“The Pace of Life”
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:2-3
“Everyone is busy. It’s just how things are. This is the season of life we’re in.” Anymore, if you look around, busy seems to be a status symbol. The more you have going on, the more games or activities your kids are involved in, the more work-related events you attend, the more social engagements you are invited to, the more family responsibilities you have—basically, the busier you are, the more important you are. At least, these are the lies I kept telling myself. Until earlier this week.
Yesterday afternoon I sent the following text to my small group: “Gentlemen, I’m not going to be able to make it tonight. My pace the past few weeks has caught up with me.” Between all the commitments I allowed to overtake my calendar, I had forgotten (or more honestly, ignored) the need to honor Sabbath, to listen to my body, to rest.
For most of the past 18 years in ministry, I have observed Friday as my Sabbath, my day off work to rest and restore my soul. I have continued to fool myself into believing that just because I don’t physically go into the office most Fridays that I am actually observing Sabbath. The truth is, I still work several hours every Friday, just from home. And even more honestly, I haven’t truly observed Sabbath for weeks, maybe even months.
Sabbath has been defined or described in many different ways over the years. One of my favorite understandings of Sabbath is that it is a set-aside time where we are to engage in activities that restore our soul and our energy. Six days a week we serve, we work, we give and use up the resources of our soul. The seventh is to be a day to help restore and give life. For me, I have defined it as a day to do the things on my “get to-do” list, instead of my “have to-do” list. The things on my “get to-do list” include playing a round of golf, taking a leisurely walk on the trail or around the neighborhood, spending time in my garage turning large pieces of wood into smaller ones, and sitting around the fire pit with some music in the background.
Our pace of life catches up with us. Sometimes it happens when we feel run-down and need a day off. When ignored even longer, it catches up in ways that can include major medical issues. When was the last time you truly observed Sabbath, spent your time doing things that restore your life and soul? What’s on your “get to-do” list? When was the last time you allowed yourself to do some of those things? Remember, Sabbath is a holy practice we learn from God himself. If it is okay for God to rest, it is probably okay for you to do so as well.
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 message series titled “Through the Valley.” In this series, we will take a look at the subject of finding hope in the midst of grief and loss. This week, we will discuss how we can walk with others who are experiencing grief. The scripture for this week is from the Gospel of John, Chapter 11, verses 28-36:
After Martha said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and when out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
Jesus wept.
Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
Our 8:00 service will begin with the song Together by Chris Tomlin. Our 10:20 service will begin with our Praise Band leading us in the song Church (Take Me Back). Our other songs for the morning include How Great is our God, Stand By Me, and It Is Well with My Soul.
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 Gathering Song. Additionally, we post a recording of our message each week to our website by early Sunday afternoon.
Announcements
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. Please bring rakes, yard equipment and gloves. If you have seen a yard that needs our help, please let us know.
Church Mission Trip – 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 have received reservations from UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for our adult work team to go to the Mayfield area November 6 – 11. If you are interested in joining our group and wish information, please contact Bill Salyer, Tim VonEngeln or Larry Long for details. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed on the work sites without accompanied parent or guardian.
Upper Room Devotional – Spend time each day in God’s word with thought-provoking devotions to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. The November/December “Upper Room” devotional books have arrived, please help yourself to one in the back of the sanctuary.
Events this week:
Sunday, October 16: Celebration of Education, 9:00 am, Fellowship Hall
Church Family Bike Ride, 1:00 pm, Katy Trail Trailhead
Monday, October 17: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations Classroom
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 18: Choir Practice, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Wednesday, October 19: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Church Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, October 20: Baby Grace Distribution, 5:00 pm, Church Annex
Friday, October 21: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, October 22: “Leave the Leaves to Us” Service Event
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Sabbath is the celebration of life beyond and outside productivity.” – Walter Brueggemann
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