“Useful”

Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21

For Christmas this year I received the book Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, by Bono (the lead singer of the band U2).  Most of the time I read books that are about leadership, Biblical lessons, spirituality, business management, and other things that help me grow in my calling and professional skills.  But each Christmas I ask for a biography or memoir as a way of helping me to reset and do something different.  Surrender has absolutely provided that reset for me. 

I’ve been a fan of U2 since high school or college.  I’ve  read stories about the band and how their faith has informed their music and what they have done with their faith.  Bono, the lead singer and face of the band, is well-known for championing many causes around the world including helping with the AIDS epidemic in Africa and advocating for peace and justice.  In the opening chapter, Bono tells about the bands preshow routine including their time of prayer prior to taking the stage.  He says that while the content of the prayer differs, there are constants, including a request that the band be “useful to the audience” that evening. 

As I read that prayer, I had to put the book down and pick up my computer (where I journal).  “Lord, let me be useful.”  What a beautiful prayer.  Not only is it simple and straightforward (sometimes I feel like my prayers have to be complex and full of impressive language), but it also says it beautifully.  Let me be useful.  It recognizes that I have a role in what is about to happen.  It isn’t asking God to bless others.  It is asking God to allow me to be a blessing to others.  It recognizes that I have a part to play in the work of God. 

Lord, let me be useful.  The reflection this week is simple.  Add these words to your prayers and look for the ways God has for you to be useful for His purposes.  And while we’re at it, let’s ask God to make us, as a church, useful too.

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 continue our message series on the Book of Esther titled “For Such A Time As This.”  This week we will focus on the role King Xerxes plays in the story.  Our Scripture lesson will come from the book of Esther, Chapter 1, verses 1-5:

This is what happened during the time of Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush.  At that time, King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials.  The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present. 

For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty.  When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the King’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa.”

Our 8:00 service will begin with the song The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours) by Matt Maher.  The 10:20 service will begin with our Praise Band leading us in 10,000 Reasons.  Our other songs for the morning include Everlasting God, Be Thou My Vision, and Take My Life and Let It Be. 

Virtual Worship Information

In addition to in-person worship, our service will be live-streamed. The service can be viewed on our Facebook Page.  The service will start at approximately 10:20 am with our Gathering Song.  Additionally, we post a recording of our messages to our website by early Sunday afternoon. 

Announcements

Annual Church Charge Conference – Our annual Church Charge Conference will be convened by our District Superintendent this Sunday, January 15 at 2:30 pm via Zoom.  If you would like to participate in this year’s meeting, please let Pastor Chris know and he will share the Zoom information with you.  

Soup and Sandwich Luncheon – The Community Outreach Committee will be hosting a soup and sandwich luncheon on January 15th, following the second church service.  There will be a free-will offering at the luncheon, with proceeds being used to support future community outreach projects.  A variety of soup, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks will be offered, and of course, good Christian fellowship!  Please plan to attend! 

Blood Drive – With flu season beginning and COVID hanging around, blood and platelet donations continue to be essential to hospital patients.  Donors are needed to come together to help others in this time of need.  We will be hosting another blood drive the afternoon/evening of Monday, January 23 in our Fellowship Hall.  To schedule a time for donating blood, go to: redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.  Thank you!

Thinking about Membership? –  On Sunday, January 29, following the 10:20 worship service, Pastor Chris will hold a “Pizza With The Pastor” session.  This is a conversation for anyone considering membership at Nelson Memorial UMC.  Membership in a church is a little different from joining a club or society, and Pastor Chris will share what membership means at Nelson Memorial.  This conversation will take place in the Fellowship Hall and will include lunch.  Please let Pastor Chris or the office know if you plan to attend so we can have enough food. 

Giving Through 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/. 

Events this week:

Saturday, January 14: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge

Sunday, January 15: Outreach Soup and Sandwich Luncheon, 11:30 am, Fellowship Hall

Church Charge Conference, 2:30 pm, Zoom

Monday, January 16: MLK Day, Office Closed

Youth Group, 5:30 pm, Jackson’s Home

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, January 17:  Administrative Board, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary

Wednesday, January 18: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15, Lounge

Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall

Thursday, January 19: Baby Grace Distribution, 5:00 pm, Annex

Friday, January 20: Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, January 21: Kids Hope Roller Skating Event, 3:30 pm

Closing Words of Wisdom:

You can disagree on everything but still work together on one thing… if that one thing is important enough.”― Bono