HVAC Project Updates
As it’s been a few weeks since our last update on the state of our HVAC system, I thought I’d use this space as an opportunity to share where we are on that project. This past Sunday, when I got out of my Jeep parked around the corner from the church, I heard a very loud sound coming from nearby. Sure enough, when I walked up the steps to the church, the noise was coming from the furnace on our rooftop. When I entered the building, I was reminded of the sound a Harrier (jet) makes when preforming a vertical takeoff. After a few minutes of walking around and seeing all the vibrations throughout the building, I made the decision the furnace was no longer operational. Luckily the forecast for the coming weeks shows warmer weather, as we now have no furnace for our Sanctuary. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that the replacement of that unit is (tentatively) scheduled for the week of April 10. In fact, some of the work on the other HVAC units around the church will likely begin toward the end of this coming week. Even though the coldest temperatures are hopefully behind us, I’m looking forward to getting this work done before the heat and humidity of the Midwest starts to make its home in our building (which in Mid-Missouri could start anytime).
I also wanted to keep you aware of the financing for this project. As you likely know, the Administrative Board made the decision to take out a loan to pay for this project, so the work could begin as soon as possible. In fact, after comparing rates through multiple banks and considering several options, we finalized a loan through BTC for $115,000. These funds will pay for the new HVAC system and the electrical work needed for the new units.
We haven’t talked a lot about the money side of this project to date, and the main reason for that is because most of the progress and action on this project has come around and during the season of Lent. The decision was made to continue our focus on the spiritual aspects of this important season, and to begin discussions of finances after Easter. So, if you’ve been wondering when we will begin discussing the how of paying for this project, it will come. I ask you to begin (or continue) praying for how God might be calling you to help in our effort to quickly pay off the debt for this project. We will hold a commitment Sunday for this effort toward the end of April, but until then, I hope you will join me in considering what your involvement in this effort will be.
As always, it is an honor to be your pastor and to be in ministry alongside an amazing God who models rest for us.
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 is the sixth and final Sunday of Lent, also known as Palm Sunday. Our Message Series this Lent is titled “Letting Go.” This Sunday’s focus will be on letting go of approval. Our Scripture lesson this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21, verses 1-11:
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethpage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey’.”
The disciples went and did as Jesus has instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from trees and spread then on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Our services will begin with the song Glory, Glory (God is Able) by Crowder. Our 8:00 service will have an opening hymn of All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name, while the 10:20 service will have our Praise Band leading us in I Will Follow. We will also sing Filled With Excitement, and close with Where He Leads Me.
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
Holy Week Schedule:
Palm Sunday Dinner – The Education Team will be hosting a carry-in dinner for Palm Sunday, April 2nd, after the morning worship services. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children while the food is being put on the serving tables and readied for the dinner. Each child that participates will be given a bag of wrapped candies; donations of candies can be brought to the 3-5 years old classroom.
To ensure a good variety of foods, we request the following distribution:
Family names A to F Dessert
Family names G to L Side Dish
Family names M to S Meat Dish
Family names T to Z Salads
The Boonville Ministerial Alliance Annual Easter Community Service – The ministers of our community will lead us in worship on Tuesday, April 4th at 6:30 pm at New Life in Christ Ministries, 521 Main Street. The Holy Week Message will be given by Pastor Tad Schuldt. All are welcome to Come!
Easter Cards for Elders & Friends – This year again we are asking the congregation to mail out Easter cards or other greeting cards with your own personal Easter greeting. The addresses for the names listed below will be located on the refreshment table or on the counter next to the front entrances.
Florence Banion, Jack Bell, Frances Bradley, Virginia Brownfield, Ada Gingrich, Margaret Hopkins, Gene and Donna Reagan, Bart Riley, Carol Schenck, Leona Schmidt, Helen Taylor, John Tincher, Hessie Watts, and Dorothy Whitten.
We know all the recipients will experience a special Easter blessing because of the thoughtfulness of all those who participate in this endeavor. Thank you for remembering these special people.
Church Work/Cleanup Day – In place of their April meeting, the Methodist Men will host a work/cleanup day Saturday, April 8 beginning at 8:30 am. Tasks include wiping down/polishing pews and other woodwork, cleaning up entrances and common areas, cleaning out some storage areas, and other tasks not a part of the weekly cleaning tasks. Everyone is invited to join in this effort as we prepare our building for guests on Easter Sunday. Donuts and coffee will be provided.
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:
Sunday, April 2: Palm Sunday Dinner and Easter Egg Hunt, Following Worship, Fellowship Hall
Foundations Small Group, 6:30 pm, Gordon’s Home
Monday, April 3: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, April 4: General Municipal Election Day
Boonslick Ministerial Alliance Community Easter Service, 6:30 pm, New Life in Christ Ministries Church
Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Wednesday, April 5: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, April 6: Maundy Thursday Service, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, April 7: Good Friday Service, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, April 8: Church Clean-up Day, 8:30 am
Closing Words of Wisdom:
I continue to dream and pray about a revival of holiness in our day that moves forth in mission and creates authentic community in which each person can be unleashed through the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill God’s creational intentions.” ― John Wesley