“Not Your Average Joe”
Have you ever felt like you were doing all the right things, being faithful and honest, yet the deck was just stacked against you? Have you ever felt like your stomach would never be right after all the ups and downs life has thrown at you? You’re not alone. Scripture is full of stories of those called by God who face not an easy path, but one full of twists and turns. Yet their faithfulness is not only recognized, but rewarded by God.
This week we are beginning a new message series titled “Dreamer: Lessons from a Life You Wouldn’t Choose, but God Still Used” based on the stories in Genesis about Joseph. Joseph’s life is so full of ups and downs, twists and turns that it would wear out even a thrill-seeking roller-coaster fanatic. He goes from being a favored son to being sold into slavery, from being the most trusted to being a prisoner, from being valued to being a forgotten friend. He has the opportunity to punish those who sought to harm him and is given the opportunity to save millions of lives.
I hope you will join us the next several weeks as we look at Joseph’s life and see what insights we can draw for our own.
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 begin our series, “Dreamer: Lessons from a Life You Wouldn’t Choose, but God Still Used.” Our Scripture focus this week is Genesis 37:1- 4 as we look at the beginning of Joseph’s story.
Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. This is the account of Jacob’s family line. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.
Now Israel loved Jospeh more than any of his others sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.“
Our services will begin with the song Cornerstone by Aaron Shust. Our opening song will be How Great is Our God followed by Be Thou My Vision, and we will close the service with In His Time. Our Praise Band will lead our first two songs at the 10:20 service.
Virtual Worship Information
In addition to in-person worship, our service will be live-streamed. We have moved our livestream to YouTube. Our YouTube channel is Nelson Memorial UMC. We will post a link to our Facebook page once the service begins. 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
Red Cross Blood Drive – Our next Red Cross Blood Drive is coming up on Monday, June 2 from 2 – 6 pm. Our goal is to have 20 units donated at this drive, and we need your help to meet this goal. Please go to the Red Cross’s webpage for more information.
Wednesday’s Ladies Bible Study – The Wednesday Ladies Bible Study group that meets at 10 am each Wednesday in the lounge will begin a new study on April 30th. If there is anyone who would like to join the group, please let Linda Gordon (816-769-4376) know and she will get a book ordered for you. We will be starting a new study called “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin and would love to have you join us for Bible study, prayer, and discussion.
Recognizing Our Graduates – We are putting together our list of graduates from high school and college for our recognition upcoming worship service. Our working list includes: High School Alexander McGruder, Mason McGruder, and Garrett Snyder. Please let us know who else we need to add to the list by emailing the church office at Boonvillemethodist@gmail.com. Thank you.
Easter Cards for NMUMC Elders & Friends – Our church friends were so pleased with your cards of remembrance during this Easter holiday. Thank you so much for participating in this special endeavor.
Upper Room Devotional Books – Spend time each day in God’s Word with thought-provoking devotions to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. “Upper Room” devotional books have arrived, please help yourself to one in the back of the sanctuary.
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.
Events this week:
Saturday, April 26: Sleep In Heavenly Peace Conversation – 8:00 am, Lounge
Monday, April 28: Al-Anon Meeting – 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, April 30: Women’s Bible Study – 10:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting – Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 1: Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, May 2: Al-Anon Meeting – 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone.” – Pope Francis