August Lamplighter

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 1 Zion United Church of Christ  August 2015 Inside This Issue 1 Pastor’s Peace 2 Palm of Prayer 3 Worship Ways 4 This Month’s Events 5 Community & Conference Clamor  6 Butterfly Room & Inspiration Station 7 Celebration Occasions 8 Worship Whirl The Lamplighter Zion United Church of Christ   Established 1880 105 N. Mary, Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224 Phone and FAX: (660) 237 - 4355 PASTOR’S PEACE "That They May All Be One" "This is my commandment, that you love one an- other as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:12- 13 NRSV Note: Facebook can be good o r bad, depending on how it is used, and not ev eryone uses it. I felt called to post an apology on FB for legalistic behavior in my past. Shared below is what I wrote, expanded for members and friends of Zion UCC Mayview. The journey of li fe is just that, a journey. Learning, changing, and growing are all part of the process along the way. We never get to a place where we know it all. But I have to say that there was a time--years--during my young life when I thought I knew it all and tried to instruct others on what I "knew". I was being le galistic and inflict- ing a legalistic view of f aith on others. In essence I was saying "You must believe this way or else." I was wrong, and I apologize to anyone who was hurt by my naivete'. Since those days new understanding and hopefully some maturity hav e come into my life. I began to seri- ously study Christian Scripture, to ask questions of it and of God, to study other expressions of faith, and to respect others' experiences of faith, whether believing in a way that I understand or not. It is not my place to judge an- other. This is something very important that I learned. The most important thing that I have discovered in seeking and listening, experiencing and learning, is Love. I began to experience God's deep love for me through the unconditional love, self sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, his teaching of the Wa y, my own experiences, intellect, tradition and curiosity . I learned how to forgive myself (which is ongoing) and how to forgive others. Every day i s a celebration of discovery, and I am excited and humbled to be able to share the nuances of love and forgiveness, trust and peace that I am learning through my relationship with Jesus and with others.

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Monthly Newsletter for Zion UCC, Mayview, MO. August 2015

Transcript of August Lamplighter

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    Zion United Church

    of Christ August 2015

    Inside This Issue

    1 Pastors Peace

    2 Palm of Prayer

    3 Worship Ways

    4 This Months Events

    5 Community & Conference Clamor

    6 Butterfly Room &

    Inspiration Station

    7 Celebration Occasions

    8 Worship Whirl

    The Lamplighter

    Zion United Church of ChristEstablished 1880 105 N. Mary, Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224

    Phone and FAX: (660) 237 - 4355

    PASTORS PEACE

    "That They May All Be One" "This is my commandment, that you love one an-other as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:12-13 NRSV Note: Facebook can be good or bad, depending on how it is used, and not everyone uses it. I felt called to post an apology on FB for legalistic behavior in my past. Shared below is what I wrote, expanded for members and friends of Zion UCC Mayview. The journey of life is just that, a journey. Learning, changing, and growing are all part of the process along the way. We never get to a place where we know it all. But I have to say that there was a time--years--during my young life when I thought I knew it all and tried to instruct others on what I "knew". I was being legalistic and inflict-ing a legalistic view of faith on others. In essence I was saying "You must believe this way or else." I was wrong, and I apologize to anyone who was hurt by my naivete'. Since those days new understanding and hopefully some maturity have come into my life. I began to seri-ously study Christian Scripture, to ask questions of it and of God, to study other expressions of faith, and to respect others' experiences of faith, whether believing in a way that I understand or not. It is not my place to judge an-other. This is something very important that I learned. The most important thing that I have discovered in seeking and listening, experiencing and learning, is Love. I began to experience God's deep love for me through the unconditional love, self sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, his teaching of the Way, my own experiences, intellect, tradition and curiosity. I learned how to forgive myself (which is ongoing) and how to forgive others. Every day is a celebration of discovery, and I am excited and humbled to be able to share the nuances of love and forgiveness, trust and peace that I am learning through my relationship with Jesus and with others.

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    The Lamplighter This is me. This is who I am. I will not apologize for being human and deeply fallible, curious, creative, and occasionally funny. My constantly-growing relationship with the energy of Love through the teachings of Christ continuously help me to understand how everything is connected, and how the power of Love can bring healing to each one of us and to our world. It brings tremendous healing to me every single day! There are times when I'm scared, when fear is almost overpowering, but then I remember who and whose I am, and surround myself with others also on this incredible journey, this adventure, and realize I'm not alone. We are not alone. The United Church of Christ gives all of us the freedom to grow, to serve, to discover, to disagree, and to be curious and creative persons on this journey. I have friends and loved ones in other denominations, faiths, groups, agnostics and atheists, and appreciate and love all with Christ's love, for that's who I am. Fifteen years or so ago I might have been upset by the ruling of the Supreme Court for equality of marriage for everyone, including homosexuals. I admittedly was stuck within the worldview that marriage was strictly between one man and one woman. I wore blinders to the understanding of God's diversity in humanity and kept it strictly where I was comfortable, focusing on certain Scriptures, taking them out of context and applying them to my perception. Then I began to meet same-sex couples, and saw a deep and abiding love of God and of each other. Life and marriage are hard enough without the additional bigotry and prejudice that often accompany fear and judgment. This causes damage in self-worth, relationships and the dynamics of everyday life. We, as Christians, are called to move beyond fear, legalism and judgment, to the place of living in the Love that is God. Each Sunday morning at 9a.m. during this summer, those who wish to are engaging (over coffee and delicious snacks) in Sacred Conversations on Race. This is something we need to explore, because we are one people. I hope you will join us if you haven't already. The color of our skin varies; our cultures vary; our sexual and gender identities vary. The beautiful emblem and logo of the UCC signify the sovereignty of the risen Christ over the world. The inside cover of the NRSV given to me at my ordination states what we are about: "For the United Church of Christ, this emblem, rich in the traditions of the past and alive with hope for the future, is particularly appropriate. For this reason, there appear on the perimeter of the emblem both the name of the church and the text: 'That they may all be one'". John 17:21.

    If there is disagreement or offense within the eyes and hearts of readers, that is fine. We can agree to disagree, but let's not stop there. Let's talk, explore and discover together these things which are vital to living in community with one another. Our community is right here within the walls of Zion UCC Mayview, and beyond our walls into the rest of the nation and world. Jesus laid down his life for his friends and for the world, so that we may all be one. And God Is Still Speaking!

    In God's Grace and Love, Pastor Kristin

    PALM of PRAYER 2 Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIVUK)

    Concerns Please continue to surround in love and prayer, those experiencing health difficulties &/or recovering from surgery, the loss of family and friends, & those adjusting to new seasons in their lives: Lois Schmutz Dial, Elaine Hudsons granddaughter Natalie, Ricky Butler, Shirley Paul, Cassandra Tieman, Shirley Shafer, Katie Heatman; family and friends of DWayne Burks, Rick Lawson, Raymond Dunkle & Mark Malott; first responders; military personnel and their families; families around the world that are in the midst of disease, natural disasters, immigration crisis, tensions, conflicts, acts of violence and wars which are going on in different parts of the world. Joys Charlie Lewis, Pastor Kristin's stepdad, home from the hospital; Emily Nolte and Connor Moore are married! Brian, Rachel and Brooklyn Murry are

    expecting in January!

    Condolences Our secretary Angie Lawson lost her husband, Rick, on July 7. We extend our sincere sympathy to Angie and her family. Memorials may be sent to Lafayette County Cancer Coalition, PO Box 88, Higginsville, MO 64037, or to Heartland Church,

    777 MO-23, Knob Noster, MO 65336.

    Pastoral Visits and Prayers Please feel free to contact me at any time if a pastoral care visit or prayer request is in your heart. The best way to reach me is at the parsonage, 660-237-4902, and the next best option is my cell @ 660-

    641-1038. Blessings! Pastor Kristin

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    TREASURERS TWITTER

    ZION UCC WORSHIP WAYS BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION We're going swimming Sunday, August 9th! It is so very hot, and we can invite ALL of our friends...I mean REALLY, ALL of our friends!!! The Board of Christian Edu-cation has reserved the Odessa Aquatic Center from 6:15-8:15pm August 9, and we can welcome 250 people (altogether)!!! We'll invite the First Baptist Church and Zion AME, and maybe all of Mayview too! This is our Back to School Bash--thanks BCE!!!

    Visitation Sunday On August 30th our worship will take place at St. Luke's in Independence with the Samoan UCC, fol-lowed by a pot luck! Please bring a dish to share as we enjoy a fabulous opportunity to worship and feast together with our wonderful Samoan friends who visited us last year. The worship service begins at 10:30 AM. If you would like to carpool, please plan to meet at our church at 9:30 AM. If you would like to drive direct the address is: St Luke UCC Independence, 727 N. Main St, Independence, MO 64050. Please contact pastor Kristin at 660-237-4902 if you have any questions. We return to our regular worship schedule on Sunday, Sept. 13th. Sunday School will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by worship at 10:30 AM. Promotion Sunday is September 13th.

    To desire and expect nothing for oneself and to have profound sympathy for others is genuine holiness.

    ~Ivan Turgenev

    June Current Expenses $8,057.37

    June Current Receipts $ 5,112.26

    Current Difference -$ 2,945.11

    Comparison of Receipts to 2015 Budget & Ex-penses as of June 30, 2015

    CURRENT BENEVOLENT

    Total Budget $ 74,715.00 $ 7,471.00

    YTD Budget $ 37,357.50 $ 3,735.50

    YTD Expenses $ 36,485.23

    YTD Receipts $ 31,360.92 $ 2,514.55

    YTD Budget to Receipts -$ 5,996.58 -$ 1,220.95

    YTD Receipts to Ex-penses

    -$ 5,124.31

    June 2015 SUMMARY BEGIN RECEIPTS EXPENSES END

    TOTAL CURRENT $ 52,820.81 $ 5,112.26 $8,057.37 $ 49,875.70

    TOTAL BENEVOLENT $ 2,112.22 $ 402.33 $ 2,514.55

    TOTAL SPEC. FUNDS $ 12,524.42 $ 485.00 $385.00 $ 12,624.42

    GRAND TOTAL $ 67,457.45 $ 5,999.59 $8,442.37 $ 65,014.67

    BANK ACCOUNT BAL-ANCE 2015

    Jan Feb March April May June

    MM ACCT-Bank of Odessa

    $ 31,548.96 $ 31,552.98 $31,556.61 $ 31,560.63 $ 31,564.52 $ 31,568.54

    CHECKING-Bank of Odessa

    $ 13,811.14 $ 13,643.87 $11,045.58 $ 13,083.56 $ 14,472.61 $ 11,999.11

    Certif of Depst-B&L Bank $ 21,393.94 $ 21,393.94 $21,420.32 $ 21,420.32 $ 21,420.32 $ 21,447.02

    TOTAL $ 66,754.04 $ 66,590.79 $64,022.51 $ 66,064.51 $ 67,457.45 $ 65,014.67

    Mayview Picnic

    Parade 2nd Place !!

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    MISSION COMMITTEE Festival of Sharing kit for August: Paper Prod-ucts Pack 3 pkgs of toilet tissue (4-double rolls) 2 rolls paper towels (good quality) 2 facial tissue (large rectangular boxes) Place all items in a tall-sized kitchen trash bag. Close securely. Other dates to remember: CROP Walk for Hunger on Sunday September 27 at 3:00 p.m. at Confederate Memorial Park in Higgins-ville. It is time to start collecting donations, ask your family and friends to sponsor you and your family. Better yet, ask them to join you. Plan to attend and bring a friend to the Festival of Sharing on Saturday, October 17th. November 8th we will highlight Missions with a special Sunday service and meal. Save the date!

    YOUTH YAK IF YOU ARE BEGINNING 7th GRADE OR HIGHER THIS FALL, and are interested in be-coming a member of Zion UCC Mayview, it's time for CONFIRMATION! This is a two-year program where you will learn about the history (BLAH! HISTORY!)--don't worry, it will be FUN! of the United Church of Christ, grow in your own discovery of who Jesus is and who you are in God's family, about the whys of worship and rit-ual...it will be great! There will be a little outside work for you to do, but nothing too demanding--I promise. We'll have fun learning and growing together, visiting other churches, and preparing you for full church membership! Please contact

    The Lamplighter

    Sacred Conversations9:00 A.M. Worship10:00 A.M.

    August 2, 2015 Sunday School Teacher Meeting Immediately following services Vespers, 3 pm Golden Living Center August 3, 2015 Outlook Club, 1:30 pm August 6, 2015 Advent Celebration Meeting, 4 pm August 6, 7, 8, 2015 Odessa Puddle Jumper Days August 7, 2015 Gospel Sing - Odessa First Christian Church 7 PM August 9, 2015 Back to School Bash Swim Party @ Odessa Aquatic Center 6:15 PM8:15 PM August 12, 2015 BCE, 7:15 pm August 13, 2015 Council, 7 pm August 18, 2015 First Day of School - Odessa R-VII and Lafay-ette County C1 August 19, 2015 Newsletter Articles Due August 30, 2015 Worship @ St Lukes UCC Independence with our Samoan Friends

    Copyright 2011 The Zondervan Corporation

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    me so I can make preparations to start in Sep-tember. This is a journey that will become part of your adventure of life! Peace, joy and God's

    great Love, Pastor Kristin

    Community, County & Conference Clamor LAFAYETTE AREA COUNCIL STEPPINGSTONE SHOWER The fall shower for Steppingstone is right around the corner! Please bring in new and gently-used items that will work in an apartment--single bed sheets, towels and washcloths, lamps, pots and pans...the shower date is September 14, and the need is always great. Also, please remember that we are collecting different bundles for Festival of Sharing each month. In addition there is always a need for seed packets and money for shipping. This is part of the outreach we are called to as a faith community--giving is always much more fun anyway!

    Music is the Voice of the Soul!

    Puddle Jumper Days Friday, August 7, 2015 @ 7pm

    First Christian Church 224 West Dryden Street

    Odessa, MO 64076 If interested in participating, please contact Samantha in the First Christian Church office at (816) 633-7726, or Zona Mitchell at (816) 263-1222.

    General Synod Update It has been a General Synod for the record books in Cleveland 2015, with UCC delegates celebrating a history-making ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court-making marriage equality the law of the land, continuing the work for just peace in Israel/Palestine, and electing a new general minister and president to chart a course for the future of the denomination. The Rev. John C. Dorhauer was overwhelmingly elected to serve as the UCC's ninth general minister and president. He takes over the reins

    from the Rev. Geoffey A. Black, who is retiring at month's end. During closing worship on Tuesday evening, June 30, Black presented his successor with a stole, a symbol of the new leadership role Dorhauer is stepping into, reflecting his calling to do new things. Excerpt fromUCC News, July 03, 2015 , Written by Connie Larkman. To read full article go to: http://www.ucc.org/news_general_synod_dorhauer_charts_course_for_ucc_future

    The United Church of Christ, General Synod 30, and Israel/Palestine What Synod Said, and What It Didnt A Summary Guide for UCC Clergy To read the summary go to: http://www.uccfiles.com/pdf/General-Synod-and-Israel-Palestine.pdf or ask the church office for a copy.

    CONFERENCE OCWM Friends, The Conference OCWM Covenanted Ministry is seeking additional members to help with their work. Listed below is information regarding their purpose and goals. Purpose Statement for OCWM Covenanted Ministry Team The conference covenanted ministry for interpreta-tion and promotion of OCWM will encourage the financial support of Our Churches Wider Mission - Basic Support in addition to participation in the four special offerings of the UCC by local churches of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Goal: Document our OCWM Ministry Team goals and perceived challenges with specific recommendations for next steps, necessary support from the Conference and timing of fu-ture activities. This document will then be shared with the current conference leadership. The group has been meeting primarily via a con-ference call with an occasional face to face meet-ing at Columbia UCC. If you have anyone in your congregation that would be interested in being a member of this group, please send me their name(s) and contact information. Thank you.

    Peace, Ron Wendle

    Q: How do bees get to school?

    A: On a school BUZZ!

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    Mayview

    Community Garden! They are like a well-watered

    plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over

    the garden;

    Job 8:16 NIVUK

    EXPRESSION SESSION Thank Yous

    Thank you so much for the time and car-

    ing you all gave us at The Terrace. Come

    again anytime. - Mary Ann

    Blessings to you all for sharing your gifts

    and talents with the residents at the Ter-

    race. Your generosity made all the differ-

    ence to each of us. Thank you! - Deb Kas-

    sien, Coordinator

    Those who give of their time are truly

    generous. Just saying "thank you" doesn't

    seem enough. We hope you know how appre-

    ciated you really are.

    The staff and Residents of Blue Springs Ter-

    race

    Zion UCC,

    Many thanks for your thoughts, love, cards

    and prayers. A special thanks to Pastor

    Kristin and Martha Hawthorne. Your

    warmth and support was appreciated. I

    love you all!!

    Lillie and family

    Our hearts are full of gratitude when we

    say many thanks to family members,

    friends and neighbors for all acts of kind-

    ness and sympathy: food, flowers, donations

    to Ricks Memorial funds, cards, visits and kind words spoken to our family regarding

    the recent passing of a wonderful husband,

    father, grandfather, son, brother and un-

    cle.Rick Lawson. Rick will always be re-membered for his sincere kindness, positive

    attitude, warm smile and that twinkle in

    his eye. Angie and Family

    The Lamplighter BUTTERFLY ROOM 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto my-self; that where I am, there ye may be also.

    John 14:3 (KJV)

    The words below were written by the Irish poet and

    philosopher John ODonohue who no longer lives on earth and come from his book of blessings

    called Benedictus.

    When you lose someone you love,

    Your life becomes strange,

    The ground beneath you becomes fragile,

    Your thoughts make your eyes unsure;

    And some dead echo drags your voice down

    Where words have no confidence

    Your heart has grown heavy with loss;

    And though this loss has wounded others too,

    No one knows what has been taken from you

    When the silence of absence deepens.

    Flickers of guilt kindle regret

    For all that was left unsaid or undone.

    There are days when you wake up happy;

    Again inside the fullness of life,

    Until the moment breaks

    And you are thrown back

    Onto the black tide of loss.

    Days when you have your heart back,

    You are able to function well

    Until in the middle of work or encounter,

    Suddenly with no warning,

    You are ambushed by grief.

    It becomes hard to trust yourself.

    All you can depend on now is that

    Sorrow will remain faithful to itself.

    More than you, it knows its way

    And will find the right time

    To pull and pull the rope of grief

    Until that coiled hill of tears

    Has reduced to its last drop.

    Gradually, you will learn acquaintance

    With the invisible form of your departed;

    And when the work of grief is done,

    The wound of loss will heal

    And you will have learned

    To wean your eyes

    From that gap in the air

    And be able to enter the hearth

    In your soul where your loved one

    Has awaited your return

    All the time.

    John ODonohue

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    The Lamplighter

    Celebration Occasions

    August Birthdays

    Date Birthday

    8 Joshua Wagner

    9 Kelly Bayless

    11 Jim Begemann

    12 Norma Mittelhauser

    15 Lillie Jennings

    19 Beth Ogan

    20 Michelle Bayless

    Mary Brueggenhohann

    Jim Walls

    29 Joyce Hoefer

    Sherri Walls

    Dallas Walls

    30 David Dickmeyer

    Administrative Affairs

    Reverend Kristin Aardema Faigh

    Home(660) 237- 4902 Church (660) 237-4355

    [email protected] Cell (660) 641-1038

    Scott Alvested Council President (816) 230-4450

    Angie Lawson Church Secretary

    (660) 237- 4355 [email protected]

    Jenny Holt Newsletter

    (660) 237 - 4923 [email protected]

    Teresa Begemann Organist

    (816) 633 - 4133 [email protected]

    Dawn Stuart Custodian

    (660) 237 - 4355

    Serving Souls

    August ACOLYTES GREETERS

    2 Austin Aardema

    Faigh

    Ronnie & Martha Hawthorne

    9 Donovan Aardema

    Faigh Wayne & Joyce Hoefer

    16 Trinity Alvested Robert & Amy Hoefer

    23 Tanner Burns Carl & Helen Hoeppner

    30 Alyssa Hoefer Scott & Amanda

    Hoeppner

    Office Hours

    Pastor Secretary

    Tuesday

    8:00 AMNoon

    Wednesday

    6:008:00 PM Wednesday

    5:009:00 PM

    Thursday

    8:00 AMNoon

    Reminder!

    The deadline for submissions for the September newsletter is Wednesday, August 19, 2015. Send your submissions to:

    [email protected] or [email protected]

    Or Call (660) 237-4923

    August Anniversaries

    5 Jeff & Connie Sanders

    25 Marvin & Alice Huenefeld

    31 Pastor Kristin & Kenny Faigh

    I missed Wayne Hoefer on the

    birthday list in July. Heres to a

    Happy Belated Birthday on July

    30th Wayne! JH

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    Zion United Church of Christ 105 North Mary St. Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224 Generous - Loving - Dedicated Christians Sunday School 9:30 am Worship at 10:30 am ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

    The Lamplighter August 2015

    Zion UCC Mission Statement The avowed purpose of our church shall be:

    To worship God, to proclaim and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacra-ments; to experience Christian fellowship, to build unity, and to practice charity within this congre-

    gation and the wider church; and to share this witness of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

    Summer Worship Whirl

    Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sundays

    Come As You Are Service 10:00 AM Monthly - 3rd Sunday

    Sacred Conversations and Fellowship

    9:00 AM Sundays

    Communion 10:00AM Monthly 1st Sunday & Special Holidays

    Church Council 7:00 PM Monthly

    Board of Christian Education 7:15 PM August 12, 2015

    SAIL (Serving All in Love) 7:00 PM Monthly - 4th Tuesday

    AddressBlock