“Take a Walk”

I’ve driven past here dozens of times, but never really considered the place.  There are two bikes in the front yard, one purple with training wheels, one green.  Nearby in the side yard is a small sandbox broken on one side.  The backyard has a swing set, two raised bed gardens which look recently planted and several pockets of hydrangeas.  I wonder who lives here.  What grades are the children in?  Where do the parents work?  How long have they lived in Boonville?  What needs do they have?  Do they have a church home?  What could our church do to minister to them?  How could we as a church be good neighbors to them?

Last Sunday, our scripture passage described Nehemiah’s time inspecting the walls and gates around Jerusalem.  In order to get an idea of exactly what work was facing he and all those he would lead, Nehemiah wanted to take a look at what the current state of things really was.  When Nehemiah finished his inspection of the walls, gates and towers, he met with other leaders and declared “Let us rebuild these walls!”

This past Tuesday evening we held a Neighborhood Prayer Walk (a Nehemiah Walk) to assess our community and see what work God is calling us to do in Boonville.  Twenty-seven of us met and opened with a prayer for our community then went off in groups to look at the homes, businesses and city/county offices surrounding our church and to and consider how God might be calling us to bless our community.  I shared with the group a short guide for taking a prayer walk and I wanted to share that with you here:

As you walk throughout the community, pray for those who live in the homes.  Ask God to open your eyes to ways you and our congregation may be a blessing to them.  How might we as a church be good neighbors to this home? “

As you walk past businesses, pray for the owners of that business.  Pray for those who might be patrons of that business.  How might the church be a blessing to them?” 

If you walk past city/county government buildings, pray for the employees and elected officials.  Pray for God to grant them wisdom in their decisions and for them to listen to the leading of God.  Ask God to open your eyes to how you and our congregation might be a blessing to those who work there or partner with them to be a blessing to our community.” 

I enjoyed our walk the other evening, slowing down and considering the people of our community.  But that walk alone didn’t accomplish anything.  I can ask God to help me see or hear how I/we might bless others, but I also need to spend some time listening to hear the answers.  Nehemiah started by looking at the walls and gates, but then he envisioned making a difference.  God opened Nehemiah’s heart to the vision of rebuilding and restoring Jerusalem. 

I want to invite you to join me in considering what God might be calling us to do for our community.  Those who participated in our walk the other night, what did God open your eyes to while you were walking and praying?  What did you see?  What did God reveal to you while praying for our neighbors?  To anyone who wasn’t able to join us the other evening, I invite you to consider going on your own Nehemiah walk (or drive) around where you live.  Consider the people who live around you and how might be calling you/us to be loving neighbors. 

Just as Nehemiah heard God calling him to do God’s work in Jerusalem, I believe God is calling us to make a difference in Boonville.  Let us all listen for God’s word of leading and direction.  I look forward to hearing from you and sharing with you the ways God is seeking to transform our community.

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: “Reunite.”  Our scripture reading will be from the Nehemiah, chapter 3, verses 1-2:

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep gate.  They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel.  The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.“

We will begin our service with the song Hold Us Together by Matt Maher.  Our hymns for Sunday include: We Gather Together, and O church of God United.  Additionally, our video hymn this week is Our God, by Chris Tomlin. 

COVID Precautions

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. 

The CDC shared new recommendations this week about mask-wearing and social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated.  The church’s Administrative Board will meet this coming week to consider any changes to our policies in response to these updated guidelines.  I look forward to updating you to any changes made next week.

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 this Sunday, May 16.  Please join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of several members of our congregation.

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.

Would you like to lend a helping hand with VBS?? – Even if you are not available during VBS, we have opportunities to help us get ready.  If you have hands that want to help, we have a place for them.  There are sign-up sheets located in the church on the counter by the front doors or back in the refreshment area.  If you have any questions please contact Risa Venable or Melissa Baker.

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. 

Events this week:

Sunday, May 16: Graduate Recognition, 8 & 10:20 Worship Services

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

Monday, May 17: TOPS, 9:00 am, Foundations Classroom

Al- Anon, 8:00 pm, Church Lounge

Tuesday, May 18: Administrative Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Church Lounge and Zoom

Wednesday, May 19: Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Thursday, May 20: Baby Grace, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Church Annex

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller