ARE YOU READY FOR GOD TO SHOW UP?
This past Sunday, Christians around the globe gathered in churches scattered far and wide to celebrate something big–the birth of the church. On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the remarkable story of the Holy Spirit roaring like a hurricane throughout the room where the apostles were gathered, branding them as holy vessels with a tongue of fire above their heads, and giving them the ability to speak in many different languages. On that day thousands of years ago, God showed up in a big way. God sent his Spirit…the Advocate…the Breath of God…to fulfill the promise Jesus made to the disciples before he was raised to heaven.
As the disciples spoke, the Spirit was set loose–opening the minds and hearts of countless people from all over the known world to the gospel message.
At its core, Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit and of God’s awesome power to fulfill each and every one of the promises made in Scripture. It’s a celebration of hope –the hope that we have in God’s mighty power to act in this world and to build his kingdom here…on Earth as it is in heaven.
Sometimes, it can be hard to reconcile the Pentecost story to the world in which we live. There’s too much hate. Too much evil. Too much anger. Too much uncertainty. But lately, I’ve felt a tugging deep within my core–a desire to proclaim the goodness of God to all I meet. It’s like a little spark–a tiny ember popping from a flaming log and shining for a moment in the night sky. It burns in the center of my soul and says, “Tell people what God is doing.” So I’ve been trying. When I hear God speak through a piece of Scripture, devotional reading, or prayer, I send it out in a text message, or even in a chat group at work. Sometimes I omit the words God and Jesus, depending on who I’m reaching out to…but I figure the Holy Spirit will take care of that. As an ember, I’m called to provide a little sizzle, not a full-blown conflagration.
I share my spark in other ways, too–being gracious to those I meet in public, having conversations and listening when interacting with fellow human beings rather than keeping my head down and eyes focused on my phone. And reaching out to build new relationships…to expand my sphere beyond the four walls of my home, or even the many walls of our church building. It’s not always easy, and sometimes there’s a trade-off in time or energy. As an introvert, I prefer cocooning, but I’m trying to follow the pull to be an ember.
Because as the Spirit threw open the doors behind which the disciples hid during Pentecost so they could share the good news of Jesus Christ, so, too, the Spirit calls us forth into the turbulent waters of the world today to share the message of God’s love. It’s not easy. There’s much that stands in the way. But where God wills, the Spirit makes a way…just as it did on Pentecost over two thousand years ago.
The psalmist writes:
The story of Pentecost is the story of God showing up. But it didn’t end there. History is full of moments when the Spirit has moved. Some have been blazes that have led to national or international revivals, while others have been small sparks in individual lives that have transformed relationships, brought hope in the midst of darkness, or changed the course of a church congregation. There’s SO much the Spirit can do when it is unleashed in our lives, even if it’s just an ember that burns brightly for a moment.
So let’s be embers, my friends. Let’s be the spark of the Spirit and lean into our communities, our nation, our world, and allow God room to move. Let’s be the hands and feet that bring good news to the brokenhearted. Let’s speak to others in words of love. Let’s offer grace to those whom we disagree with. Let’s forgive those who have wronged us. Let’s show mercy to those whom we feel are misguided or wrong. Let’s offer food to the hungry, and care to the homeless. Let’s listen before we speak, and allow others to talk. Let’s greet everyone we meet with kindness. Let’s open our hearts to empathy, and show compassion for those whose journey looks different from ours. Let’s sit with those who mourn, and encourage those who are struggling. Let’s push our each other to be better and to do better.
Most importantly, let’s expect God to show up today. And tomorrow. And the next day. And let’s be ready to follow when he does.
Blessings and Peace, Sara
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 “Calling.” Our Scripture lesson this Sunday will be from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, verses 18-22:
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Our services will begin with the song Cornerstone by Toby Mac featuring Zach Williams. Our other songs include Jesus Calls Us, Mighty To Save, 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 10:25 am following our Gathering Song. Additionally, we post a recording of our messages to our website by early Sunday afternoon.
Announcements
Christian Movie Night Small Group – Our next movie night will be held this Sunday, June 4, in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:30 pm. We will have a Comedian Night. If you have any suggestions or recommendations, please text (660) 888-5408 and also let us know if you own it. Childcare will be provided if you need it, please let us know. Come join us for popcorn and a movie, and bring your own soda.
Summer 2023 Vacation Bible School – July 5th-7th, 9am – 11:30 am
Theme: Ready, Set, Move! Follow Jesus Here, There, and Everywhere. The education committee is busy creating a hands-on, memorable experience that will allow children in our community to grow their faith as they understand how they can follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere. The program will inspire kids to: Do what He says, Believe who He is, Love who He loves, Share what He did, and Go where He leads. If you would like to lend a helping hand, please contact Risa Venable (573-881-7788). Together we can create a summer experience full of energy, movement, and lots of God’s Word!!
Heritage Days – On June 24th as part of Heritage Days Celebration, the Outreach Committee will be spreading the love of God and inviting families to our church in the following ways:
Yard Games: NMUMC will set up some yard games at the church so families can gather and relax, and maybe have a face painting booth. If you have yard games you’d be willing to let us borrow (corn hole, horseshoes, etc. please bring to the church by June 22.
Cooling Station: We’ll also set up a cooling station in the church yard with tents, fans, and cool drinks. If you’d like to volunteer during the day, please let Sara Snyder know.
Sagrada Bible Camp – Thank you to everyone who has signed up to help with transportation to and from Camp Sagrada. All volunteer spots have been filled.
Our Daily Bread Devotional – Spend time each day in God’s Word with thought-provoking devotions to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. The newest edition of “Our Daily Bread” 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 at https://nelsonmemorialumc.org/give/venmo/.
Save The Date:
- Sunday, July 16, 2023 – Ice Cream Freeze Off
- Thursday, August 10, 2023 – S’mores Night
- Sunday, August 20, 2023 – Church Picnic
- Monday, August 28, 2023 – Red Cross Blood Drive
Events this week:
Sunday, June 4: Christian Movie Night, 6:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Monday, June 5: TOPS, 9:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, June 7: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, June 8: Baby Grace Size & Sort, 1:00 pm, Church Annex
Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, June 9: Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, June 10: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God. – A.W. Tozer”