“Imposter Syndrome”
So now, go. I am sending you to Pharoah to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:10-11
Imposter Syndrome is defined as “the persistent inability to believe one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” (Oxford English Dictionary) In a nutshell, imposter syndrome is not believing you are good enough or worthy enough of the success you have achieved or to take on tasks you have been asked to do as a result of past accomplishments. Essentially, it means not recognizing that you are good enough. This is a common feeling many people experience as they grow in their careers and especially as they become more comfortable in their own skin.
I absolutely love the story of Moses’ calling by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. Moses is just going about his daily business, taking the flock out for some exercise and water, and all of a sudden he sees a bush ablaze but not being consumed. With that, Moses figuratively says, “You have my attention.” And lo and behold, God starts speaking to him. God shares that his heart goes out to his people, the Israelites, who are being enslaved by Pharoah and not being allowed to worship their own God.
After making his case to Moses about the need for the Israelites to be led away from their terrible conditions, God goes in for the close. He says to Moses, “so now, go! I’m sending YOU to Pharoah to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Moses agreed there was a problem and that somebody ought to do something, but he didn’t ever consider that he was that somebody. His response is, “Who am I that I should go and do this?” I’m just a regular guy (I’m just Ken, err. Moses). I’m a nobody. Why would you send me to do this?” God spends a lot of time working on Moses, convincing him that he has what it takes to do this task. But even as Moses is standing in front of Pharoah demanding he “let my people go,” even as he is addressing the Israelite community, you can’t help but feel that Moses is experiencing imposter syndrome. He doubts he’s the right person for the task. He doesn’t see how his whole life has been preparing him for this task. All he sees are his shortcomings, his weaknesses, his flaws, and everything that makes him unworthy of this task.
Psychology Today says that overcoming imposter syndrome “involves changing a person’s mindset about their own abilities. Imposters feel like they don’t belong, so acknowledging their expertise and accomplishments is key, as is reminding themselves that they earned their place.” Are there any areas of your life where you feel like an imposter? Do you ever doubt that you have earned a promotion at work, a position of authority or respect with others, or even the love you receive from your partner? Do you ever feel like you are not who others think you are and if they really knew, no one would listen to or follow you? Moses did. He didn’t understand how special he was and that part of what made him special was the calling he received from God.
You are special too. God has a great task in store for you. It may not involve leading millions of people out of slavery, but it might involve making a difference in one person’s life. It might involve giving others the courage to make a difference. God calls each of us; even when we feel unworthy, even when we feel like imposters; to make a difference for his Kingdom. Do you recognize that you are not an imposter?
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 continue our Lenten Message Series – Resilience: Forging A Stronger Faith. This week we focus on the importance of relationships that help us grow. Our Scripture reading will be from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, chapter 4, verses 1 through 16.
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.“
Our Gathering Song will be Less Like Me by Zach Williams. Our 8:00 service will sing Love Divine, All Loves Excelling to start the service off, while the 10:20 will begin with Made For More. Our other songs for this week include Into My Heart and Freely, Freely. Caleb Salyer will lead the first two songs at the 10:20 service.
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
Holy Week March 24 thru March 30
- Holy Week begins with our Palm Sunday worship on Sunday, March 24th .
- We will have a Maundy Thursday worship service on March 28th at 7:00 PM.
- Good Friday we will have a worship service on March 29th at 7:00 PM.
- On Easter Sunday, March 31st, worship times will be 8:00 AM and 10:20 AM.
Help Wanted – We are looking to hire a new nursery attendant. This position works Sunday mornings from 7:45 – 11:45 and special occasions as agreed upon (praise band or choir rehearsals, mid-week services, etc.). Requirements for this position include being 21 years old or older and participating in our Safe Gatherings training and background screeninItg. If you or someone you know are interested, please contact Pastor Chris for more information or to apply.
Time to Order Easter Lilies – Those of you who would like to purchase an Easter Lilley in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please fill out a form that is located on the table in the refreshment area or by the front doors. Please deliver the form to the church by Monday, March 18th or place it in the offering box. This will give Marcey from Stella’s Florist and Gifts plenty of time to order the lilies. Please make checks payable in the amount of $15.00 to Nelson Memorial, UMC, and in the memo line write Easter Lily. The lilies will help beautify the sanctuary for Easter and will be displayed at the Easter services. You may take your lily home after the 10:20 a.m., Easter service.
Easter Cards for Elders & Friends – This year again we are asking the congregation to mail out Easter cards or other greeting cards with your own personal Easter greeting. The addresses for the names listed below will be located on the refreshment table or the counter next to the front entrances.
Jack Bell, Frances Bradley, Virginia Brownfield, John Chipley, Ada Gingrich, Margaret Hopkins, Elise Langkop, Virginia Littwiller, Phyllis Otis, Gene and Donna Reagan, Bart Riley, Carol Schenck, Leona Schmidt, Helen Taylor, Hessie Watts, and Dorothy Whitten.
We know all the recipients will experience a special Easter blessing because of the thoughtfulness of all those who participate in this endeavor. Thank you for remembering these special people.
Daily Devotional Guides: – The March and April edition of The Upper Room have arrived and are available for you to pick up and use.
Methodist Men’s Sagrada Work Retreat – The Methodist Men are planning on their annual retreat/workday at Sagrada Bible Camp March 22 – 23. The group will meet Friday afternoon/evening to carpool and plan to return Saturday mid-late afternoon. The time away will include spiritual development, fellowship, meals and projects preparing the property for the summer camping season. All men are invited, as are all youth (with a parent or approved guardian). A signup sheet is in the East Wing Narthex. For more information, please talk with Tim VonEngeln (314-833-0984).
Adult Mission Trip – April 2024 – We are planning to return to the Western Kentucky area to continue with cleanup help from a tornado that hit that area in 2021. The trip will take place during the week of April 14, 2024. 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.
Palm Sunday Dinner – The Education Team will be hosting a carry-in dinner for Palm Sunday, March 24th, after the morning worship services. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children while the food is being put on the serving tables and readied for the dinner. Each child who participates will be given a bag of wrapped candies.
To ensure a good variety of foods, we request the following distribution:
Family names A to H: Dessert
Family names I to Q: Side Dish
Family names R to Z: Salads
Church Cleanup/Work Day – Everyone is invited to join in for some Spring cleaning around the church on Saturday, March 30th. We are going to wipe down the pews, straighten up the common areas and get the church ready for company on Easter Sunday. Please join us at 8:30. Donuts will be provided.
Simple Suppers – We are bringing back Wednesday Evening Meals at Nelson Memorial this Spring and Fall, and we’re calling them Simple Suppers. Acts 2 tells us that every day the church gathered together and broke bread and shared fellowship. The focus of these Simple Suppers is going to be on following this pattern. For 8 Wednesdays in a row, beginning April 10, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a simple meal – soups, sandwiches, etc. Following the meal a small group growth opportunity will be offered. Everyone is welcome to participate. Please speak with Cindy Koch if you have any questions or would like to help with these meals.
Save the Date: A Night of Praise – Our Praise Band is working on hosting a “Night of Praise” on April 7 at 7 pm in our Sanctuary. This will be about an hour or so of praise and worship music. Everyone is welcome. Invite your friends and neighbors and come ready for a night of joy. Save the date now!
Events this week:
Saturday, March 9: Methodist Men to CoMo Christian Men’s Conference
Sunday, March 10: Daylight Saving Time Begins (Don’t forget to Spring Forward)
Lenten Study, 6:30 pm, Gordon’s Home
Monday, March 11: TOPS, 9:15 am, Lounge
Leadership Development Team, 6:00 pm, Lounge
Al-Anon Meeting, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, March 12: PEO, 5:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 13: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, March 14: Baby Grace Size & Sort, 1:00 pm, Annex
Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Friday, March 15: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, March 16: Fellowship Hall Reserved
Closing Words of Wisdom:
Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin