“Changing Lanes”
Coming to his hometown, (Jesus) began teaching the people in the synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. Matthew 13:53-57
A lot was made about a recent college commencement speech. I’m not going to even name the speaker because I don’t really want to enter the discussion many people had about some of the things said. However, there was a less controversial portion of the speech that I just plain didn’t agree with.
One of the main points the speaker came back to multiple times while talking about vocation was the importance of “staying in your lane” or “knowing your role.” As a member of a team, this phrase is an important maxim to follow. On a football team, each player is drafted or selected because they have a certain set of skills the team values, and the team is paying them for those specific skills. This holds true for many of us. We go through processes of learning (be it in a college, or vocational school, or on-the-job training) to hone skills to use professionally. Once hired into an organization, we are primarily tasked with using those skills for the good of the company.
But is this really the healthiest thinking? None of us is just one thing (one gift, one profession, one skill). Each of us is much more than our vocation. While I am a pastor, I am also a father, a son, a son-in-law, a husband, a brother, a brother-in-law, and an uncle. I am a student, a teacher, a speaker, a leader, a follower, an artist, an administrator, and a disciple. I am a pastor, a golfer (hobbyist), a BBQ grill master (that might be a stretch), an amateur woodworker, and a sports fanatic. While each of these traits is part of who I am, none of these things defines me. The only thing that truly defines us is that we are children of God. The rest of those things are just small aspects of who we are.
The scripture passage above is one of my (many) favorites. Jesus has returned to his hometown and is trying to reveal the truth of God to his community, and all they can see is the carpenter’s son. They see Mary’s boy, or James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas’s brother, not the Messiah. They, and many others, wanted Jesus to stay in his lane. Everything was fine when he taught or preached as long as it didn’t challenge the status quo or make them question anything they had always believed. But when his teachings challenged their long-held beliefs or called them to do hard things (like forgive others, pray for their enemies, or sell their possessions and give to the poor), that was a bridge too far. Stay in your lane Jesus!
We have each been created by God as complex creatures, not easily defined by one aspect or ability. God has given us a variety of gifts, skills, and passions. This variety enables us to not have to stay in just one lane, to not be just one thing. For me, I know it is freeing when I get to engage gifts and skills in areas that are different than my day-to-day activities. When I get to spend time in my garage creating some type of woodworking project, or even making some small repair around the house or church, it gives me just enough of an opportunity to “change lanes” so that I don’t get stuck in just one role.
I say all this as a way of reminding and encouraging you – get out of your lane once in a while, and engage other passions and skills. You are more than your vocation. You are a wonderful, complex, beloved child of God.
Blessings, Chris
From the Board
The Nelson Memorial UMC Administrative Board met this past Tuesday evening and spent a considerable amount of time digesting the decisions from General Conference. After much discussion, the Board decided to not rush to any decisions. The next step of the Board will be to review the words of the Bishop and other guidance from the upcoming session of the Missouri Annual Conference (June 7-9). At our June meeting, we will discuss next steps.
Nelson Memorial UMC Board Members
Jessica Brownfield, Laura Burnett, Stuart Clark, Linda Gordon, Karma Haller, Jo Parker, Nancy Schler, Michael Thomas, & Philip Wooldridge (Chairperson)
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 continue our message series “Minor Prophets, Major Impact,” looking at lessons from some of the Minor Prophets. This week we will focus on the Prophet Amos. Our scripture reading will be from Amos, Chapter 5, verses 4-15.
This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing.
Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like fire; it will devour them, and Bethel will have no one to quench it. There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground.
He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land – the Lord is his name. With a blinding flash he destroys the stronghold and brings the fortified city to ruin.
There are those who hate the one who upholds justice in court and detest the one who tells the truth. You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.
Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.
Our services this week will begin with Hold Us Together, by Matt Maher as our Gathering Song. Our Opening Hymn at the 8:00 service is For the Beauty of the Earth, while our Praise Band will leadus in Good, Good Father at the 10:20 service. The songs God of Grace and God of Glory, and Sent Out In Jesus’ Name will round out our 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 10:20 am with our Gathering Song. Additionally, we post a recording of our messages to our website by early Sunday afternoon.
Announcements
Red Cross Blood Drive – We will host our next blood drive 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!
Sagrada Bible Camp – Camp Sagrada has reached out to us requesting our help with transportation of campers. We are looking for help on the following dates: June 10 and 14 (Boys), June 17 and 21 (Girls), June 24 and 28 (Boys), July 8 and 12 (Girls), July 15 and 19 (Boys), and July 22 and 26 (Girls). Each day we will need a team of 2 adults, one of which can drive the Sagrada van, the other to assist. You can volunteer for one day, or one week. There will be a sign-up sheet in the east narthex. If you have any question, please contact Tim VonEngeln at (660) 882-3348.
Liturgists Wanted – Are you interested in serving in worship as a liturgist? We are always looking for more help in this ministry. Please speak with Pastor Chris if you are interested or would like more information.
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 – This Wednesday will be our final Simple Supper until this fall. Please know, if you haven’t come yet, there is still room for you. Join us Wednesday evening, 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.
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:
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day, Office Closed
Tuesday, May 28: Salvation Army Board, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, May 29: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Simple Suppers, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Friday, May 31: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Our strongest gifts are usually those we are barely aware of possessing. They are a part of our God-given nature, with us from the moment we drew first breath, and we are no more conscious of having them than we are of breathing.”
― Parker J. Palmer