“Goals”
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13 & 14
This week I started two new classes as I progress toward an MBA. Both of these classes are about professionally developing others within your organization and strengthening those around you. One of my classes, coaching and mentoring, has introduced several models and approaches for helping to develop others. These models and approaches all incorporate at one point or another goal setting. Where these tactics differ is in what form the goals take.
In his letter to the Church at Philippi, Paul discusses his desire to continue to grow and push forward in his efforts to be worthy of the calling God has placed on him. Paul recognizes that while he has come a long way from his days as Saul of Tarsus, he still has further to go. He must identify both his strengths and weaknesses and develop both. He must also endeavor to persevere when growth seems like it is too long coming.
One distinction in goals is the difference between performance goals and learning goals. Often when we think about goals, we think in terms of accomplishments and achievements, not so much personal intellectual development. The question changes from “What do I want to do”, to “What do I want to know or learn?”
Pressing on to the prize God has for us includes both our actions and our thoughts. We speak about spiritual maturity involving growth in both knowledge and love of God. Jesus tells us we are to love our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. What does loving God with your mind mean to you? To me, it means not being afraid to question aspects of faith, to dig deeper into scripture and prayer, and to seek a greater understanding of God and his will. Often, we have been taught that to question our faith is off-limits, but I want to encourage you to seek to grow in your knowledge of God. This can only come when we seek to learn more. So, the question I leave you with is this, what are you seeking to learn about God?
It is a blessing to be your pastor and to continue to grow with you as we serve 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
This Sunday we conclude our “Awakenings” message series. This series focuses on experiencing a spiritual awakening. This week we will consider what it looks like to create an awakening in our community and world. Our Scripture focus will be from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 31 through 40.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered with him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Our services will begin with the Gathering Song Love God, Love People by Danny Gokey. Our Opening Hymn is We’ve A Story To Tell to the Nations. Our other songs for the morning are Shine, Jesus, Shine, and Sent Out In Jesus’ Name. Additionally, our Choir will share the song You Raise Me Up as our Prelude at 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 with our Gathering Song. Additionally, we post a recording of our messages to our website by early Sunday afternoon.
Announcements
Fall Feast & Fest –
On Sunday, October 29 is our fall feast potluck luncheon and pumpkin painting event following the 10:20 worship service.
Please see the following for food sharing:
- Families with last names A-F: Meat dish
- Families with last names G-L: Veggies
- Families with last names M-R: Side
- Families with last names S-Z: Dessert
There will also be a Spooks & Spokes 2 Mile Costume Bike Ride (Katy Trailhead Depot): at 2:00 pm.
Mission Trip Postponed – The adult mission trip to NW Tennessee and SW Kentucky has been postponed to the Spring. Please contact Bill Salyer, Tim VonEngeln or Larry Long for details.
Save the Date – On Saturday, November 4, the Outreach Team will host a church-wide MISSION EXTRAVAGANZA!! We have a variety of mission projects for people of all ages and abilities. These include leaf raking, cooking baking, blessing bag assembly, fleece tie blankets, and delivering cookies to first responders. To sign up for any of these projects, click here.
Leave the Leaves to Us – One of the projects we will undertake on Nov 4 is our now annual Leave the Leaves to Us event. If you know anyone who could us help with some light yard work, please let us know by contacting the office or filling out this form.
HE Before Me Women’s Event – This special event will be held on Friday, November 17, at the Fortuna Baptist Church from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is a powerful night filled with worship, speaker, fellowship, snacks, and above all, an environment cultivated for women to encounter our Almighty God. If you have any questions please contact Judy Powell or Judy Long.
Events this week:
Friday, October 20: Youth Lock-in, 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 22: Administrative Board Planning Retreat, Following Worship, Fellowship Hall
Monday, October 23: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Leadership Development, 6:00 pm, Lounge
Be Still Small Group, 7:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 25: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, October 26: Praise Band, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Closing Words of Wisdom:
The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God.” – A. W. Tozer