“Fightings Without, Fears Within”
What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, fears within, since we assembled last!“
Around the time this gets published, I will be gathered with 1,000 plus United Methodists from across the state of Missouri for our Annual Conference. For those of you not familiar with this particular piece of United Methodism, Annual Conference is a yearly (obviously) gathering of clergy and laity from each church in the state. The weekend will include several worship services – honoring clergy who are retiring and those who have passed on over the past 12 months, as well as celebrating those entering into ministry and those becoming ordained. We also will have some learning sessions, a concert Friday night, and conduct a lot of business (setting of the budget for the next 12 months, receiving a nominations report, discussing different rules and policies, and learning about various ministries and mission programs across the state and world).
One of the pieces of business we take up will look a little different this year. Every year about 10-12 churches are named before the conference for closure – usually these are churches that have faithfully ministered to their community for decades but now see they can no longer sustain that ministry. However, in addition to the 13 churches closing this year, we will also vote on 75 churches seeking to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. In short – disaffiliation is a process that allows existing churches to leave the denomination with their name (minus UMC), assets, and members after spending time discerning their future and agreeing to pay several financial obligations (apportionments and deferred pension liabilities). The final step in this process is a Conference-wide vote to approve their disaffiliation, which will be moved up on our agenda and take place in our opening business session.
We will begin that opening business session following a Methodist tradition that dates back to the 18th century – by joining together in Charles Wesley’s song “And Are We Yet Alive.” This song has been used to open Methodist gatherings for centuries, and while not the most upbeat or exciting song in the world, it communicates a shared vision for ministry and a drive to continue the work of growing God’s kingdom while acknowledging that things haven’t always been easy. The third verse of the song (shared above) has always struck me, for it acknowledges that even though everything hasn’t always been easy or pretty, we are still here, together.
I imagine this year singing those words will feel a little different, as shortly after we do so we will vote to release 75 of our churches from our connection. Generations of Methodists have met together, declaring that while we do not always see eye-to-eye, we still value being connected. I ask for you to pray for our churches – those 75 who are moving on to a new chapter in their history, and the rest that are sticking around – pray that no matter how we are organized, that we may continue to tell God’s story and bring His grace and love to a world in need.
It is a blessing to be your pastor and to be in ministry alongside you to an amazing God!
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
We continue our message series looking at the life and teachings of Simon-Peter. This Sunday Sara Snyder will be our guest speak, bringing a message titled “Audacious.” Our Scripture lesson this Sunday will be from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 14, verses 25-29:
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.“
Our services will begin with the song Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective. The opening hymn at the 8:00 service will be All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, while our Praise band will lead a newer song at the 10:20 service – In The Room. Both services will also include the songs My Hope Is Built, and As A Fire Is Meant For Burning.
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
Summer 2023 Vacation Bible School – July 5th-7th, 9am – 11:30 am
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!!
Heritage Days – On June 24th as part of Heritage Days Celebration, the Outreach Committee will be spreading the love of God and inviting families to our church in the following ways:
Cooling Station: We’ll also set up a cooling station in the church yard with tents, fans, and cool drinks. If you’d like to volunteer during the day, please let Sara Snyder know.
Yard Games: NMUMC will set up some yard games at the church so families can gather and relax, and maybe have a face painting booth. If you have yard games you’d be willing to let us borrow (corn hole, horseshoes, etc. please bring to the church by June 22.
Sagrada Bible Camp – Thank you to everyone who has signed up to help with transportation to and from Camp Sagrada. All volunteer spots have been filled.
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/.
Save The Date:
- Sunday, July 16, 2023 – Ice Cream Freeze Off
- Thursday, August 10, 2023 – S’mores Night
- Sunday, August 20, 2023 – Church Picnic
- Monday, August 28, 2023 – Red Cross Blood Drive
Events this week:
Saturday, June 10: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Monday, June 12: TOPS, 9:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, June 14: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, June 15: Baby Grace Distribution and Cookout, 5:00 pm, Church Annex
Closing Words of Wisdom:
One of the main tasks of theology is to find words that do not divide but unite, that do not create conflict but unity, that do not hurt but heal.” – Henri Nouwen