“Hard Things”
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
55 years ago, on July 20, 1969, the United States, and all of mankind, pulled off a feat many never thought possible – landing on and walking upon the surface of the moon. Many of you might remember watching this event. While I have only learned about it in books, television, or movies, I continue to be inspired by it, nonetheless.
The Apollo moon landing came less than seven years after President Kennedy made this bold proclamation:
We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”
Kennedy called on the country to do this impossible thing because he believed the country was in a “decade of hope and fear, an age of both knowledge and ignorance.” He continued, stating that we have
obligations to ourselves as well as others, all require us to make this effort, to solve these mysteries, to solve them for the good of all men… To be sure, we are behind, and will be behind for some time… But we do not intend to stay behind, and in this decade, we shall make up and move ahead… We must be bold!” John F. Kennedy, September 12, 1962 – Rice University, Houston, TX
Nearly sixty-two years later, especially for those of us who weren’t alive at the time, it can be easy to forget how bold and risky Kennedy’s proclamation was. Not only did the technology needed to accomplish such an endeavor not exist, people didn’t even know what was needed. Kennedy’s call was not to do something we already knew how to do, but to learn how to do the unknown but necessary tasks for the good of all humankind.
Kennedy’s words inspired a nation, and are meant to inspire us too. I think about the idea of choosing to do something not because it is easy, but because it is hard, because it is a challenge we are “unwilling to postpone.”
I’ve been in numerous conversations over the past 6 months or so about the greatest needs in our communities (Boonville, New Franklin, and beyond). From the many needs that are presented to us at the church, ministerial alliance, and the Salvation Army, it is clear to me that 3 of the greatest and most unmet needs in Cooper and Howard counties are (in no particular order):
- Access to mental health resources (resources that don’t require a drive into Columbia, or that are available to those not on Medicaid)
- Emergency housing (short-term and long-term, including transitional housing), and
- Emergency food options (a meal now or groceries for the next few days until my next check or the next distribution from the food pantry)
I don’t know what it would take to address any or all of these needs. The first church I served had a licensed counselor on staff who provided mental health services locally, in the daytime or evenings, and on a sliding-scale (including free if needed). I would love to be able to bring something like that to Boonville and Nelson Memorial. The Harvest House has had to cease its operations. What would it take to create some form of emergency or transitional housing ministry in Boonville that assisted people passing through and those needing help to get back on their feet? New Franklin Cares recently lost the space they have been using. Their future remains unclear. Is there a way we could work with New Franklin Care, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors, to help continue their mission and perhaps offer emergency food assistance as well?
As the Apollo 11 mission reminds us, nothing is impossible, we just don’t know how to do it yet. The ministry ideas I mention above – improving access to mental health services, creating short-term and transitional housing options, and helping to provide food to those in need – aren’t impossible tasks. We just don’t know how to accomplish the task yet. These are hard things. But we must not forget that we serve a God who “is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine…” We will continue to look for opportunities, ideas, and resources to be a witness in our communities and to address the needs of those God has called us to serve. We will do these things, “not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone.”
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 message series titled “Upside Down: A Look at the Beatitudes.” This Sunday’s message is titled “Blessed Are: The Meek.” Our Scripture focus will be from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 38 through 42.
You have heard it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Our 8:00 service will begin with the song Cornerstone by Toby Mac as our Gathering song and God Will Take Care of You as our Opening Hymn. The 10:20 service will begin with Cornerstone by Aaron Shust, followed by All My Hope. Our other songs this week include The Summons and Are Ye Able.
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
Ice Cream Freeze Off! – What’s better than a nice bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day? How about a whole bunch of flavors of homemade ice cream and fellowship with friends? If this sounds good to you, then make plans to join us July 21 at 4:00 pm for our Annual Ice Cream Freeze Off. As always, this event is open to everyone who would like to enter their favorite home-made ice cream – the more exotic the flavor, the better! If you’re not an Ice Cream chef, we’d love to have you come and be one of our judges.The event is free (as always), but an offering will be accepted. This year we have decided to give the proceeds of the Ice Cream Freeze Off to help with the medical expenses for Brody Crawford, a young man in our Kids Hope program. We are thrilled to add this missional component to this great event.
Matt Maher & Zach Williams LIVE in Independence October 20 – Matt Maher and Zach Williams are bringing their Revival Nights tour to Missouri on Sunday, October 20! Want to participate in this night of praise and worship? NMUMC will be ordering group tickets for the event. Tickets are $30.00 each. Please use the sign-up sheet in the East Wing to order. Checks can be made out to NMUMC with “concert” in the memo line. You can also use cash or Venmo.
Card Shower – Our friend Helen Taylor’s birthday is July 29 and you are invited to shower her with birthday greetings by sending cards and good wishes to her at Hartmann Village, 615 Rankin Mill Lane, Boonville, MO 65233. Thank you for your participation.
Upper Room Devotional Books – Spend time each day in God’s Word with thought-provoking devotions to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. “Upper Room” devotional books have arrived, please help yourself to one in the back of the sanctuary.
Giving Through Venmo – We can be found on Venmo at @NelsonMemorialUMC. If you don’t know what Venmo is and would like to learn more, information about giving through Venmo can be found on our webpage at https://nelsonmemorialumc.org/give/venmo/
Save The Date:
- Saturday, August 10, 2024 – S’mores Night 7:00 pm
- Sunday, August 18, 2024 – Church Picnic at 6:00 pm
- Monday, August 26 – Red Cross Blood Drive 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Events this week:
Sunday, July 21: Ice Cream Freeze-Off, 4:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Monday, July 22: TOPS, 9:30 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, July 24: Women’s Bible Study, 10:00 am, Lounge
Al-Anon, Noon, Fellowship Hall
Friday, July 26: Al-Anon, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
Closing Words of Wisdom:
If we are going to live as disciples of Jesus, we have to remember that all noble things are difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but the difficulty of it does not make us faint and cave in, it rouses us up to overcome. Do we appreciate the marvelous salvation of Jesus Christ that we are our utmost for His highest?” Oswald Chambers