“I Wish You Hadn’t Said That”
Do not suppose I have come to bring peace to earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’” Matthew 10:34-36
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving celebration with your family! We gathered last night with 13 of us around the table (and enough food for about 40). It was nice to see some of our family we hadn’t seen in months, and to catch up with one another – sharing highlights of our year, bragging about our kids, and making plans to meet again.
While the scene around the family table was nice and friendly, that isn’t always the case. We all have moments when we’re sitting around a table, or in a group in some other setting, and out of nowhere someone brings up a subject that just stops all conversation. It might be a controversial topic, or some political beliefs, or even a not-so-pleasant memory that most in the family would just as soon forget. No matter what the unfortunate subject is, it’s like a record-scratch moment: all conversation ceases, and everyone (else) around the table starts looking around, trying to figure out the best way to move forward. (I hope this isn’t just my family.)
Have you ever had a moment like that while reading your Bible? There are times when I am reading through the Scriptures, especially the Gospels, and I encounter what I’ve termed “I wish you hadn’t said that, Jesus” moments. The scripture referenced above is just one example of Jesus saying something that seems out of character. For the Prince of Peace to announce that part of his mission is to sow discord within families is a bit troubling to hear and must have caused discomfort to many of his would-be disciples. In fact, Jesus said troubling things, those “I wish you hadn’t said that” statements so frequently, that the Gospel of John includes this statement, referring to one of Jesus’ more difficult lessons, “On hearing it, many of the disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” John 6:60
I don’t know about you, but when I come to those difficult passages, I typically try to pretend like it didn’t get said (kind of like when the family member makes that awkward comment) and move on to an easier teaching of Jesus. But sometimes, when I’m curious, I will dig deep into the statement and try and understand the real point of that teaching.
Coming up in the New Year, we are going to dedicate the first 6-weeks of 2024 to examining some of these “I wish you hadn’t said that, Jesus” sayings. This new series is titled “Cringe: A Look at the Difficult Teachings of Jesus.” I’m introducing the topic now because I’d like your help. What difficult or troubling statements in the Gospels would you like to dig a little deeper into? What are some of those “I wish you hadn’t said that, Jesus” statements you’ve come across and would like to gain a more thorough understanding of? I encourage you to email me (chrisksnyder@gmail.com) or give me a call or text and let me know. My hope is to craft this series around your questions and struggles, not just my own.
I hope the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend is filled with many pleasant conversations.
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 will conclude our message series titled “Grateful.” This series aims to move past just thinking about what we have to be thankful for and toward living a life shaped by gratitude. This week, our Scripture focus will begin with a reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 8, verses 1 through 4.
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,’ he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go and show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Our 8:00 service will begin with the Gathering Song Thank You, Lord by Chris Tomlin. The 10:20 service will begin with the Praise band leading us in Glory, Glory, God is Able. Our Opening Song is Blessed Be Your Name. Our Praise Hymn is O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, and we will once again close with Give Thanks.
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
Coats for Kids – We will again be providing coats for kids who need them in the Boonslick Area. If you would like to contribute, make your check out to Nelson Memorial, UMC and in the memo line put “Coats for Kids” and place it in the offering plate or drop it by the church office. Thank you! Heather Beach.
Deck the Halls November 26 – This Sunday, November 26th after the 10:20 worship service, we invite all to come help us deck the halls and hang the greens throughout the Sanctuary to bring out the Christmas joy. Carry, haul, fluff, and decorate till your heart’s content, lending a helping hand to beautify the church.
2023 Angel Tree – Thank you to everyone who took an Angel from the tree. We ask you to please deliver the children’s gifts back to the Sanctuary no later than Sunday, December 3rd for the dedication of the gifts. The Angel Tree party will be on Saturday, Dec. 9th at 11:00 a.m., beginning with a short message in the Sanctuary and lunch to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please make plans to join us in this very special ministry to our church. As always, we are so grateful for the way in which our church family supports this Matthew 25 ministry to the children of incarcerated parents.
Christmas Parade December 2 – Christmas Parade Saturday, December 2nd at 2:00. Meet at church at 12:30 on the west side of the church to get ready for the Christmas Parade. Everyone is welcome to ride. Wear a church sweatshirt, if you have one! Please bring a bag of candy to throw.
We will also be handing out hot chocolate packets again this year and we need your help collecting them. Please bring hot chocolate packets to the church by Wednesday, Nov 29.
Salvation Army Bell-Ringing December 9 – We are scheduled to “ring the bells” at Walmart on Saturday, December 9, 2023. We will need volunteers for one-hour time slots from 10 AM – 6 PM. Please help to make a difference with every ring. A sign-up sheet will be in the East Wing narthex (where we serve refreshments after worship).
Christmas Poinsettias – Those of you who would like to purchase a poinsettia in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please pick up one of the forms located on the table back in the refreshment area. The list will be in the December 24th bulletin. Please submit the form to the church by Sunday, December 10th or drop it in the offering box on Sunday. Please make checks payable to Nelson Memorial, UMC, in the amount of $13.00, and in the memo line write poinsettia. Thank you!
Save the Dates
- Children’s Christmas Program, Sunday, December 17 during the 10:20 worship service. The program is titled “Oh What A Night”! The dress rehearsal will be Sunday, December 10 following the 10:20 service.
- Christmas Caroling on Sunday, December 24th at Riverdell Care Center. Meet at the nursing home at 9:15 am. We plan on concluding at 10:00 am.
- Christmas Eve Services will be at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The Living Nativity will be on the lawn between services.
Events this week:
Sunday, November 26: Decorating the Sanctuary, Following 10:20 Worship Service
Monday, November 27: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, November 29: Scripture Memory Small Group, 9:00 am, Lounge
Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, November 30: Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, December 1: Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, Dec 2: Christmas Parade, meet at 12:30 pm to decorate, 4th Street
Closing Words of Wisdom:
It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”—Harry S Truman