“Lies, Dang Lies, and Statistics”
If you’ve spoken with me at all in the past couple of weeks, you’ve likely heard me talk about the statistics class I am currently taking. I have always been one of those strange people who enjoys mathematics, it has always come naturally to me. And since statistics is essentially applied mathematics (even though Sara doesn’t think math is applied to life in any way, shape, or form), I expected this class would be right in my wheelhouse.
(I am going to write something now not many people are ever willing to put out into the universe) I was wrong. This class has redefined the word tedious. Each week we cover 2 or 3 chapters in a textbook (yes, they still make them), with each chapter introducing new techniques and tools in the statistics world used to make decisions, provide data, and support or reject hypotheses about certain data. (Did I just lose you?) The further I go in our textbook and the more of these techniques I learn, the more I have come to understand that you can make statistics mean whatever you want. (Such as, did you know that 78% of all statistics are made up? I just made that up.) If you test numbers looking for one thing, you can manipulate the data or conditions in such a way to get the answers you desire, thus proving your point, even if there are many other measures or tests that would conclude otherwise.
Encountering this reality head on, I thought about Bible reading. As you probably know, we often do the very same thing with the Bible. I have heard the Bible used to defend nearly every side of every argument. If you read the Bible in certain ways, if you isolate certain passages, take things out of context, or find a specific enough translation of scripture, you can use it to justify just about anything. For decades certain passages were used to not only justify slavery, but to insist it was God-ordained. Scriptures can also be read in such a way to justify polygamy and the physical abuse of children, spouses, and servants. In fact, it has been used many times over to justify violence in the name of God (remember the Crusades).
For a fun experiment, I just opened my Bible to a random page and let my finger find a random verse (this Bible study technique is referred to as Bible roulette). The direction for my life found using this technique comes from the prophet Habakkuk, chapter 2, verse 16b, “Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed!” (NIV) What a great verse to model our lives after, right? If we look at the rest of the context, we will see that the previous verse says: “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed! The cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.” Just that little bit of context sure changes things.
But seriously, this is an extreme example, but it’s not much different from some other verses that are used to make a point or justify a certain viewpoint as being God-approved. This is why Bible study is so important. The next time someone quotes one verse or saying from Scripture, I invite you to investigate it, by checking out the rest of the verses around them. Find a Bible commentary that explains the context that particular passage was written within. All scripture has a story behind it, was written for a purpose, and to a certain audience. Understanding these things can help us see the bigger picture of the words that have been chosen. And make sure you are using reputable sources for your research. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “You can’t believe everything you read on the internet.” (I saw that on Facebook.)
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 is titled “As Christ Loved the Church.” With it being Father’s Day, we will look at the directions men are given for leadership in their families. Our Scripture focus will be Ephesians chapter 5, verses 21 through 28 and Chapter 6, verses 1-4.
Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.
Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.
Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor—since they’re already “one” in marriage
Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.” Fathers, don’t frustrate your children with no-win scenarios. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
Our services this week will begin with the song Love Without End, Amen, by George Strait as our Gathering Song. Our Opening Hymn will be This is My Father’s World. Our other songs for the morning will be You Are My King, and The Gift of 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
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 8 and 12 (Girls), July 15 and 19 (Boys), and July 22 (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!
VBS Pre-Party BBQ – Everyone is invited to our VBS kickoff event – the Pre-Party – June 30 at 6:00 pm. Everything will be provided, but you might want to bring a lawn chair. This is going to be a time for all of us to Celebrate the Good News.
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!
Bishop Bob Farr’s Opening Address – For those who have not yet viewed Bishop Bob Farr’s opening address to the Annual Conference of the UMC in St. Charles last weekend, the message will be shown in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Chris and Linda Gordon (lay delegate) will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Events this week:
Sunday, June 16: Happy Father’s Day
Monday, June 17: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, June 18: Administrative Board, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, June 19: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, June 20: Baby Grace Distribution, 5:00 pm, Annex
Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, June 21: Heritage Days
Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
A text without context is pretext for a prooftext.” Dr. Don Carson (possibly quoting his father)