“Upon Further Review”

As you probably know, I’m a big sports fan – specifically baseball and football (and hockey, and golf, and …).  I must admit, as a sports fan, I describe myself as a bit of a purist.  Each time I hear about rules changes, I am skeptical and resistant.  I have the “if it aint broke, don’t fix it” mentality.  One of the changes that has come to many professional sports (and some collegiate sports) is the introduction of instant replay by officials to help make sure a correct call is made. 

While I was initially opposed to the introduction of this technology into sports, I must admit, I think it has helped improve the game.  Things happen very quickly in sports – the ball and runner arriving at the base at nearly the same time, a player getting possession of the football and his feet coming down in or out of bounds – it can be hard to get the call correct every time without a little help.  The instant replay allows the officials to not only take more time with a play, but it also gives them the benefit of different angles, slow motion, and even additional opinions. 

The additional time and additional information allows them to either be certain of their initial interpretation or gives them the opportunity to correct their call.  Typically, when the officials have finished looking at the replays and have come to a conclusion, they say something along the lines of: “Upon further review, the call on the field stands,” or, “the call has been overturned.”

This week we are going to begin a new message series titled “Upon Further Review.”  In this series, we will take a look at some of the parables Jesus used in his teachings.  Many of these stories – such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son or the Parable of the Good Samaritan – are familiar stories we have heard many times.  My intention in this series is to try and look at these stories from a different angle, perspective, or with a different emphasis to see if there might be some details or conclusions we might find upon further review. 

I know things can get busy in the summer months with travel and other commitments.  I hope you will make the effort to join us on Sunday mornings either in person or online as we take a closer look at some of the most well-known of Jesus’ teachings.

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 begin a new message series titled “Upon Further Review.”  Our message this week is about the Man with Two Sons.  The scripture this week will be from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 15, verses 11-20.

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.  The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.  He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 

Our 8:00 service will begin with the song Me on Your Mind by Matthew West.  The 10:20 service will kick off with our Praise band leading us in Good, Good Father.  The hymns for the morning include Your Grace is Enough, and Open My Eyes, That I May See, 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 10:25 following the Gathering Song.  Additionally, we post a recording of our message each week to our website by early Sunday afternoon. 

Announcements

Vacation Bible School – Making Waves – Let us share our love for the Lord with your kiddos! Through fun activities, engaging lessons, crafts, and God’s Word, we’ll help kids understand how they can share God’s love with the people around them. His love has a strong ripple effect that can change the world.  July 6-July 8^th, 9:00 am to 11:30 am. To register, please click here.

Summer Outing to Big Surf Water Park

On Sunday, June 26th Nelson Church family is invited to enjoy a fun afternoon at Big Surf Water Park. We are planning on meeting in the Big Surf parking lot between 2:00 and 2:15. Be sure to sign up on the clipboard if you are interested.  We will plan on eating dinner together at 6:00 when the park closes. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. We hope you can join us for some summer fun! 

New Way to Give – As we continue to pursue virtual ministry and ministry in our modern times, we have found we need to keep up with digital technology trends.  We are excited to announce that in addition to being able to give to Nelson Memorial by check or Vanco (automatic withdrawal from your bank account), we now are accepting offerings via Venmo.  We can be found on Venmo at @NelsonMemorialUMC. If you don’t know what Venmo is and would like to learn more, information about giving through Venmo can be found on our webpage at https://nelsonmemorialumc.org/give/venmo/. 

Planning Ahead – Dates for Your Calendar

June 19, 2022:  Father’s Day

June 26, 2022:  Big Surf Water Park Summer Outing

July 31, 2022:  UMM Ice Cream Freeze Off

August 10, 2022:  National S’more’s Day

August 28, 2022:  Church Picnic

Events this week:

Sunday, June 19: Happy Father’s Day

Monday, June 20: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations classroom

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, June 21: Administrative Board, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall and Zoom

Wednesday, June 22: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Church Lounge

Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Friday, June 24: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Church Lounge

Sunday, June 26: Outing to Big Surf, 2:00 pm

Closing Words of Wisdom:

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”― Mother Teresa