“Milestones”
That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.” Luke 24:13-16
I’ve been thinking about milestones a lot here recently. Stephen just turned 16 a couple of days ago and passed his drivers exam, and Garrett is just 2 days away from turning 18. These are a couple of those “milestone” birthdays that we experience in life. In addition to these milestones, we’ve just experienced the graduation season, the moving up of students to the next grade level, and for United Methodist pastors, this time of year marks anniversaries of our ordination and years of service.
According to vocabulary.com, the word milestone refers to more than just birthdays and anniversaries. “Milestone literally refers to a roadside marker that lists the distance to a particular location.” (Vocabulary.com) As I visualize the above scripture passage, I imagine there would have been milestones along the path between Jerusalem and Emmaus. I wonder how long into their walk these two disciples were when Jesus came up and joined them. I wonder how long he walked along before they noticed him. I can only imagine the state of mind these two disciples must have been in as they were considering all the events of the past several days (Jesus’ crucifixion and the stories of the resurrection they had been told by Mary and the others).
I wonder at what milestone Jesus started talking with these disciples. How long did it take before he decided to step in and share his wisdom? Have you ever overheard two people having a conversation where they are trying to remember something, and you finally turn and tell them the answer? That’s what I imagine this was like. They were trying to make sense out of the crucifixion, but more than that, to make sense out of the events leading up to the crucifixion. What had Jesus meant at the Last Supper when he said his body would be broken and blood spilled for our sake? He didn’t really know that he would literally be tortured and crucified, did he? When he said something earlier in the week about the Temple being torn down and rebuilt in three days, was he speaking literally or was that a metaphor?
I think about how, as the milestones passed, Jesus just kept on sharing truth after truth to them. Luke tells us “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27) I’ve taken 7-mile walks before. Most of the time, they feel interminably long, and I am overjoyed when they are done. While I don’t know for sure, I imagine this walk was different. As Jesus explained the Scriptures and prophecies about himself, I would assume those milestones just flew by and they were at their destination before they knew it.
Sometimes, in our lives, those milestones seem to speed by too. Luke tells us the disciples were so swept up in their worries, their concerns, their doubts, and their disbeliefs that they were unable to recognize Jesus. What about you? I know our family seems to be experiencing a lot of milestones, but in the midst of it all, I sometimes worry if I’m not missing out on some of the important things along the way, like Jesus trying to show me what I should be focusing on. I encourage you this week to not let too many milestones go by without looking for the presence of God in your midst.
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 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 Micah. Sara Snyder will bring the message this week. Our Scripture focus will be Micah chapter 4, verses 9 through 11, chapter 6, verses 1 & 2, and verses 6 through 8.
Jerusalem, why are you crying? Don’t you have a king? Have your advisors gone? Are you suffering like a woman in childbirth?
Keep on groaning with pain, you people of Jerusalem! If you escape from your city to the countryside, you will still be taken as prisoners to Babylonia. But later I will rescue you from your enemies.
The Lord said to his people: Come and present your case to the hills and mountains.
Israel, I am bringing charges against you— I call upon the mountains and the earth’s firm foundation to be my witnesses.What offering should I bring when I bow down to worship the Lord God Most High?
Should I try to please him by sacrificing calves a year old?Will thousands of sheep
or rivers of olive oil make God satisfied with me? Should I sacrifice to the Lord my first-born child as payment for my terrible sins?
The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”
Our services this week will begin with the song Less Like Me, by Zach Williams as our Gathering Song. Our Opening Hymn will be God of Grace, and God of Glory at the 8:00 service.The 10:20 service will be led by the Praise Band in the song Heart of God. Our other songs for the morning will be Change My Heart, O God, and I Surrender All.
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
Thank You! Our Blood Drive this past week was a great success. 19 units of blood were collected! Thank you to everyone who donated blood, volunteered, and prayed for the success of this drive. You have made a difference.
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: 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.
Now Hear This – If you have difficulty hearing during our worship services, we have listening assistance devices available for your use. They are located near the sound booth and are easy to use. Please ask Pastor Chris if you need help locating one.
VBS News – Help us spread the word that VBS is July 1-3. All that fun is just a month away! Please register for VBS by clicking here. If you have any questions about registration, please visit with Chelsea Jackson. Also, we are looking for some large cardboard boxes – television size, or maybe even refrigerator size. If you have or know of any that could be donated, please let Heather Beach know.
Are you ready to Start the VBS Party? – Kids of all ages can join their friends for a JOY-filled Sunday school experience as we get ready for VBS. In June, we’ll focus on celebrating what God is doing through games, Bible reading, crafts, and mission activities. Don’t miss out on this special Sunday morning party. The class meets upstairs in the 3-5 classroom each Sunday at 9 AM. See you there!
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/
Save The Date:
- Sunday, July 21, 2024 – Ice Cream Freeze Off at 4:00 pm
- Saturday, August 10, 2024 – S’mores Night 7:00 pm
- Sunday, August 18, 2024 – Church Picnic at 6:00 pm
Concert – Matt Maher and Zach Williams are coming to Independence on October 20, 2024 on their Revival Nights Tour. We’ll be ordering group tickets for those interested in attending this live concert event. Tickets will be around $30.00 each. Look for a sign-up soon!
Events this week:
Saturday, June 8: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Sunday, June 9: Missouri Annual Conference Concludes
Youth Group, 6:00 pm, Jackson’s Home
Monday, June 10: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Leadership Development Team, 6:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, June 11: PEO, 5:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, June 12: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, June 13: Baby Grace Size & Sort, 1:00 pm, Annex
Friday, June 14: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
In order to seek one’s own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life.” – Plato