The Lamplighter. December 2018 Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri. Dear Friends,

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1 December 2018 Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri Dear Friends, In the inexorable and rapid passage of time, we have come once again almost to the end of a year. In the next few weeks, we will move through Advent and Christmas and right on into Epiphany. Where does the time go, and how does it go so quickly? Christmas in my childhood was a wonderful thing. My mother s parents had died before my parents married, but my daddy s parents lived well into my adulthood. Daddy was the oldest of five siblings, with two sisters and two brothers. On Christmas Eve, the Faris family would gather at my grandparents house for the night. All of us cousins (thirteen of us) would try to sleep on the floor in the living room while all the adults played cards and helped Santa with the gifts. Some of us went to the midnight candlelight service at our Baptist church in town. Needless to say, the excitement of the night made sleep difficult. Daddy did not help when he would come into the living room and tell us to be quiet and get to sleep. He also did not help when he came into the room before dawn, banging a spoon on a pot to wake us up. The Christmas tree was in the basement, so we would all line up for the only bathroom in the house and then line up to go downstairs. The excitement was almost more than we cousins could bear. When we were all ready, we would rush down the stairs into the room where the tree and all the presents awaited us. Even now I can remember the joy and the squeals of delight that we all felt, while our parents all sat rubbing their eyes, drinking large amounts of coffee, and yawning, having gotten only a couple of hours of sleep. We were able to continue that tradition for a number of years after our grandparents died, but it was more difficult. The cousins married and had obligations with other families. Then the children of the cousins married and the obligations grew tremendously. Until I came to Salem, Crystal and I were able to alternate Christmases between our families. Now, I am sad to say, I have not been back to a Faris family Christmas since Daddy died in 201. Honestly, it has changed so much, I am not sure that I would want to go back, even if I had the opportunity. I never thought I would, or even could, have felt this way. It is probably no surprise that the excitement about the coming of Christmas that I had as a child has waned through the years as my adult obligations have multiplied. I would suppose that is true for most of us. And now, after many years as a pastor, I view Advent as a time of more work and more demands on my time, rather than as a time to ponder and prepare for the coming of Christ into the world. Perhaps that is our lot as adults. When we are children, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas moves like molasses in winter. We think it will never get here. As adults, the time passes in an instant, and we are so busy getting ready the holiday that we have little time to prepare for Jesus coming. And yet he does come. Jesus comes to us every day. In a real sense, every day is Christmas Day, a celebration of Jesus coming to us, just as every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus resurrection. Would it not be wonderful if we could carry the joy, the excitement, and the delight of Christmas Day with us always? Would it not be wonderful if we could see the world with childlike eyes? That would be a gift for the whole world to enjoy. Crystal and I wish you all a happy, peaceful, and blessed Christmas this year. May the joy of the day sustain you throughout the year. Grace and Peace Tommy 1

2 December 2018 Page 2 Special Days in December December 2: First Sunday of Advent December 9: Second Sunday of Advent Children's Christmas Program during the 10:0 a.m. Worship Service December 10: Please have Angel Tree gifts to church by noon December 1: Homebound Communion (In Town) December 14: Homebound Communion (Out of Town) December 16: Third Sunday of Advent YOM Cookie Sale December 19: Please call church office with poinsettia information for the bulletin December 21: Please have poinsettias to church by noon December 2: Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24: 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion/Candle Light Service December 25: Christmas Day! Church Office Closed December 1: New Years Eve! ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS: Are available in the back of the sanctuary and outside the church office. Children's Christmas Program Practice: Practice will be during Sunday School 9:15 a.m.-10:15a.m. Practice dates will be December 2nd and December 9th. This years program will be simple with minimal speaking parts. The name of the Play is "A Bedtime Christmas Story: Twas The Night Before Christmas" The Christmas Program will be December 9th during the 10:0 worship Service. Volunteers: Everyone who is willing to help in setting up the stage for the Christmas Program, please meet in the sanctuary December 2nd after the 10:0 worship service. Any and all help is appreciated! Cookies Needed: Anyone willing to make a dozen or so cookies for the Children's Christmas Program Reception, please drop them off in the office during the week of December 2nd through the 9th. Thank you! While waiting Advent does not lead to nervous tension stemming from expectation of something spectacular about to happen. On the contrary, it leads to a growing inner stillness and joy allowing me to realize that he for whom I am waiting has already arrived and speaks to me in the silence of my heart. Just as a mother feels the child grow in her and is not surprised on the day of the birth, but joyfully receives the one she learned to know during her waiting, so Jesus can be born in my life slowly and steadily and be received as the one I learned to know while waiting. 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 Al Dieckhoff Mary Kirchhoff Glenn Nowack Anna Marie Rinne Robert Cobb Souder Gene Starke Earl Struchtemeyer Bob Tankesley Arthur Thaller 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 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.)

3 December 2018 Tim Bergsieker Elva Dean Erdman Charles Grumke Sonnie Renno Patty Kroll Will Cottrill Maclyn Rechterman Rita Wallpe Alex Starke Gabriel Iles Amy Goetz Peter Thaller Bryan Wesley Carson Starke Pat Warren Wayne Lieser Stacy Barnes Best Birthday Wishes in December go to Ann Iles Barbara Swigart Annerose Wood Mark Nolte Marc Jensen Sandy Akin Camden Russell Bryan Nolte Annie Fiegenbaum Marie Robinson Eva Whitaker Logan Warren Randy Amor Chris Catron Lowell Grumke Atticus Kerivan Jordan Smith Brayton Stoner Nolan Stoner Drew Lefman Tina Bergsieker Dorothy Peck Mike Siegfried Maria LaRue Dennis Knipmeyer Paul Heimsoth Andrew Nevels Denise Schowengerdt Kenzie Rinne Hugo Soendker Jennifer Cole Chance Alberswerth Page Stuart Starke Mission Scholarship Announcement The Board of Christian Education and Youth on Mission are excited to announce Paige Goetz as our first recipient of the Stuart Starke Mission Scholarship, which will cover 2/ of the cost of her trip in the summer of Paige will be traveling with Fields of Dreams Uganda this June where she will work closely with the children the organization supports. On December 2 nd during worship services, Paige will use a mission moment to explain her efforts to fund-raise the other 1/ of her expenses and how you can help. Please plan to be in worship to hear about the organization and her prospective travel. This scholarship is not limited to Fields of Dreams Uganda, however; if there are other mission programs in which one would like to participate nationally or internationally, and they meet the criteria below, they may contact a member of the Board of Christian Education or the church office: Member of Salem UCC Have participated in at least three Youth on Mission trips High school graduate Ages Christmas Shopping that Changes Lives During the holiday season, we are bombarded with ads for all sorts of stuff. If you re like most of us, these options rarely fill a NEED; shopping with Fields of Dreams Uganda is different. Proceeds from craft sales assist artisans in Uganda, providing a living wage for their families. Donations to the Girl Empowerment Project / hygiene kit drive help keep girls in school each month during their cycles. Throughout the month of December, drop by the Fields of Dreams Uganda table in the worship area, to shop or donate. If you are an online shopper, go to to purchase additional beautiful, hand-made items. You may also donate for hygiene kits online at

4 December 2018 Page 4 From the Church Records Financial Report: General Fund Balance 10/01/18 Current deposits Current expenses Current Fund Balance 10/1/18 Building Fund: Current Fund Balance 10/01/18 Current deposits Current expenses Current Fund Balance 10/1/18 $ 4,962 $19,691 $20,02 $ 4,60 $9,052 $1,56 $,055 $7,5 O.C.W.M. (Member Contributions for Oct.) $270 8:0 a.m. October Attendance 10:0 a.m Average Total Average ENVELOPES Are available in the Fellowship Hall 97 JOHN KNOX VILLAGE AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY John Knox Village and Meyer Care Center have a weekly Bible Study that is led, on a rotational schedule, by the Ministerial Fellowship. Liz Lindsey (Presbyterian) will be leading during the month of December. The Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room. 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! The Christmas Eve Candlelight with Communion Worship service will be Monday, December 24, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Faith and feelings During a Bible study on faith, Ney Bailey came up with this definition: Faith is taking God at his word. Furthermore, she was reminded that the word of our God endures forever (Isaiah 40:8, NIV). In Faith Is Not a Feeling (WaterBrook), Bailey writes, [Sometimes] I have felt afraid or lonely or depressed. My heart has literally ached in anguish over circumstances of life, and in those moments I have been the most tempted to doubt the truth of God s Word. But instead I chose with my will to believe his Word. Thousands of times my prayers have begun, Lord, I feel... but, Lord, your Word says... Bailey counsels, You and I can either grow accustomed to listening to our feelings, thoughts, and circumstances, letting them control us, or we can be in the habit of taking God at his word despite our feelings and life experiences.... His Word is truer than our feelings. 4

5 December 2018 Page 5 CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING October 18, :0 pm The regular meeting of the Salem Church Council was held Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 at 7:0 pm in the Board Room. The members present were Pastor Tommy, Delbert Goetz, Felicia Leonard, Peggy Pragman, Marc Jensen, Mark Hook, and Ronnie Bergsieker. Kevin Berry and Barbara Nolte were not in attendance. President Delbert Goetz called the meeting to order. Pastor opened with devotion from Psalms 91 and prayer. Minutes were read and approved. Felicia gave the treasurer s report with balances of $4,962 in General Fund and $9,052 in Building and Grounds Fund. Money had to be transferred from Money market account to general fund to pay bills. The Pastor s mileage of 791 miles for $41.10 was presented for payment. Motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer s report. Motion to pay bills also made, seconded and approved. Pastor reported the offering in Sept. for the Higginsville Ministerial Fellowship emergency fund, with 11 congregations/organizations participating has raised $5,500 thus far. Dr. Greg Fine, who is the treasurer of the Fellowship, will be informing us soon of the amount of Salem s donation. Warner Schelp died on Monday, Oct 15, funeral will be held Oct. 19. Pastor was asked to perform a committal service at the Veterans Cemetery by Marshall Stewert, and it was an honor for him. The gentleman, Charles Mueller, had no church affiliation and the family was not close, either personally or geographically. Pastor attended the Lafayette Cluster Women s Fellowship fall meeting Sept. 27, held at Bethel UCC in Concordia. The CROP walk was Sunday, Sept. 0 th, but Pastor was unable to walk because he was leading Vespers at Meyer Care Center. Pastor attended the annual Persons in Ministry Retreat Oct. 1-. Sunday Oct. 7 was World Communion Sunday. Oct. 1 was the Missouri Mid-South Conference Western Association Fall Gathering, but Tommy was not able to attend due to our confirmands involvement with the Share Feast. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to see mission in action. YOM is making plans for the 2019 work trip. They will be going to Green Bay, Wisconsin June 22-29, There will be another Youth Sunday on Oct. 21 st, and the youth are asking this time that we come dressed for our favorite superhero. Also they will have another Noisy Offering for the food pantry. On Sept. 2, Tommy was with Crystal s parents and family. They celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary, and were grateful to Salem Church for allowing me the day to be with them. Thank You. Betty Thaller preached here that day and everyone who spoke to me was delighted to have her back at Salem for the day. Correspondence: None Christian Ed: Mark reported discussion of YOM trip; confirmation will be April 14, and 150 th anniversary committee asked June if we would lead the Church Picnic in 2020 for the year of our celebration. Building and Grounds: Kevin not in attendance. Cemetery: Barb not in attendance. Memorial: Peggy reported no meeting. Stewardship: Ronnie reported time and talent sheets prepared for mailing. Evangelism: Felicia reported dates for Turkey donations will be Saturdays Nov. rd and 10 th. They will be done the same as last year. They will be taking collections from the public at Grocery Stores Moose s and Piggly Wiggly. Worship: Marc reported meeting to be next Wed. Ushers: Marc reported: Good. Unfinished Business: Delbert talked to David tonight and cabinets will start 5 tomorrow in kitchen, so David was ordering flooring tonight. Sexual misconduct policy was worked on and soon as it is completed it will be presented to Council for approval. Discussion was held about Church Pictorial Directory which is due the year of our anniversary, The decision was made to check into options verses Life Touch Company as we have had in the past. Information will be gathered and further discussion will be at next meeting. Marc Jensen volunteered to be representative on pictorial directory committee. New Business: The furnace involving the sanctuary needs repairs. Motion made, seconded, and approved to accept bid from Alumbaugh of $, for repair. A possibility of having a YOM Scholarship was discussed. This would involve helping a person to go on an out of country mission trip. There will be criteria the applicant would have to meet. To qualify they would have had to attend YOM trips with the church in the past, and age A portion of the cost for the individual would be taken from Stu Starke s memorial for YOM, using only interest. The primary amount of the memorial would not be touched. Fall Congregational meeting will be held after the 10:0 service on Nov. 18 to approve the 2019 budget. Church Van was discussed and tabled to next meeting. Council reviewed 2019 budget and was approved. Announcements: Next Council meeting Date: November 15, 2018, 7:0p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by saying the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted Peggy Pragman, Council Secretary

6 December 2018 Page 6 POINSETTIAS: We will appreciate having poinsettias in church again this Christmas. If you wish to place a plant in memory of someone, please notify the church secretary (584-60) by Wednesday, December 19, so that she can print it in the church bulletin. Be sure your name is on the plant that you bring. Please leave it in the fellowship hall on the stage by Thursday, December 20, or by noon on Friday, December 21, (Please do not bring the poinsettias before these dates), the flower committee will place the plants in the sanctuary. You may collect your poinsettia after the Christmas Eve Service. WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO: The family of Don Tyler. Don passed away, Monday, November 12, His funeral was held Saturday, November 17, 2018, at Salem. Live to give In Acts 20:5, Paul quotes Jesus as saying, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Interestingly, that s the only recorded statement of Jesus that s not found in one of the four gospels.) The blessings of giving are profound and lasting. Poet Maya Angelou says, I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. THANK YOU: I would like to thank Salem Church members for their well wishes, prayers, and cards during my recent surgery and recovery. We would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Tommy Faris for his visits and prayers to both of us. Karen and Annie Fiegenbaum Small packages, great things The motto for Hershey s Kisses used to be Big things come in small packages! That also could be a motto for Bethlehem, for Baby Jesus and, indeed, for us. It s an important message to remember when we fear we re too weak to fix the world s problems, too small to fight the gigantic terror that threatens a loved one or too lacking in abilities we see in others. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, God declares through the prophet Micah (5:2, NRSV), from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel. Bethlehem was a mere village. God s ruler for Israel started as an infant. His birthplace was a small stable, not a palace or temple. But size isn t everything. Big that is, great things can come in small packages. And thanks to the tiny baby who grew up to share immeasurably huge love with the world, God can do great things through you, too! Thank You To the Christmas decorating committee, the church is glowing with the light of Christmas! 6 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! YOM COOKIE/BAKE SALE: Do you need some yummy, homemade cookies and/or baked goodies this holiday season? Our annual cookie/bake sale will be held after BOTH worship services on Sunday, December 16 th in the Fellowship Hall, and as in the past, you may fill a box (or more!) and make a donation to Youth on Mission at that time. Can t make it to our cookie/bake sale that day? Call Amy Goetz at to place your order and it will be delivered to you! Maybe Christmas, [the Grinch] thought, doesn t come from a store. Dr. Seuss

7 December 2018 Page Annual Reports Are Due in the Church Office by January 4, Please have them typed or them to: salemucc@ctcis.net Please note your responsibility for the report. Board of Elders Report-President Church Council Report-President Pastor s Report Christian Education Coordinator s Report Board of Christian Education- Secretary Board of Christian Education (Financial Report) -Treasurer Salem Cemetery-Lot Superintendent Memorial Committee-Chairperson Memorial Committee- (Financial Report) - Treasurer Salem Men s Fellowship-President Women s Fellowship-President Women s Fellowship - (Financial Report) - Treasurer Quilters-Quilting members Endowment Fund-Report and Financial Report-Chairperson Youth on Mission Report and Financial Report-Chairperson Stewardship Committee-Chairperson Evangelism Committee-Chairperson Chancel Choir-Director Handbell Choir-Director Youth Choir-Director Little Notes-Director Chime Bells-Director Worship Committee-Chairperson 150th Anniversary Committee YEAR END CHURCH BUSINESS: Please have all church financial contributions and business transactions to the church office by 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, Thank you for your consideration. Many happy returns Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart s possessing Returns to you glad. John Greenleaf Whittier Women s Fellowship Circle Schedules for December Esther Circle December 5, 11:0 a.m., meet at JKVE Main Office. Ruth Circle December 5, Noon., at The Belarussian Baker, hostess Arlene Long. Eve Circle December 4, 6:00 p.m., at Mary Homfeld s home, Christmas Pot Luck bring a Christmas memory to share. Meet at Salem, 5:45 p.m., to share rides. Life is like a camera: Focus on what s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don t work out, take another shot. Source unknown Salem Angel Tree 2018 The Angel Tree is up and decorated so you can choose the tag or tags you wish to buy for. Buy and wrap the gifts, returning them with the tags number side up, no later than Monday, December 10, at noon. Please do not feel obligated to buy everything on the wish list. Whatever you choose to give will be appreciated. NEWS FROM THE EVANGELISM COMMITTEE: On November and 10, we had people at Moose s and Piggly Wiggly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. receiving monetary donations for turkeys for Higginsville/ Corder Food Pantry. We collected $ We would like to say Thank You to all who made monetary donations. We greatly appreciate your support. Christmas Bells I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, goodwill to men! Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 7

8 December 2018 Page 8 Darren Ryan Bergsieker was baptized Sunday, November 18, His parents are Daniel and Danielle Bergsieker, his big brother is Dillon. Darren s Godparents are Amanda Bock, Emily Bergsieker, Kyle and Jenna Johnson. His grandparents are Ronnie and Tina Bergsieker, David Bock of Waverly and Pam Bock and great grandma is Elsie Borchers of Blackburn. Aunts, uncles and cousins are Emily Bergsieker, Kyle, Amanda, Claire, and Lincoln Dobson, Scott, Jamie, Maddy, Mason, Max, and Mattson Bergsieker. We welcomed Danielle Bergsieker as a new member to Salem, Sunday, November 18, Danielle is married to Daniel and they have two children, Dillon and Darren. Danielle is transferring to Salem from St. Paul s United Church of Christ in Blackburn. Ring Out, Wild Bells Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true. Ring out the grief that saps the mind, For those that here we see no more, Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Ring in redress to all mankind. Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart the kindlier hand; Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, from In Memoriam TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE Transportation is available to any worship service. Please call the church office to make arrangements, (660) PASTORAL VISITS OR PRAYERS Anyone who would like a pastoral visit or are in need of prayers, please call the church office, (660) CHURCH INFORMATION Tommy s tlfaris@ctcis.net Tommy s cell phone: Church Telephone: Church salemucc@ctcis.net Church Website: salemucchigginsville.org Fax number:

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 Sunday School Anne Iles Lindsey Rolf, Volunteer 9:15 a.m. Youth Music Director Assistant Church Secretary Worship Lowell Grumke 10:0 a.m. Custodian December 2018 Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri 9