“Independencitis”
But Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.“
Ruth 1:16-18
It was my 18th birthday, I was moving to college the next day, and I was depressed. I had recently broken up with a summer girlfriend (okay, she broke up with me), I had quit my job, I was nervous about all the changes taking place in my life and I wanted to just be left alone. One of the tendencies (not as much now as when I was younger) I have when I am stressed, nervous, or anxious is to push everyone around me away – retreat into my own world, seal myself off from others and then lament my self-imposed isolation.
It was into this behavior that I had reverted on my 18th birthday when one of my closest friends, Murod, showed up. He came into my dark and nearly empty bedroom as I lay on my bed, enjoying my pity-party, and immediately made it his mission to change my mood. The lights were turned on, the mood lightened and soon, we were on our way to go do something I don’t even remember, but it didn’t involve wallowing in darkness.
In our small group study guide this week, Sara wrote about “Independencitis” and the tendency some of us (raises hand and bows head) have to push others away or act as if we don’t need people in our lives. One of the scriptures Sara had us read was the above passage in Ruth. These lines spoken by Ruth are in response to her mother-in-law Naomi, who is recently widowed and has lost both of her sons (her only children). Naomi has instructed both of her daughters-in-law to leave her, abandon her, and go back to their families. She wants to be left alone in her pain, loss, and misery. Naomi is pushing away those who are trying to help her. But Ruth will not be pushed away. She refuses to leave Naomi, not permitting her to wallow in self-pity, reminding her that she isn’t and will never be alone.
Murod was a Ruth to me that day many years ago. He refused to be pushed away, knowing I needed to overcome my independencitis. In our lives, sometimes we need a Ruth to come along and remind us of our need to resist independencitis. Other times, we are called to be Ruth for others, sensing their pushing away everyone around them and refusing to leave them alone. Christ comes to us when we are hurting and feel alone, and commands us to do the same for others. I encourage you to consider thanking someone who has been a Ruth in your life and to pray for eyes to see who God is calling you to be a Ruth for.
Blessings, Chris
Worship This Sunday
This Sunday we continue our message series “Active Faith.” This week our message is titled “Try Something New.” Our scripture reading for Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, verses 16-22.
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” he inquired.
Jesus replied, “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
We will begin our service with the song Love God, Love People by Danny Gokey. Our hymns for Sunday include: To God Be The Glory and Take My Life and Let It Be. Additionally, our video hymn this week is Keep Me In The Moment, from Jeremy Camp.
COVID-19 Updates
We encourage you to remain vigilant in the practices of keeping not just ourselves, but those around us safe by wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from others and sanitizing or washing your hands as often as appropriate. Remember, these practices are a way we show our love to our neighbor. Additionally, if anyone who normally attends the 10:20 service would be willing to come to the 8:00 service, it would help us provide more room for new folks at the 10:20 service. (Also, if you are worried at all about being able to socially distance at the 10:20 service, there is plenty of room to do at the 8:00 service.)
As the COVID-19 virus continues its presence in our community, we know that many of you are still not ready to come to worship. Please know that even though we don’t get to see you weekly, we still want to minister to you. Every Sunday afternoon we will post a recording of our 10:20 worship service on our Facebook page and the message on our website. We hope this helps you feel connected until we are able to gather again without concern.
This year, with the threat of COVID 19 being what it is, medical authorities are encouraging people more than usual to make sure to get the flu vaccine. The Cooper County Public Health Center will be conducting a drive through FLU clinic at Rolling Hills Park in Boonville on Thursday October 15, 2020 from 1:30 to 5 PM. and again on Friday October 16, 2020 from 1 to 4 PM. This is for FLU only. Please call 660-882-2626 and confirm we have your information stored in the system as this will help expedite the drive through process. You will need to have your insurance card and driver’s license with you at the time of the clinic. This clinic is for everyone, for those insured and for the uninsured or underinsured members in the county.
Announcements
Adults Night Out This Saturday! Join us this Saturday, October 10th at 7:00 at Midway Golf & Games. We have a fire pit reserved from 8-10. Attractions include a corn maze, hayride, axe throwing, putt putt golf, and more! Please RSVP to Chelsea Jackson or Melissa Baker by October 8th.
Calling all Methodist Men The United Methodist Men will meet Saturday, October 10 at 8:30 am. All men are invited to join in this time of devotion, fellowship and consideration of how to best serve the church and community.
Football Anyone? All guys are invited to come out to Maggie’s to watch the Chiefs this Thursday night for their matchup against the (currently undefeated) Buffalo Bills. Join us for some fun, food, and football beginning at 7pm.
Help Wanted – After many years of service, Mark Lieberman, is stepping away from the position overseeing our custodial and maintenance efforts. We thank Mark for his many years of faithful service to our congregation.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in taking over this job please let Rob Gordon or Pastor Chris know. The job description and salary are available upon request. We are hoping to get this position filled by the end of the month. Please help us spread the word.
Hayride and Bonfire – It is officially Fall! Bring your families to the Haller’s on Saturday, October 24th for a hayride, bonfire and other fall activities. The party starts at 5:00. Hot dogs and s’mores provided by the education committee. Please bring a side dish to share!
Annual Church Conference – Our annual Church Charge Conference will be held on Saturday, October 17 at 10:00 am. This year this meeting will take place via Zoom, and we will have a “Zoom Room” set up in the Church Lounge. Everyone is invited to join us for this time of business and learning.
Events this week:
Saturday, October 10: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Church Lounge
“Active Faith” small group, 4 pm, McGruder’s Home
“Active Faith” small group, 7 pm, Riley Equine Center’s club room
Adults Night Out – 7 pm, Midway Golf & Games
Sunday, October 11: “Active Faith” small group, 7 pm, Zoom
Monday, October 12: TOPS, 9:30 am
Education Team, 5:30 pm, Church Lounge
Tuesday, October 13: “Active Faith” small group, 9 am, Church Lounge
Wednesday, October 14: “Active Faith” small group, 8:00 am, Taylor’s Bake Shop
Bible Study, 9:00 am, Church Lounge
“Active Faith” small group, 5:40 pm, Foundations Classroom
“Active Faith” small group, 7pm, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, October 15: Baby Grace, 5:00 pm, Church Annex
Saturday, October 17: Annual Church Charge Conference, 10:00 am, Church Lounge (via Zoom)
“Active Faith” small group, 4 pm, McGruder’s Home
“Active Faith” small group, 7 pm, Riley Equine Center’s club room
Adults Night Out – 7 pm, Midway Golf & Games
Closing Words of Wisdom:
The power of God came mightily upon us. Many cried out in complete joy. Others were knocked to the ground. As soon as we recovered a little from that awe and amazement at God’s presence, we broke out in praise.” ― John Wesley
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