“I guess it’s that time”

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens …” Ecclesiastes 3:1

We don’t mind our house being cool, in fact, we actually enjoy a slightly chilly home.  We try most years to put off turning on the furnace as long as we can.  (We play this game that we’ve never acknowledged of who can last longer without turning on the heat.). But, the other morning, as I dined on my usual breakfast of Honey Nut Cheerios, apple juice, and coffee, I noticed that even thought I was wearing a sweater, I was cold.  A quick check of the temperature in the house showed it was 61 degrees.  I looked over at Sara and saw her with an extra jacket on, rubbing her hands together for warmth.  We had a short discussion, looked at the forecast for the next few days, and decided it was time.

Making the decision to turn the furnace on isn’t that difficult.  Typically, if you are cold, it is time to turn on the heater.  And the stakes aren’t exactly sky high in that decision, as it can easily be changed. 

Knowing when it is time to turn on the heat is pretty easy.  But what about other areas of our lives?  How do we know when it is time to turn on the heat toward finding a new job a new job, moving to a new home or city, starting that new exercise routine, or taking that chance to try something new?  Wouldn’t it be nice if every decision were as easy as “if I’m cold, I need to turn up the heat?”

King Solomon understood that change is an inevitable part of our life.  The changing of the seasons is a visible reminder of this for us.  Summer, with its long days and high temperatures, has come and gone and now autumn, with it brisk winds and beautiful colors, is upon us.  And just like the changing seasons in the world around us, our lives, too, face seasons of change.  Sometimes they are changes we initiate – like starting a new exercise regimen or exploring a new hobby – and sometimes they are changes we didn’t (and wouldn’t) choose – an unforeseen health diagnosis or the loss of a job or a loved one.  But no matter what season we are facing in our lives, and no matter the change before us, we know that our God is with us, and will be beside us through this season. 

Sometimes we get to decide when it is time to change and sometimes we don’t.  The real question is how, and with whom, will you handle whatever new time it is? 

Thank you for the joy of being your pastor and being in ministry alongside you to an amaing God!

Blessing, Chris

Mission

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Vision

Nelson Memorial UMC seeks to be a place where all God’s broken, hurting, and imperfect children discover wholeness and community while experiencing the warm and welcoming love of Jesus Christ.  We seek to connect with one another to grow in our knowledge and love of God, to encourage each person to live out their unique calling to serve God, and to make a difference in the Boonville community and throughout the world.

Priorities

Developing and Nurturing Faith in Children and Youth

Fostering Growth and Community in Worship and Small Groups

Provide Opportunities to Serve God in Boonville and Beyond

Worship This Sunday

This Sunday in worship we will observe All Saints Day.  Our message will be titled “What is a Saint?” Our scripture reading will be from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1, verses 2 and 3:

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus,for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.“

We will begin our service with the song Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns.  Our hymns for Sunday include: It Is Well, With My Soul, and Take My Life and Let It Be.  Our praise song is Cornerstone, and the choir will bring a beautiful offering during the 10:20 service for the prelude.

As part of our service, we will light candles in honor of members of Nelson Memorial who have been received into the Kingdom since All Saints Day 2020.  The list includes: Marilyn Cochren, Mike Dowling, Maurice Farrell, Kenneth Farris, Wes Gingrich, Nellie Gingrich, and Jim Stanaway.  We will have a time in the service for all who are present to light a candle in memory of a loved one. 

Virtual Worship Information

In addition to in-person worship, each Sunday we will live-stream our 10:20 worship service. The service can be viewed on our Facebook Page.  The service will start approximately 10:25 or so, as we begin it after the opening video (for copyright purposes).  We will continue to post a recording of our message each week to our website by early Sunday afternoon.  We are excited to be able to extend our worship services in these ways.

COVID Updates

At our most recent Administrative Board meeting, the board reviewed COVID numbers in the state and Cooper and Howard counties, and our congregation’s current practices. The Board made the decision to remove the seating restrictions in the Sanctuary.  Starting this Sunday, all pews will have cushions and be open for seating.  Masks are still optional for everyone and encouraged for those who are not fully vaccinated.  The Board is committed to continuing to monitor the latest COVID conditions and will discuss any further changes at upcoming meetings.

Announcements

Turn Back Time – Early this Sunday morning will mark the end of Daylight Savings Time.  Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour Saturday night before you go to bed!

Thank You: A big thank you to everyone who came out for the Outreach Committee’s Soup and Sandwich luncheon.  A great time was had by all and nearly $800 was raised for upcoming mission projects.  Also, a big thank you to everyone who provided the soups, sandwiches, and desserts.  It was delicious!

Thank You: The Snyder family would like to thank the church for all the cards and gifts of appreciation during “Pastor Appreciation Month.”  It is wonderful having so much support.  And we look forward to using all the gift cards for dinners.  Thanks to the Church Board and Methodist Men for the generous gifts.

Christmas Program – This year’s Christmas Program, “Stories of a Savior,” will be performed on December 19th during the 10:20 service. The story of our Savior does not start with His birth…it starts back with Adam and Eve and our NEED for a Savior. Come watch Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, David, Mary, Simeon, and Anna all tell their stories of a Savior.  Rehearsals will take place during Children’s Church (10:20 service) beginning in early November.

Important dates for children involved:

12/5/21 – Quick run through after 10:20 service 12/12/21 – Dress rehearsal after 10:20 (Pizza served for lunch). 

12/19/21 – Production 

Coats for Kids Program – We will again be providing coats for kids who need them in the Boonslick Area.  If you would like to contribute, make your check out to Nelson Memorial, UMC and in the memo line put “Coats for Kids” and place it in the offering plate or drop it by the church office.  Thank you!    If you have any questions about the Coats for Kids program, please inquire with Heather Beach.

Salvation Army Bell-Ringing – We are scheduled to “ring the bells” at Walmart on Saturday, December 11, 2021.  Volunteers are needed for one hour time slots from 10 AM – 6 PM.  A sign-up sheet is in the East wing narthex (where we serve refreshments after worship).  Please talk with Tim VonEngeln if you have any questions.

Events this week:

Sunday, November 7: All Saint Day (Observed)

Monday, November 8: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations Classroom

Education Team, 6:30 pm, Lounge

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Lounge

Tuesday, November 9: NAMI, 6:30 pm, Foundations Classroom

Wednesday, November 10: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge

Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Thursday, November 11: Baby Grace Size and Sort, 1:00 pm, Annex

Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm

Friday, November 12: Al Anon, 8:00 pm, Church Lounge

Saturday, November 13: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Fellowship Hall

Closing Words of Wisdom:

A bend in the road is not the end of the road… Unless you fail to make the turn.” ― Helen Keller