I joked this past Sunday that when the Christmas season comes around, I typically find myself feeling not so much like Buddy the Elf, but more like Ebenezer Scrooge.  This year, as part of my Scrooginess (I just made that word up), I decided to read Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol.  I’ve seen this book adapted several different ways on both stage and screen (Mickey’s A Christmas Carol will always be my favorite), but I have never actually read it in Dickens’s own words. 

Most of us, regardless of whether we’ve read it or not, are familiar with the story.  We know that Ebenezer Scrooge is an old miser who has pushed away nearly everyone in his life.  He runs a counting house and has one employee – Bob Cratchit, who replaced his longtime partner Jacob Marley.  On Christmas Eve Scrooge is confronted by his conscience about his miserly ways and inspired to open his heart to others. 

In the first chapter of the story, there is a conversation between Scrooge and his nephew I had forgotten about.  The nephew, in an attempt to explain to his uncle why he believes in Christmas, states the following:

I have always thought of Christmastime, when it has come round – apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin… as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.  And therefore, Uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!” 

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

Sometimes, especially in difficult and uncomfortable times, it can be easy to close our hearts to Christmas, and to the God with us we celebrate.  And it’s not just us, but those around us as well who are prone to forgetting the Christmas spirit.  I want to thank all of you who have helped me see acts of kindness, forgiveness, charity and care for our “fellow passengers to the grave.”  I encourage you to continue to model this type of love and hope in the meaning of Christmas as we navigate these unfamiliar times. 

We know that Christmas has, does, and will do us, and others, good.  Let us seek to share the hope and joy we find in Christmas with others this year.  (And please pray for all those Scrooges you encounter.)

Blessings, Chris

Worship This Sunday

This Sunday will be the third Sunday of Advent.  This week the message will focus on the responses to God’s Good New on the birth of Christ in the Gospel of Luke.  Our scripture reading for Sunday comes from Luke chapter 1, verses 46-55:

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.  His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

We will begin our service with the song Somewhere in Your Silent Night by Casting Crowns.  Our hymns for Sunday include: What Child is This and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.  Additionally, our video hymn this week is Breath of Heaven, by Amy Grant.

COVID Precautions

Please remember the new COVID precautions in place at the church: masks are now required for everyone over the age of 2, social distancing is expected, we will be disinfecting pews between services and we have modified our worship schedule to accommodate for having no more than 25% capacity (50 people) in our Sanctuary.  Our services are now at 8:00, 9:15 & 10:30.  We also request you not hang out too long after the service is over so we can have enough time to wipe down the pews and prepare for the next service.

We know there are many who do not feel comfortable attending worship at this time. 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 10:30 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. 

Announcements

Christmas Eve Services – Christmas Eve Services this year will once again be at 3:00 and 7:00 pm (on the 24th, of course). But, with this being 2020, there will be some differences. Our services will be held outside with the Living Nativity as our backdrop. We encourage you to bundle up, bring a blanket and come ready to have your heart warmed by this unique and special service. Additionally, we plan to offer the parking spots immediately adjacent to our yard as a “drive in” option.

We are looking to borrow a couple of items for our Christmas Eve services – 2 or 3 fire pits and a sound system that can be set up outside. If you would like to loan us any of these items, please let Debra or Pastor Chris know. Thanks for your help.

Angel Tree Party Cancelled – The Angel Tree Christmas party and gift distribution scheduled for Saturday, Dec 12 has been cancelled.  The gifts will all be delivered to the recipients, but no gathering will be held this year.  Thank you again to everyone who gave so generously to the Angel Tree program.  You are what makes this ministry a success!

Christmas Poinsettias – If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in memory or honor of a loved one, please pick up the order forms in the Sanctuary and return them to the office by Dec 15.  The list of poinsettias given in memory and honor will be included in the Dec 20 bulletin.  Please make checks payable to Nelson Memorial UMC with “poinsettias” in the memo line. 

Christmas Program – Practices for the children’s Christmas program are under way.  Mark your calendar for the Children’s Christmas Program to be presented Sunday, December 20 during the 9:15 & 10:30 services. 

Christmas Cards for NMUMC Elders and Friends – Please include the following members and friends of Nelson Memorial on your Christmas Card list: Doc & Florence Banion (Karma Haller’s Parents), Guree Beam, Francis Bradley, Virginia Brownfield, Mary Margaret Browning, Ada & Wes Gingrigh, Marjorie Harman, Ann Hartman, Margaret Hopkins, James & Dixie Lloyd, Bart Riley, Carol Schenck, Leona Schmidt, Helen Taylor, Hessie Watts, and Dorothy Whitten.

This year due to COVID, we are asking the congregation to mail Christmas cards rather than drop them off at the church.  The addresses for the names listed below are available in the East Wing entry area.  A supply of Christmas Cards are available too if you would like them.

Correction – Please note there are a few changes to the above mailing list we passed out last week.  Ruby McNew’s address is Ashely Manor Care Center, 1630 Radio Hill Rd, Boonville, MO 65233, and Francis Bradley’s address is Riverdale Care Center, 1121 11^th Street, Boonville, MO 65233.  Also, Marjorie Harman passed away this past Tuesday evening.  Please remove her from your mailing list and add her family to your prayer list. 

Events this week:

Saturday, December 12: United Methodist Men’s Meeting, 8:30 am

Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Wal Mart, 10 am – 6 pm

Christmas Parade, 2 pm, Main Street

CMCA Christmas Box Distribution, 2 pm, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, December 13: Dress rehearsal for Christmas program, 11:30, Sanctuary

Monday, December 14: TOPS, 9:30 am

Al- Anon, 8:00 pm, Church Lounge

Tuesday, December 15: Staff Parish Relations Committee Meeting, 6:00 pm, Zoom

Wednesday, December 16: Al-Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Even in the greatest afflictions, we ought to testify to God, that, in receiving them from his hand, we feel pleasure in the midst of the pain, from being afflicted by Him who loves us, and whom we love.” ― John Wesley