The Lamplighter

PASTORS PIECE Zion United Church of Christ March 2014 Inside This Issue
Embrace Lent
All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Ecclesiastes 3:20 I found a proverb in my teaching Bible, not numbered in the verses of the Book of Proverbs, but very appropriate nonetheless. It says, If I speak in contempt of my neighbors faults, I speak in contempt of my own. Isnt it an interesting feeling to experience truth in your soul? Lent is a time of preparation for remembering the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus the Christ on Good Friday, and his gentle, yet spectacular resurrection on Easter morning, and what that all means in our lives as Christians. Our culture invites us first to celebrate, as in a carnival fashion, on the days beforehand, through eating and merriment and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), which is an American tradition brought to us in the 17th century, basically through French Catholic tradition and Spanish influences. Secret societies paraded with a basic story conflicting vice and virtue, and it has become an annual (except for years of major wars) occasion of indulgence. Perhaps this brief time of indulgence can help us to focus more meaningfully during Lent, on our need for repentance. As a parishioner mentioned recently in a Sunday morning Gathering, we tend to complain, and she noted this in herself as well. We complain about the weather (mostly?), whether it is too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. Too often feelings of negativity and frustration usually result. And when we complain about the weather, how easy it is to move on to complaining about anythingor anyoneelse. Is complaining in need of repentance in your life? Gossiping, fault finding, judgment, disrespect, selfishness? the list goes on. Lent is a time of stepping away from our busy schedules to reflect on who Christ is in our lives, how we can better be servants of the Gospel,

1 Pastors Piece 2 Palm of Prayer 3 This Months

Events

4 5 6 8

Worship Ways

Community, County & Conference Clamor & Inspiration Station Butterfly Room & Expression Session

7 Celebration Occasions
Worship Whirl Newsletter Email Address Change
Please note my new email address when submitting articles and information for the newsletter: jennyholt14@gmail.com. Thanks! Jenny Holt

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

perhaps relinquish a bit of control that holds us back from the freedom God longs for us to enjoy. Four prayer stations will be available during Lent for personal opportunities of meditation, as well as Sunday evening short films by Rob Bell, followed by discussion. Come be a part, and let Spirits healing presence envelop you. Grace and peace, Pastor Kristin

The Lamplighter

Stats from the Financial Secretary

January average attendance at worship services: 50 January Current Offering Received $4,677.91 January OCWM (benevolent) Offering Received $417.54

The Church Year

The Season of Epiphany (January 6 March 4, 2014) Transfiguration (Last Sunday in Epiphany): March 2 Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras: March 4 The Season of Lent (March 5 April 19, 2014) Ash Wednesday: March 5 First Sunday in Lent: March 9 Holy Week (April 13 - April 19 [20], 2014, including Palm/Passion Sunday) Palm/Passion Sunday: April 13 Maundy Thursday: April 17 Good Friday: April 18 Holy Saturday: April 19 The Season of Easter (April 20 June 7, 2014)

Palm of Prayer
11-12

Its in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11 12 (MSG)

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: Jeff Sanders; Don Hurd; Charles Tugg; family of Amber Smith; first responders; military personnel and their families; families around the world that are in the midst of war and natural disasters.

Creating Prayer Stations

Creating prayer stations is a way to help and allow people to be. This might sound vague, but prayer stations can help people to connect with God as holistic beings in a two-way communication process. Stations can provide the opportunity to engage all the senses hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch and these connect in often surprising ways to the mind, body and spirit. Traditional models of worship and prayer work for some people. However, they can be difficult if you dont have a Christian heritage or background. All of us may have had the experience of being asked to sit quietly and pray, but instead find our mind wandering and writing a mental to-do list. Prayer stations may provide an alternative to this situation. In her book Childrens Spirituality (what it is and why it matters), Rebecca Nye offers six criteria for ensuring we provide good spiritual foundations. Lets look at these criteria in the context of prayer stations: Space-Physical, auditory and emotional; Process; Imagination; Relationship; Intimacy; Trust. Revd Jenny Ellis MA in Christian Spirituality To read more: http://www.methodist.org.uk/ media/886726/dd-explore-worship-creating-prayer -stations-0613.pdf

Joys
Will and Beth Oganbaby girl Adalyn Grace Travis and Lindsey Fuchebaby boy Allen Goers turned 90 on 02/28/14

I Know My Master
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, 'Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side..' Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know..' 'You don't know? You're a Christian man, and don't know what's on the other side?' The doctor was holding the handle of the door; On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, 'Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside.. He knew nothing except that his master was here, And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, But I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough.' ~ Author Unknown

The Lamplighter

This Months Events

S.S.9:30 A.M. Worship10:30 A. M.
March 2, 2014 Communion March 5, 2014 Ash Wednesday Service, 7 pm March 6, 2014 Prayer Group, 1:30 pm March 9, 2014 Confirmation Lenten Gathering, 6 pm March 10, 2014 Steppingstone Shower; 9:30 am Napoleon, MO March 11, 2014 BCE, 7:15 pm March 12, 2014 Choir, 7 pm March 16, 2014 Come As You Are Service Tea Party Ladies of the Afternoon, 3 pm Lenten Gathering, 6 pm March 19, 2014 Choir, 7 pm March 20, 2014 Prayer Group, 1:30 pm Council, 7 pm March 23, 2014 Confirmation Lenten Gathering, 6 pm March 26, 2014 NO Choir March 27, 2014 Prayer Group, 1:30 pm 30 Rock, 6 pm Robert & Amy Hoefers March 30, 2014 Lenten Gathering, 6 pm Copyright 2011 The Zondervan Corporation

Zion UCC Worship Ways

Council Comments
Zion Church Council reorganized on January 26, 2014. A big "Thank You" to Bill & Denise Bainbridge for opening their home to us for the evening! Your 2014 Officers are: President - Scott Alvested Vice-President - Jim Begemann Treasurer - Denise Bainbridge Recording Secretary - Diane Wagner Financial Secretary - Juanita Wright Board of Education Rep. - Judy Pragman Board of Trustees Rep. - Carl Hoeppner It is the newly reorganized Council's hope and primary goal to work as one, share each other's load and to be in constant communication with each other and the congregation we have been elected to serve. Help Wanted: Council would appreciate volunteer(s) to assist the acolyte on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in filling this position, please talk to Scott Alvested or any Council member. Scott has been filling this role for the past 15 years and would like to step down at this time due to other Sunday morning obligations. Thank you, Scott, for your dedication to keeping things going behind the scenes! And last, but certainly not least, Council would like to express our utmost gratitude to Wayne Hoefer and Scott Hoeppner for their past three years of service to this faith community. Your dedication to Zion Church has been exceptional! Thank You! We pondered your love-in-action, God, waiting in your temple: Your name, God, evokes a train of Hallelujahs wherever It is spoken, near and far; your arms are heaped with goodness-in-action. Psalm 48:9-10 MSG

Special Congregational Meeting

A special congregational meeting will be held March 9th following worship service, to discuss the recent emergency replacement of the furnace in the parsonage.

The Lamplighter SAIL

SAIL met in January, and began making plans for 2014. We have chosen to study some of the women of the Bible as we meet each month. We are planning an Afternoon Tea for the Ladies of Zion on Sunday, March 16 at 3:00 PM. On April 12 starting at 10:00 AM, we plan to again sponsor the annual Mayview cleanup. We will do a celebration event for our confirmands and their families on a date suitable for them. We also plan to do some random acts of kindness such as the grocery deliveries we have done in the past or other ideas as they are suggested. Reported by: Juanita Wright

Board of Christian Education

Officers for this year are Chair- Amy Hoefer Vice Chair- Carolyn Bayless Secretary- Joyce Hoefer Treasurer- Tim Wright Sunday School Rep- Carolyn Bayless Council Representative- Judy Pragman We are looking for anyone interested in volunteering to help with the Easter sunrise breakfast, please contact Amy Hoefer. It was decided to have the mission offering this year go to New Directions in Higginsville.

LENT GATHERINGS
Lent begins this year with Ash Wednesday on March 5. Our Ash Wednesday service of Worship and imposition of ashes will take place at 7pm. Please join us for this meaningful time. Each Sunday evening for the six weeks of Lent (beginning March 9 at 6pm) we will gather together for a short film from Nooma, by Pastor, Author and Speaker Rob Bell, followed by discussion. Children are welcome. The first week's film will be "Trees," followed by "Sunday," "Flame," (which is about marriage and relationships--especially good for teens); "Rain," and "Trees" again. Palm Sunday will conclude with a potluck and discussion of overall experience of these Gatherings, and how they help prepare us for Good Friday and Easter. Also during Lent four prayer stations will be available for meditation. There will be a sign-up sheet for times during the week when the church needs to be open, and they will be available before or after Sunday school and Worship services on Sunday. Please talk with Pastor Kristin if you have any questions. NOTE: Please bring special crosses to share for one of the Prayer Stations.
In the attitude of silence the soul finds a path to clearer light. What is elusive & deceptive becomes crystal clear.

Community, County & Conference Clamor

Community Worship
Mayview Community Worship Service will be Good Friday, April 18, at Zion AMEC. Pastor Kristin will preach. Time will be noted in April's Lamplighter.

Conference Daily Prayers in Lent A Journey of Faith

We pray at the beginning of a meal, the beginning of a meeting, the opening of a program and during worship. We may pray at the start of our day or at the end of it. Each time we pray something shifts and changes in us. Praying together gathers up the power of individual prayer into a catalytic movement toward possibility and hope. What better way is there to BE the Missouri Mid-South Conference than to pray together? Our Conference has been on a path of change lately, a path of questions and reformulations for the future. Sometimes that is the description of the faith journey through the forty days of Lent. Yet we travel through the days of Lent with growing expectation, because we know that at the end of those days we will arrive at Easter.

The Lamplighter
This Lent we have chosen to invite everyone in the Conference to commit to praying daily as a Conference family: each of us lifting up our prayer as close to 12 noon as possible, or at one's most favorable time. A brief meditation based on a scripture verse along with a prayer will be provided for each day. These will be personal views of faith. Each week of prayers will be offered in a printable format in the weekly e-courier, as well as on the MMS website. People will be encouraged to print out the week of prayers, and to share it with others, including having clergy place copies in the Sunday bulletin or pews. Watch for more information. Who knows where the Spirit will lead?
Source: eCourier

Words to Ponder
The quote below is the preamble to the Bylaws of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, UCC. As I was reading it, I thought "That sounds like Mayview Zion UCC!" I feel very optimistic and hopeful for the future of our fellowship and mission. Together, we have so many gifts to offer, in love and covenant with God and each other! PREAMBLE "Honoring our past, open to new possibilities for the present, and hopeful for the future of our fellowship and mission, we are a people in covenant with God and with one another and do bind ourselves, in the presence of God, to walk together in all the ways in which God may be revealed to us."

Church Trinity UCC Lexington Salem UCC Higginsville Immanuel Lutheran Higginsville St. Marys Catholic Higginsville

CROP Walk Report Walkers25% Workers 6 9 2 3 $12.50 $18.75 $31.25 Church Women of Higg/Corder $25.00 $71.00 $137.50 $233.50 Sweet Springs Food Pantry $72.50 Lex Food Pantry

Total Raised $290.00

Q: Why is a broken drum the best present? A: You just can't beat it!

INSPIRATION STATION
Intentionally Celebrating Lent & Easter as a Family

$75.00 $75.00

St John UCC Emma St Paul UCC Blackburn Bethel UCC Concordia

11 4 0

$100.00 $283.97 $550.00

Nature Scavenger Hunt Collect items that remind you of the life of Jesus. Two sticks could be used to form a cross, a stone could represent the stone across the tomb, a thorn could represent the crown on Jesus head, an acorn shell to represent the cup at the Last Supper, long branch to represent a whip, something black (for sin), something red (blood), something white (a clean heart), something green (growing in Christ). Older children can go on a digital scavenger hunt, taking photographs of items that remind them of Easter.

Prayer Beads
$447.41

St Luke UCC Grand Pass

$111.85 $55.93 Shepherds Food Pantry Waverly & $55.93 Comm Food Pantry Marshall $638.25 Back Snack Program at Zion $1087.35

Zion UCC Mayview Overall Totals

27 66

$2553.00 $4349.38

Crop Walk Report

Prayer beads are used in many religions and cultures throughout the world. You may have seen them as Catholic Rosary beads, but other forms of prayer beads or prayer ropes are used in Islam, Buddhism Hinduism, Sikhism and yes - even Protestantism. While the exact origins are unclear, earliest traces of praying with beads can be found in the ancient Hinduism of India dating back to the 3rd century BC. Whatever their origins may be, we know that many faiths have used them to practice devotion and meditation based on pattern and repetition.

Did you know the English word for bead derives from the Old English noun bede which means "a prayer"? Prayer ropes are devotional tools that guide our hearts to God. There is no right way to pray. There are no set prayers. This is a tool, not a test. Some folks pray a short simple prayer called the "Jesus Prayer" on every bead. Others choose their favorite scripture, or favorite hymn, with each bead a different verse. Some even pray for something new on each bead: "For my sister and her cancer" "For the end of violence in my city" "Thank you for this bright and sunny day". Explore different rhythms. Say your prayers aloud, in silence, or even with a group! Take a breath. Ready? Set. Pray.
For full article and how to make your own prayer beads see http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/practices/prayerbeads.html

The Lamplighter
In 1862, Dickenss younger sister, Letitia, lost her husband of twenty-five years, the architect and artist Henry Austin. In a letter from early October of that year, found in The Letters of Charles Dickens (public library; free download), Dickens envelops Letitia with equal parts compassionate consolation and a call to psychoemotional arms: I do not preach consolation because I am unwilling to preach at any time, and know my own weakness too well. But in this world there is no stay but the hope of a better, and no reliance but on the mercy and goodness of God. Through those two harbours of a shipwrecked heart, I fully believe that you will, in time, find a peaceful resting-place even on this careworn earth. Heaven speed the time, and do you try hard to help it on! It is impossible to say but that our prolonged grief for the beloved dead may grieve them in their unknown abiding-place, and give them trouble. The one influencing consideration in all you do as to your disposition of yourself (coupled, of course, with a real earnest strenuous endeavour to recover the lost tone of spirit) is, that you think and feel you can do. . . . I rather hope it is likely that through such restlessness you will come to a far quieter frame of mind. The disturbed mind and affections, like the tossed sea, seldom calm without an intervening time of confusion and trouble. But nothing is to be attained without striving. In a determined effort to settle the thoughts, to parcel out the day, to find occupation regularly or to make it, to be up and doing something, are chiefly to be found the mere mechanical means which must come to the aid of the best mental efforts. Complement with Joan Didion on grief. For a more uplifting Dickens treat, see Neil Gaimans reading of A Christmas Carol. The Letters of Charles Dickens is an enormously absorbing read in its entirety, full of the beloved writers meditations on life, literature, love, and loss.
Source: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/02/07/ charles-dickens-on-grief- Reprinted with Permission We dont yet see things clearly. Were squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it wont be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! Well see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! 1 Corinthians 13:12 MSG

EXPRESSION SESSION
Thank Yous
Dear Christian Friends, I want to thank all of you for the many times I have received your well wishes. I really have appreciated the many prayers and get well wishes from your church and many members. Thank you and God Bless You. Max Tyler

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)

Charles Dickens on Grief and How to Heal a Mourning Heart by Maria Popova
The disturbed mind and affections, like the tossed sea, seldom calm without an intervening time of confusion and trouble.

In addition to being one of literary historys most celebrated authors, no doubt in part thanks to being such a disciplined early riser, Charles Dickens (February 7, 1812June 9, 1870) was also a man of extraordinary wisdom from the timeless life-advice he gave his youngest son to his generous fan letter to George Eliot to his insightful and amusing observations on the rites of dating. But some of his most poignant wisdom addressed a subject of the gravest sort the healing of a grieving heart.

Celebration Occasions
March Birthdays Birthday
Ross Morgan Amy Burns Brooklyn Murry Michelle West Mallory Smith Ellyn Bentsen Glenn Wagner Josie Dierking Carolyn West Kyle Neher Makenzie Koch Brandon Bayless Linda Schmutz Scott Hoeppner Garrett Ehlert Mary Ellen Thomson Jeff Sanders 16 23 30 Mar 2 9

The Lamplighter

Date
2 6 11 12

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

Secretary

14 20 22 24 26

Serving Souls
ACOLYTES Austin Aardema Faigh Donovan Aardema Faigh Trinity Alvested Seth Bayless Tanner Burns GREETERS Dwight & Denise Dickmeyer Darrell & Lori Fiegenbaum Ronnie & Martha Hawthorne Wayne & Joyce Hoefer Robert & Amy Hoefer

27 28 31

March Anniversaries
1 3 12 John & Jane Vahrenberg Glenn & Beth Wagner Darrell & Lori Fiegenbaum

Administrative Affairs
Pastor Kristin Aardema Faigh Home(660) 237- 4902 Church (660) 237-4355 pastorkristinatzion@yahoo.com Cell (660) 641-1038 (816) 230-4450 (660) 237- 4355 zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com (660) 237 - 4923 jennyholt14@gmail.com (816) 633 - 4133 tjbegemann@yahoo.com (660) 237 - 4246 cjsanders77@yahoo.com

Scott Alvested Council President Angie Lawson Church Secretary Jenny Holt Newsletter Teresa Begemann Organist Connie Sanders Custodian

Reminder!
The deadline for submissions for the April newsletter is Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Send your submissions to: jennyholt14@gmail.com or zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com or Call (660) 237-4923

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 March 2014

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 Come As You Are Service Sunday School Communion Church Council Board of Christian Education SAIL (Serving All in Love) 10:30 AM 10:30 AM 9:30AM 10:30AM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sundays Monthly - 3rd Sunday Sundays Monthly 1st Sunday & Special Holidays Monthly Monthly Monthly - 4th Tuesday