Happenings at Joaquin and Paxton UMC

Sunday was the Second Sunday after the Epiphany. With the Christmas Season over, the banners and the paraments on the altar and pulpit are changed to green.
The Old Testament Lesson came from 1 Samuel 3: 1–10, and it was the story of God calling Samuel as he slept and Samuel thinking it was his old mentor, Eli, who was calling him. Eli finally figured out it was God calling and instructed Samuel to say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” My sermon focused on the importance of reverence in our Christian journey. Reverence comes from wisdom, and wisdom is not about knowing what is right, wisdom is gained by practicing what is right. Reverence is recognizing something greater than self–something beyond human creation or control. Reverence stands in awe and recognizes the limits on human understanding.  Reverence for creation, God, and our fellow humans is at the core of our Jesus faith.
We had a great time at Paxton this Sunday. Ms. Hilda brought her nephew, Josh, and his long time friend, Greg.  Both Josh and Greg are in the Air Force and serve at Barksdale. They came to visit Hilda and we certainly enjoyed meeting them. Thanks, Josh and Greg, for your service to your country.  
We had a nice crowd at Joaquin, and Avis and Mike brought us our music this morning. We celebrated Holy Communion and after the service a collection was taken for the Youth Group.  
On Monday, Glenn organized a small group to mount the new television in the Fellowship Hall. Mike, Nolan, Glenn and the pastor got the bracket up and the television on the bracket and it took all four! Thanks! The Youth Group catered the Delta Gamma dinner on Monday evening and everything went nice.
During the month of January Paxton and Joaquin Methodist are collecting cans of tuna for Christian Services.  Our Wednesday Bible Study will focus on the Psalms that are laments. Bro. Warr will lead the studying starting at 6 p.m. as the pastor has to be gone that day.  
On Thursday our Prayer Breakfast will start at 8 a.m. in the Pastor’s Study at the Joaquin Church. Last Thursday we had a wonderful surprise when Ms. Hilda joined us. Ash Wednesday comes early last year. Ash Wednesday is Feb. 22, and there will be a traditional Ash Wednesday Service at 6 p.m. at Joaquin Methodist.
Services at Paxton United Methodist Church begin at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.  panish language services are at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Carmelo Dominquez delivering the message.
Sunday School at Joaquin Methodist is 10 a.m. and worship service begins at 11 a.m.
Our website is at joaquinumc.com. Our web master is Jason Gill. Our email address is at joaquinumc@hotmail.com, and prayer requests may be sent to joaquinumc@gmail.com and we will post them on our website. Take care and God’s Speed.