“In The Beginning”
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. Genesis 1:1-5
With the Advent of the New Year, we have all been given the gift of a new beginning. Genesis tells us that from the very beginning, God was present, and has been ever since. Everything came into being through him. Including you, including me. From the beginning, God has been seeking to make order out of chaos. In this New Year, what chaos in your life do you need to surrender to God so that he may bring order?
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, Rev. Dan Faust will be our guest preacher and presider. Pastor Dan’s message is titled “Overwhelmed” and will focus on the scripture passage in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2, verses 1-12.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Our Gathering Song this week is Counting My Blessings, by Seph Schlueter. Our Opening Song is We Three Kings. We will also sing Emmanuel, Emmanuel, and Fairest, Lord Jesus. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday.
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
Un-Deck the Halls – We ask anyone who is able to stick around after the 10:20 worship service this week to help us take down and put away the Christmas decorations throughout the Sanctuary and to decorate for the coming season. We appreciate all the help you are able to offer.
Red Cross Blood Drive – With flu season beginning and blood and platelet donations continue to be essential to hospital patients. Donors are needed to come together to help others in this time of need. We will be hosting another blood drive the afternoon/evening of Monday, January 15th from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm in our Fellowship Hall. To schedule a time for donating blood go to: redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive. Thank you!
Salvation Army Bell Ringing – We would like to thank our church family who donated time on Saturday, December 9th to bell ring for the Salvation Army. We would especially like to recognize Tim VonEngeln with the United Methodist Men who organized distribution of the buckets and took care of the kettle and money collected.
Adult Mission Trip – April 2024 – On December 10, 2021, a violent, long-tracked tornado moved across western Kentucky producing severe to catastrophic damage in numerous towns. We are planning to return to the area during the week of April 14, 2024 for our adult work team to help with the renovation of a home. If you are interested in joining our group and wish for more information, please contact Bill Salyer, Tim VonEngeln or Larry Long for details. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed on the work sites without an accompanying parent or guardian
Cookies for the Teachers – We would like to thank our church family who donated cookies and snacks to the faculty and staff at LSE. They were so delighted!
Thank You for Your Generous Donations – Due to the faithful and generous giving of our members, we were able to pay our district and conference apportionments for 2023. These are the funds that enable our ministry within the North Central District, our connected ministries throughout Missouri, and our missionaries and ministries around the world!
Events this week:
Monday, January 8: TOPS, 9:15 am, Lounge
Education Meeting, 5:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, January 9: PEO, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, January 10: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, January 11: Baby Grace Size & Sort, 1:00 pm, Annex
Praise Band Rehearsal, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, January 12: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, January 13: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Lounge
Closing Words of Wisdom:
He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new!” Revelation 21:5