“One Person’s Trash …”
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
This week the trash service for town held their annual large item pickup, when people rid their garages, yards, basements, or any other areas of big stuff they no longer need. Most of the time these are pieces of furniture or appliances that are worn out or broken–no longer able to perform the job for which they were originally intended.
However, by the large number of vehicles with trailers slowly driving through town, it seems that there are many people out there who see value in these discarded items. I’ve always been intrigued by these “pickers” – what do they see in that junk and what are they going to do with it when they get it?
Upcycling, reclaiming, repurposing – whatever you call it, is pretty cool idea. It takes a discarded or worn-out item and gives it a new life. Be it a discarded pallet that becomes a shelf or an old file cabinet that becomes a yard-tool storage system, I love the idea of giving something deemed worthless a new life.
Part of what I am drawn to is that this is what God does for us through Jesus Christ. In the eyes of many, our sins make us broken, damaged, and lacking in value. But in the hands of the master of all creation, our dents, scars, and flaws are worked out and we become a new and marvelous creation. As it is written in 2 Corinthians, everyone who is in Christ is part of, or is, a new creation. As worthless and junky as we may feel, God sees in us something no one else sees and turns us into a true masterpiece.
And though our sins were like scarlet, we are now white as snow. God is the ultimate upcycler—so what in our own lives can we set out by the curb to allow him to transform into a new creation?
As always, it is a pleasure to be your pastor and to be in ministry alongside you as we place ourselves in the hands of the master.
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 2-week series titled “Today – Tomorrow – Together.” Our Scripture lesson this Sunday will be from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 9, verses 12-15:
This service that you preform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!“
Our services will begin with the song Cornerstone by Aaron Schust – via video in our 8:00 service and led by our Praise Band at 10:20. Our other songs include How Great Thou Art (8:00), Great Are You Lord (10:20), Holy Is the Lord and We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.
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
Breakfast Anyone – The United Methodist Men will host their annual Breakfast Fundraiser on Sunday, May 7 between services and following the 10:20 service. Come hungry because the guys know how to cook a breakfast! There is no charge, but offerings are appreciated and will go to the ministries of the United Methodist Men.
Outreach Opportunities:
1. We are writing notes of encouragement to ALL of the students at LSE as they take the annual state assessment in early May. Packets of notecards will be placed in the back of the church. If you’d like to write a note, simply take a packet–write a few words of encouragement, and return by April 30.
2. We are also collecting prepackaged and individually-wrapped snacks for LSE students for their testing days. Think granola bars, PB crackers, Goldfish, etc. These can be left at the church by April 30.
Christian Movie Night – Our next movie night will be held on Sunday, May 7th in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:30 pm. The second movie we will watch will be The Shack. If you have any suggestions or recommendations, please text (660) 888-5408 and also let us know if you own it. Childcare will be provided if you need it, please let us know. Come join us for popcorn and a movie, and bring your own soda.
Recognizing Our High School and College Graduates – Please contact the church office if you have a High School or College Graduate in your family this spring. We would like to be able to congratulate and recognize them during an upcoming worship service. Thank you.
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:
Monday, May 1: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, May 3: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 4: Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, May 5: Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 7: Methodist Men’s Breakfast Fundraiser, 9:00 – Noon, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose he has given them.” – Oswald Chambers