“By the Book”
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This week I had a great time meeting with the group learning about what it means to be “United Methodist Christians.” The first chapter of the book we’re reading was all about Scripture and the influence of the Bible within the UMC. We started with a story about John and Charles Wesley and a group of believers who were so dedicated to the reading and learning of scripture that they became known as the “Bible Moths,” because they were drawn to words of the Bible like a moth is drawn to a flame.
While this label (not unlike the label “Methodists”) was not initially intended to be a compliment, it became a name worn with pride. This story reminds us that as United Methodists, our faith has been intrinsically grounded in a love of and devotion to God’s Word from the very beginning.
The chapter concluded with some directions from John Wesley on how to read the Bible, and I’d like to share those suggestions with you as we close.
- Set apart a little time every morning and evening.
- Read a chapter out of the Old Testament and one of the New Testament; or simply read a single chapter or part of one chapter.
- Read this Scripture with a desire to discern God’s will and to do God’s will.
- Before and after you read, pray that what you read may be written on your heart.
- While you read, frequently pause to examine yourself, both with regard to your heart and life. And whatever you discern, put that insight to use immediately.
The final words of instruction are the challenge I leave you with: “Pick up a Bible, read it, listen to it, and study it with other Christians. And when you hear God’s word, respond.”
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 continue our message series titled “Facing Our Giants.” In this series, we will look at some of those giants that appear in our lives, those battles we face where it feels like the odds are anything but in our favor. This week we turn our attention to an internal giant, the giant of self-doubt. Our Scripture focus will be from the book of Exodus, chapter 3, verses 7-12.
The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of the land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey – the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites our of Egypt.”
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Our 8:00 services will begin with the song Fear is a Liar, by Zach Williams, and our opening song will be Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. The 10:20 service will begin with our Praise band leading us in In The Room, followed by I Speak Jesus. Our other 2 songs will be The Summons and Here I Am, Lord.
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
Family Fun Events – The education/family ministries team has 2 events coming up you won’t want to miss. October 6, after worship we will head to Shyrock’s Calloway Farm Corn Maze. Join us for an aMAZing time!
Get your bikes ready for our annual Fall Bike Ride on October 27. We will meet at the Boonville Trailhead and ride about 2 miles, have some snacks, and head back. This is always a favorite event. Please make plans now to join us for both of these fellowship opportunities.
Help Wanted – We are looking for new Nursery Director for Sunday mornings to work with our youngest members. The Nursery Director works Sunday mornings from 7:30 – noon and must be at least 21 years old. Safe Gatherings background training will be required. If you or someone you know are interested in this position, please speak with Pastor Chris or Karma Haller for more information.
Feeling Social? Are you a Snapchat, Tik Toc, Facebook and Instagram user? Do you like to post pictures and updates on social media platforms? We are looking for some help expanding out social media presence and develop a social media strategy. If you have gifts or passions in the world of social media and would like to help us grow in this area, please let Pastor Chris know.
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 me a call and I would love to share more. Karma Haller – (660) 537-3061
Save The Date – The Outreach Team will be hosting our annual Mission Extravaganza on Saturday, November 9! Teams will gather at the church for a morning of missions, including leaf raking and delivering of goodies to our community helpers. The extravaganza will conclude with a luncheon as we break bread together and give God thanks for the work he is doing. Make plans to join us on November 9!
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, September 14: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Sunday, September 15: Youth Group, 6:00 pm, Jackson’s Home
Monday, September 16: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Leadership Development Team, 6:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, September 17: Administrative Board, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 18: No Women’s Bible Study
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
“Being United Methodist” Study, 6:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, September 19: Baby Grace Distribution, 5:00 pm, Annex
Praise Band Practice, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, September 20: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
We believe the written Word of God to be the only sufficient rule both of Christian faith and practice.” – John Wesley