Weekly Update, August 23, 2024

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 conclude our message series titled “Upside Down: A Look at the Beatitudes.” This Sunday’s message is titled “Blessed Are: Those Persecuted for Righteousness.” Our Scripture focus will be from the First Peter, chapter 4, verses 12 through 19.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And:

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

Our services will begin with the song Rescuer, by Rend Collective. Our opening song will be How Great Is Our God followed by Be Thou My Vision, and we’ll close the services with Stand By Me.

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

Pre-K/K/1-2 Sunday School Class – This past Sunday we restarted our Sunday School class for our youngest kids.  Chelsea Jackson is excited about leading this class and planting seeds of faith.  This class will meet in the room across the hall from the nursery during our Sunday School hour, starting at 9:00 am.

Big Surf Water Park Event – Our Nelson Church family is invited to enjoy a fun afternoon at Big Surf Water Park at the Lake of the Ozarks this Sunday, August 25th. We are planning on meeting in the Big Surf parking lot between 1:30 or 2:00.  Be sure to sign up on the clipboard if you are interested.  We will have a potluck dinner. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Sandwiches and drinks will be provided.  We hope you can join us for some end of summer fun! 

Kids Hope USA – As we gear up for the start of a new school year we will soon be starting our KHUSA mentoring program at David Barton.  If you have a tug at your heart to mentor a child, please give Karma Haller a call and she would love to share more. 

Blood Drive – Our next Red Cross Blood Drive is coming up on Monday, August 26th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm in our Fellowship Hall.  As happens most summers, the supply of blood available is in short supply and donors are greatly needed.  We have 18 appointments set already, and room for more. To schedule a time for donating blood go to:  redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.  Thank you!

What is a United Methodist Christian?  – Have you ever wondered what it means to be a United Methodist, what makes United Methodists different from those in other denominations? Join Pastor Chris in a 6-week study of the book Being United Methodist Christians.  We will be meet on Wednesday evenings, beginning September 11, running through October 23, from 6:30 – 7:30. Please sign up by September 3 so we can order enough books.  (Books are $13/each.). Please see Pastor Chris for more information.  

Upper Room & Our Daily Bread Devotional Books – The new “Upper Room” and “Our Daily Bread” devotional books have arrived, please help yourself to one in the back of the Sanctuary.

Matt Maher & Zach Williams LIVE in Independence October 20 – Please sign up or talk to Pastor Chris by September 1 if you’d like tickets to this concert! Matt Maher and Zach Williams are bringing their Revival Nights tour to Missouri on Sunday, October 20!  Want to participate in this night of praise and worship? NMUMC will be ordering group tickets for the event. Tickets are $35.00 each. Please use the sign-up sheet in the East Wing to order. Checks can be made out to NMUMC with “concert” in the memo line. You can also use cash or Venmo.

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, August 25: Big Surf Water Park Trip, 2:00 pm

Monday, August 26: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge

Blood Drive, 2:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Education, 5:00 pm, Lounge

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, August 28: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge

Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall

Friday, August 30: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

Closing Words of Wisdom:

The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way.”  Brother Lawrence