them. And even though there are five little flower feeders - and just two birds - they're constantly competing with each other, worrying about how much sweet nectar the other's getting - when there's plenty to go around!
When I drove to Oklahoma last week, I probably passed something like 200 churches. And I wonder how many of those churches are worried about how well the church down the street is doing, instead of focusing on the needy people all around them.
People who need encouragement. People who need prayer. People who need the love of Christ. God forgive us for competing with other churches, when there's plenty to go around.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
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