“TGIF”
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all this work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. Genesis 2:2-3
Do you ever get tired? I don’t mean the “I could really use a nap right now” kind of tired. I mean the, “I can hardly keep my eyes open, I can’t concentrate on anything, I might just fall asleep on my feet, I can’t do another darned thing” kind of tired. We all have been there before. We know what it’s like to be this tired.
Usually this kind of tired happens to me not just when our family is really busy, but also when I haven’t been intentional about observing Sabbath. Sabbath, simply put, is a day set aside for rest and worship. I always thought practicing Sabbath meant going to church on Sunday morning. That is, until I really needed Sabbath.
It was my first year of full-time ministry, my first year or marriage, and my first year of being a “real adult.” I had spent the previous 21 days doing one thing or another at the church. We happened to live across the parking lot from the church, so it seemed like I could never get away. I was, as they say, burning the candle at both ends trying to excel in my work, my marriage and life in general. I was exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally. Not only was I not being a very good husband, but I wasn’t good for much of anything.
That is when my senior pastor took me aside and asked me when the last time was that I had observed Sabbath. I told him I was at worship last Sunday. He asked me again, “When was the last time you observed Sabbath?” Thinking there must be something wrong with his hearing I repeated my answer– “I was in worship last Sunday. Remember, I preached about …?” He then very calmly said, “I’m not asking about the last time you were in worship. When was the last time you observed a Sabbath? A day of rest. A day where you don’t even think about the church. A day where you don’t just do the things you have to do, but a day where you do the things you want to do. When was the last time you had a true Sabbath?” I’m pretty sure my answer was along the lines of, “I don’t remember the last time I had day like that.”
From that point on, Sabbath has become much more of a priority in my routine. Nearly every Friday since that conversation I have been intentional about making sure I find time to rest, restore my soul, and do at least one thing I would put on my “get to do” list. Every now and then I have to sacrifice my Friday Sabbath, but I make sure to still find a time to do something that is restorative to my soul, something that brings joy and helps me face the coming days. Some days it can be as simple as not waking up to an alarm clock or having a leisurely cup of coffee on the porch. Other days Sabbath involves spending time creating something in my wood shop, or going on a long run, or spending quality time with Sara and/or the boys. There are many different ways I experience Sabbath, but they all have one thing in common – they don’t happen on their own. I have to be intentional about Sabbath. If I’m not, that whole body tired starts to set in.
When was the last time you experienced Sabbath? I’m not asking when was the last time you went to church. When was the last time you spent time restoring your soul, doing something you looked forward to, and truly felt rested – body, mind and soul? I encourage you to consider ways you can incorporate Sabbath into your regular routine.
It is an honor to be your pastor and be in ministry alongside you to an amazing, and Sabbath-observing God.
Blessings,
Chris
Worship This Sunday
This week is week two of our Disney -Lessons from the Kingdom series. This week we turn our attention to the modern classic – The Lion King.
Our scripture reading for Sunday comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verses 22-26.
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them? And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
We will begin our service with the song Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective. Our hymns for Sunday include: O God Our Help in Ages Past, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Trust and Obey, and Lord, Be Glorified. Additionally, our video hymn this week is Lord, I Need You, by Matt Maher.
As the COVID-19 numbers continue to increase in our community, it is understandable that many are still not ready to come to worship. Please know that even though we don’t get to see you weekly, we still want to minister to you. Every Sunday afternoon we will post a recording of our 10:20 worship service. We hope this helps some feel connected until we are able to gather again without concern.
For those who are able to attend, please keep vigilant in our health practices as we protect one another. We still encourage social distancing and wearing masks when distancing is not possible. Remember, these practices are a way we show our love to our neighbor.
Looking for Volunteers
We are blessed at Nelson Memorial to have several dedicated volunteers running the audio and video aspects of our services. We are looking to establish a more formal rotation for this ministry and also to hold a training time. If you’ve ever thought, “I could do that” and would like to learn more about “running the show” please join Pastor Chris at the a/v booth following each worship service on August 2. We will do a brief training and work on establishing a rotation.
Other News
Marcy and Arliss Caldwell have decided that after many years (21+ for Marcy) they are ready to step aside from the nursery ministry. Our entire congregation would like to share our gratitude to Marcy and Arliss for their dedication and faithfulness to this important ministry. The number of lives you have touched over the past 21+ years is impressive. Thank you!
If you or someone you know might be interested in helping with our nursery ministry, please reach out to Pastor Chris or Rob Gordon for more information.
Events this week:
Sunday, August 2: Youth Group at the Jackson’s, 6:00 pm
Monday, August 3: TOPS, 9:30 am
Tuesday, August 4: Congregation Care & Prayer Team, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, August 5: Lay Servant Team, 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 8: Methodist Men, 8:30 am
Closing Words of Wisdom:
God grant that I may never live to be useless!”
― John Wesley