“Words Matter”
The other morning, while I was driving into town, I heard a conversation on the radio station about teachers. This week is teacher appreciation week, and the morning show was sharing stories about the impact of teachers in their lives, both good and bad. Some of the stories were about hurtful things teachers had done—not believing in students, telling students they would never amount to anything, or that a student wasn’t smart enough or good enough. The people sharing these stories still felt the pain of that moment that took place years or even decades earlier.
But then there was a story of a teacher who had made a profound impact on a student, inspiring that student. This happened while the student was in high school and trying to figure out who he was and what he was good at. A high school speech teacher told the student that he had a gift for communicating. Up to that point, the student had no idea what he was good at or what he wanted to do in his life. The teacher’s words changed the course of his life. Not only did this conversation inspire the student to take more classes in speech and communication, they led the student to pursue a career in broadcasting. After this story, more listeners shared stories of the positive impact teachers had made in their lives.
This brief conversation illustrated to me two things: 1) our words matter, and 2) our attitude is contagious. It was so hard to hear about the hurt many people felt when a person of authority didn’t believe in them. You could tell from these memories that the pain experienced long ago still remained. But then there was the joy and pride expressed by those who had someone in their lives who believed in them, who spoke a word of encouragement to them, who helped them see their potential. It was amazing to see the difference those interactions had made.
Moreover, the influence of the attitude of those guiding the conversation was remarkable. In the beginning, when one person shared a negative experience, everyone joined in with their hurts and horror stories. Yet after a positive story was shared, the tone of the conversation suddenly changed. Those who had positive things to say felt welcomed into the conversation. This got me thinking about how I contribute to conversations and if I am one who follows the conversation when it goes in a negative direction, or if I am one who helps conversations take a positive direction. It can be easy to go along with the negative, but I am so glad for the example the other morning of one who chose to take the conversation another way. I hope to follow that example the next time I am in that situation.
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 will begin a new message series titled “Minor Prophets, Major Impact,” looking at lessons from some of the Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets is a collection of 12 writings that close out the Old Testament. The Minor Prophets are distinguished from the other prophets primarily by their length – the Minor Prophets’ texts are shorter than the others. This week we begin with the first of the Minor Prophets, Hosea. Our scripture reading will be from Hosea, Chapter 14, verses 1-3.
Return, Israel, to the Lord your God; you have stumbled because of your wickedness. Prepare to speak and return to the Lord; say to the lord, “Forgive all wickedness; and receive the good. Instead of bulls, let us offer what we can say: Assyria won’t save us; we won’t ride upon horses, we will no longer say, ‘Our God,’ to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds compassion.”
Our services this week will kick off with Glory, Glory, God Is Able, by Crowder as our Gathering Song. Our Opening Hymn in the 8:00 service will be Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee. At the 10:20service,the Praise band will lead us in God Really Loves Us. These songs will be followed by Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, 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 following our Gathering Song. Additionally, we post a recording of our messages to our website by early Sunday afternoon.
Announcements
General Conference Conversations – We are going to offer 2 opportunities to learn more and have a time to discuss the events of the recent United Methodist General Conference. You are invited to join in on these conversations Monday, May 20 @ 7:00 pm or Wednesday, May 22 @ 10:30 am. Both of these conversations will take place in the Sanctuary. The time will open with Pastor Chris sharing a recap of the major legislation that was approved and what the impact will be on the local church. We will then open it up for a time to ask any questions you have about these decisions. The goal of these conversations is to share information and provide a space for us to process these decisions together. Everyone is welcome!
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.
Red Cross Blood Drive – Our next Red Cross Blood Drive will be held the afternoon/evening of Monday, June 3rd from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm in our Fellowship Hall. To schedule a time for donating blood go to: redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive. The need is always great and your donation is always appreciated!
Thank You – The United Methodist Men would like to thank you for your support for our fund raising breakfast last Sumday. Our net profit was over $1,210.00. Thank You!
Simple Suppers – Simple Suppers are happening. Please know, if you haven’t come yet, there is still room for you. 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.
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.
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:
Saturday, May 11: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Sanctuary Reserved, 2:00 pm, Sanctuary
Sunday, May 12: Happy Mother’s Day
Monday, May 13: TOPS, 9:15 am, Lounge
Leadership Development Team Meeting, 6:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, May 14: PEO, 5:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, May 15: Women’s Bible Study, 10 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Simple Suppers, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 16: Baby Grace, 5:00 pm, Annex
Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, May 17: Al-Anon Meeting, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 18: Youth Group, 10:00 am, Jackson’s Home
Closing Words of Wisdom:
When a happy person comes into the room, it is as if another candle has been lit.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson