The Lamplighter

PASTORS PIECE Zion United Church of Christ August 2012 Inside This Issue
"MAYVIEW DAYS"
This being my family's first Mayview Picnic/ Community Worship experience in Mayview, I wasn't sure what to expect, so we just stepped into each new event. Saturday morning began with the creation of Zion UCC's VBS float for Operation Overboard! Jim Begemann on his John Deere delivered the flatbed as promised, adjusted a few things on the tractor, then left for the Tractor Cruise (see Jim for details). Amy Hoefer (our fearless VBS leader) and family made items appear, we grabbed some tools, Alvesteds and Hoeppners from three generations appeared, and we fashioned a float! (See pictures on page 3) After float decoration came a time of waiting. The day was full of anticipation, excitement and expectation--almost like preparing each week to come and be a part of the community of Worship! Despite the pitiful heat, there was a cool breeze of Spirit that flowed through the souls who gathered for the parade and evening of enjoying being together. Working in the Cook Shack was like fellowshipping with friends and neighbors, feasting together, laughing together...melting together. A literally hot game of football by multiple ages of young people served as entertainment as many sought shade, but nothing dampened the Spirit of joy amidst the environment's heat. Sunday morning Worship was a bit cooler, and again filled with a quiet joy as we gathered under a shade tree near the pavilion. Mayview Ministerial Alliance provided Worship--it was my turn to preach, and the liturgy was shared with Rev. Valencia Jackson (whose trumpet solos are always moving and beautiful) from Zion AME, and Interim Rev. Jim Short from First Baptist, whose prayer was inspiring. Teresa Begemann, as always, helped us sing familiar songs with joy and abandon.

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Pastors Piece Palm of Prayer Worship Ways & Youth Yak Community, County & Conference Clamor This Months Events Butterfly Room & Expression Session

7 Celebration Occasions
Worship Whirl

Zion United Church of ChristEstablished 1880 105 N. Mary, Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224 Phone and FAX: (660) 237 - 4355

We worshiped, we sang, we prayed, and we gave of our resources to Habitat for Humanity, a ministry whose need we well understand. But most of all we came together to create this moment of sharing where we temporarily stepped away from the invisible baggage we carry, to receive love and to send it out from our hearts to be carried by Spirit on the gentle breeze that cooled our moist skin. It didn't end there. We moved toward the Community Center, preparing to generously compete for sweets in the Community Betterment pie auction and pot luck feast. We were amazed at the amounts raised for these wonderful confections, but the best part was visiting with our neighbors, some of whom we don't often get a chance to see or talk with because of the everyday demands that pull us away from the community. Community: commune--to communicate intimately; unity--quality or state of being one. Hearts came together, resources were abundantly shared as we flowed through the weekend with smiles and laughter. Jesus said, "And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my [God] in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them." Matthew 18:19-20. Christ is among us and within us. Thanks be to God! Blessings, peace and love, Pastor Kristin

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Palm of Prayer
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For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ASV) Concerns
Please continue to surround in love and prayer, those experiencing health difficulties &/or recovering from surgery: Robert Heidbrink at John Knox in Higginsville, Sylvian Neher at Lutheran Good Shepherd in Concordia; Virgil and Sadie Johnson's granddaughter, Aisha; Louis White; Margaret Frazier; Elvie, 6 month old newlyadopted great-granddaughter of Dorothy Begemann; Virgil and Verneal Koch; Leo and Maggie Barresi; Residents of Mayview and beyond--that God will meet each need.

Joys
We look forward to the wedding on Friday, August 10, of Tiffany M. Schemmer and Daniel M. Halsey Congratulations! ; Dakota Russell's safe return from Joplin mission trip; the Annual Begemann Reunion will be Sunday, August 12--Phew! Fellowship Hall is complete, and so beautiful! MASSIVE amounts of thanks to everyone who participated in the re-creation of Fellowship Hall, and the shiny and joyful cleaning of the church!!! We offer our prayers for complete healing, and celebrate in the joy of healing and new life!

NEW ADDRESS:
Sylvian Neher Lutheran Good Shepherd Home Lutheran Nursing Home 202 S. West Street PO Box 849 Concordia, MO 64020

PASTORAL VISITS OR PRAYERS

I'm joyfully continuing my endeavor to visit all the members and friends of Zion United Church of Christ, according to schedules, time available, and desire. You can help out also by calling me for a time to visit, or if a pastoral care visit or prayer request is in your heart. The best way to reach me is at the parsonage, 660-2374902, and the next best option is my cell @ 660641-1038. Blessings! Pastor Kristin

Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road. ~ Voltaire
"I would like to remind you that what you are about to give is tax deductible, cannot be taken with you, and it is considered in the Bible that the love of this is the root of all evil."

Zion UCC Worship Ways

Board of Christian Ed
Summer Sunday School continues with a start time of 8:45 AM with food and fellowship; activities beginning at 9:15 AM . Summer Sunday School Schedule: August 5th: Visitation Sunday 12th: Olympics 19th: Hymn Sing 26th: Veggie Tales

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Youth Yak
Whats Going on with You Youths?
Please share with me your summer experiences as we get ready to head already into fall! What are you looking forward to this year in Sunday School and church activities? How might you grow in relationship with Jesus and with each other? Let's talk! Have fun! Pastor Kristin

Back to School!
First day of school for Odessa R-VII Bulldog students is Tuesday, August 14, 2012.

Who Knew?
Congregations in the United Church of Christ have the freedom to use any combination of colors (or no particular colors) as seems best to them. The use of traditional colors, however, connects us to the wider Body of Christ and provides worship planners with visual aids that mark the transition from one season to another. Colors can be used in altar and pulpit decorations, vestments, banners and tapestries.

Season After Epiphany

The season following Epiphany continues the theme established on Epiphany Day: the spread of the Good News of Christ from its source in the Jewish community to all nations on earth. The Lectionary therefore explores the mission of the church in the world. The theme of this season (along with the sequence of readings from the Gospel) continues in the season after Pentecost, so both seasons together can be called the "Time of the Church." The traditional liturgical color for both seasons, Green, is the color of

Mission Committee
The CROP Walk will be Sunday, September 30 at 3pm at Confederate Park. Please prepare your hearts and set aside a financial gift in preparation for this worthy ministry! FESTIVAL OF SHARING--Still collecting items, as Festival of Sharing is right around the corner in October.

growth.

Source: www.ucc.org

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

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Council Clippings
Zion Church Council met July 12, 2012. Carpets have all been cleaned by Service Master. Windows and woodwork have been cleaned. Thanks to all who helped clean our house of worship. Keep Sunday, Sept. 9 open for the ribbon cutting for the basement renovation. Church softball begins July 17. Communion in Aug. will be Aug. 12 with Aug. 5 visitation Sunday. Pastor Kristin and family leaving on vacation Sunday, July 29 after worship. Next Council meeting Aug. 16 at 7:30pm. Ruth Dierking

Will we welcome those we do not understand? Will we welcome those with whom we are not necessarily comfortable? So often persons leave the church who need it the very most. Jesus came to minister to those in need, not those who are well, toward wholeness of mind, body and spirit. We are an extension of the Body, and that is our job too--both to each other as well as to those who challenge our comfort zone.

Become a Part of History

Did you see the Oral History Project videos at Conference Annual Gathering? Did you record your own comments at CAG? Twenty one people got their comments recorded while at CAG. We would like people from all areas of the conference to participate in this project that will help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the conference. Our Oral History Team is small, just one or two people from each association. We invite you to video record interviews with people from your area to make sure your corner of the conference is represented. Whether you have been active with the Missouri Mid-South Conference for 5 days or the entire 50 years, you ARE a part of this Conference and we want to hear from you! For more information contact Joy Dressel at 636-256-1736.

Vacation and Visitation Sunday

During Pastor Kristin's vacation, Rev. Stephen Redman will be on call for emergencies. His numbers are Church--816-650-3653; Parsonage --816-650-3047; and Secretary--816-230-5762. *Reminder: Since Visitation Sunday is August 5, we will celebrate Communion on August 12. On August 5, Ebenezer UCC in Levasy will have a special Gospel Choir--worshiping at 9am. I'd love a bulletin!

Community, County & Conference Clamor

'Keeping You e-Posted' is a weekly, coordinated

WEEKLY COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY

Those who attended Community Bible Study last year, including myself, seemed to get a lot out of it. Although I'm thrilled with the group I had, I do want to open it up to a time where more of you will be able to attend. Here are some times that I have available on a weekly basis during Fall/Winter/Spring-PLEASE SEE WHAT TIME IS BEST FOR YOU AND LET ME KNOW ASAP so that I can make it happen. Tuesday mornings at 10 or 11am. Tuesday evenings at 6 or 7pm. Wednesday evenings at 6pm, before Choir. Thursday mornings at 10 or 11am. Looking forward to hearing from you! 660-237 -4902 Parsonage; 660-641-1038 Cell. Let's explore God's Word together! Pastor Kristin

e-zine of news, featured items, resources, worship materials, and justice-action items e-mailed each Tuesday. Sign up or read archives at: http://www.ucc.org/news/keeping-you-eposted/

KYeP article: "Michigan Bible Study Could Change Perceptions"

Something to think about. Do we welcome each person who comes through the door of Zion United Church of Christ? I like to think we do. But mostly the people who walk through our doors are relatives and friends, past members, or potentially new members (yay!) that have a past connection with our church.

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This Months Events

S.S.8:45 AM Worship10:00 AM

August 5, 2012 Visitation Sundayno services at Zion Wedding Shower, 2 pm VespersGolden Living Center, 3 pm August 7, 2012 Softball, 6:30 pm August 9, 2012 Wedding Rehearsal August 10, 2012 Schemmer/Halsey Wedding August 12, 2012 Communion Begemann Reunion August 13, 2012 Mayview Council, 6:30 pm August 14, 2012 Missions, 10 am Softball, 6:30 pm Board of Christian Ed, 7 pm August 15, 2012 Parish Life, 7 pm August 16, 2012 Church Council, 7:30 pm August 28,2012 SAIL, 7 pm
Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Zion UCC would like to thank its Women's Fellowship for their donation of $50 to Steppingstone Auxiliary, and to Steppingstone for their continued work helping young people make their way into adulthood!

ATTENTION!! LOST AND FOUND

There are several items on the second shelf of the table in the sitting area outside the Sanctuary. Also, a very special small black "change purse" has been lost--it belongs to Virginia Bertz--please let her know if you find it. Thanks!

WHEN YOUR DUCKS AREN'T IN A ROW

On the surface, people, like ducks, can seem to glide effortlessly through life. We're often the picture of calm, in perfect control. But underneath, we may be paddling like mad to keep up a facade-or just to keep up. Although we like to look and feel as if we have it all together, the truth is we often don't. Think how much better we'd feel if we could just admit our weaknesses and doubts. Think how much more genuine our churches would be if we didn't have to pretend we're okay when we're actually struggling. Surely God wants the pretense to stop. Set an example for friends and fellow worshipers by ending the mad paddling, embracing honesty and helping one another. --Anonymous

Reminder!
The deadline for submissions for the Sept newsletter is Monday, August 20, 2012. Send your submissions to: jennyj36@yahoo.com or zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com or Call (660) 237-4923

Butterfly Room
The Heart Rock Story
Cruising on I-90 from Washington back to Colorado, John and I are ready for rest after eight hours of driving. We stop at a campground with easy access to the freeway, just outside of Missoula, Montana. Fortunately, the campground is practically empty. We set up camp among tall ponderosa pines and bushes tucked away near a creek. It is the perfect respite from our long trip. Enjoying the solitude and beauty of our site, we decide to stay an extra day. Sitting on a large rock at the edge of the creek, I allow myself to slow down and be in the moment. I notice small butterflies, bees, bugs and ants busy doing their thing. I take in the gurgling sound of the creek, the blue sky, and the warmth of the sun. At the height of the hot summer day, John and I don our bathing suits. We frolic and play in the creek, dunking our heads under the cold rushing water, and skipping rocks like we did when we were kids. I lean down to pick up a rock and enjoy the way it feels in my hand. I notice its shape, a heart. It has cracks and white lines running through it. Further, I notice tiny white crystals emerging from within one of the cracks at the top. Fascinated, I ponder the rocks story. It seems similar to mine somehow. Then the rock speaks, I have been here for ages and have witnessed the cycles and seasons of life. People, animals, trees and even forests have come and gone. With each death, Ive seen new life born and creation continue its dance. How did your body get this way? I ask. My body has weathered the passage of time. Exposure to the elements, the harsh winter storms, has caused cracks to form in my structure. I admire the unique shape of the rock with all of its cracks and imperfections. The cracks have created a profound depth within my being from which I can relate to all of the other broken heart rocks, to their grief, loss, pain and suffering. Amazed, I reflect on my own life and how each storm, each experience of disappointment and loss has made me a stronger, more loving and compassionate person. The crystals you see emerging from my cracks are my Spirit. The love, light and joy of who I am is now able to shine more brightly through the spaces the cracks have created. I get it. When we allow our trials in life to break open and soften our hearts, rather than close and harden them, our beautiful spirit shines through.

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Deeply grateful for the heart rock and its inspiring message, I bring it home with me as a reminder that the trials in my life have made me who I am today beautiful, perfect and whole.
By Karen Mehringer, MA

Expression Session
Thank You's
Dear Emmaus Homes Friends, The summer months are always busy months for the residents and clients of Emmaus Homes. In addition to the regular activities of exercise programs, cooking classes, crafts and table games, they will also be attending special outings. Some will be enjoying Cardinals' games while others will enjoy taking a trip to relax and see several musicals at the MUNY. Emmaus is able to provide these experiences and opportunities to 257 men and women with developmental disabilities because caring people, like you, make a gift. Thank you for your generous gift of $161.00. With the help of your support, we are grateful to be able to provide our clients with many opportunities to experience a variety of activities and events that they can participate in and enjoy. By helping them be a part of these special activities not only brings smiles to their faces, but a sense of accomplishment as well. For this, we are truly grateful to you for making a difference! Once again, thank you for your generosity and support of Emmaus mission to enhance the lives of adults who have developmental disabilities. Sincerely, Lisa A. Drier Executive Director

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Celebration Occasions
August Birthdays Pastor
Date 2 3 5 8 Birthday Chris Coleman Jason Wade Trent McGinnis Tina Morgan Justina Begemann Joshua Wagner Kelly Bayless Jim Begemann Kelsey Messer Norma Mittelhauser William Nolte D. J. Dierking Tom Begemann Scott Wright Beth Ogan Michelle Bayless Gail Coffey Mary Brueggenjohann Ruth Ann Trigg Tony Schmutz Jim Walls Matthew Gatewood Kelsie Dale Collin Wade Joyce Hoefer Sherri Walls Dallas Walls David Dickmeyer Olivia Wildschuetz
Wayne Hoefer Council President

Office Hours
Secretary
Tuesday 8:00 AMNoon Wednesday 6:008:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AMNoon Wednesday 5:009:00 PM

9 11 12 14 15 17 19 20

Serving Souls
August 5 12 19 26 ACOLYTES no services Donovan Aardema Faigh Kristen Johnson Adam Hoefer GREETERS no services Ronnie & Martha Hawthorn Wayne & Joyce Hoefer Robert & Amy Hoefer

21

23 26 29

Administrative Affairs
Pastor Kristin Aardema Faigh (660) 237- 4902 pastorkristinatzion@yahoo.com cell (660) 641-1038 (660) 237- 4386

30 31

August Anniversaries
5 7 25 30 31 Jeff & Connie Sanders Shane & Pam Smith Marvin & Alice Huenefeld Larry & Anita Bentsen Pastor Kristin & Kenny Faigh

Angie Lawson Church Secretary Jenny Holt Newsletter Editor Teresa Begemann Organist Connie Sanders Custodian

(660) 237- 4355 zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com (660) 237 - 4923 jennyj36@yahoo.com (816) 633 - 4133 tjbegemann@yahoo.com (660) 237 - 4246 cjsanders77@yahoo.com

Oops! We missed the birthday of Marvin Huenefeld on June 23rd. Our apologies!

Zion United Church of Christ 105 North Mary St. Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224 Generous - Loving - Dedicated Christians Sunday School 9:00 am Worship at 10:30 am

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

The Lamplighter August 2012

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 Sacraments; to experience Christian fellowship, to build unity, and to practice charity within this congregation and the wider church; and to share this witness of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Worship Whirl
Traditional Worship Contemporary Worship Sunday School Communion Church Council Board of Christian Education SAIL (Serving All in Love) 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 8:45 AM 10:00AM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sundays Monthly - 3rd Sunday Sundays Monthly 1st Sunday & Special Holidays Monthly Monthly Monthly - 4th Tuesday