“On Change”
A few months ago, we brought a new family member into our lives. This is Roxie–a now 4-month-old Great Dane pup. And while she looks pretty docile in this photo…looks can be deceiving.
Puppies, like children, disrupt everything. When Roxie entered, routines were smashed in a frenzy of jumping, biting, snuggling, and potty breaks. I quickly discovered that her morning zoomies happened to coincide with my daily quiet time. Before Roxie, I meditated on God’s word sitting on a step stool in the kitchen–opening my soul and senses to the presence of the Holy as coffee brewed and the house slowly awakened. After she arrived, I stubbornly attempted to cling white-knuckled to my old routine. This is what I do each morning. This is how I worship God, and nothing is going to change that, no matter how many times a puppy comes crashing through the kitchen.
You can guess how that worked out. A typical beginning to my prayer time would go something like this: God, as I still my thoughts before you…”Roxie! Drop it!!”…As I enter prayer now…”Get off of that chair!”…God, would you open my heart to…”Ow! No bite!! Let go–I said let GO!”
Frustrated at my lack of progress, I decided to do what many people do when change is thrust upon them–I quit. If I couldn’t meet God on my terms, then I decided I just wouldn’t meet him at all.
While completely irrational and contrary to everything I know to be true, my stubborn spirit was unrelenting. It’s like the question the psalmist asks in Psalm 11:3. I justified it to myself by saying, It’s just a season. I’ll pick up where I left off when she’s older. God, however, felt otherwise.
Over the past few weeks, God has been whispering into my soul. His words are simple and logical. He says, “You can find new places and spaces in your life to be with me.”
Yet as a creature of habit, I resist these kinds of messages. While I think change is fine for other people, I really am not interested in practicing it myself. My stool is a venerated object–the kitchen my sacred space–the end. But here’s the thing God is teaching me: Anyplace is sacred once God enters in. Think about where you worship God. Is it really limited to one concrete place? When I’m being honest, I can recognize that I have worshiped God by campfires, in cars, on airplanes, in the shower, at huge events, and in the darkness of my bedroom at night. Experiencing God is not a function of place, but of purpose. And it’s not predicated on what worked in the past, but on where we find ourselves in the present.
While most of us resist it, life is change. Seasons come and go. We grow and evolve. Hopefully we mature. We experience new things that broaden our minds and enhance our understanding. But too often, as people of faith, we tie ourselves to the past and refuse to move forward. There’s comfort and familiarity in the way we’ve always done something–but it’s not realistic or sustainable. We don’t worship a God who lives in the past, but one who is moving and acting and saving in the present. He’s ready and eager to meet us wherever we are. As Psalm 11 continues…
The Lord is always in his holy temple, so we don’t need to get caught up in ideas of place or space. God will meet us wherever we are, in whatever season we’re in, to fill us up so that we can go forth and serve in his name. This week, give thanks for all of the things you loved in the past, including those special places where you encountered God. Then, take a deep breath, and walk with anticipation with God (and maybe a puppy) into the future.
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 we will observe All Saints Day. Our message this week is titled “The Great Cloud of Witnesses.” Our Scripture focus will begin with a reading from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 11, verses 1 through 4.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
By faith Abel brought God a better offer than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.“
Our services will begin with the Gathering Song Lifesong by Casting Crowns. Our Opening Hymn is I’ll Fly Away. Our other songs for the morning are Blessed Assurance, and Victory In Jesus. Our Praise Band will lead us in three of these songs at the 10:20 service. We will also have an opportunity to remember and honor members of our congregation and loved ones who have joined the great cloud of witnesses over the past year.
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
Fall Feast & Fest –
This Sunday, October 29 is our fall feast potluck luncheon and pumpkin painting event following the 10:20 worship service. You won’t want to miss the time of fellowship, food, and fun.
Please see the following for food sharing:
- Families with last names A-F: Meat dish
- Families with last names G-L: Veggies
- Families with last names M-R: Side
- Families with last names S-Z: Dessert
There will also be a Spooks & Spokes 2 Mile Costume Bike Ride (Katy Trailhead Depot) at 2:00 pm (weather permitting).
Mission Trip Postponed – The adult mission trip to NW Tennessee and SW Kentucky has been postponed to the Spring. Please contact 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 have a variety of mission projects for people of all ages and abilities. These include leaf raking, cooking baking, blessing bag assembly, fleece tie blankets, and delivering cookies to first responders. To sign up for any of these projects, click here or signup on the sheet in the East Wing. Together, we will work to build God’s kingdom here!!
Leave the Leaves to Us – One of the projects we will undertake on Nov 4 is our now annual Leave the Leaves to Us event. If you know anyone who could us help with some light yard work, please let us know by contacting the office or filling out this form.
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 28: Jesus and Justice small group, 9:30 am, Lounge
Sunday, October 29: All Saints Day (Observed)
Fall Feast and Fest – Following Worship, Fellowship Hall
Spooks & Spokes Bike Ride, 2:00 pm, Katy Trail Boonville Trailhead
Monday, October 30: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, November 1: Women’s Bible Study, 10:15 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Friday, November 3: Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, November 4: MISSION EXTRAVANGAZA!
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Change is inevitable, Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell