“Methodist Measure”
If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.” Deuteronomy 15: 7
“Hey Pastor, can I tell you a story?” When Larry Schler begins a visit like this, you know you are in for a treat, even if it isn’t a quick treat. And thus began my visit with him the other morning. He proceeded to tell me about a visit to an apple orchard and the owner commenting that every time Larry came there he took a “Methodist Measure,” of apples. Larry asked the owner to explain that term as it was one he was unfamiliar with, as was I. Apparently, in a nutshell, the term “Methodist Measure” indicates giving a generous amount – similar to the term baker’s dozen indicating getting an extra item (cookie, biscuit, donut, etc.).
I must admit, I was today years old when I heard this term, but I love it. I love the idea that Methodists were so known for their generosity that the word Methodist became synonymous with receiving a generous portion. Have you ever heard this term? I want to know more about when this term used to be in fashion, where it came from, and why it no longer is used.
Actually, maybe I don’t want to know why this term is no longer used. After a quick Google search, it became obvious to me that is not a very oft used term anymore – I only found a few references to it, a rarity on Google. What happened to our witness that at one time was so known for displaying God’s desired generosity that the words Methodist and Generous were synonyms? Why is this no longer part of our identity?
I want to invite you to consider what generosity looks like, both for you individually and for us as a congregation and a denomination. What are some things we might do to help reintroduce the idea of Methodist equaling Generous? I for one would love to think that after I encounter someone, they would come away feeling they received a “Methodist Measure” of God’s love and grace.
It is indeed an honor and please to be your pastor and to be in ministry alongside you as we show a Methodist Measure of God’s love to our world!
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 conclude our 4-week message series titled “The Movements of Faith.” In this series, we have taken a look at how we live our faith in 4 ways – Gathering In, Lifting Up, Digging Down, and Going Out. This week, we finish up by looking at what it means to “Go Out” with our faith. The scripture this week will be from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 13-16:
You are the salt of the earth. But if the sale loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your lights shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our services will begin with the song Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective. Our other songs for the morning include I Will Follow, We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations, and Sent Out in Jesus’ Name. This Sunday we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion in both of our services.
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 approximately10:20 with our Praise Band leading our Gathering Song. Additionally, we post a recording of our message each week to our website by early Sunday afternoon.
Announcements
Last Call for New Shirts –
We will conclude orders for new church T-Shirts this Sunday! Orders can be made here. Order forms will also be available in the Sanctuary and church office. Please complete and submit all orders by the end of this Sunday as we will place the order Monday. A big thank you to Jo Parker for her work on this!
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 3rd 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 at Earl and Karma Haller’s home for a bonfire, wienie roast, and hayride. Please plan to bring a dish to share. Everyone is welcome!
Outreach Committee’s “Leave the Leaves to Us” Fall Event – The Outreach Committee is organizing a Fall Event “Leave the Leaves to Us” to beheld on Saturday, Oct. 22nd. We are wanting to take our resources, or our people, out into our neighborhood around NMUMC and help with some Fall Clean-Up type jobs like raking leaves, cleaning out gutters, etc. We are inviting you, men, women and children to be a part of this service to the community that surrounds us.
Please sign up to volunteer on the sign-up sheet that is in the East Wing or Karma Haller @ 660-537-3061 or Katy Giroux at 573-825-8775 or email at hallerk@prairiehome.k12.mo.us or ktsprad@hotmail.com. We would love to have as many volunteers as possible. There is a morning shift and an afternoon shift with lunch being served in Fellowship Hall from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The morning shift is from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon shift from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please bring rakes, yard equipment and gloves. If you have seen a yard that needs our help, please let us know. Come and join our team as we go out into our Neighborhood in God’s Love.
Events this week:
Monday, October 3: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations Classroom
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 4: Choir Practice, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Wednesday, October 5: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Church Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Friday, October 7: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Youth Lock-In, 9:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, October 8: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” – Dalai Lama
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