“In This Time of Chaos”
My numerous attempts to write something pastoral and insightful about the renewed violent atrocities in the Holy Land all proved to be futile. I felt like no matter what I could write, the words weren’t enough. Then I found the below prayer. This says it much better than I could ever articulate. I hope this blesses you as much as it blessed me.
Blessings, Chris
SOMETIMES IT JUST SEEMS TO BE TOO MUCH
Sometimes, Lord,
it just seems to be too much;
too much violence, too much fear;
too much of demands and problems;
too much of broken dreams and broken lives;
too much of war and slums and dying;
too much of greed and squishy fatness
and the sounds of people
devouring each other
and the earth;
too much of stale routines and quarrels,
unpaid bills and dead ends;
too much of words lobbed in to explode
and leaving shredded hearts and lacerated souls;
too much of turned-away backs and yellow silence,
red rage and bitter taste of ashes in my mouth.
Sometimes the very air seems scorched
by threats and rejection and decay
until there is nothing but to inhale pain
and exhale confusion.
Too much darkness, Lord,
too much of cruelty
and selfishness
and indifference…
Too much, Lord,
too much,
too bloody,
bruising,
brain-washing much.
Or is it too little,
too little of compassion,
too little of courage,
of daring,
of persistence,
of sacrifice;
too little of music
and laughter
and celebration?
O God,
make of me some nourishment
for these starved times,
some food for my brothers and sisters
who are hungry for gladness and hope,
that, being bread for them,
I may also be fed
and be full.
(Ted Loder, From Guerillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battles, 20th Anniversary ed., 2005)
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 “Awakenings.” This series focuses on experiencing a spiritual awakening. This week we will consider what it looks like to experience an awakening in our church. Our Scripture focus will be from the Book of Revelation, Chapter 3, verses 1 through 3.
To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Our 8:00 service will begin with the Gathering Song In The House by Crowder. Our Opening Hymn at 8:00 will be For The Beauty of the Earth. At 10:20, our Praise Band will lead us in Cornerstone and Evidence. Our other songs for the morning are We Are The Church, and Blest Be the Tie That Binds.
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
New Study:
Jesus and Justice Small Group: – As Jesus people, we are called to engage in seeking justice. But what does God’s justice look like? In this new small group, we will take a look at Biblical justice and explore ways we can be a people of justice in our families, workspaces, local community, and the world by following in the footsteps of Jesus. Interested in participating? – Order the book God of Justice by Abraham George and Nikki A. Toyama-Szeto at any book outlet. Meet in the church lounge on Saturday, October 14 at 9:30 AM. Pastries and coffee provided!!
Calling All Night Owls/Early Birds – The youth will hold their annual fall lock-in Friday, Oct 20, beginning at 8:00 pm. All youth are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend. Brian and Chelsea Jackson (our fearless youth leaders) are looking for some extra help during the overnight hours (between midnight at 6 am). Click here for opportunities to donate or here to volunteer. Please talk with Brian or Chelsea for more information.
Fall Feast & Fest – Please join us for a day full of fall fun on October 29, 2023
- Worship: 8:00 am and 10:20 am
- Potluck Luncheon & Pumpkin Painting: 11:20 am
- Spooks & Spokes 2 Mile Costume Bike Ride (Katy Trailhead Depot): 2:00 pm
Mission Trip Opportunity – We are tentatively planning an adult mission work team to again travel to Fulton First United Methodist Church (Fulton, Tennessee) beginning the first weekend in November into the following week to complete home repairs in N/W Tennessee and S/W Kentucky. You may remember that a year ago this area was hit by a very large tornado which destroyed or damaged many homes and buildings. Recently, this area was hit again by one of the largest rainfalls in recorded history, flooding many of the homes, some that were repaired just a year ago. If you would like information to join us on this mission, please see Bill Salyer, Tim VonEngeln or Larry Long for details.
Save the Date – On Saturday, November 4, the Outreach Team will host a church-wide MISSION EXTRAVAGANZA!! We will have a variety of mission projects for people of all ages and abilities. These include: leaf raking, cooking baking, and even some crafting! There will also be projects you can do from the comfort of your own home. So mark November 4 on the calendar and share it with a friend. Together, we will work to build God’s kingdom here!! More details to follow…
HE Before Me Women’s Event – This special event will be held on Friday, November 17, at the Fortuna Baptist Church from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is a powerful night filled with worship, speaker, fellowship, snacks, and above all, an environment cultivated for women to encounter our Almighty God. If you have any questions please contact Judy Powell or Judy Long.
Events this week:
Saturday, October 14: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Jesus and Justice Small Group, 9:30 am, Lounge
Monday, October 16: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Education Team, 5:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 18: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, October 19: Baby Grace Distribution, 5:00 pm, Annex
Friday, October 20: Youth Lock-in, 8:00 pm
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” Jill Jackson