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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
September 28, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. Sunday was the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. We had our usual small crowd with folks out of town—and some out of the country having a really fun time! Hope to see everyone soon. The weather has been pleasant with cool mornings; the afternoons, even though warm, have featured really low humidity. Dog walks and working in the yard have been downright delightful. The days are definitely getting shorter, though, so we know winter is coming.
I talked with two of my favorite people last week. Lillie called me, and we got all caught up with her doings and ours at church. Lillie is such a lovely, gracious, and kind lady: We certainly miss her since she moved to Houston. Speaking of lovely people, Hilda and I had a really good time talking and laughing on a recent phone visit. She sure misses Shelby County, all her friends, and Paxton Church, but she is adjusting well to her new digs in Beaumont. At church, Larry mentioned that he called Hilda also. We certainly miss Hilda and all she did for the church—most importantly, to inspire us with her gentle ways.
Our Sunday School lesson had a really long scripture that served as the basis for the lesson. The author said the purpose was to discover the privileges and responsibilities of being part of God’s household. John Wesley, speaking about Christian Perfection, sounded a lot like St. Paul here. Paul said we are to pursue seriously our goal to be perfected. He also reminded us not to dwell too long on the past, instead reaching out for all that is in front of us. The author told us that when Paul says “Christ is our peace,” the word for peace means a state of completeness and wholeness. This week’s bulletin quote from H. Jackson Brown, Jr., carried on the same theme: “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.”
Sue got our worship started with our Gathering Words, based on Psalm124. We also said together A Modern Affirmation, which states that when we fall short we are to try again. The Gospel, Mark 9:38-41, reinforced the idea that Jesus felt those doing good are not to be condemned or stopped. The disciples had become irritated by another exorcist casting out demons in Jesus’ name, but Jesus pointed out that righteous action should be praised.
I began my sermon by talking about the Old Testament lesson, which was all about Esther. One oddity of this book is that the word God is never used—but we certainly know that God’s hand was moving in the events surrounding Esther. The Epistle lesson once again came from James; in very pastoral words, he urged those who were hurting to pray and those who were joyous to sing. We did both at our service.
Our Hymn of Praise was the simple but moving “Near to the Heart of God.” Later came our Hymn of Joy, “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling.” Joe was on hand to lead us in both. We’re using CDs now, so are limited to what we have available in that set. Our Closing Hymn is always the first verse of “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” which we know well enough to do a cappella.
We collected macaroni and cheese all last month and will collect peanut butter and jelly in October. I will take checks and the food stuffs collected to Community Christian Services next week. We had a letter from First Baptist in Joaquin about the yearly campaign to get Christmas gifts for area kids. Paxton Church always contributes as a church, and several members either write personal checks or “adopt” a child by purchasing shirt, pants, shoes, and a gift. First Baptist adds a Bible and underwear to each.
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.
Randy & Sue Smith—Paxton United Methodist Church
September 23, 2021 - St. John Missionary Baptist Church Center, Texas, Rev. Winston L. Kibbles Sr. – Pastor
Celebrating Their "132 Years" Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 10:30am.
1889-2021
Theme: “Prayer Still Works! James 5:16
You are welcome to worship with them.
September 23, 2021 - If you talk to my wife or daughter-in-law, they will tell you I am one of the best drivers around at missing a turn. Sometimes, we all do that, and when we do, we can back up. We can put the car in reverse. When you think about it, often one of the best ways to correct an error is to back up.
In addition to mechanical reverses, there are also physical or material reverses. If someone finds themselves in the wrong job or profession, they back up and find another one. When we make a purchase, there is the right to return it for an exchange or refund. There are “idiot turns” on the freeway for folks like me without a GPS.
Yet, our greatest need is for spiritual reverses. It was the great preacher of another era, Marshall Keeble who said, “The biggest problem with people is that they just don’t want to back up.” However, the Bible tells us there are two roads of life. There is the broad way or the narrow way. The right way or the wrong way. The way of life or the way of death. Sometimes we need to back up so we can get on the right road.
When the Bible speaks of reverse, the word used is repent. It means a change of conduct to back up and go the right way. This is often the greatest need in our lives. Repentance, putting yourself in reverse, backing up, is the hardest work of man. It is the most difficult thing a proud man or woman is called on to do. However, if we are willing to repent, our God is the God of the second chance.
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.
September 21, 2021 - The McWilliams-Rather Cemetery Association will meet on Saturday, September 25th at 4 pm. The meeting will be held at Todd Spring Baptist Church in Shelbyville. All are welcome to attend.
September 21, 2021 - The Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church is pleased to announce and invite you to join us as we ordain two candidates to the office of deacon.
The ordination service for Bro. Johnny Ellington and Bro. Jarvis Johnson will be held at 11 a.m Sunday, September 26 at Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
Everyone is invited to join us in this joyous occasion.
Rev. Anthony Jackson, Pastor
September 20, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. Sunday morning came in quiet and peaceful after our busy week. Sue and I went to Dallas to stay at our daughter’s house. Meg works remotely and was involved with zoom calls most of the afternoon—but was able to take off Thursday and Friday. Our son Jacob came for dinner Wednesday evening; we had a nice visit and updates on his family in Denton. During the day Thursday, Meg and I went plant and home shopping, our favorite. My brother and sister-in-law came over later for dinner, visit, and birthday presents. The next morning I met my brother for a leisurely breakfast, while Sue and Megan went downtown for the Van Gogh exhibit. All this might sound low-key to some, but it was high adventure to the Joaquin Smiths!
Sunday was the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Autumn makes an appearance this coming week with the promise of cooler days. The dogs and I are looking forward to crisp (but not too cold) mornings for our walks. With the coming of autumn, we know we have turned a page on the Christian calendar: In just a few months Advent will begin with the stories to get us ready for the coming of the Christ Child.
It was so nice to have Fred and Sue with us once again all the way from Louisiana! We have really enjoyed getting to know them during the pandemic. Joe is back to his old job of leading the singing, although from CDs now. “Amazing Grace” was easy enough—yeah, we know it pretty well, but also the accompanist played at a good pace for us old folks. Not necessarily so with “Blessed Assurance,” our second hymn. All those triplets, plus a lively pianist really made us hustle!
Our Sunday School lesson, based on Galatians 2: 11-21, left all of us puzzled, not sure we liked the stories or illustrations. The scripture dealt with the split between Jewish and Gentile followers in the early Jesus communities. Peter and Paul are at loggerheads over how much of a role Jewish traditions, culture, and religion will play in the new faith groups, where more and more of the converts had previously been pagans and not Jews. Paul reaffirms what Jesus said: The greatest commandment is to love God and love one’s neighbor. Paul and Peter could agree on that—I think.
The main scripture for my sermon was once again from James—James 3: 5-6, 13, 17-18. James is not a theologian like Paul but is able to outline clear-cut ways to act in order to truly follow Jesus. In the reading, James warns about the damage we can do with our words. He says a good and righteous life can be seen by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
All during the month of September we are collecting macaroni and cheese for Community Christian Services. In October, which is coming up quickly, we will donate peanut butter and jelly. As “point man” for the Christmas part of Christian Services, Sue got a text last week asking for confirmation of our church’s usual involvement. That early notice might’ve taken some aback, but my wife has been busily working on our family Christmas since August!
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.
September 17, 2021 - In Matthew chapter 27, Pilate gave the people the choice of releasing a hardened criminal named Barabbas or Jesus. Whipped into a frenzy by their leaders, the people chose Barabbas. Then Pilate asked the question, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” The people shouted, “Let him be crucified”
That question is a universal question. It is a question asked by all races and all classes of people. The truth is, once a man or woman has heard about Jesus and learned the truth about Jesus, they can never be the same.
The magnitude of the question is seen when we consider Jesus is God’s spokesman to man. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Jesus is mankind’s only savior and our perfect example.
In times past, shepherds were attracted to Jesus and wise men came to worship him. Herod was afraid of him and tried to kill him. Some were jealous of him and tried to ensnare him in his speech. His own people refused to receive him and one of his twelve closest companions for 3 years, a man named Judas betrayed him. Peter denied him, Pilate tried to be neutral about him, and before his conversion Paul persecuted his followers.
However, the question is, what will YOU do with Jesus? Will you accept him? Will you obey him? Will you live his kind of life?
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.
September 13, 2021 - Grace and peace from our friend and brother Jesus. Our numbers are smaller than usual because of Covid, but we are still meeting in person and trying to be responsibly careful. We welcomed to our morning worship our District Superintendent, Dr. White and his wife. They are so gracious and genuine, a pleasure to have them with us. One could not ask for a nicer morning for a drive, as the sky was clear and temperatures felt like autumn was ready to show up.
In my sermon I returned to a theme I have preached on several times. If your preacher has used a particular theme before, it is because s/he thinks it needs to be preached or the congregation needs to hear it again. Of course, it can’t be that the pastor has run out of ideas!
The ancient Celts of Ireland kept reverence for nature and creation. Part of this was the idea that there are “thin places” where heaven meets earth: In those times or places, a person can experience the Eternal in real time. It may be a vision or a dream, but its impact is real. Jacob of Genesis saw a ladder reaching heaven, with angels ascending and descending. He realized then that he was present on holy ground, a divine “thin place.”
It is great having Joe with us on Sunday. He lead us in singing “Joy to the World,” our first hymn. I never liked confining this song to the Advent or Christmas season—joy is important all year long. Joe also lead us singing our closing hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” This last one was a capella, much easier than trying to keep up with the accompanist on the CD! Our “listening” hymn this week was “What a Wonderful World,” sung by Louis Armstrong. The words of the song were perfect for celebrating God in nature and creation.
We sure miss Mrs. Hilda for many reasons, foremost among them just being around her uplifting spirit. She also lifted us up with her lively piano playing. Dr. White’s better half loves to play the piano; next time they come, maybe she’ll play for us.
In September we are collecting macaroni and cheese for Community Christian Services; I suppose its origin is Italian, but mac-n-cheese is certainly an American tradition. In preparation for our Church Conference we will work up and submit a budget to the district. There won’t be much change from last year, but we might discover some ministries we would like to support more regularly. Our church will send a contribution to the work of the Gideons again this year, but due to the pandemic we will not have a speaker.
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.
September 13, 2021 - The historical Old East Hamilton Cemetery has announced the cancellation of its Annual Homecoming and Dinner on the Grounds scheduled for Sunday, September 26, 2021, due to continued concerns about COVID.
Although we will not be gathering, the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery continues, and donations are welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated. Please contact Dudley Cox at 936-368-2596. He can assist you with information pertaining to donations. Thank you for your support!
“Remember His death...” I Cor. 11:26
September 11, 2021 - Even though I’m not a big Country music fan, some of these songs really touch my heart. (I still choke up when I hear “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “Unchained Melody”). Alan Jackson has a great new song out, but I am afraid he won’t be able to perform it in many circles because the words “I believe in Jesus and I talk to God” will turn a lot of our “politically correct” brothers off.
And Darryl Worley’s “Have you Forgotten,” written after his trip with the USO to Afghanistan, helped raise the level of patriotism in our country. He really gets us to thinking when he says, “Don’t tell me not to worry about Bin Laden... have you forgotten?”
Most of us will always remember 9-11, but some seem to have already forgotten. But that shouldn’t be so surprising.
Many have forgotten A.D. 33, too.
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