“Unity In Diversity”
What does it mean to be diverse? Technically speaking, it’s just having a variety of stuff, though when we use it we’re generally referring to the inclusion in a group or organization of people from many different backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences. The kingdom of God has always been a diverse place–you can begin at the beginning to see God’s appreciation of diversity in the makeup of creation. Leaders in the Old Testament came from different backgrounds, and the people of Israel sometimes welcomed “outsiders” into their fold. Ruth was from Moab, God saved the Ninevites, and the disciples themselves were a motley crew made up of fisherman, a doctor, a tax collector, a Hellenized Jew, and eventually one of the most bigoted Jewish leaders. Moreover, Jesus often spoke to diverse groups of people, welcoming the upper crust, no crust, and even Samaritans to God’s feast of love.
Jesus made clear through both walk and talk that the Gospel is for everyone–a message solidified in Peter’s vision in Acts 10, and Paul’s words in Galatians 3 that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female in God’s kingdom.
Though unity is central in the body of Christ (look at Acts 2 and the oneness of the believers), diversity is as well. The early church was highly diverse. There were people from different races, zip codes, cultures, theologies, and income levels who came together united under the banner that Jesus saves. Was there conflict? Of course! And there was positioning and posturing and power grabbing, too. But time and again the church leaders sought to resolve conflict by taking the path of love because they understood that what mattered most was the transformation of the world through the gospel message of Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:6-21) Peter affirmed to the Jerusalem Council that both circumcised and uncircumcised were saved in the same way–by the grace of Christ Jesus.
In the 3rd letter of John, the apostle writes to a dear friend and shares that he and his team of missionaries have been barred from a church because of Diotrephes–a seemingly self-appointed gatekeeper who has taken umbrage with John’s message, even resorting to spreading “malicious nonsense” about John and his followers. However, John also expresses his intent to call this bully out the next time he’s in town…because in the kingdom of God, there is no room for bullies.
Lately, I have been troubled at the bullying supposedly good “Christians” have been doing–seeking to marginalize, castigate, and even dehumanize others, and barring them from the love of Jesus Christ. John’s words about the malicious nonsense being spread ring true in the hate-filled rhetoric and mean-spirited laws aimed at the LGBTQ community, as well as Asian Americans, Latin American immigrants, and the Jewish community. The things being spread on social media and shouted by politicians are at times nonsense at best, and a fomentation of violence at worst.
Did you know that LGBTQ teens are nearly 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers? And it’s not because of who they are, but how they have been stigmatized and traumatized by their communities. These youth also experience bullying at a much more significant rate than their peers, and are more likely to be both physically and sexually assaulted.
AS JESUS FOLLOWERS, WE ARE CALLED TO BE GREETERS, NOT GATEKEEPERS.
I know many Christians have differing views about Scripture and the LGBTQ community–but as someone who has friends in the community, and as someone who has prayerfully studied the Bible with academic insight, I cannot abide the hate some believers spew in Jesus’ name.
Jesus calls us to servant leadership borne of love. His arms are open (John 3:16-18) as he seeks the salvation of all. As Jesus followers, we are called to be greeters, not gatekeepers.
You can agree or disagree with my theology…I don’t mind. The apostles themselves didn’t always agree, but it doesn’t give us the right to be mean or abusive. Jesus never said to hate those who differ from you, to persecute those who are different. He didn’t call his disciples to weaponize his words, or to bully salvation into others (though that’s what some in history have done). No, Jesus said to love others, because it is through loving that we introduce others God.
Blessings and Peace–and Love, Sara
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
Have you ever felt like you are a total mess while everyone around you is completely put together? This Sunday we will begin a new message series titled “Messy Faith,” where we will explore the realities of faith and spirituality in a complex and often messy life. Our Scripture lesson this Sunday will be from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 51-56:
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and john saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.“
Our services will begin with the song That’s Enough by Brandon Heath. Our other songs include Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), and O Jesus, I Have Promised. Our choir will provide Come, Find Forgiveness and Love as a prelude for the 10:20 service.
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 10:25 am following 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.
Directory Update – The updated directory is completed and copies are now available at church. Directories will be available in the back of the Sanctuary on the radiator stand by the south doors and also on the table in the East Wing. Please take 1 per family at this time. Additionally, an electronic version is available via the “Instant Church Directory” app which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Only those whose email address is listed in the directory will be able to access our directory via this app. Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to log into the Online Member directory at https://members.instantchurchdirectory.com/ to complete your setup.
If you have difficulties setting up your account or accessing our directory, please make sure the email address you are using is the same one that is listed in the directory. If not, please contact Pastor Chris or Sandy Farris and we will update your email address in the system. Again, only those who email address is listed in the directory will be able to access the electronic version of the directory. This is done as a way to keep the information secure.
Let’s give an extra special thank you to the team that worked so hard to make it happen – Sandy Farris, Maryellen McVicker, Nancy Schler, and Mike Thomas. Please pass along your appreciation to them for their work on this project.
Christian Movie Night – Our next movie night will be held this Sunday, May 7th in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:30 pm. We will be watching The Shack. On May 21 we will watch Sight & Sound’s Noah. If you have any suggestions or recommendations for future movies, 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 Graduates on May 21st – We are putting together our list of graduates from high school and college for our recognition Sunday during the worship services May 21st. Our working list includes: High School – Trent Maxwell, and Hayden Jenks. College – Austin Krohn, Emily Lloyd and Noah Rogers. Please let us know who else we need to add to the list by emailing the church office at BoonvilleMethodist@gmail.com.
Summer 2023 Vacation Bible School – July 5th-7th, 9am – 11:30 am
Theme: Ready, Set, Move! Follow Jesus Here, There, and Everywhere.
The education committee is busy creating a hands-on, memorable experience that will allow children in our community to grow their faith as they understand how they can follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere. The program will inspire kids to: Do what He says, Believe who He is, Love who He loves, Share what He did, and Go where He leads. If you would like to lend a helping hand, please contact Risa Venable (573-881-7788). Together we can create a summer experience full of energy, movement, and lots of God’s Word!!
Sagrada Bible Camp – Camp Sagrada has reached out to us requesting our help with transportation of campers. We are looking for help on the following dates: June 12 and 16, June 19 and 23, June 26 and 30, July 10 and 14, July 17 and 21, and July 24 and 28. Each day we will need a team of 2 adults, one of which can drive the Sagrada van, the other to assist. You can volunteer for one day, or one week. There will be a sign-up sheet in the east narthex. If you have any question, please contact Tim VonEngeln at (660) 882-3348.
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, May 7: Methodist Men’s Breakfast Fundraiser, 9:00 – Noon, Fellowship Hall
Monday, May 8: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, May 9: PEO, 5:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, May 10: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 11: Baby Grace Size & Sort, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Church Annex
Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, May 12: Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 13: Methodist Men’s Meeting, 8:30 am, Lounge
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.” ― John Wesley