“Do Not Worry”
Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
I’m a bit of a worrier. I internalize things a lot and tend to overthink things (I even overthink if I’m overthinking something or not). I have often shared this passage about not worrying over trivial matters (like food and clothing) and instead seeking after the things of God. I do my best to find comfort in Jesus’ words, but there are times when I want to tell Jesus, “That’s easy for you, you’re God! Your problems are nothing compared to, oh wait, never mind.”
Lately, one of the things I’ve been doing my best not to worry about is the United Methodist General Conference coming up later this month. For those who may not know or remember what the General Conference is, it is a meeting held once every four years (usually) of United Methodist delegates from across the globe to set the course of our ministry for the coming years. In addition to things like celebrating ministries, setting budgets, and discussing my pension, the General Conference considers the rules and official beliefs of the UMC and discerns if any of those might need revision. Some such examples include the process for ordination and other pathways into appointive ministry in our churches, the process for electing and holding bishops accountable, and how we will be in ministry in a multitude of settings while holding common beliefs.
One of the reasons I worry about this General Conference is because every General Conference held over the last 30 years (or probably more) has been very complicated and has often resulted in negative press about the UMC. Every 4 years since 1972, when United Methodists have gathered, discussions about how we will be in ministry to and with those who identify as LGBTQ+ have ruled the day and garnered all the attention. In the days leading up to this coming General Conference, there is hope it won’t be as ugly as years past. Since the last gathering of the General Conference (in 2019, which was not great), about 25% of the congregations in the United States have left the denomination rather than continue to argue about how we will work together while not seeing eye-to-eye. There is hope that the delegates who remain will come with a spirit ready to work together to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness for the future of the UMC.
I am seeking to do the same. In the days leading up to this gathering (it begins April 23 in Charlotte, NC), I have been thinking about what I hope to see as the future for the UMC, but more specifically for Nelson Memorial UMC. There are so many amazing ministries we are currently involved in and many other opportunities ahead of us to make a difference for the kingdom of God. In the coming weeks, our worship services are going to focus on sharing a vision for the future of Nelson Memorial and the United Methodist Church. I’m not going to focus on individual topics or issues that seek to divide and distract the church; rather, I hope to paint a vision I have for what United Methodists in general, and specifically those at Nelson Memorial UMC will dedicate themselves to and be known for. I am choosing to seek first the things of God and his righteousness, and I hope you will join me.
Blessings, Chris
If you’d like more information about the upcoming General Conference, this is the best place I’ve found for accurate reporting and information.
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 our new message series titled “Moving Forward With Hope.” This week’s message is titled “A Wide Embrace,” and our Scripture focus is 1 Corinthians chapter 13, verses 1 through 7.
If I speak with tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Our Gathering Song at the 8:00 service will be In The House, by Crowder. The 10:20 service will be kicked off by our Praise Band leading us in Lifesong. Our opening song will be How Great is Our God, followed by The Gift of Love, and They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love.
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
Church Cleanup/Work Day – Thank you to everyone who participated in the church cleanup/work day. Many hands made for light work!
A Night of Praise – This Sunday!
How does an hour of singing your heart out to God sound? Our Praise Band will host their first “Night of Praise” on Sunday evening, April 7 at 7:00 pm. Invite your friends and family to join us as we gather to praise God in song. You will not want to miss this holy moment.
Help Wanted – While we are searching for a Nursery Coordinator, we are looking for a group of 5 or 6 volunteers who would be willing to help in the nursery on a rotating basis. Requirements for this position include being 21 years old or older and participating in our Safe Gatherings training and background screening. If you or someone you know are interested, please contact Pastor Chris for more information or to apply.
Outreach Opportunities:
- We are writing notes of encouragement to ALL of the students at LSE as they take the annual state assessment in early May. Packets of notecards will be placed in the back of the church. If you’d like to write a note, simply take a packet–write a few words of encouragement, and return by April 14.
- We are also collecting prepackaged and individually-wrapped snacks for LSE students for their testing days. Think granola bars, PB crackers, Goldfish, etc. These can be left at the church by April 28.
Simple Suppers – We are bringing back Wednesday Evening Meals at Nelson Memorial this Spring and Fall, and we’re calling them Simple Suppers. Acts 2 tells us that every day the church gathered together and broke bread and shared fellowship. The focus of these Simple Suppers is going to be on following this pattern. For 8 Wednesdays in a row, beginning April 10, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a simple meal – soups, sandwiches, etc. beginning at 5:30. Following the meal a small group growth opportunity will be offered. Everyone is welcome to participate. Please speak with Cindy Koch if you have any questions or would like to help with these meals.
Easter Cards for NMUMC Elders & Friends – Our church friends were so pleased with your cards of remembrance during this Easter holiday. Thank you so much for participating in this special endeavor.
Dear Friends at Nelson Memorial – Words cannot express my joy at receiving your beautiful cards. I am reminded that you love me and my church loves me. This is a very lonely place. There is a bright spot in my day. The owners of the Lodge sent their crew and truck to Boonville and loaded my piano and put it in the living room here. When I start playing hymns the residents come out of their rooms singing their hearts out. Blessings, Elsie Langkop
Events this week:
Sunday, April 7: Youth Group, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Night of Praise, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Monday, April 8: TOPS, 9:15 am, Lounge
Leadership Development Team, 6:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, April 9: PEO, 5:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, April 10: Women’s Bible Study, 11 am, The Cove
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Simple Suppers, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, April 11: Baby Grace Size & Sort, 1:00 pm, Annex
Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, April 12: Al-Anon Meeting, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, April 13: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.”― John Wesley