This will be a brief update this week.  It is Friday afternoon and I just received word that I have tested positive for Covid.  My symptoms are mild for the most part.  I ask for prayers for the rest of my family, that I haven’t passed this along to them.

On a related note, Tuesday evening the Church Administrative Board met and discussed our Covid procedures (among other things).  We would like to reiterate our encouragement to follow as many safeguards as you feel necessary including masking, frequently using hand sanitizer, distancing, and staying home if you either don’t feel well or feel like it is safer.  Also, I encourage you to take notice of others’ behavior and respect their potential desire for more distance or to not shake a hand. 

Thank you for respecting one another enough to help keep everyone as healthy as possible. 

Blessings, 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 Week

This Sunday Rob Gordon will be filling in for Pastor Chris.

We will begin our services with the song Control by Tenth Avenue North.  Our hymns for the morning include To God Be the Glory, Forever, and Standing on the Promises.  The choir will sing Simple Gifts as the offertory in the 10:20 service.

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 at approximately 10:25 after the gathering song.  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

COVID cases are on the rise again in Cooper County and throughout our region. We will continue to keep all pews open in our Sanctuary, but encourage all worshipers to follow healthy practices – hand sanitizing, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Worshipers are encouraged to wear masks if they prefer or if they are not feeling well.  Masks remain 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.  If you are ill or not feeling well, please consider staying home and worshiping with us through our live-stream. 

Announcements

Blood Drive Coming Up – Our next Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for this Monday, January 24, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm in our Fellowship Hall.  As happens most winters, the blood drive is in very short supply.  All donations are appreciated.  You may make an appointment to donate or find more information here.

Blessing Bags – The Youth have prepared 100 Blessing Bags and invite you to pick some up and distribute them as you see a need.  They are in various places around the church.  Please take one or two (or more) and leave them in your car.  As you see someone needing food or help, share this bag with them.  This is a great (and easy) way to help people in need.  Thank you to the youth group for preparing these and giving us this opportunity!

Kids Host Valentine’s Lunch February 13 – Make plans to attend the Annual Valentine’s Lunch hosted by Nelson Kids on Sunday, February 13th, following the 10:20 service.  The kids are going to be serving a spaghetti lunch. This will be a free will offering, so please make plans to attend, and share in love and fellowship with our church family.

Juanita Scott Memorial Scholarship – The intent of this scholarship is to provide one $500.00 scholarship per year for a high school senior, with preference being given for Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church members and/or those who are actively involved with the church.  Boonville High School seniors will be provided an application as part of their Guidance Office “Local Scholarship Information”.  For other than Boonville High School students, high school seniors may contact our church office at 882-6223 to request an application.  All scholarship applications with accompanying transcripts shall be received by the committee by March 14, 2022, during office hours. 

Charles Edgar Whitten Memorial Scholarship – The intent of this scholarship is to provide one $500.00 scholarship per year for 3rd and 4th year college applicants, with preference given to Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church members and/or those who are actively involved in the church where they attend a university or college.  The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, or living expenses, as needed to help the scholarship winner continue their studies.  To request an application please contact the church office at 882-6223.  All scholarship applications must be received by our committee by April 11, 2022, during office hours. 

Events this week:

Saturday, January 22: Youth Group, 6:00 pm, Jackson’s home

Monday, January 24: Red Cross Blood Drive, 2:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, January 26: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Church Lounge

Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Thursday, January 27: Praise Band Practice, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary

Friday, January 21: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Real strength has to do with helping others.” Fred Rogers