“Low and Slow”

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

It’s Friday afternoon as I write this.  Friday is typically my favorite day of the week because it’s the one day of the week where I don’t wake up to an alarm clock.  This morning was a little different.  This morning my alarm went off at 4:45. This was so I could start dinner. 

One of my hobbies is making slow smoked barbecue.  One of the things I enjoy about barbecuing is that it can’t be rushed.  For instance, tonight’s dinner (brisket) will be on the smoker for at least 12 hours.  The burnt ends we will have tomorrow will take an additional 8 or so hours.  BBQ just takes time. 

This is a good lesson for me.  I don’t like letting things take time.  I’m a big fan of doing things quickly.  But not everything in life can be done quickly.  Some of the most important things in life – personal growth, spiritual growth, (brisket) – cannot be rushed.  I’m currently reading a book titled Messy Spirituality and in it, the author writes: “If we want to meet Jesus, we can’t do it on the run.  If we want to stay on the road of faith, we have to hit the brakes, pull over to a rest area, and stop.  Christianity is not about inviting Jesus to speed through life with us; it’s about noticing Jesus sitting at the rest stop.”

When was the last time you slowed down, pulled over and spent some time with Jesus at the rest stop?  In the midst of our day-to-day business we need the reminder that slowing down from time to time is okay.  Like a good brisket, some things are worth taking it slow.

Blessings, Chris

Worship This Sunday

This Sunday we continue our message series “Restart.”  This series focuses on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah and the story of the rebuilding of Jerusalem for God’s purposes.  This week our message is titled: “Reclaim.”  Our scripture reading will be from the Nehemiah, chapter 2, verses 11-18:

I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others.  I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.  There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by fire.  Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall.  Finally I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate.  The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. 

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.  Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”  I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.

They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

We will begin our service with a special video celebrating our moms.  Our hymns for Sunday include: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, and We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.  Additionally, our video hymn this week is God of this City, by Chris Tomlin. 

COVID Precautions

Reminder: We have resumed our previous Sunday morning schedule – Worship Services at 8:00 & 10:20 with Sunday School at 9:00. 

Even with our return to this schedule and Sunday School, please remember the COVID precautions in place at the church: masks are required for everyone over the age of 2, social distancing is still expected (every other pew will continue to be closed), and we will continue disinfecting pews between services. 

We know there are some who are still not feel comfortable or able to attend 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 10:20 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. 

Announcements

Honoring Graduates – We will honor our graduates in worship Sunday, May 16.  Please contact the office (boonvillemethodist@gmail.com) to let us know about your graduate so we can be sure they are included!  We are excited to honor these special people and their achievements!

Breakfast Anyone? – The Methodist Men will hold a fundraiser breakfast the morning of Sunday, May 16 from 8 am – 12:30 pm.  There will be plenty of food available for all and the freewill donations will go the various mission projects of the Methodist Men.

Vacation Bible School – VBS is back!  This year we will host Vacation Bible School the mornings of June 28 – 30 at the church.  Our theme is “Keep Running the Race Set Before You.”  We will kick off VBS with a fun event at the Boonville High School track on June 27.  If you’d like more information or to volunteer to help, please contact Risa Venable.

Scam Warning – There have been increasing reports of people receiving scam emails and text messages from people pretending to be pastors asking church members to donate iTunes and Amazon gift cards.  I will not reach out to you via email asking for donations, and will not ask for gift cards unless it is part of a mission project.  Please, if you see a message asking for money and it seems a little unusual, reach out to the church or wait until Sunday morning and ask in person.  Chances are, if something seems fishy, it probably is. 

Community Work Day – The Methodist Men and Youth Group are joining together for a service project at Hain House on Saturday, May 8.  The fence around the property is in need of some love, and we plan to provide it.  We plan on starting work around 9:15-9:30 (following the regularly scheduled Men’s meeting at 8:30 am).  Everyone is welcome.  If you have them, please bring wire brushes, paint scrapers, and maybe some paint brushes.  All materials will be provided.  (All of this is weather permitting)

Events this week:

Saturday, May 8: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Fellowship Hall

Methodist Men & Youth Community Work Day at Hain House, 9:15 am, Hain House (Weather Permitting)

Sunday, May 9: Mother’s Day

Monday, May 10: TOPS, 9:00 am, Foundations Classroom

Al- Anon, 8:00 pm, Church Lounge

Wednesday, May 12: Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Sunday, May 9: Graduate Recognition, 8 & 10:20 Worship Services

Methodist Men’s Breakfast Fundraiser, 8 am – 12:30 pm, Fellowship Hall

Closing Words of Wisdom: