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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
August 22, 2021 - No Sunday School or Church Service on Sunday, August 22nd. We hope to get back together the next Sunday, August 29th.
From the Pastor's Desk:
Grace and peace from our teacher and our friend, Jesus. Sue and I went to Nacogdoches for dinner on my birthday. Yes, I am officially a year older. At the table next to us was a couple with two young daughters. They were celebrating the mom’s return to her classroom and her older daughter’s first day of kindergarten. By the end of August, all schools in Texas will have started. I read about a kindergarten student who on that first day handed her teacher a note. It said, “The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of her parents.” I wish I had thought of that when my kids started out!
The Old Testament lesson for Sunday comes from 1 Kings 8: 22-30, 41-43: Solomon said, “But how could God possibly live on earth? If heaven, even the highest heaven, can’t contain you, how can this temple that I’ve built contain you? Lord my God, listen to your servant’s prayer that your servant prays to you today. Constantly watch over this temple, the place about which you said, ‘My name will be there,’ and listen to the prayer that your servant is praying toward this place.”
We believe that no place can contain God, the Ground Being of all creation. We know that the one Temple of the Jewish people was destroyed in the Jewish rebellion against Rome in 66 CE. This was mostly a rebuilt temple and not Solomon’s original building. After the Temple’s destruction, God still resided in the communities of Jews as they met in synagogues around the world. He resides wherever people of goodwill are doing God’s work. The covenant between God and humans was written on their hearts—and not limited to some stone or wood building.
In the Christian Testament, the human body is called a temple. This makes sense because we are made in the image of God, just below angels. That is pretty high up! So our understanding of holy places has changed over the centuries. The house of God can and should reside in us, regardless of our name for God and regardless of our cultural traditions. The buildings we call churches or temples are not so important because God intended for our faith to be lived out in community. God created Adam and Eve not to be solitary creatures, but to live in harmony with others.
Long ago I read about Gunda Tobias, an immigrant from Eastern Europe. She married in the US; she and her husband, on meager salaries, raised four children, sending each to college. She had no money to speak of, no degrees, and no job title. She wasn’t a CEO or a powerful politician. But when she spoke, people in her neighborhood listened. For several generations she had been there for her community in sad times and good times. She visited the sick and those in nursing centers. She volunteered at food banks and food kitchens. She lived out her days in that old neighborhood. When she spoke, it was with moral and ethical authority—not from power but from authenticity and compassion.
The world is full of Gundas. Without a doubt, she and people like her are the very temple in which God resides. God truly does live among us and in us. No building can contain the love and compassion of God.
News from Paxton Methodist:
Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. It is Saturday morning, and I got up at 4:00 (AM, not PM)! Mornings, I check television news, read the Dallas Morning News, and eat my oatmeal. Then Sam, Gunter, and I head to the park, where I do my laps, and my faithful four-legged companions run and play. Once again, Paxton United Methodist Church is not having in-person church because of Covid concerns. We are hoping to return to our regular schedule on Sunday, August 29th.
We have been lucky this summer to have had several breaks in the dry Texas heat. We had about five inches of rain last week, which cooled off our temperatures, although also amping up the humidity. My garden and water bill appreciated the extra rain!
Here in Joaquin, we are all watching Deans Hardware Store’s new beginnings. I realize how much I depended on Deans and their wonderful crew of friendly folks. From getting the right size bolt to buying our appliances, we knew that Deans would take care of us. Sue and I really miss going in. But each day as we watch Jeff and crew working, we know we are one day closer to this Joaquin landmark opening again. Can’t wait!
Joaquin lost a good friend, our Fire Chief, Perry Pugh. I have known Perry since I first came to Joaquin, having him in the senior class my first year of teaching. I also taught his older son, Tony; my wife had Brock in Spanish. And of course, his wife Donna greets us inside and driving through American State Bank. Perry was so bright and had such a wonderfully dry sense of humor. We are going to miss him; our prayers are with Donna, Tony, and Brock.
Working after the sun goes down in my garden, I could hear Meet the Rams and then the scrimmage between friendly rivals Joaquin and Logansport. My dogs ran around the yard trying to figure out where the sounds were coming from. Two of my apple trees have had a hard summer so I ordered some Garrett’s Sick Tree Tonic. It has done the trick; new leaves and growth are happily sprouting. I would sing to them if I didn’t think that would really make them sick! The singers in my yard are all at the “bird cafe” set up in my back yard. The birds (ok, and squirrels) are a joy to watch and hear.
Years ago there was a book about America’s “greatest generation,” my parents’ age group. Both my mother and father answered the call of their country, serving in the Navy. My dad was only nineteen or twenty when he enlisted. People who were Republicans, Democrats, and Independents answered the call. People of all colors, nationalities, and ethnic groups signed up. People from north, south, east, and west volunteered. My mother was the daughter of Russian immigrants, but she too was ready to serve her country. (She also thought it would be an adventure, something she was always up for!)
I remember in the late 1950s, Americans of all types once again answered their nation’s call to join together in the biggest national effort since the greatest generation went to war. Hundreds of thousands of families began lining up at neighborhood schools to take the polio vaccine. My wife’s teenage next-door neighbor was even one of the volunteers who was vaccinated before it became available to the public. My brother and I were not very excited about lining up to get a shot. What a pleasant surprise when they handed each of us a sugar cube!
I saw my mother-in-law at lunch a few weeks ago, when she reminisced about US citizens joining together to stamp out smallpox. People who got vaccinated and had that tell-tale scar wore it as a badge of honor. Thanks to earlier generations, we were able to defeat fascism and eradicate smallpox, as well as polio. No longer do children or their families have to worry about the crippling effects of smallpox or of polio.
Now hope fades for herd immunity and getting a handle on our current pandemic. Not enough Americans are getting vaccinated, allowing the most virulent form of Covid-19, the Delta variant, to run rampant through our nation. The most troubling problem is that this virus continues to change and mutate: If we are not careful, it is going to become immune to the vaccine, growing more deadly than anything we have seen so far. This virus goes after anyone and everyone. It doesn’t care where you live, how old you are, or what your politics are. If you are unvaccinated, it will hunt you down.
My prayers go out to all those who are suffering from this terrible plague. My prayers are with families who feel powerless to help sick loved ones and those who have lost friends and family members. We must try our best—even if we have to will ourselves not to give up hope—and rise to the challenge as one American body.
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.
August 19, 2021 - When Saul was King of Israel, he became insanely jealous of David. Jealous to the point where he tried on several occasions to kill David. In I Samuel chapter 20, we read that it was the new moon, however David was going to be absent from his place at Saul’s table. In verse 18 we read that Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and though shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty”.
That is a concept that all of us are familiar with. In our homes, there are seats that are empty. Some have gone home to their eternal reward and we cherish their memory. Some seats are empty because some have done as did the younger son in Luke chapter 15 and left home. Still others are empty because of desertion. Whatever the cause, when seats are empty, it is a source of sadness.
Have you ever thought of the sadness it causes the Lord when the Saints of God gather for Worship and your seat is empty? There are some seats in the church that are empty because of death, yet the works and memories of faithful saints fill our lives. Some seats are empty because people have left the Lord and the story of the cross no longer has any effect on their life. Still others are empty because some folks just simply don’t care. When the saints of God assemble for worship and your seat is empty, it suggests to those members who are present, “Why don’t you stay away next Sunday, too!” Where will you be on the Lord’s Day?
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.
August 15, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. It is Sunday morning, and I just got back from a walk with my faithful companions, Gunter and Sam. It was really humid, but the temperature was much nicer than a regular August morning. We got a good rain yesterday evening, with more thunder and lightning than rain. But I will not have to water today, so “Yeah! I am not complaining one bit.
In a real break from my routine, I am not getting ready for Sunday School or the church service. Every one of the regular Paxton Methodist worshipers is vaccinated, but last week two of our folks tested positive for Covid. Since they’re vaccinated, the symptoms have been milder, fortunately. We have called off in-person worship today and also for next Sunday, August 22nd. With fourteen days passing, hopefully we will be able to resume Sunday, August 29th.
Last night the East District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church, Dr. Richard White, called to say he was coming to Paxton to worship with us. Although we have been meeting in-person for months, this week was a different story. I sure hope he can schedule another time. We all like Dr. White, who is a good friend of Paxton Methodist and Shelby County. Life often throws curve balls and we have to be ready for what comes. The District announced that our Church Charge Conference will be Saturday, November 20th at 2:00 PM. I will try to figure out Zoom so our next conference (2022) will not require Dr. White to venture all the way to Paxton.
One of the books I am reading is News of the World, which has been made into a movie starring Tom Hanks. Hanks plays a veteran who after the Civil War travels around Texas to hold public meetings where he reads newspapers, catching people up on recent events. The cost of admission is 10 cents. He’s asked to transport a 10-year-old girl, newly released from Kiowa captivity, to her relatives in southern Texas.
Much of the book so far features the thoughts and musings of Hank’s character. At one point he said that humanity has recognized that we have a responsibility to protect and care for children. For some reason during this troubling pandemic time, it seems we have forgotten that. Younger children are getting really sick from the Delta variant: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida have run out of pediatric ICU beds. At the same time, these states are fighting over vaccine and mask requirements.
The Old Testament lesson for today was Proverbs 9: 1-6. Proverbs is a book of wise sayings for young people—but also for the young at heart. In this ancient text, Lady Wisdom was present when God was working on creation, and now she invites everyone to feast on her enlightenment. We all need to sit at that table! Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians 5: 15-20, is also talking about wisdom and the need to apply it to our daily living. The Gospel lesson from John 6: 51-58 promises life—the Kingdom of God—for those who partake of the gifts God has provided. I will preach on wisdom when we get back to in-person services; I also pledge to pray, read, and meditate on how I can apply wisdom and knowledge to my own life. I hope I listen to Lady Wisdom’s call and ignore Lady Folly!
We have enjoyed having Carolyn back these last few weeks, but she will soon head back to Pennsylvania to care for her sister. We will miss her, but I know her sister sure appreciates her. Sue added to Sunday’s bulletin that I had a birthday last week. I guess it’s only fair since I put her birthday in the July bulletin. Mine is August 12, my son’s is the 13th, and his stepdaughter’s the 14th. Maybe I can remember that!
In August, with its school reopenings, we will focus on “Undie Sundays” to help outfit returning students through Community Christian Services. I hope that everyone at the local schools has had a good start to school. As a retired teacher/principal/bus driver, I still miss my fellow educators and the kids. Each morning as I am making laps around the park, I watch the buses heading to school. With Covid-19, I imagine start-up is more complicated than usual. We hope teachers, staff, and students in Shelby County and Desoto Parish have a safe and productive school year. Joaquin and Tenaha scrimmaged Friday night. We live close to school and we can hear the PA announcer when we are outside. Sounds like fall!
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.
August 13, 2021 - Latham cemetery is in need of donations/funds for the upkeep of the cemetery. Please make deposits at Citizens Bank in care of Latham Cemetery. For more information about Latham Cemetery, click here.
August 12, 2021 - There is an interesting incident in the life of Jesus recorded in Mark chapter 14. Jesus was the guest of honor in the house of Simon the leper. While having dinner, a woman came with a box of precious ointment and broke the box and poured the ointment on the head of Jesus.
Well, almost immediately, the “naysayers” and the “faultfinders” began to criticize this wasteful act. Mark tells us some said the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. He also tells us they murmured against her. Yet, in the face of this biting criticism, Jesus commended her and told them to leave her alone because she had done what she could.
The story suggests to us that Christianity is a religion of doing things. It is not something one gets but something one does. Jesus went on to tell them that wherever the gospel would be preached, what she had done would be spoken of as a memorial to her.
From this story, we learn that each of us has a responsibility in the Lord’s Kingdom to “do what we can”. God wants us to do what we can and our responsibility is equal to our ability. The greatest need in the church is not eloquence, education or wealth. The greatest need is the spirit that will cause each person to do what they can. Are you doing your part in the service of the Lord?
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.
August 12, 2021 - Huxley Helping Hands will have a Drive-thru food pantry, Saturday, August 14, 2021, starting at 9am Hillcrest Baptist Church, Center, Texas. Must show I.D. and be in line by 9:30am to receive a box. Only one box per household.
August 9, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. The typical Texas summer weather pattern has come to our part of the world. Once again Mother Nature sent us a curve ball instead of what we usually get temperature-wise at the beginning of August. It was nice to have slightly cooler days and low humidity. But it didn’t last, and we are back in those dog days of summer. Still, no triple digits or wildfires.
Sue and I were in Dallas last weekend visiting our kids. Larry filled in for me, speaking about growing up in the suburbs but being pulled to the quieter country life of his grandparents. Both Sue and I had the same upbringing—suburbs of big cities but frequent visits to grandparents in small towns and farms. We enjoyed reading his talk, and I really appreciate Larry covering the pulpit for me.
I think the Sunday School class is getting used to our author this quarter, and beginning to appreciate the way she talks about scripture. Today’s lesson was based on Job’s suffering; she also discussed why pain befalling good people just doesn’t have a satisfactory answer. We all would like to a clear understanding, but it never really came to Job; we too will have to puzzle over the reality of suffering.
It was so great to have Carolyn back. Carolyn was at Sunday School and church last week, too, but I wasn’t. Carolyn’s daughter Lisa came and we had a lively discussion during our lesson. The church gave thumbs up to two scholarships that will go to grandchildren of two of our members. While we were going over the announcements I realized that I forgot someone’s birthday—mine! Oh, well, I don’t need reminding that I am getting older.
Sue operates the CD player; luckily, we have many hymns on CDs. We are able to play and sing the Gloria Patri and the Doxology in response to our Affirmation of Faith and our offering. Today’s hymns were “Take My Life, and Let It Be” and “Lord, I Want To Be a Christian.” These two are not so familiar to our congregation, as we are more used to old-time songs from the Cokesbury hymnal and Heavenly Highways. Singing from CDs, though, the most important feature is a song with breathing spaces—some of the instrumental accompanists seem very much in a hurry to get someplace else!
My sermon was based on John 6: 35, 41-51. In the words of today’s Gospel, Jesus told those who were hanging on his every word that he was the Bread of Life. Bread and water are still the basics in most human diets. But of course, Jesus is talking about much more than bread. And when he added that he came down from Heaven, the neighbors who knew his parents and watched Jesus grow up were not happy. But these words provided much comfort to the Jewish Jesus followers of the first century.
All during the month of July, Paxton Methodist collected cans of spaghetti and ravioli for Community Christian Services. I delivered the food and some checks to Community Christian Services last week. In August, with its school reopenings, we will focus on “Undie Sundays” to help outfit returning students. This was the original monthly collection for Christian Services at Joaquin Methodist, which later was expanded to various foods and hygiene items each month. As I write this, the Joaquin school parking lots are full to bursting (Logansport returned already). We hope teachers, staff, and students in Shelby County and Desoto Parish have a safe and productive school year.
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.
August 5, 2021 - The Bright Morning Star Baptist Church will be hosting it's annual revival three nights, beginning Monday, August 9th - 11th at 7:30 p.m. nightly. The special guest speaker will be Pastor A.L. Horton, Sr., Reed Chapel Baptist Church, San Augustine, Texas. Please come and join us each night. The church is located at 623 Martin Luther King Drive, Center Texas.
Host Pastor Anthony Jackson
August 5, 2021 - James would write for us, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14) If you want to make God laugh, really laugh, tell Him what you are going to do tomorrow.
The Bible is filled with examples of those who had great plans for tomorrow and yet, tomorrow never came. When Felix heard Paul preach, he trembled upon hearing the word of God. He told Paul to go his way and he would call for him at a more convenient time. He told Paul he would wait until tomorrow and for Governor Felix, tomorrow never came.
Jesus tells us of a rich farmer who had an abundant harvest in Luke chapter 12, He was planning to tear down his old barns and build greater barns to have a place to store all his abundance. He had great plans for tomorrow, but God had other plans. God called that man a fool and told him his soul was required that very night. Tomorrow never came for that farmer.
Paul would write to the church in Corinth, “now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2) Do not put off serving the Lord until tomorrow, but begin today, right now to serve the Lord and live His kind of life, His way.
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
August 2, 2021 - On August 8, 2021 at 11:30am, Mt. Gillion Baptist Church will be holding it’s “Second Sunday” in August Annual Homecoming Service. Speaker is Bishop Joseph Hall Jr., Pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church, Mansfield Louisiana.
Rev. Gary Suell, Sr. Pastor.
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