March Lamplighter

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1 Zion United Church of Christ March 2015 Inside This Issue 1 Pastor’s Peace 2 Palm of Prayer & Worship Ways 3 Committees 2015 4 This Month’s Events 5 Inspiration Station 6 Butterfly Room & Expression Session 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 PASTOR’S PEACE Tweaking Worldview Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could per- form the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicode- mus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1-8 NIV) Nicodemus truly sought Truth but also held on to his worldview. There’s nothing wrong with that, right? Worldview is made up of tradition, education, and experi- ence. Our worldview helps us to reconcile ourselves with the culture and we can become very comfortable with our worldview, even as it only sees the world in a certain way. Jesus came to show us the Way to life eternal and we killed him for it. When someone messes with our worldview we tend to want to shut that person down, turn away from seeing in a new way. And sometimes that is good. But sometimes it’s not. The Pharisees, for example, held the power of the Law of God in their hands, and they freely wielded that power to keep order among the people. Order itself is not a bad thing, but when the means to keeping order involves maintaining the lifestyle of the “rich and famous” and those who consider themselves superior, at the expense of the rest of the world, then that order has become dysfunc- tional and harmful to itself and to the people it was meant

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March 2015 Newsletter for Zion UCC, Mayview, MO

Transcript of March Lamplighter

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Zion United Church

of Christ March 2015

Inside This Issue

1 Pastor’s Peace

2 Palm of Prayer & Worship Ways

3 Committees 2015

4 This Month’s Events

5 Inspiration Station

6 Butterfly Room & Expression

Session

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

Tweaking Worldview

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named

Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could per-form the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicode-mus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1-8 NIV) Nicodemus truly sought Truth but also held on to his worldview. There’s nothing wrong with that, right? Worldview is made up of tradition, education, and experi-ence. Our worldview helps us to reconcile ourselves with the culture and we can become very comfortable with our worldview, even as it only sees the world in a certain way. Jesus came to show us the Way to life eternal and we killed him for it. When someone messes with our worldview we tend to want to shut that person down, turn away from seeing in a new way. And sometimes that is good. But sometimes it’s not. The Pharisees, for example, held the power of the Law of God in their hands, and they freely wielded that power to keep order among the people. Order itself is not a bad thing, but when the means to keeping order involves maintaining the lifestyle of the “rich and famous” and those who consider themselves superior, at the expense of the rest of the world, then that order has become dysfunc-tional and harmful to itself and to the people it was meant

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The Lamplighter to teach and care for. And unfortunately the dysfunctional order of things can be maintained, as we see right in our own time, seemingly indefinitely.

The thing is, there must be chaos before there can be change. There has to be chaos before there can be creation. Jesus brought the chaos of a new Way, a new creation of peace and love and sharing and rebirth—seeing everything through transformed eyes, and though some “got it” and some “get it”, there is still an overpowering draw to wanting everything to go our own way; we want to maintain “order” in our own way. To benefit us financially, materially, familially…we continue to choose death over life—darkness over light—the easy way over God’s Way.

Jesus swallowed our deserved death in life through the resurrection. That’s mind-boggling! Jesus loves us so much that he allowed our destructive worldview, our blindness, to shut down, to turn away from, to kill his physical being—to cause death, chaos in the universe as darkness fell and the earth shook, and the fabric of the temple was ripped apart…

…all for us. This chaos happened so that we can become a new creation in the Christ of the universe…so that we can be in relationship with God through Christ, so that we can have life, and life eternal. I invite you to consider, along with Nicodemus, the implications of being born again… In anticipation of new life in Christ,

Pastor Kristin PALM of PRAYER 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

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: Don

Heidbrink, Lillie Jennings brother Dwayne, Ruth Trigg,

Michael Whitsitt, Roger Nolte, Terry Wade, Jeanne

Fleischmann; family and friends of John Hagerty; first

responders; military personnel and their families; families

around the world that are in the midst of disease, natural

disasters, immigration crisis, tensions, conflicts and wars

which are going on in different parts of the world.

Joys Courtwarming Royalty—Trent McGinnis and Tyler Wagner; Engagement of Tori Amos and Quentin Bainbridge; 65th Wedding Anniversary of Wilbur and Detta Neher; Spiritual growth and renewal. The birth of Remingtyn Halsey, born to Tiffany and Daniel, great grandparents of Joyce and

Marvin Schemmer, sister to Kirsten.

ZION UCC WORSHIP WAYS Weekly Lenten Gatherings Lenten gatherings will be held every Sunday from February 22 thru March 29. A feast of soup and bread will begin at 5 pm in the Fellowship Hall, followed by study and discussion, concluding no later than 7 pm. The Adult Lenten study will focus on MOSAIC: When God Uses All the Pieces and we will have games or movies for the younger learners. A sign-up sheet is on the card-signing table if you and your family would like to provide the soup and bread for an evening, or call the church office at (660) 237-4355. Join us as we explore the meaning of Lent in our lives together!

Lent Offering will go to

New Life Home Mayview

BCE Missions Offerings will go to Higginsville and Odessa Food Pantries. YOUTH YAK March 8th will be an All-Church Roller Skating Party in Higginsville from 2—4 pm. We will be preparing for the Community Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Sunrise Service. Each member is asked to bring 1 large or 2 small bags of candy/toys that are small and wrapped to fit inside plastic eggs. The Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Mayview park on Saturday, April 4th followed by Sunrise Service preparation. Please bring your sunrise service script. On Easter Sunday, wear your Easter best, (including your smile!) and bring your script to the Sunrise Service!

The Prayer of St. Patrick

The strength of God pilot Us

The wisdom of God instruct us

The hand of God protect us

The word of God direct us

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The Lamplighter 2015 Church Council and

Committees

Church Council

Brad Begemann - Secretary

Robert Hoefer – BCE Rep

Helen Hoeppner –Trustees Rep

Juanita Wright – Financial Secretary

Jim Begemann – Vice President

Denise Bainbridge -Treasurer

Scott Alvested - President

Board of Christian Education

Amy Nolte

Bill Bainbridge

Amy Hoefer

Teresa Begemann

Elaine Hudson

Mission Committee

Diane Wagner

Laura Nolte

Lillie Jennings

Martha Hawthorne

Parish Life

Committee

Judy Pragman

Alice Huenefeld

Tresina Alvested

Laura Nolte

Pastoral Support

Judy Pragman

Bill Bainbridge

Jeanette Starkebaum

Board of Trustees

Ronnie Hawthorne

Kenny Faigh

Kenny Jungerman

Cemetery Board

David Dickmeyer

Robert Hoefer

Mark Fiegenbaum

Mayview Alliance

Laura Nolte

Lafayette Cluster Rep

Martha Hawthorne

Conference Delegates

Elaine Hudson

Teresa Begemann

Juanita Wright

Matthew Elder

Nominating Committee

Denise Bainbridge

Carrie Begemann

Scott Alvested

Matthew Elder

Ad Hoc-By Law’s

Judy Pragman

Scott Hoeppner

Amy Hoefer

Denise Bainbridge

Provide a record for the ministry of a vibrant congregation’s history-in-the-making with well-written stories and photos Inform members, families, and many friends in the community of what’s happening in the church Create enthusiasm for programs Foster in the recruitment of volunteers in various areas of ministry Engender financial support for church operations and various programs Help create a caring community Aid members in keeping track of upcoming important dates by providing a written calendar Assist in providing spiritual guidance Advocate outreach through missions Offer inclusion to those unable to attend services regularly Encourage participation in church activities Reflect a lively, positive, and influential spiritual community Promote membership to our visitors Inspire folks to regularly attend worship services, Sunday school, and other activities of the church Publicize a balanced emphasis on youth and adults, men and women, singles and couples As we move forward in 2015 with new council and committee members, I would encourage you to appoint someone from your committee who will make a good faith effort to communicate with me to promote all the wonderful happenings at Zion. Verbal announcements and bulletin boards work well, yet there are many avenues to communication and the newsletter is another great opportunity to share the Good News. And remember, anyone can submit information of interest; you don’t have to be on a committee to share! Thank you for saying Yes and volunteering your time to better the newsletter, helping to keep it current and relevant, and helping to

improve the effectiveness of the mission and vision of Zion UCC. Jenny

The single biggest problem in

communication is the

illusion that it has taken place. George Bernard Shaw

GETTING THE WORD OUT One of the best ways for a church to grow is to let the congregation know what is happening from week to week, showcasing a well-developed vision for ministry. Our newsletter can accomplish a great deal, from letting others know needs of members to announcing upcoming events to inspiring spiritual growth. The church benefits, the members benefit and the commu-nity can learn more about the church. The follow-ing explores some benefits of an informing, edu-cating and entertaining newsletter.

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The Lamplighter

S.S.—9:30 A.M. Worship—10:30 A.M.

March 1, 2015 Second Sunday in Lent Ministerial Alliance Meeting FBC, 12:45 pm Vespers, 3:45 pm Meyer Care Center March 4, 2015 Choir, 7pm March 6, 2015 World Day of Pray March 8, 2015 Daylight Saving Time Begins Mayview 150 All-Church Roller Skating Party Higginsville, 2-4 pm Lenten Gathering, 5 pm March 9, 2015 Stepping Stone Shower, 9:30am BCE 7:15 pm March 11, 2015 Choir, 7pm March 15, 2015 Third Sunday in Lent Lenten Gathering, 5 pm

March 17, 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Council, 7pm March 18, 2015 Choir, 7pm March 20 2015 Spring Begins March 22, 2015 Fourth Sunday in Lent Lenten Gathering, 5 pm March 24, 2015 SAIL—lunch 11 am Victoria Peddler, Lexington March 25, 2015 Choir, 7pm March 29, 2015 Palm Sunday Lenten Gathering, 5 pm

Copyright © 2011 The Zondervan Corporation

Q: Why did the little bird get in trouble at school? A: Because he was caught tweeting on

a test.

Community, County & Conference Clamor Good Friday Community Service Join us on April 3, at First Baptist Church--Pastor Tommy Lindon from Zion AME will share the mes-sage--time yet to be determined. CAG The 2015 Missouri Mid-South Conference Annual Gathering is set for June 4-6, 2015.

Annual MMSUCC Men's Retreat The Annual Men's Retreat will be held on May 1-3 at our own Shannondale Community Center.

Annual MMSUCC Women's Retreat The Annual Women's Retreat will be held on May 1-3, 2015, at our own Camp MoVal. This year's theme is "Under the Shelter of God's Wings".

DORHAUER NOMINATED AS THE NEXT GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT OF THE UCC—The news is out, and it is our great joy to celebrate the nomination of The Rev. John C. Dorhauer as the new General Minister and

President of the United Church of Christ.

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INSPIRATION STATION

2 Because he bends down and

listens, I will pray as long as I breathe! Psalm 116:2 (TLB)

The price of anything is the

amount of life you exchange for

it.

Henry David Thoreau

It was one of those March days when the Sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when

it is summer in the light and winter in the shade. Charles Dickens

Daylight Saving Time Begins

March 8th!

Spring begins March 20th

"Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds,

there is always a space in which the good seed can grow.

You have to trust God."

- Pope Francis

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Really???? REALLY!!!! Because when God calls one of his children home, whatever their age, we know they are celebrating life as it was meant to be celebrated. We know that they are celebrating salvation and joy better than they ever did before. And we know they are in the hands of the only One in the whole universe who loves them more than we do … our Savior, the one who died for them and rose again with the promise that we too shall rise and shall live with him in his Home forever. I don’t know if you’ve given much thought to your funeral service; might be the last thing on your mind. But take a moment … right now … and consider this: do you want everyone to leave your funeral with an overwhelming sense of loss or with a glorious hope that in Christ they will see you again? Jesus rose and ascended into heaven so that we can celebrate even at the most un-usual of times … because we know the best times are yet to come! Christ lives eternally and so shall we. What a cause for celebration! Pastor Dave Hein Pastor David Hein, whom the Lord called to paradise suddenly on Thursday, February 6, suffered a heart at-tack while driving. This newsletter article that Pastor Hein recently wrote hits home about what death means to a Christian. http://wautomapeacelutheran.org/

Messenger of Peace March 2014

What do you get if you cross poison

ivy with a four-leaf clover??

A rash of good luck!

EXPRESSION SESSION Thank You’s Dear Congregation of Zion UCC, Thank you so very much for all the thoughtful cards you

have sent us over the years. Thank you for loving our

daughter, Pastor Kristin, so much and caring for her

family. You are truly blessed to be a blessing!

Enclosed is a small love gift to put toward any of your

special projects, in thanks for your thoughtfulness. We

also love receiving the monthly newsletter. We look for-

ward to seeing you in April when we'll attend church

and Kristin's Ordination.

Love in Christ,

Jan and Charlie Lewis

The Lamplighter BUTTERFLY ROOM 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3

(KJV)

Unusual Celebrations He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. ~Romans 4:25 We just baptized another new child of God in church last Sunday. What a cause for celebration! I just met with a young couple last night who wish to be married. What a cause for celebration! On the first Sunday of May we will be witnessing the confirmation vows of eleven young people in the front of St. Paul. What a cause for celebration! As I write, I’m waiting on pins and needles for my son Greg to call and tell us about the birth of our new granddaughter and how his wife Julie is do-ing. What a cause for celebration! All of these are wonderful though not unusual causes for celebration, aren’t they? Families get together, cards are sent, gifts are given, food is consumed, hugs for all around - plenty of celebra-tion. I spoke with a pastor recently whose congregation will be observing their 75th anniversary. And then there’s the one which had its 125th last year. And our neighbors in Hartford will have their 150th next year. All wonderful - and usual - reasons for cele-bration. So when I told someone that St. Paul will be cele-brating its 140th year, she actually said to me, “Oh, is that… usual?” What she meant was: it’s not the 75th or 150th; it’s just… well, only… 140… no big deal to some people. But to those of us here at St. Paul … what a won-derful and unusual reason to celebrate the amaz-ing grace of our amazing God! We have EVERY reason to celebrate as we look back on how the Lord has used St. Paul to show and share the sac-rificial love of the Savior whose blood has made us the children of God. And God has enabled this congregation of his people to do this for the past 140 years! What a cause for celebration! Is it unusual? Well, I guess it is to some. But it should surprise no one that Christians tend to celebrate not just at the usual times but at some most unusual times as well. The most unusual of which is when a beloved child of God departs from this life. Saying goodbye to someone so precious to us that it hurts to even think about them being gone … and then celebrate their departure

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The Lamplighter

Celebration Occasions

March Birthdays

Date Birthday 6 Amy Burns

12 Glenn Wagner

24 Makenzie Koch

26 Scott Hoeppner

28 Mary Helen Thomson

31 Jeff Sanders

Administrative Affairs

Pastor 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

March ACOLYTES GREETERS

1 Adam Hoefer Wayne & Joyce Hoefer

8 Alyssa Hoefer Robert & Amy Hoefer

15 Kristen Johnson Carl & Helen Hoeppner

22 Austin Aardema

Faigh

Scott & Amanda

Hoeppner

29 Donovan Aardema

Faigh Marvin & Alice Huenefeld

Office Hours

Pastor Secretary

Tuesday

8:00 AM—Noon

Wednesday

6:00—8:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00—9:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM—Noon

Reminder!

The deadline for submissions for the April newsletter is Wednesday, March 18, 2015. Send your submissions to:

[email protected] or [email protected]

March Anniversaries

3 Glenn & Beth Wagner

12 Darrell & Lori Fiegenbaum

MAYVIEW LIONS CLUB

Community Breakfast

3rd

Saturday Jan, Feb, Mar & Apr 7:00 am – 9:00 am

Mayview Community Building Free will donation

Proceeds to Mayview 150 Club (Mayview Sesquicentennial)

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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 March 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.

Worship Whirl

Traditional Worship 10:30 AM Sundays

Come As You Are Service 10:30 AM Monthly - 3rd Sunday

Sunday School 9:30 AM Sundays

Communion 10:30AM Monthly 1st Sunday & Special Holidays

Church Council 7:00 PM Monthly

Board of Christian Education 7:00 PM Monthly

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