“Resolute”
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51
As part of the confirmation curriculum we are using, the students and their mentors are reading through the Gospel of Luke together. This week our reading included chapters 9 and 10. Chapter 9 of Luke includes a lot of action: the commissioning of the 12 disciples and sending them out to work in Jesus’ name, the feeding of the 5,000 men plus women and children, the Transfiguration of Christ, Jesus healing a demon-possessed boy, encountering opposition in Samaria and Jesus explaining what following him will require.
Between all these events, Jesus twice tells his followers that his life will soon be ending. After the first of these two proclamations, Peter makes a proclamation of his own as he declares Jesus is the Messiah. After Jesus predicts his death a second time, the disciples, ever the ones to miss the point of Jesus’ teachings (I get this), begin to argue about which of them will be the leader of their movement when Jesus is gone.
In the midst of all this – lots of great ministry being done, huge crowds being drawn, important lessons taught, a clear lack of understanding amongst his followers – Luke tells us this important message: “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (emphasis mine) Luke goes out of his way to tell us that not only did Jesus set out for what he knew would be his death, but he did so resolutely. Including that adverb gives special meaning to this statement.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word resolute as “marked by firm determination, bold and steady.” Jesus didn’t set out toward Jerusalem cautiously or apprehensively (which would be logical). He was not filled with fear and trepidation as he journeyed toward his crucifixion. Jesus began that walk to the cross, to the tomb, and to the seat at his Father’s right hand with resolve.
Because he did, because of what was accomplished through that resolve, we too can face all of our challenges and fear resolutely, too. When you are facing health concerns, financial difficulties, or relationship problems, you can face those situations with resolve, knowing that you have a Savior who resolutely stands by your side.
Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Where might God be calling you to go with resolve for His kingdom’s purposes?
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
Our Lenten Message Series this year is titled: Resilience: Forging A Stronger Faith. This week our reading will be from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 3, verses 13 through 17.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now, it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Our Gathering Song at 8:00 will be I Got You by Danny Gokey. Our Praise Band will open the 10:20 service with the song Cornerstone. Our other songs for this week include Come As You Are, My Life Is in You, Lord; and Standing on the Promises.
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
Bowling & Pizza – Join the Education team Sunday afternoon (Feb 25) at 1:00 at Glasgow Community Lanes for some bowling, pizza, and a whole lot of fun. If you are a regular league bowler with a 200+ average, or if you depend on the bumpers to help you bowl your age, all skill levels are welcome! Come and join in the fun!
Daily Devotional Guides: – The new “Our Daily Bread” devotional guides for March, April, & May are available. The March and April edition of The Upper Room has not yet arrived, but we will make it available as soon as we can.
Library News – The library now has The Baxter Family Collection by Karen Kingsbury. They are stand-alone books and they are ready for you to enjoy.
Methodist Men’s Sagrada Work Retreat – The Methodist Men are planning on their annual retreat/workday at Sagrada Bible Camp March 22 – 23. The group will meet Friday afternoon/evening to carpool and plan to return Saturday mid-late afternoon. The time away will include spiritual development, fellowship, meals and projects preparing the property for the summer camping season. All men are invited, as are all youth (with a parent or approved guardian). A signup sheet is in the East Wing Narthex. For more information, please talk with Tim VonEngeln (314-833-0984).
Adult Mission Trip – April 2024 – We are planning to return to the Western Kentucky area to continue with cleanup help from a tornado that hit that area in 2021. The trip will take place during the week of April 14, 2024. If you are interested in joining our group and wish for more information, please contact Bill Salyer, Tim VonEngeln or Larry Long for details. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed on the work sites without an accompanying parent or guardian.
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 25: Bowling & Pizza, 1:00 pm, Glasgow Community Lanes
Lenten Study, 6:30 pm, Gordon’s Home
Monday, February 26: TOPS, 9:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, February 27: Lounge Reserved, 2:30 pm
Wednesday, February 28: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Bible Memorization Group, noon, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, February 29: Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, March 1: Lounge Reserved, 9:30 am
Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” ― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird