The Lamplighter. July 2018 Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri

Transcription

1 July 2018 Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri Dear Friends, There are two significant mission events relating to Salem United Church of Christ going on in the month of July. The first is one quite familiar to us all; the second, much less so. First, near the end of July, Youth on Mission will leave for work camp for the 29 th consecutive year. This will be our 0 th camp, because there we participated in two camps last year. Our group has eighteen campers, both youth and adults, and we are going to Imperial, Pennsylvania. Imperial, population just over 2500 people, is a former coal mining town in western Pennsylvania, not too far from Pittsburgh. Imperial has an aging population and housing stock. Very likely, our work there will be largely with elderly residents who cannot afford all of the maintenance requirements of their homes. My guess is that the situation will be similar to what we found in Scranton, Pennsylvania, two years ago. Such work is good for our group because we have an opportunity to serve people who have needs that we can be a part of meeting. This is a good learning opportunity for all of us. Work camps, however, are not without their shortcomings, and I will have to write about that at another time. As it stands now, we can give or go, learn, and serve, as we build connections with other parts of the country. And that will have long-term benefits here. The second mission event is not one that we are supporting as a church, but it relates to us directly. A few days before YOM leaves for Pennsylvania, Judi Knipmeyer, Aaron Knipmeyer, and Jessica Knipmeyer Keltner will be leaving for Uganda on a trip sponsored by Fields of Dreams Uganda (FoDU). FoDU is a group that sponsors schools and soccer teams in Uganda as a means of guiding young people toward adulthood. FoDU is not an evangelistic organization; they are less concerned with saving souls than with saving lives. Uganda has been wracked by decades decades of civil war. One of the sides in that war has been the ironically named Lord s Resistance Army, whose soldiers kidnapped children and made them commit atrocities that are beyond most of our abilities to comprehend. The children were trained to kill, and sometimes they were forced to kill their own families. It is an outrage that beggars belief. As a result of that heinous war, the median age in Uganda is 15.5 years. That means that half of Uganda s.6 million inhabitants are younger than 15.5 years. By comparison, the median age in the United States is 7.2 years. Education is available only to those who can afford the tuition costs; there is no public education as we know it here. FoDU works in cooperation with nine schools and with soccer clubs to give hope to the orphaned and vulnerable children they serve. They provide personal hygiene kits for girls and boys. They provide soccer equipment to the soccer clubs. The latter effort has been so successful that the clubs that FoDU supports now have an excess of equipment and are able to share with other clubs. In other words, the children who have had almost nothing to call their own can become givers. They can serve children who are just like them in many ways. It is an amazing organization doing amazing work, but the need is vast. Judi, Aaron, and Jessica will be visiting the schools, helping to deliver hygiene packs, talking with teachers and the FoDU staff in Uganda, and presenting the staff with funds to pay for the construction of a house for teachers and one of the schools. Judi and her children are not asking for our financial support. If any of us feel a desire to support the work of FoDU, please visit their website: What Judi, Aaron, and Jessica need from us, what the children of Uganda need from us, what vulnerable children around the world need from us, is our remembrance, our prayer, and our support. The current campaign of the United Church of Christ proclaims that because of our love for God, we have Three Great Loves to keep in mind: love of neighbor, love of creation, and love of children. Let us make our loves real in this world and make a difference for so many who need so much. Grace and Peace Tommy 1

2 July 2018 Page 2 Lord, remember me The funeral of renowned evangelist Billy Graham was a celebration not of the preacher s long life and many accomplishments but of his arrival in heaven. Graham, who died at age 99 in February 2018, was confident he d spend eternity with Jesus but knew the reason wasn t his own status or actions. Graham knew he was a sinner in need of forgiveness. I still need the cross, he said. Graham added, I am not going to heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I m going to heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: Lord, remember me. Special Days in July July 4 Independence Day Church Office Closed July 22 YOM Commissioning Service July 28 YOM leave for Mission Trip to Imperial, PA Women s Fellowship Circle Schedules for July Esther Circle Not meeting in July. Ruth Circle Not meeting in July. Eve Circle Not meeting in July. CONGRATULATIONS! Brandon and Amanda (Gash) Wentland were united in marriage Saturday, June 2, at Salem. Best wishes for a blessed life together. HOW TO PRAY Pray where you are. God is present everywhere and ready to listen. Pray, when possible, in a quiet place where you can be alone. It is good to fix your mind deliberately on God, apart from confusing distractions. Pray to God simply and naturally, as to a friend. Tell him what is on your mind. Get help from the prayers of others. Pray, remembering the good things God has done for you. Give thanks for all your blessings. Pray for God s forgiveness for the unworthy things you may have done. He is near to a humble and contrite heart. Pray especially for those things that will make your life more Christlike. Pray for others, remembering the help they need for the situations they confront. Pray for the world in its need, and for God to guide you toward ways you can help. Pray that God s will be done in you. His purposes are deeper and wiser than our own. Pray, and then allow God to answer your prayer. 2 OUR FRIENDS AND CHURCH FAMILY IN CARE FACILITIES Listed below are our members and friends (at the time of printing of the Lamplighter) now residing or recovering at our local and surrounding community nursing homes and care facilities. A card or visit from a church family member would be a delightful surprise! Meyer Care Center, 1201 W. 19th St., Higginsville, MO 6407 Mary Kirchhoff Glenn & Shirley Nowack Pat Pence Anna Marie Rinne Warner Schelp Robert Cobb Souder Gene Starke Earl Struchtemeyer Bob Tankesley Lutheran Good Shepherd Home, 202 SW St., Concordia, MO Winnie Knehans Jake Stoecklin Ann Nuelle Country Oak Village, 101 Cross Creek Drive, Grain Valley, MO Viola Meinershagen Riverbend Heights Rehab & Health, Lexington Nursing Home, 1221 South Highway 1, Lexington, MO Mark Gieselman David Thaller Addington Place of Lee s Summit, 2160 SE Blue Parkway, Lee s Summit, MO 6406 Roberta Summers (Apt. 212) (Roberta s mailing address is Roberta Summers, C/O Carrie Tunison, 1207 SE Brookwood St., Lee s Summit, MO 6406.) Country Club Care Center 50 Regent Drive, Warrensburg, MO 6409 Myrna Fette

3 July 2018 Kevin Rinne Mark Hook Brooke Jensen Evelyn Sander Crystal Faris Graham Padley Ella Wesche Teresa Button Angie Lefman Jackie Meinershagen Donald Knehans Diana Meinershagen Ken Green Blayne Homfeld Julie Davenport Gary Riekhof Donald Abbott Candi Engle Aren Koenig Gina Riekhof Say Happy Birthday in July to Alex Lettau Nolan Salyer Shirley Paul Scott LaRue Tommy Faris Doris Jane Stoner Caleb Kirchhoff Korbin Thaller Jami Homfeld Seth Harris Larry Nadler Richelle Erdman Ty Harris Barbara Siegfried Sharon Telgemeier Rita Jean Vahrenberg Camille Carminucci Richard Niemeier Rhonda Boedeker Nathan White Rev. Glenn Nowack Tillie Erdman Rhonda Grumke Jeanne Fleischmann Alice Kennedy Ginny Baggs Micah Gibler Eric Kirchhoff Cheryl Lettau Pam Homfeld Blake Kilpatrick Justin Cramer Larry Homfeld Lynette Nevels Charlotte Robinette Grace Werning Deanna Gash Linda Grindley Darrel Opfer Ronnie Bergsieker Mark Berry Page THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL! I m speechless and you know that doesn t happen very often!! The reception was so special, all because of YOU, my friends and church family. Salem has been such a big part of my life for a long time with so many memories to keep in my heart. I will miss all of you, but as we all know, we are never really apart in spirit. Sometimes I felt like pulling my hair out with my lack of computer skills, but ultimately, I have been blessed in so many ways whether preparing the PowerPoint, choosing photos and songs to share, or being a part of the Christmas Programs. It really is true that we receive much more than we give. I want to say a special thank you to B.J. Salyer and Sharon Hoefer who got this celebration idea rolling. All of your cards were so meaningful and I was so surprised with your monetary gift to me! You can be sure that I will choose something to remind me of my friends here at Salem. A big shout out goes to Sarah Berry who willingly helped me in so many ways, to Joe Rolf who answered all those sound questions, to Jamie Smith who was always there helping with visuals, to Lowell who started the coffee before Early Church, to all who volunteered to be liturgist when I was gone, especially B.J. (who I seemed to call a lot), and to June who, when following along with the script, wondered where I was. But because I forgot my lines, I was just winging it! I am sure I ll forget to thank someone, so PLEASE don t be offended. A SPECIAL thank you goes to Tommy, who has been so patient and easy-going to work alongside me. He has always been supportive and willing to listen when I suggested a new idea, even if it sounded a little crazy! He filled in as liturgist and played music at the last minute when I overslept, and didn t even try to interrupt me when I added my comments at the end of his message, which happened more than once!! I LL BE BACK to visit as much as I can! Love to all, Janice

4 July 2018 Page 4 From the Church Records Financial Report: General Fund Balance 5/01/18 Current deposits Current expenses Current Fund Balance 5/1/18 Building Fund: Current Fund Balance 5/01/18 Current deposits Current expenses Current Fund Balance 5/1/18 $1,816 $12,795 $1,61 $12,998 $10,574 $ 750 $ 95 $12,229 O.C.W.M. (Member Contributions for May) $775 8:0 a.m. May Attendance 10:0 a.m Average Total Average 105 A prayer for the 4 th Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth and the life; hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make all free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. It costs too much to be hoarded. Help us see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to please to do what is right. Peter Marshall, before the U.S. Senate 78 JOHN KNOX VILLAGE AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY There won t be any Bible Study during the Summer months: July and August. It will resume in September with Greg Fine (Baptist) leading. HARVESTERS SCHEDULE First Assembly of God Church of Higginsville hosts a Harvesters Community Food Network distribution of food on the third Thursday of every month. The work day begins at 8:0 a.m. and ends approximately at Noon. After the food is distributed, volunteers are asked to stay and help clean up the area. Anyone willing to help is asked to call , (First Presbyterian Church), and leave your name, phone number, and mailing address. Wear comfortable clothes. TA TRUCK STOP-CONCORDIA COUNTRY PRIDE: Travel Centers of America-Concordia, MO-Country Pride Restaurant is now starting a Church Program! We are offering 10% of your ticket price to be donated back to your local church. All you have to do is come in to dine with us, eat, and inform your server that you would like to participate in the program, give your church s name, your name, and we will take care of the rest! Come see and enjoy our new buffets and get one of our Buffet Punch Cards buy 5, get 1 free! HIGGINSVILLE FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND FUN Will be held Wednesday, July 4, at Fairground Park. Family Fun will begin at 5:0 p.m. The fireworks will begin at dusk. The Morton Sisters will kick off the entertainment portion of the event. The second and final entertainment group "Renata" is an American country/rock trio composed of siblings, Collin (19), Adrienne (16) and Benny (12). We have a church family connection to this group, they are Joe Rolf s grandchildren (Lindsey Rolf s niece and nephews.) Their musical tastes vary so their live show includes everything from Johnny Cash to John Mayer, not to mention fantastic original music. With strong vocal and instrumental skills far surpassing their young ages, these three amaze audiences with their unique sound every time they step onstage. 4

5 July 2018 Page 5 CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING May 17, :0 pm Church Council met Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 7:0 p.m. in the Salem Board Room. Present were Kevin Berry who presided the meeting in the absence of Delbert Goetz, Janice Hoefer, Barb Nolte, Ron Bergsieker, Pastor Tommy and guest June Howell. Other members absent were Marc Jensen, Peggy Pragman and Felicia Leonard. Kevin called the meeting to order and Tommy read Psalm 29 from The Message and offered a prayer. June Howell asked the board about taking maternity leave for six weeks. Her due date at the present time is November 5 th, but may change as time passes. She has the Christmas program planned with Jamie Smith assisting, and will have Sunday School lessons available during her leave. The Board of Christian Education has offered to assist in her absence as well. It was decided that June needs to take as much time as needed for her and the baby, which is most important. The April minutes were approved as corrected with minor changes. Kevin read a thank you from Rod Kirchhoff of the Lafayette County Health Department for our support for their training sessions. Also a thank you was read for our gift of $1840 in 2017 to Chicago United Eden CUE Seminaries of the United Church of Christ. Standing committee Reports- Christian Education-Delbert Goetz absent Building and Grounds-Kevin Berry reported from Total Elevator Solutions bid of $450 for our annual inspection. He also has a list of other companies that he will contact for bids. Tommy also mentioned that the outside faucet at the parsonage is leaking and needs repair. Kevin will take care of it. Cemetery-Kevin Berry reported that approximately helpers turned out for the clean-up where they removed stumps and did general cleaning of the cemetery. Memorial-Peggy Pragman sent a report stating the payment from the Youth Fund to help Board of Elders with gift cards for college freshmen. Also, the treasurer reported that we have a total of $0,794 between memorials and donations for the kitchen project. So far, out of that money, $ has been paid toward the kitchen, leaving balance of $26, in Kitchen Fund as of now. Mary has several other memorials not designated, so she will check with families to see if they would consider adding to the Kitchen Fund. There was discussion of watering the plants that will be delivered soon for the front doors and some at the meeting volunteered, but still need others to help. Contact Mary Homfeld to volunteer. Stewardship-Ron Bergsieker-no report. Evangelism-Felicia Leonard-Ron reported that they met and made envelopes for the Mother s/father s Day cards. Worship-Janice Hoefer-no report. Ushers-Barb Nolte reported that ushers are scheduled through October. Unfinished Business- The designed advertisement for the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Magazine which was approved last meeting was shown to all. Tommy, Dennis & Judi Knipmeyer, and Cindy Nuelle will be attending the Annual Gathering Conference at Holiday Inn Expo Center in Columbia June 7-9. There was no other unfinished business. 5 New Business- A letter of recommendation was read from the First Baptist Church of Richmond on the Toshiba copier. A decision concerning the copier was tabled until next month. Council members to attend meetings this year were chosen. Board of Christian Education-Marc Jensen, Cemetery-Barb Nolte, Worship-new council member to replace Janice Hoefer, Memorial, Stewardship and Evangelism members will stay the same as last year. Signature cards for the bank, etc. were signed by the new officers. The time change for our summer worship will begin June rd with 8:0 a.m. Early Worship, 10:00 a.m. Worship with Sunday School. There was no other new business. The next Council meeting will be Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 7:0 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Janice Hoefer in absence of Peggy Pragman Make haste Life is short, and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the... journey with us. O be swift to love, make haste to be kind! Henri Frederic Amiel

6 July 2018 Page 6 YOUTH ON MISSION Those going on the Group Work Camp to, Imperial, PA July 28 August 4, 2018, are: Lane Borchers Keill Borchers Jonah Dotson Tommy Faris Cooper Fisher Lydia Grumke Charles Grumke Paige Goetz Delbert Goetz Sadie Kumm Andy Mockridge Allison Starke Carson Starke Dave Starke Kylie Steffens Darrell Tilly Corey White If you wish to mail a card or package, please mail early and please use the following format: (Work campers name) Attn: Group Workcamp West Allegheny Middle School 207 West Allegheny Road Imperial, PA Please join us if you are under the age of 10. Summer Sunday school begins June, when the Sunday worship service time changes to 10:00. We will meet in the sanctuary overflow, after the children's message. Evangelism Committee News During the month of May, donations were received for blankets/ honoring Mothers. We received $585! During the month of June, donations were received for tools/ honoring Fathers. We received $690! What a testament to our Salem Spirit! Rough road ahead It had been an especially long trip home, and the weary traveler still had many more miles to go. So he winced at a sign warning Rough Road Ahead 4 miles. Rough, indeed. The lanes narrowed, and the shoulder disappeared. Traffic slowed to a crawl as drivers navigated around potholes and moving construction equipment. But sure enough, after exactly four miles, the road became smooth again. In this world you will have trouble, Jesus said. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:, NIV). Notice that Jesus didn t say we might have trouble. Sooner or later, problems will come. The road will get rough. But Jesus has already defeated everything the world can throw our way. We just have to keep moving, fueled on by hope. QUILTING NEWS: If anyone would like to help quilt on the anniversary quilt, please call Annie at or Fay at NEWS FROM YOUTH ON MISSION GIVING TREE PROJECT: Youth on Mission again invites you to be a part of our giving tree project which offers our campers talents to you for your chosen donation. We would like to offer our talents to make your life a little easier ALL YEAR LONG. Do you have a task that needs to be done? Our campers will complete it for you and you may make a donation to Youth on Mission with what you think is an appropriate donation. Call Delbert Goetz at and he will find a camper to do the work! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Memorial Committee is asking for volunteers to water the flower pots at the front doors of the church. If you are interested please call Mary Homfeld, It is time again for Summer Special Music! If you play an instrument or enjoy singing and would like to share your musical talent during the summer worship service, please call the Church Office and leave your name and phone number. Jamie Smith will then contact you to schedule a Sunday for you to share your music. You may also contact Jamie directly at to schedule a time to share. Thank you for considering sharing your talent!

7 July 2018 Page 7 Light one candle On Good Friday 2017, Jeannie Gaffigan, a writer and producer, wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan and a mother of five, learned she had an apple-sized tumor on her brain stem. As a Christian, she knew she needed God s help to face the ordeal and knew she still had a lot of work to do for him. On Easter Monday, the benign mass was removed during a nine-hour operation. A year earlier, the Gaffigans won a Christopher Award for positive contributions to media. The award s inscription Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness now has new meaning for Jeannie. There s an urgency to do things that may be smaller, like lighting one candle, [rather] than these ambitious, huge goals of doing major shows in order to change the world, she says. We all want to light a thousand candles, but there s that one candle that s right in front of you that God is presenting for you. Open up your eyes and look at it and light it. CHURCH INFORMATION Tommy s tlfaris@ctcis.net Tommy s cell phone: Church Telephone: Church salemucc@ctcis.net Church Website: salemucchigginsville.org Fax number: PASTORAL VISITS OR PRAYERS Anyone who would like a pastoral visit or are in need of prayers, please call the church office, (660) TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE Transportation is available to any worship service. Please call the church office to make arrangements, (660) NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF ELDERS: The Board of Elders would like to invite the Salem Congregation to support a water mission. We want to raise awareness of the critical need for clean, safe drinking water in underdeveloped parts of the world. In many places of the world, safe drinking water, as we know it in the US, is a luxury. Whether due to drought, pollution, or civil war, obtaining water is a chore that means children and adults must spend inordinate amounts of time away from school and/or work. The trips and the wait in line can be long and time-consuming for a task we complete by simply turning on the faucet. These families have hopes and dreams that are not much different than ours: they want to give their children more education, a better lifestyle, and a healthy and peaceful environment in which to live. A community thrives when there is a supply of clean safe water. We have selected a water mission sponsored by Global Ministries, of which the United Church of Christ is a member denomination. Global Ministries works with international partners to provide clean, safe drinking water with systems that utilize local talents and equipment so the water solutions can be sustainably maintained. For example, in Mozambique, $200 can provide community training on maintenance and water quality, $6,500 covers the cost for a well, or $2,500 provides the materials and construction of one water cistern. Please make your checks out to Salem UCC with a notation in the lower left corner of your check Water Mission. We will collect your donations through the month of July. Send or leave your donations at the church office. Your donations will be sent to Global Ministries. Thank you for your support. The Board of Elders 7

8 July 2018 Page 8 FROM THE BOARD OF ELDERS For many years, Salem, other churches and other organizations have participated in the Festival of Sharing. The Festival of Sharing is a cooperative response to world hunger, poverty and injustice and seeks to raise awareness of its cause and to address solutions. The Festival of Sharing is an interfaith, regional celebration and gathering of resources that will be held Saturday, October 1. When people of faith come together, our sharing makes a positive and powerful difference in the lives of people in need. Members of Salem have participated in the Festival of Sharing through many different projects and causes, including quilts made by our quilters for the auction, coupons, blankets, specialized packets that are passed out following a disaster or other incident, along with church members donating time and labor for repackaging and loading bulk produce items that are distributed to those in need. This year the Board of Elders have chosen two projects that we are asking members of Salem to participate with, they are Missouri Paper Product Pack and Missouri Personal Hygiene Pack. Attached with this article is a description of how they benefit those who truly need our help. Please consider donating any of the many items involved with these packets that are listed. The Elders have placed a container in the Overflow to collect your items. We will accumulate them and deliver them on October 1,

9 Salem United Church of Christ 1500 Main Street Higginsville MO 6407 Non-Profit Organization POSTAGE PAID Permit NO. 104 Higginsville MO 6407 Return Service Requested Is a monthly newsletter of : Salem United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris Delbert Goetz, President 1500 Main Street Pastor Church Council Higginsville, MO 6407 Sarah J. Berry Mark Gross, President (660) Secretary Board of Elders Fax: Doris Jane Stoner Judi Knipmeyer, President salemucc@ctcis.net Organist Board of Christian Education Early Worship Jamie Smith June Howell 8:0 a.m. Music Director Christian Education Coordinator Worship with Anne Iles Lindsey Rolf, Volunteer Sunday School Youth Music Director Assistant Church Secretary 10:00 a.m. Lowell Grumke Custodian July Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri 9