Church staff 

            In preaching on Mark 1:14-20, “It’s Time,” Rev David Diller asked who has ever been a failure, suffered heartache or disappointment?  After being baptized, Jesus began his career as a part of John the Baptist’s movement.  Jesus was attracted to John’s message: “Repent (change your way of thinking), for God’s Kingdom has come near (God is about to do a new thing).”  But John’s talking about cutting down old trees began sounding like a revolution to overthrow the old Herod dynasty.   Herod arrested & imprisoned John.  Jesus’ first venture was a bust, but that was OK.   Jesus moved to Galilee & launched his own ministry.

Jesus learned that failure is only preparation when we learn from our mistakes.   John almost had it right, so Jesus continued John’s message, but with a transformed understanding.  “Repent (turn to God to start a new life), for God’s Reign & Realm are at hand (God is on your side).”   God’s Reign does not come by John’s idea of a head-on assault on injustice by violence.   Jesus saw through to a third way to live besides either oppression or retaliation.  God’s way is not the way of suppression which gets met by violence or of hierarchy which gets met by subversion.  God’s power is not the power of coercion like the blast of a cold wind.   God’s power is the quiet transforming power of love like warm spring sunshine. 

This means God’s Kingdom time isn’t something we can locate on a calendar to date its coming. Rather God’s Reign & Realm break into our world, regardless of the date, whenever & wherever Jesus’ ideas of freedom, equality, & love for others get implemented. 

Payne Springs UMC hosts a Walk to Emmaus reunion group every Tue at 5 pm.   Meetings are open & everyone is invited to bring a snack supper & join us.                                                                          United Methodist Women meet February 9 at 9:30 am.  United Methodist Men meet February 18 at 6:30 pm.

All are welcome to join us for Disciple Bible Study in 2009.  Our next class meets February 5 at 3 pm.  We move now into the letters of Paul.   We study Romans first.         
            Payne Springs UMC is a caring church family learning to follow Jesus. Our purpose is to help every person grow to full maturity in the image of Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century. With open hearts, open minds, and open doors, we combine both traditional & contemporary styles. We invite you to come learn about God and Jesus, the Bible and the Church each week. Sunday school is from 9-10am. At 10am coffee, juice, & snacks are served in Fellowship Hall. Worship is from 10:30-11:30am. Nursery care is provided. Sunday evenings we invite you to an in-depth study of Matthew at 5 pm. If you have questions or need directions, call our church office at (903) 451-2978 or go to www.paynespringsumc.  Or http://www.paynespringsumc.org.

When we follow Jesus we’re on God’s time & it’s the right time to do good.