“The Ascension of Jesus”
They gathered around (Jesus) and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking to the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1: 7-11
On the Liturgical calendar, this Sunday is Ascension Sunday. The ascension of Jesus is one of those events that I wish I could have been there to see. Imagine, you are having a meal with the resurrected Jesus (a pretty amazing feat itself), and he is promising to send down the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, he gives a charge telling you that you will be his witness here, there, and everywhere. The next thing you know, he starts to rise from where you are gathered, and a heavy fog fills the area.
What do imagine the reactions and comments would have been? What would you have done? I would be squinting, shifting position, and nudging people out of the way to see Jesus for as long as possible. I would probably say something like: “Where’d he go? Did you see that? Or “What just happened?” Do you think some of the disciples were pointing, trying to help one another track Jesus as he ascended?
Scripture tells us that they were so focused on looking for the last remnants of Jesus that they failed to see the appearance of two men (angels perhaps) among them. These men were dressed in (gleaming) white, so you’d think they would have stood out. But the disciples were focused elsewhere.
Again, consider the conversation as they realized they weren’t alone: did any of them try to ask, “Who are you guys? Where did you come from?” Were the disciples scared at the sudden appearance of these men? How long did it take for them to even notice these newcomers?
The men then address the disciples and make a pretty strange observation: “Why are you just standing there looking to the sky? Just as he left, he’s going to come back. Go and get ready.” First off, if I had been there, you can be your bottom dollar I would have been looking up in the sky, watching this amazing sight. I can also guarantee you I would have been confused and uninterested in moving on before I figured out what I had just witnessed. But these visitors essentially tell the disciples to snap out of it, stop looking at the clouds, and get to work. Jesus has a job for them to do, and it doesn’t involve staring at the sky.
When I consider the message of the ascension of Jesus, I think it’s an important reminder to us: There’s work to be done. Quit looking at the last place you saw God, and go and show others how to see him too! There’s a time to stand in God’s presence and listen with awe, but once that moment passes, it’s time to get to work. On this year’s ascension, I invite you to consider what work God is calling you to do.
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
Have you ever felt like your faith was supposed to be neat and tidy and easy, but it’s just not? This Sunday we will continue our message series titled “Messy Faith,” where we are exploring the realities of faith and spirituality in a complex and often messy life. Our Scripture lesson this Sunday will be from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 16-20:
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus has told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Our services will begin with the song The Commission by Cain. Our other songs include Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; Shine, Jesus, Shine; and The Summons. Additionally, our Choir will offer the song Walk With Me, Lord in our 10:20 service. This Sunday we will also honor the graduating class of 2023.
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
Christian Movie Night – Our next movie night will be held this Sunday, May 21th in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:30 pm. We will view 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.
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 16, 19, 23, and 26. 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.
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!!
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 whose 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.
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 21: Movie Night, 6:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Monday, May 22: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, May 23: Administrative Board, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, May 24: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 25: Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, May 26: Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Ascensions into heaven are like falling leaves, sad and happy all at the same time. Going away isn’t really sad, especially when your going enables a new kind of presence to be born.” Ernest Hemingway