“Out of Tragedy”

It’s my first real memory.  It took place this day 36 years ago. Our whole first grade was assembled in the school’s library excitedly focused on the large (30 inch) television that had been wheeled into the middle of the room.  After the librarian attached the cables to the television and the wall, she switched the screen on and we all watched with bated breath.  I remember gleefully joining in on the countdown with my classmates.  5 – 4 – 3- 2 -1 – blastoff! 

And with that, we all watched the Space Shuttle Challenger begin its historic trip to the heavens.  Schoolchildren all over the U.S. gathered to cheer on the first teacher ever to join that exclusive list of those privileged few to call themselves astronauts.  And then, in an instant, our joy turned to confusion and horror as smoke and fire erupted and the space shuttle shattered into pieces.  Little did our 6- and 7-year-old minds understand that we were witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the history of the NASA space program. 

After the Challenger tragedy, NASA faced many questions and much uncertainty.  Should a program that seems to be so dangerous still be funded?  Is manned space travel still necessary?  In the face of this failure, should we just cease our forays into space?  As we all know, NASA and the space program have continued and evolved over the last 36 years.  In fact, just last month, NASA successfully sent a new telescope into space that will be able to help us understand elements of the universe previously unexplored.  This major achievement, among so many others that have resulted from our continued commitment to space travel, seemed unlikely in the face of such tragedy on that dark day 36 years ago.

The story of overcoming tragedy and persevering to triumph is not just a story told by NASA.  This is the Christian story–a reminder that the darkest days are never the last days.  Throughout scripture and throughout history, we have story after story of triumph coming from tragedy – be it Joseph saving his entire race after betrayal by his brothers, a nation bruised and battered in Pearl Harbor rising to join a fight against hate and genocide, or even a murdered messiah returning from the dead to give all of humanity a chance to overcome the powers of sin and death. 

We all know what it is like to face darkness and tragedy – either as a nation, a community, or an individual.  It is part of the human experience to have highs and lows.  But our faith in God reminds us that our darkest days are never the last days.  Out of tragedy can come triumph.  If we have the strength and desire to come out of the darkness, God will be with us and lead us to a time and place where his power will be on full display.  To those of you in the midst of a tragedy today, let this serve you as a reminder that even now, God is with you and will be with you as you emerge to a better day.

It is an honor to be your pastor and to be in ministry alongside you to an amazing God who helps us turn tragedy into triumph. 

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 we will resume our “Becoming More” message series.  This week, the fruits of the Spirit we will consider are Goodness and Kindness.  Our scripture lesson is from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 6, verses 27 through 31:

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also.  If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.  Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.  Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Our 8:00 service will begin with the song Good God Almighty by David Crowder.  Our 10:20 service will begin with the praise band leading us in Good, Good Father.  Our hymns for the morning include All in All, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, and Freely, Freely. 

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 10:20 with our Praise Band leading us in our 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 is in full force around us.  The Church Administrative Board reviewed the Covid data and our current practices at their recent meeting.  They would like to reiterate their encouragement to follow as many safeguards as you feel are necessary including masking, distancing, and hand washing/sanitizing.  We would also like to encourage you to take notice of the behavior of others and respect their potential desire for more distance or less touch. 

Masks remain optional for everyone and encouraged for those who are not fully vaccinated or are feeling any symptoms of any illness.  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 Thank You – The Red Cross blood drive held this week was a great success.  We had 22 people come to attempt to donate and 20 units were collected.  These donations have the potential to impact up to 60 people.  Thank you to everyone who participated in, volunteered at, and prayed for the blood drive.  You all are part of this success.  Thank you!

Mission Trip Coming Up – On December 10, 2021, a violent, long-tracked tornado moved across western Kentucky producing severe to catastrophic damage in numerous towns, including Mayfield, Kentucky.  We are now forming a team of men and women to travel to Mayfield to complete clean up and rebuild projects.  Our tentative dates will be March 13 through March 18.  If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Larry Long, Bob Koch or Bill Salyer for details.  Sorry – no one under the age of 18 will be allowed on the work sites. 

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.

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!

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:

Sunday, January 30: Financial Peace University, Noon, Church Lounge

Monday, January 31: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations Classroom

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, February 1: Congregational Care Team, 7:00 pm, Church Lounge

Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary

Wednesday, February 2: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Church Lounge

Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Friday, February 4: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald