Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn” – Isaiah 51:1
I absolutely love it when a scripture I have likely read 20 times or more surprises me. That’s what happened yesterday as I was doing my daily reading. I have no idea how many times I’ve read through Isaiah, or just snippets of it. Isaiah is probably one of the Old Testament books I go to the most (after Genesis and Psalms) for instruction, guidance, and inspiration. I say all that to say that when I approach the book of Isaiah, I do so in a way that’s more like looking for the comfort and dependability of that old sweater I have that feels so familiar.
But yesterday, while reading Isaiah’s instruction to “Look to the rock from which you were cut and the quarry from which you were hewn,” I was struck. Essentially, Isaiah is telling his audience to remember who they are and whose they are. This is not an uncommon theme in scripture. Often the reader is reminded they are children of a loving God—they are descendants of the God who delivered them from Pharoah.
In the second half of the Scripture, we are told to remember more than the rock from which we were cut, but also, “the quarry from which you were hewn.” Often times when we think about our families and the legacy of those who came before us, we consider those we have seen or known, those we have stories about or memories of. We don’t (or rather I don’t) often think of those members of my family from generations ago, those who fought in the American Revolution or Civil War, those who made the brave decision to leave their homeland and seek better fortunes in this land, those whose life’s decisions and life’s dreams are the reason I am where I am and who I am. Those are the ones who make up the quarry from which I was hewn.
Thinking about those who make up the quarry from which we were hewn is a reminder to consider our true values and beliefs. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we are hewn from a quarry based on the principles of grace, hope love, and faithfulness. As citizens of this nation, the quarry from which we were hewn includes those who left oppression, violence, and famine in search of a better life in a republic founded on the principles of freedom, hope, and dignity for all people.
As we face issues and concerns in our lives, in our community, and in our nation, let us all never forget not only the rock from which we are cut, but the quarry from which we were hewn.
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 5-week message series “Christian.” This week’s message is titled: “I Never Doubt.” Our Scripture focus will be from The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9, verses 17 through 24.
A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus responded, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
“If you can?” Jesus said. “Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Our services will begin with the song Less Like Me, by Zach Williams. Our opening hymn at the 8:00 service will be How Great Thou Art. At the 10:20 service, our Praise Band will lead us in Glory, Glory, God is Able. We will then sing In The Garden and close our services with Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.
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
Join Us for Our Kids Valentine’s Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, February 16th! – Make plans to attend the Annual Valentine’s Lunch hosted by Nelson Kids on Sunday, February 16th, following the 10:20 service. The kids are going to be serving a spaghetti lunch. We are asking the families of the Nelson Kids that attend Children’s Church to bring a dessert to share! This is a freewill donation event that helps support children’s and youth ministry. Please plan to attend and share in love and fellowship with our church family. The youth will be selling chocolate-covered pretzels and strawberries following each service and during the meal. There will also be a silent auction for beautiful flower arrangements donated by Stella’s Flowers.
Charles Edgar Whitten Memorial Scholarship – The intent of this scholarship is to provide one $500.00 scholarship per year for 3rd and 4th-year college applicants, with preference given to Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church members and/or those who are actively involved in the church where they attend a university or college. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, or living expenses, as needed to help the scholarship winner continue their studies. To request an application please contact the church office at 882-6223. All scholarship applications must be received by our committee by April 7, 2025, during office hours.
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, January 26: Youth Group – 11:30 am, Fellowship Hall
Monday, January 27: TOPS – 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting – 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, January 29: No Women’s Bible Study
Al-Anon Meeting – Noon, Fellowship Hall
Friday, January 31: Al-Anon Meeting – 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
To call yourself a child of God is one thing. To be called a child of God by those who watch your life is another thing altogether.” Max Lucado