“Crossings That Matter”

Last week I came across this message from our Bishop and it has been speaking to me ever since.  I invite you to consider his words today.

Blessings, Chris

On September 4, 1771, Francis Asbury left Europe on a ship headed to America to join the new Methodist mission field of lay and local preachers. The trip took seven weeks at sea, lots of time to think and wonder about where he was headed. When asked, “Why are you going to America?” Francis answered, “I am going to live for God and bringing others to do so.” It’s hard to imagine what the 20-something-year-old Francis thought about making such a risky change in his life. He would never see his parents again, and he would spend the rest of his life crisscrossing the country and moving the Methodist mission forward.

Francis had no idea how it would turn out as he and one hundred other early preachers and local pastors changed the course of not only the Methodist movement but of the newly forming American country. But, because of their willingness to risk and even embrace a crossing into something new and unknown, they changed the lives of millions of people.

Crossings are important times even in our own lives. I believe we are presently in a crossing. Francis Asbury volunteered to board the ship to a new world. For us, it seems we are being pushed onto the boat of our new world. Leaving what was and going into the not yet is scary. Yet, we can choose how to react and how we move forward. Transitions are like that, and we are definitely in a transition.

In Luke’s Gospel, the disciples were walking away from the events of Jerusalem, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus. Confused and lost about what the future held, they were simply walking away, going home. Jesus found the disciples while they were walking alone. But the disciples recognized Jesus only after they were together in community with one another.

Even though we, too, may feel a bit lost and confused about our future direction, Jesus is walking along with us whether we recognize him or not. Jesus reveals the future when the time is right. Then, we will realize God’s presence and direction like the disciples did, and our hearts will be on fire as the disciples’ hearts were on fire. 

Crossings are important! Whether you are crossing the street or crossing turbulent waters, whether you’re moving to a new place, changing jobs, or going through bad times, crossings matter. The scripture reassures us that God walks with us even in the crossings of our lives. This pandemic is a crossing of sorts, and life as we have known it has changed. However, a new life lies ahead for those who can see it. 

It’s hard to imagine what Francis Asbury had on his mind and heart during his trip to America two hundred and fifty years ago. But, he did have personal piety and perseverance rooted in devotion to God and serving others. 

This helped him become the extraordinary witness and force for God’s Kingdom in a time of change. One of his favorite verses was “Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Asbury’s whole life was a transition. A traveling preacher and bishop to the bone, crisscrossing America as it developed and changed. 

In my office is a statue of Francis on his horse standing at the edge of a ravine, pointing and saying, “Onward in God’s name.” May it be so with us; onward in God’s name no matter what crossing we stand in!

In Christ,
Bishop Farr, Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church

 

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 Sunday

This Sunday we a new message series titled “Lies We Believe.” This week’s lie to be explored is “Never Talk to Strangers.” Our scripture reading will be from the book of Acts, chapter 8, verses 29 through 31:

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”  So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasure of the Kandake (which means “queen of Ethiopians”).  This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.  The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.  “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

We will begin our service with the song My Jesus by Anne Wilson.  Our hymns for Sunday include: I Love to Tell the Story, Forever, and Freely, Freely. 

Virtual Worship Information

In addition to in-person worship, each Sunday we will live-stream our 10:20 worship service. The service can be viewed on our Facebook Page.  The service will start approximately 10:25 or so, as we begin it after the opening video (for copyright purposes).  We will continue to post a recording of our message each week to our website by early Sunday afternoon.  We are excited to be able to extend our worship services in these ways. 

COVID Updates

At our most recent Administrative Board meeting, the board reviewed COVID numbers in the state and Cooper and Howard counties, and our congregation’s current practices. It was agreed to continue to encourage social distancing in worship by keeping half of the pews closed for the time being.  Masks are still optional for everyone but encouraged for those who are not fully vaccinated.  The Board is committed to continuing to monitor the latest COVID conditions and will discuss any further changes at upcoming meetings.

Announcements

Fall Bike Ride – We had a great bike ride this past Sunday.  A big thanks to everyone who came out and especially to those who organized this fun event.  We are already looking forward to next year’s ride.

Kids Hope Pumpkin Carving – October 17 will be the annual Pizza and Pumpkin Carving event from 4:30 – 6:00 pm (after the Chiefs game).  Come out and help us support this important ministry!

Celebration Party for Jack Bell – EVENT CANCELLED – The celebration party for Jack Bell has been cancelled.  Please continue to hold Jack in your prayers. 

Events this week:

Saturday, October 16: Youth Group, 9:00 am, Harley Park (Lookout Point)

Sunday, October 17: Kids HopePizza and Pumpkins event, 4:30 pm

Monday, October 18: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations Classroom

Al-Anon, 8:00 pm, Lounge

Tuesday, October 19: Administrative Board, 6:00 pm, Lounge & Zoom

Wednesday, October 20: Women’s Bible Study, 9:30 am, Lounge

Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Thursday, October 21: Baby Grace Distribution, 5:00 pm, Church Annex

Friday, October 22: Al Anon, 8:00 pm, Church Lounge

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” –  Corrie ten Boom