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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
February 8, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was the 6th Sunday of the Epiphany. The Season of Epiphany is shorter this year than in other years because there is no set date for Easter (and it’s a little early in 2021). We know that sometimes Easter morning starts off cold and dark—but other years, Daylight Savings has occurred and Spring seems to have sprung. So like in real life, there is uncertainty.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals say that we can do three simple things before the vaccines are generally available: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least 6 feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks—at least for the next hundred days. It could save 50,000 lives. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. As soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice. Sue and I got our first dose of the Covid vaccine last week. We were so happy to get that needed shot in the arm that it was a day of celebration for us.
Our Sunday School lesson was based on the first thirteen verses in the second chapter of James. In his first century way, James stresses how important it is for the communities of Jesus followers, as well as all people of good will, to treat others fairly and with dignity. He also reminded us of our obligation to help those who are struggling. James ended by saying that in God’s Kingdom, mercy overrules judgment.
We want to be as safe as we can. Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! The first song, a real toe-tapper, was “Give Me that Old Time Religion,” sung by Willie Nelson. The second hymn, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” is often called the Methodist anthem.
Today was the first Sunday of the month, so we celebrated Holy Communion. To be as safe as possible, everyone stays in their seats: I give each person a baggie with a small container of juice and a communion wafer. I use hand sanitizer twice during Communion and deliver it to everyone.
The first scripture lesson came from Isaiah 40: 28-31, where we hear the Prophet Isaiah reminding the people that God is everlasting; we must not give up in our struggles, even though we will tire and stumble. The Gospel lesson came from Mark 1, when Jesus once again teaches and heals. He also shows the importance of prayer and finding time for quiet.
Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and as usual I don’t have a favorite team. I will probably watch some of it—the two quarterbacks promise an interesting match-up. Often the games are one-sided and boring. If Sue watches with me, she’ll want to see the high-dollar ads that I usually skip. She’s making homemade cinnamon rolls for me, so the house smells wonderful!
I took some checks and plenty of tuna to the food bank at Community Christian Services. It was good to see everyone. CCS volunteers have become essential as they bring much-appreciated supplies to those in need. In February we will be collecting soap and shampoo to donate. It was good to have Joe worshiping with us today. We wished Keith a belated happy birthday.
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.
February 4, 2021 - The year was 1965. Hal David wrote the lyrics to a song and Burt Bacharach composed the music. The song was first recorded and made popular by Jackie DeShannon and the title was, “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” The first stanza reads like this:
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some, but for everyone.”
You know, that’s even more true today than it was during those turbulent days of the 1960’s. To be sure, it was the Apostle Paul who wrote so long ago, “Love never fails” (I Corinthians 13:8).
True love is of God, for God is love, and love is an eternal boon to life. In these tumultuous and trying times, God’s people more than ever must be an example of love. All around us we see hatred exemplified and often even praised. We see more and more the worst that mankind is capable of.
When we have love in our hearts, all of life will be richer and sweeter. Not just for us, but also for those around us. Our lives must be dominated by true love inspired of God. Magnify love. Express love for all men. Be an example of a loving soul in a world of hate. Try the way of love in all contacts of life.
It’s something to think about…..TBP
February 3, 2021 - In 2010, Pam and I took a three-week vacation to the West Coast. After Yellowstone, Wyoming, Idaho and California, and Oregon, we were returning home through Colorado and turned on a road leading to the peak of Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. Elbert. We were pulling our old Red Dale Travel trailer and failed to read the sign that forbad our entering this steep mountain road with our truck and trailer. It didn’t take long for us to realize we were not equipped to climb the super steep road.
As we trudged up the road, we were suddenly engulphed in a blinding snowstorm. Pam laughed out, “Look, it’s snowing!” But the beautiful snow became a blizzard snow and as we got close to the peak, we started sliding backwards and slid dangerously close to the edge of a bottomless precipice. When Pam shouted out, “Get ready to jump!” Had I jumped from the passenger side, I would have literally jumped over the cliff and Pam would have been lying on the icy road. But suddenly at this do-or-die moment, our trailer jack-knifed and slid to a stop only three feet of the cliff’s edge.
Since there was no traffic on the mountain, we figured we might be stuck for days in the blinding storm. “We can wait the storm out,” I said. “We have propane and plenty of Campbell’s Soup.” So we got in the trailer, opened a can of Cream of Chicken soup, and as it warmed on the burner, we heard a motor outside. I opened the door and there he was: a huge man driving a huge orange snowplow. “You need help?” he hollered. And within minutes we were back on the road and following him as he sprayed gravel from the back of his truck. A few miles later, we were safely at the bottom of the mountain.
When we got back home, we told our story to our church. “That wasn’t a man that helped y’all,” one of the members said. “It was an angel.” “I know angels can take many forms,” I laughed. “This one even smoked a cigar and had tattoos on his neck.”
February 1, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was the 4th Sunday of the Epiphany. We’re starting another month in this new year, and it doesn’t seem that much different from last year. That is not a good thing. I read a new word today, “quarantired.” Yes, we are. Despite troubles and tribulations, we were all hoping that 2021 would see us emerge from the fog—that we would start seeing the light –that we would be moving beyond this terrible pandemic. This is certainly the worst situation for our world in at least a half a century. But our problems seem to pale when compared to what many people wake up to each day. We should begin each day thinking of ways that we can help alleviate suffering and being thankful that we are not oppressed or starving.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals say that we can do three simple things before the vaccines are generally available: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least 6 feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask—or maybe two masks—at least for the next hundred days. It could save 50,000 lives. Things are certainly hitting closer to home: Most of us now know people and families who have suffered or died from Covid-19. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. As soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice.
Our Sunday School lesson was based on Revelation 21: 1-8 and 22: 12-15. These verses are often heard at memorial services. Revelation is a strange book, but there is nothing strange in the comforting words that God is with us from the beginning to the end. God has chosen to “pitch his tent” with humankind.
We want to be as safe as we can. Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! Our first song was “Hymn of Promise,” a favorite of churches familiar with it. The second, “Where Could I Go But to the Lord?” sung by Elvis, was not one I knew. Of course, Elvis nailed it.
Sue read the Gospel Lesson from Mark 1: 21-28, where Jesus and his band of brothers were in Capernaum. On the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue to teach and to tell people about God’s Kingdom. The people who heard him were really impressed by his knowledge and his command of the Torah, especially as he was a country boy from Nazareth. The time was marred by a young man, said to be deeply disturbed. Jesus didn’t wait for the elders of the synagogue to remove or silence the troubled man; as always, he showed great compassion and healed the man on the spot. Jesus’ reputation and fame grew more.
Sue and I will get the checks and cans of tuna delivered this week to Community Christian Services. These volunteers have really stepped up in this time of crisis to help the community’s most vulnerable—plus being creative in observing pandemic protocols. In February we will be collecting soap and shampoo to donate.
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.
January 28, 2021 - It was at a wedding feast, in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed his first miracle. They had run out of wine, a real social miscue in that day and time. So, Mary told Jesus the problem and then told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. Well, you remember the story. Jesus changed 6 waterpots filled with water into wine, better wine than they had before.
Yet, the greatest example of the transforming power of Jesus Christ is not that He was able to change water into wine. The greatest example of the transforming power of Jesus is how He can change lives. He took a blustering fisherman named Simon, a creature of impulse and made him into a rock of Christlike character. He found a “thunderbolt” named John, a man capable of such hot hate that he wanted to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village and changed him into the Apostle of love. He took a greedy tax collector named Matthew and used him to write one of the gospels. There was a demon-possessed woman named Mary who became the first person to spread the word of the resurrection. Then, who can forget the intellectual giant named Paul, the greatest menace that existed to the early church, and he was transformed to be the world’s greatest preacher.
The same Jesus who changed those lives will change every life that surrenders to him. Would you surrender your will to His will?
It’s something to think about… tbp
Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
January 25, 2021 - The Calvary Boys will be in Concert at Providence Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, Janaury 30, 2021 at 6:30pm. Providence MBC is located at 1324 CR 1265, Center, Texas, just off of FM 711. For additional information, call or text Catherine Livingston at 936-332-0060.
January 25, 2021 - Before Toledo Bend Reservoir was ever built, the Bayou Seipe near Huxley, Texas was a ten-mile “no boat” creek- fisherman’s paradise and when my friend Hollis Peavy and I heard about it, we were soon addicted to it. Busy little Harris Branch … spring-fed and ever-flowing … intersected the Bayou Seipe on its ten-mile run to the Sabine River. And this gorgeous branch/creek stretch of water became a favorite for Hollis and me.
In 1957 I was a senior at ETBU in Marshall, Texas and spent every weekend in San Augustine, Texas where I was pastor of Liberty Hill Baptist Church. Church member Gordon Peavy’s family often invited me to spend Saturday night in their home. Their son Hollis and I developed a special brotherly friendship and fished in every lake, pond, and pothole in San Augustine County.
I got to San Augustine earlier than usual one Saturday morning and asked Hollis if he was ready to “try the fish” at Bayou Seipe. Within an hour we were parked at Harris Branch and racing down the trail toward Bayou Seipe. And our first look at it proved we had picked the right day and time to be there. The creek’s clear, reddish water was just high enough to be running between the holes and autumn’s falling leaves kept us hidden from the fish.
As I slid down the bank, Hollis reeled in a frisky small-mouth bass and within minutes the creek was just exploding with fish. We began laughing and racing each other to the next hole and three long hours later we began trudging back upstream lugging 46 fish on our two stringers. In our excitement we had forgotten to eat that day and when we got back to the car, we were not just exhausted and hungry, but I had developed a severe migraine headache…the worst of my lifetime. On the way back to the Peavy’s I whispered to Hollis, “Don’t talk, any sound splits my head wide open.” At the Peaveys I asked him to let me lie down under their pear tree and to ask Betty Jean and Ruby Carolyn not to come outside or make noise. Two hours later, my eyes suddenly popped open, .and I was gazing into a clear blue sky… and with no headache.
As I walked toward the house, I could hear the Peavys laughing and talking around their kitchen table. I jumped into the kitchen and laughed out, “Y’all can talk now. My headache’s gone and I’m starving!” Mrs. Peavy poured me a glass of buttermilk and we all sat down together for food and fellowship.
When Toledo Bend Reservoir filled, it covered over 181,000 acres of land and attracted fishermen from all across our nation. And most of them had likely never seen or heard of the once beautiful Bayou Seipe. But we old fellers remember her well … and wish she was back.
January 25, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of the Epiphany. In many churches, Sunday was a celebration of our American diversity and the freedom we have to worship as we wish. I feel strongly that the various faiths are a wonderful thing and that all these voices worshiping are pleasing to God.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals say that we can do three simple things before the vaccines are generally available: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least 6 feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. Also, as soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice.
Our Sunday School lesson was based on Romans 8: 31-39, which are some of the most reassuring and comforting words found in the Early Christian Testament. Paul tells us that “there is no power that can keep that love—God’s love—from us.” Yes, nothing can ever separate us from God’s love seen in Jesus the Christ. We were all puzzled over where the writer seemed to go from there. After we receive such complete assurances, we are reminded that it is difficult to feel that love; in addition, we must continue to ask God to “increase [my] faith.” But as he wrapped up, he spoke of the hope that must be the cornerstone of our faith.
We want to be as safe as we can. Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! Our first song was the lively hymn, “Lord of the Dance,” sung by Donovan. It tells Jesus’ story, set to the Shaker music for “’Tis a Gift to be Simple.” The second hymn was the inspiring “Here I Am Lord,” sung by a group from Highland Park UMC in Dallas.
The Old Testament lesson for the 3rd Sunday of the Epiphany is about Jonah. He is lumped in with the Prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures—but if Jonah is a prophet, he is certainly the most reluctant prophet there ever was! This is in stark contrast to Jesus’ call to Simon, Andrew, James, and John. These four disciples of John the Baptizer were invited by Jesus to travel with him: With little fanfare or any second guessing, they followed. Jonah ran; the four fishermen followed. At times, we humans are Jonah, and other times we are like those brothers.
Plenty has changed in 2021, but unfortunately, too much sorrow and sadness from 2020 has continued into the New Year. Predictions are that by the end of February 500,000 of our fellow Americans will have died from this awful pandemic. In our weakest moments we wonder if it will ever end, but in our most hopeful of moments we dream of things being better. Please continue to take precautions—for yourself and for others!
Community Christian Services has continued its mission work all through the pandemic with grace and compassion. Those needing a hand don’t get out of their cars as volunteers load them up with care packages of food. We at Paxton try to do our little part by collecting goods and giving checks each month. This month we are donating cans of tuna. In February, we will collect soap and shampoo.
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.
January 21, 2021 - Among the many fables given to us by Aesop is the one of “The North Wind and The Sun.” It seems a dispute arose between the north wind and the sun, each claiming that he was stronger than the other. At last they agreed to try their powers upon a traveler, to see which could soonest strip him of his cloak. The north wind had the first try; and gathering up all his force for the attack, he came whirling furiously down upon the man, and caught up his cloak as though he would wrest it from him by one single effort. But the harder he blew, the more closely the man wrapped it round himself. Then came the turn of the sun. At first, he beamed gently upon the traveler, who soon unclasped his cloak and walked on with it hanging loosely about his shoulders. Then he shone forth in his full strength, and the man, before he had gone many steps, was glad to throw his cloak right off and complete his journey more lightly clad.
You see, it is better to persuade than to coerce. We need to realize that God does not force obedience from mankind. God gently warms our hearts with His love. It was the warmth of God’s love that sent Jesus to this earth to live among men. It was the warmth of the love of Jesus that caused Him to go to the cross to die for our sins. God wants us to respond to the warmth of his love by living His kind of life, His way, in loving obedience. How can men and women turn their back on the kind of love that God has so graciously shown us?
It’s something to think about … tbp
You see, it is better to persuade than to coerce. We need to realize that God does not force obedience from mankind. God gently warms our hearts with His love. It was the warmth of God’s love that sent Jesus to this earth to live among men. It was the warmth of the love of Jesus that caused Him to go to the cross to die for our sins. God wants us to respond to the warmth of his love by living His kind of life, His way, in loving obedience. How can men and women turn their back on the kind of love that God has so graciously shown us?
It’s something to think about … tbp
Center Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas
January 17, 2021 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was the 2nd Sunday of the Epiphany. As Christians during this special time of the year, we are to be aware of God working in our world and to feel his essence in everything. We went from snow on Sunday and Monday to temperatures in the 60s on Thursday. As I have started this article, it is Friday afternoon and it sure is windy outside.
Paxton Methodist is having in-person worship; we respect each other by wearing masks and keeping socially distant. Scientists and medical professionals say that we can do three simple things before the vaccines are generally available: To curtail the spread of Covid-19, we should wash our hands regularly, stay at least 6 feet apart—social distancing, and yes, wear a mask. Things are so dire that mask-wearing is the patriotic thing to do. It is also the Christian thing to do, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. Also, as soon as you can, get vaccinated against this scourge—twice.
The scripture for our Sunday School lesson came from 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-10, 4: 12-18. This book is the oldest in the New Testament. Paul tells the Thessalonians that their good work comes from their faith, and it shows. For them loving had become a habit, and love is always looking for new opportunities. As Paul says, “Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.” Our author says that until Christ’s return we can persevere in our faith with the hope of seeing Jesus in everyone that we serve.
We want to be as safe as we can. Since we resumed in-person worship, our music has been on CD. We can hum the song under our masks but no vigorous singing! Our first hymn this morning was by Elvis, a stirring rendition of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” “Jesus Loves Me,” our second hymn—though simple and familiar—was beautifully sung by Christy Lane.
Sue read parts of the Old Testament Lesson: 1 Samuel 3: 7-8 and the Gospel lesson: John 1: 46-50. In the Old Testament, young Samuel is called by God throughout the night, but the writer says he wasn’t really ready to understand what was going on. Finally his mentor Eli did. In the John Gospel, two of John the Baptizer’s disciples meet Jesus and are convinced of his authenticity. Phillip is so excited he runs to Nathanael who just rolls his eyes and says, “What good ever comes out of Nazareth?” But within just a few minutes after meeting Jesus, he too is convinced.
Gene presented a treasurer’s report this morning: We certainly appreciate his thoroughness. Our regular district and conference church apportionments are paid in January, with some budget items further down the calendar year—for example, when it’s time for Children’s Christmas giveaway. This month our Community Christian Services donation is cans of tuna.
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.
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