“Mature Audiences”

When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.  “Be careful,” Jesus said to them.  “Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

They discussed among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?  Do you still not understand?”    Matthew 16:5-9

Over the past couple of weeks, I have begun watching a new television show – Yellowstone.  It isn’t the best show in the world, but I find myself continuing to watch it to find out what happens next to this very broken and damaged family.  Every time I turn on a new episode, there is a disclaimer prior to the show stating that this program contains certain content that is appropriate for “Mature Audiences” only.  I always chuckle to myself and have the same comment run through my head, “I’m pretty immature, so I probably shouldn’t watch this.”  Then I watch it anyway.

Often, when I read through some of Jesus’ teachings, I wonder if they shouldn’t come with a similar warning – “this scripture is intended for mature audiences only.”  The disciples (whose continued lack of understanding brings me hope) seem to embody this warning.  In the passage I quote above, Jesus warns his mentees to be wary of some who seek to teach them, to pay attention to their teachings and who they are truly seeking to glorify.  But the disciples, whose maturity and depth of thinking isn’t always as far along as Jesus would like or hope, can only understand this teaching at face value, rather than the metaphor Jesus was using.

I can’t tell you the number of times this happens to me.  I’ll be reading this or that scripture and be absolutely certain that I understand what it means–usually reading it one hundred percent literally–only to have the Holy Spirit (often through a friend or loved one) show me that I completely missed the point.  Many times, what I am seeking to know or understand is much deeper than where my current thinking is, and it is (yet another) situation where I need to go deeper and seek a more mature perspective.  It’s usually in these times where I hear that voice in my head repeating the disclaimer – “This passage is intended for mature audiences.  Reader discretion is advised.” 

Maturing – be it in our faith, our thinking, our general behavior – is not something that comes naturally.  Most days I feel like my level of maturity is not much higher than when I was in middle school.  Maturing takes intentionality.  This week, in our worship service we are going to look at another movement of faith – digging deeper.  This movement is all about maturing in our relationships, seeking deeper levels of understanding, deeper connections, deeper truths.  I invite you to join us this week as we consider what it takes to become part of a more “Mature Audience.”

It is an honor to be your pastor and in ministry alongside you as we serve an amazing God.

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 continue our 4-week message series titled “The Movements of Faith.”  This series takes a look at how we live our faith in 4 ways – Gathering In, Lifting Up, Digging Down, and Going Out.  This week, we continue by looking at what it means to “Dig Down” into our faith.  The scripture this week will be from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verses 24-27:

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Our services will begin with the song If The Lord Builds The House by Hope Darst.  Our hymns for the morning include Wonderful Words of Life, Thy Word, and Just A Closer Walk With Thee.

Additionally, our Choir will sing at the 10:20 service an arrangement of Here I Am, Lord.

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 approximately10:25 following our Gathering Song.  Additionally, we post a recording of our message each week to our website by early Sunday afternoon. 

Announcements

Time for a New Shirt! –

We are taking orders now for new church T-Shirts. Orders can be made here. Order forms will also be available in the Sanctuary and church office. A big thank you to Jo Parker for her work on this.

Collection for LSE – Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, we will be working to support Laura Speed Elliott Middle School in their efforts to provide for the needs of their students. This month we will be collecting single-serving snacks for the health room. These can include: granola bars, applesauce cups, Goldfish or Cheez-It crackers, peanut butter or cheese-filled sandwich crackers, pretzels, etc… We are also collecting a few other personal items that have been requested. Items can be left in bins outside the sanctuary doors. Please bring all items by this coming Sunday, September 25.

September 30 Outreach Event: Homecoming Parade – During the homecoming parade on September 30, the church will be setting up a table on Main Street and distributing water. This is an opportunity to be a face in the community. If you would like to come distribute water, please let Sara Snyder know (417-343-1124 or sstephenson.snyder@gmail.com). We’re also in need of bottles of water to distribute. If you feel inclined, please bring packages of bottled water to church by noon Friday, September 30.

October Service Day – We will be partnering with our youth in October to complete service projects for individuals and families throughout the community. If you know of someone who could use a helping hand with yard work, please let Karma Haller or Katy Giroux know. More details will follow!

Mark Your Calendars – The education committee has some fun fall events coming up for you to mark on your calendar now:

October 16 – Celebration of Sunday School including a potluck breakfast, awarding of Bibles to 3^rd grade students,  and recognition of Sunday School leaders

October 16 – Church Fall Bike Ride – we will meet at the Katy Trail trailhead at 1:00 pm for a fun afternoon of bike riding.  We will ride about 2 miles, take a break and have refreshments, and ride back to the trailhead.  Everyone is welcome!

October 23 – We will gather at 5:00 pm for a bonfire, wienie roast and hayride.  Please plan to bring a dish to share.  More details will be shared as this approaches.

Events this week:

Saturday, September 24: Visitation & Memorial Service for Tom Maxwell, 10:00 am, Sanctuary

Sunday, September 25: Youth Group, 6:00 pm, Breadeaux Pizza

Monday, September 26: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations Classroom

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, September 28: Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall

Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary

Friday, September 30: BHS Homecoming Parade, Distribute Waters, 2:00 pm, Main Street

Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life.” – Rick Warren.