Mixtape

One of my favorite parts of being a dad is boring my kids with those “when I was your age” stories.  Most of these revolve around how much technology has changed things and how they will never understand some of the things that were part of our daily lives growing up. 

Recently, one of the boys was talking about a song he wanted us to hear. So, he pulled up YouTube on his phone (while we were driving), found the song, then proceeded to play it over the car’s sound system.  This got Sara and I reminiscing about listening to music when we were growing up. If we wanted to hear a specific song, we would have to wait around for hours listening to the radio until it was finally played by the DJ, usually during the evening “Top 5 at 5:00” segment, and we could record it onto a blank cassette tape.  The collection of songs we recorded on these tapes were our mixtapes –songs we recorded off the radio or cassettes we owned so we could listen to them anytime we wanted. 

Several years ago, I stumbled across one of the mixtapes I made as a teen (this was back when I still had access to a cassette player).  It was fun to listen to those songs, most of which I had forgotten about, and remember how much I enjoyed them at a certain point in my life.  These were songs that brought me joy or comfort, helped me express some emotion or feeling I couldn’t express on my own, or even taught me lessons I would use later in life. 

Even though I am not musically talented, I love the power of music.  Music has the ability to inspire us; it can help us understand difficult situations; it provides us comfort, insight, and hope; and it help us put words to emotions we cannot express on our own. 

This Sunday we are going to begin a new message series exploring Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and the messages contained in some current(ish) hit songs.  While I have a few in mind, I would love your help with planning this series.! What songs are on your Jesus mixtape?  What songs (preferably CCM) inspire you?  What songs have helped you understand some deeper truth or have expressed faith/God/Jesus to you in a way that has been meaningful?  I am looking or your suggestions.  Please send me an email or leave a comment on our Facebook page with your suggestions. 

I am excited to share with you some messages from songs that have spoken some deep truth to me and to learn what songs have inspired you. 

Blessings, Chris

Worship This Sunday

This Sunday we begin a new message series “Mixtape.”  This week’s message is inspired by the song Truth Be Told, by Matthew West.  Our scripture reading will be from Psalm 139, verses 1 through 14.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  

Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become like night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.“

We will begin our service with the song O Come to the Altar by for Elevation Worship.  Our hymns for Sunday include: Amazing Grace, and Just As I Am.  This week, our video hymn will be Truth Be Told, by Matthew West.

COVID Updates

At our Administrative Board meeting last week, the board reviewed COVID conditions and our congregation’s practices and agreed to continue to encourage social distancing in worship by keeping half of the pews closed for the time being.  Even though the CDC has revised their recommendations for masking, suggesting all people should once again wear masks when indoors, we are not changing our masking requirement at this time.  Masks are still optional but encouraged.  The Board is committed to continuing to monitor the latest COVID conditions and will discuss any further changes at upcoming meetings.

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

A/V Upgrade Update – Our new video system is installed and (mostly) functional!  There are a few minor adjustments still needed, but we have begun utilizing the technology in our worship services. If you are interested in learning how to use our new camera system, please speak with Pastor Chris and he will set up a time for some hands-on training.

Collections for Missions – The Outreach Committee is collecting items on 2 similar projects.  One is for the annual Festival of Sharing and the other is for students at LSE Middle School and Boonville High School.  We are putting together personal hygiene kits for both groups, each with a few different needs (tags for both projects can be found on our giving tree).  Below is a description of what is sought for each project.  If you’d prefer to donate cash for these projects, that would be great.  Each pack has an approximate value of $20.

Missouri Personal Hygiene Pack

1 bottle lotion (10-16 oz.), 1 fluoride toothpaste (6 oz. or more), 1 toothbrush (in original package), 1 bath size bar of soap (in package), 1 bottle shampoo (12-16 oz.), 2 razors, 1 comb or brush, 1 deodorant, 1 washcloth, 1 hand towel (please place items in a 2 gallon zip lock bag)

School Kits:

Female Kits: 1 bar soap, 1 toothbrush, 1 mini toothpaste, 1 brush/comb, 1 deodorant, 1 travel shampoo, 3-4 sanitary napkins, 3-4 tampons, 1 hand towel, 1 washcloth

Male Kits: 1 bar soap, 1 toothbrush, 1 mini toothpaste, 1 comb, 1 deodorant, 1 travel shampoo, 1 hand towel, 1 washcloth

Items or monetary donations for the school kits are requested to be returned by Sunday, Aug 15.  Items or monetary donations for the Missouri Personal Hygiene Packs are requested to be returned by September 19.

Blood Drive – Our next Red Cross Blood Drive is coming up Monday, August 16 from 2-6 pm. 

As happens most summers, the supply of blood available is in short supply and donors are greatly needed.  If you would like to sign up to donate on Aug 16, you may do so here.

Food and Fun – The Methodist Men will once again host a church wide picnic.  Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend our Church picnic, Sunday, August 15.  We will gather at the shelter house 2 at Harley Park beginning at 6:00 pm.  Luke Haller will be catering our meal.  Following our meal we will move over to the ballfields for a game of softball or wiffle ball.  All you need to bring is a ball-glove (and maybe a lawn chair) and come ready for fun!  We look forward to seeing you on August 15!

Choir is Back! – Calling all musicians—the NMUMC Choir is returning this Fall! The choir is open to any musicians ages 12+ who are interested in singing or playing a musical instrument during worship. Practices will be held every other Wednesday evening beginning September 1, from 6-7 P.M. in the church sanctuary. You can sign up by clicking here. Sign up forms will also be placed in the church sanctuary. Please note if you play an instrument, we are happy to incorporate that gift, as well. Just let Sara Snyder or Leah  Gumbel know.

We’re looking forward to making some joyful noise together!!  Please remember when signing up for choir that the church’s current Covid-19 policy makes masks optional for those who are fully vaccinated. If you have any questions, contact Sara Snyder (417-343-1124) or Leah Gumbel.

Events this week:

Sunday, August 15: Church Picnic, 6:00 pm, Harley Park, Shelter House #2

Monday, August 16: TOPS, 9:00 am, Foundations Classroom

Blood Drive, 2:00 – 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Al Anon, 7:00 pm, Church Lounge

Tuesday, August 17: Outreach Meeting, 6:30 pm, Lounge

Nominations Meeting, 7:00 pm, Foundations Classroom

Wednesday, August 11: Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Thursday, August 19: Baby Grace, 5:00 pm, Church Annex

Friday, August 20: Al Anon, 7:00 pm, Church Lounge

Saturday, August 21: Kids Hope Meeting, 8:15 am, Fellowship Hall

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Where words fail, music speaks.” ― Hans Christian Andersen