“From Our Bishop”
February 15, 2024
What should have been a day of celebration became a nightmare when shooters opened fire on the crowds gathered yesterday at the Chiefs Kingdom Champion Parade near Union Station in downtown Kansas City.
I invite you to join me in praying for the victim who died, and the other spectators who were injured in the attack. Our hearts go out to the family members who are grieving and all who are reeling from the violence. We are grateful for law enforcement and other first responders who acted quickly, aided the wounded and helped those fleeing the scene to seek safety.
I refuse to accept that mass shootings are “normative.” Just because something is, doesn’t mean it should be. Violence of any kind disrupts the peace God wants for all his people. And as United Methodists we embrace a gospel that believes we have been filled with a power to do great things (Jn. 14:12). As people who practice our faith, I urge you to act. Yesterday also marked the beginning of the season of Lent. It’s a season that asks us to do the seemingly impossible — to find quiet in a world full of noise, to repent in a world bent on pointing the finger, to practice self-sacrifice in a world quick to shirk responsibility and to fast in a world obsessed with feeding every desire. As United Methodists, I wonder if we might do the seemingly impossible through the power of the Holy Spirit when it comes to addressing the gun violence raging in our communities?
Our Office of Mission, Service and Justice has compiled resources for you and your congregations to demonstrate that we believe in the power of God working in our midst. May we open ourselves to power of God at work within us and do whatever we can to alter the current course of this behavior once and for all.
News of yet another mass shooting can make us cynical, throwing up our hands that nothing can be done. Such tragedies can make us doubt God’s power and question God’s mercy. We point to the shadows cast by violence in our world as proof that God is not working in the world. But I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Rom. 8). If God is with us, then God is with us even in those times and places where it seems that death and darkness have prevailed.
Light of the world, have mercy on us. Guide us in the way of peace.
In Christ,
Bishop Robert D. Farr
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 begin the season of Lent. Our Lenten Message Series this year is titled: Resilience: Forging A Stronger Faith. This week we will begin in the book of Romans, chapter 12, verses 9 through 21 as we consider what we might need to strengthen.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Our Gathering Song this week will be Who I Am, by Ben Fuller. Our hymns for this week include Holy, Holy, Holy; The Gift of Love, and Have Thine Own Way, Lord. The choir will sing the beautiful song, Pie Jesu 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 following our Gathering Song. Additionally, we post a recording of our messages to our website by early Sunday afternoon.
Announcements
Lenten Study Begins Sunday – Have you ever wondered about God’s love for you, or if Jesus really understands what you’re going through? Have you ever worried if you have done enough to earn God’s love and if you truly are forgiven for ALL your sins? If these questions or other doubts have ever gone through your mind, you will not want to miss out on a new small group forming for the season of Lent. Rob and Linda Gordon will be hosting a 5-week group looking at Max Lucado’s bestselling book “He Chose The Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart.” This group will begin Sunday evening, February 18, meeting at 6:30 pm in the Gordon’s home. Please contact Rob or Linda if you’d like to participate or if you have any questions.
Boonville Baby Grace Needs Your Help – They are in need of highchairs, playpens, strollers, bouncy seats, and girls’ winterclothes sizes NB-5. Our supply has recently been depleted and any donations would be greatly appreciated! Call Barbara at 660-888-2059 or the church office at 660-882-6223. Thank you!
New Foundation Sunday School Class Study – He Set His Face to Jerusalem, by Richard Wilke. This study will explore Jesus’ commitment to go to Jerusalem and help us to reflect on how we “set our faces” in life. Starting February 18 during Sunday School in the Foundations classroom. Please join us!
Thank You – On behalf of the Education Committee and the kids and youth at Nelson we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the overwhelming love and support that was shown at the Valentine’s Day lunch. The kids absolutely loved serving and hosting a lunch to show God’s love. Over $800.00 was raised to support Children’s Ministry. Thank you again, we are so blessed to have a wonderful and supportive church family!
To Our Friends at Nelson Memorial UMC – Thank you for the kind expressions of sympathy extended to us after the death of our father, Harold Salyer. The beautiful plant that was sent to honor him was much appreciated. Our church family means so much to us. With Love, The Bill Salyer Family
Juanita Scott Memorial Scholarship – The intent of this scholarship is to provide one $500.00 scholarship per year for a high school senior, with preference being given for Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church members and/or those who are actively involved with the church. Boonville High School seniors will be provided an application as part of their Guidance Office “Local Scholarship Information”. For other than Boonville High School students, high school seniors may contact our church office at 882-6223 to request an application. Per scholarship policy “All scholarship applications with accompanying transcripts shall be received by the committee by March 11, 2024, during office hours.
Charles Edgar Whitten Memorial Scholarship – The intent of this scholarship is to provide one $500.00 scholarship per year for 3rd and 4th year college applicants, with preference given to Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church members and/or those who are actively involved in the church where they attend a university or college. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, or living expenses, as needed to help the scholarship winner continue their studies. To request an application please contact the church office at 882-6223. All scholarship applications must be received by our committee by April 15, 2024, during office hours.
Events this week:
Sunday, February 18: Lenten Study, 6:30 pm, Gordon’s Home
Monday, February 19: TOPS, 9:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, February 20: Administrative Board, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, February 21: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Bible Memorization Group, noon, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, February 22: Salvation Army Board Meeting, noon, Lounge
Praise Band, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, February 23: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, February 24: Jesus & Justice Small Group, 9:30 am, Lounge
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day:
– I shall not fear anyone on Earth.
– I shall fear only God.
– I shall not bear ill will toward anyone.
– I shall not submit to injustice from anyone.
– I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.”
― Mahatma Gandhi