“General Happenings”
The United Methodist General Conference has been meeting over the past 2 weeks. (Real quickly, for those not familiar, the General Conference is a gathering of representatives from across the globe the discuss and revise our Book of Discipline, the official rules, procedures, and teachings of the denomination. This meeting typically takes place every 4 years.) Here is a quick review with a brief explanation of some of the decisions made by the General Conference.
LGBTQ+ matters: The General Conference voted 692-51 to remove the paragraph in our Book of Discipline that states “While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church.”
Additionally, the punitive actions outlined in the Book of Discipline for clergy who preside at same-sex weddings and for congregations which host such ceremonies have been removed. This means clergy and congregation may continue to decide for themselves what weddings they will support in their community. It does not require clergy or congregations to do anything against their conscience.
Additionally, the revised Social Principles – which are a set of teachings that serve as the United Methodist Church’s official summary of stated convictions on the social issues of the day – were approved. Notably missing from these revised social principles was the statement known as the “incompatibility clause,” which taught homosexuality was incompatible with Christian teaching. Also, marriage was described as being between one man and one woman, or two people of consenting age. (The revised Social Principles are published on the UMC’s website, however, this document does not have any of the changes made prior to it being approved. It was amended both in committee and on the floor. Once that document is available, I can share it with anyone who is interested.)
Regionalization: This was another of the top priorities at General Conference. In a nutshell, they approved a change in the overall structure of the denomination from a US-based structure to a structure that operates differently in various regions. Currently, the General Conference sets all policies for the US churches, but some of the policies which govern those outside the US are taken up on a local level. This includes policies about financial structures, local governance, and other contextual items. This change will allow the US delegates to consider matters specific to US churches and will not require those outside the US to have to spend so much time considering policies that have no impact on their ministries (such as pension programs for US clergy). This involves some changes to the church’s Constitution, meaning although it has been approved by the General Conference, it still requires ratification by two-thirds of the delegates to Annual Conferences across the denomination.
Disaffiliation: In 2019 a process was outlined for churches to disaffiliate from the UMC while retaining their assets. This process ended at the end of 2023. There was discussion about reestablishing this process, but that did not get approved. However, a plan for reaffiliation was discussed and will be developed and implemented. There still could be congregations wishing to disaffiliate with the UMC, and a process for that is still available for them to do so. This is not the same process as was available from 2019-2023, but the one that has always been available to congregations.
Other: Many other issues were discussed as well, including a change to the clergy pension and retirement plan, budget considerations (still ongoing as of noon 5/3), and adjustments to percentages of votes needed in various steps in the process of ordination and licensing for ministry. Sacramental authority was extended to Ordained Deacons. The UMC voted to enter into “Full Communion” with the Evangelical Church in the US.
Over 1,000 items were brought to the General Conference for consideration. Listed above are the items I believe are most consequential to our local church. Our Annual Conference leadership is holding a “debrief session” for clergy next week. If I find out anything beyond what I have already shared with you, I will fill you in then.
It is my guess that there will be more “info sessions” held around the state, to share details and give everyone an opportunity to ask questions. If/when those are scheduled, I will make sure to get that information out as soon as possible.
This General Conference passed a lot of legislation. Some of the decisions are being celebrated by many while simultaneously being lamented by others. I invite you, however you feel about these decisions, to continue to let love for God and neighbor direct your words and deeds. While many changes were made, what does not change is our mission and vision and calling by God. Nelson Memorial will continue to stay focused on making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Please fell free to come to me with any questions you have about these or other matters.
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 our message comes to us from the Lectionary (a prescribed set of Scriptures outlined over 3-years) text in the Book of Acts, Chapter 10, verses 44 – 48.
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Our services this week will kick off with the Invited, by Tenth Avenue North as our Gathering Song. Our Opening Hymn will be Holy, Holy, Holy; followed by Into My Heart, and Freely, Freely. Our Choir will share the song Bread of Heaven as a special in our 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
UMM Fundraiser Breakfast – The United Methodist Men will hold a fundraiser breakfast the morning of Sunday, May 5th from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. There is no cost for the meal, but freewill donations will be accepted and benefit various mission projects of the United Methodist Men.
Youth News – The youth have two meetings coming up on Saturday, May 18 @ 10:00 am, and Thursday, May 23 @ 6:00 pm. Both of these will take place at the Jackson’s home. If you would like more information about youth activities, please contact Brian or Chelsea Jackson.
Save the Date: Vacation Bible School has been scheduled for July 1-3 this year, again running from 9:00 am – 11:30 am each day. Our VBS is titled “Start the Party: Celebrating the Good News of Jesus” is going to be a great time. Please help us get the word out to all the kids in your life. Also, plan on joining us for a “Pre-Party” Sunday, June 30 at 5:00 pm for a cookout and a lot of fun.
Simple Suppers – Simple Suppers have begun. We had a great first week and appreciate everyone who came out to join us. There is still room for more. Join us Wednesday evenings, beginning at 5:30, for a time of food, fellowship, and fun. Following the meal small group growth opportunities are being offered. Everyone is welcome to participate. Please speak with Cindy Koch if you have any questions or would like to help with these meals.
Church Closed – Thursday, May 23 & Friday, May 24 – The church will be closed May 23 and 24th while our electrical panel is being replaced. This process will require the power to be shut off to the building all day May 23 and maybe in to May 24. As a result, there will be no one in the office on those days, and all events, meetings, and activities scheduled for those days are canceled. You will still be able to get a hold of Pastor Chris on his phone or via email.
Thank You! – We have now established a rotation of 6 people to help in our nursery. Each of these volunteers will be Safe Gatherings trained and certified as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable adults. This rotation of volunteers will serve until we are able to hire a new Nursery Coordinator. If you or someone you know might be interested in that position, please speak with Pastor Chris or Karma Haller.
Family/Youth Mission Opportunity – If you have been thinking about a mission trip but don’t know where to start, please consider joining us at the Big Garden in Omaha, Nebraska this summer (August 4-7). The Big Garden was started by United Methodist Ministries in 2005 to create community gardens in urban settings. We will experience 2-days of hands-on work, educational opportunities, and small-group learning around issues of hunger, poverty, and food security. The minimum age requirement is only 5 years old so kids are welcome to join! Please contact Jo Ellen Parker (573-289-2473) to sign up or learn more.
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/
Events this week:
Sunday, May 5: Methodist Men Breakfast Fundraiser, Fellowship Hall
Boonville High School Baccalaureate Service, 2:00 pm, First Baptist Church
Monday, May 6: TOPS, 9:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, May 7: Congregation Care Team, 6:00 pm, Lounge
Wednesday, May 8: Women’s Bible Study, 10 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Simple Suppers, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 9: Baby Grace Size & Sort, 1:00 pm, Annex
Friday, May 10: Al-Anon Meeting, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Friday, May 11: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Sanctuary Reserved, 2:00 pm, Sanctuary
Closing Words of Wisdom:
I continue to dream and pray about a revival of holiness in our day that moves forth in mission and creates authentic community in which each person can be unleashed through the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill God’s creational intentions.”― John Wesley