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

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1 The Lamplighter Dear Friends, January 2018 Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri I went to seminary at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. While in seminary, I participated in an urban ministerial program in the city of Chicago. As a part of that program, I interned at Irving Park Baptist Church in the Irving Park neighborhood of the city. For three years, Crystal and I lived in Chicago while I worked at the church. In one of the great blessings of my life, my mentor at Irving Park was the Rev. Michael Harvey. Michael is a brilliant man, thoughtful and compassionate. I learned a great deal from him and I can honestly say that I would not be the person or the pastor that I am were it not for him. Michael is the one from whom I learned to think of the kingdom of God as the Vision of God. You have heard me use the term many times in sermons, and if you are uncomfortable with the term, do not blame Michael. Early in December, Michael sent out an message that I think captures my sense of hope and trust in the love of God. It is a powerful message for Advent, for Christmas, and for the New Year. I share it with you here, with Michael s permission. You will know immediately the passage that Michael translates and interprets here. Grace and Peace Tommy Celebrate the have-nots, They own the Vision of God. Celebrate the brokenhearted, They will be comforted. Celebrate the humble, They will inherit the land. Celebrate those who hunger for justice and thirst for mercy, They will be invited to the Banquet. Celebrate the merciful, Mercy will be shown to them. Celebrate the passionately committed, God will be revealed to them. Celebrate those who build community, They will be known as God s children. Celebrate those who are not treated with justice or mercy, They own the Vision of God. Celebrate yourself when people slander you and curse you because of me- Throw a party and dance with abandon- Your reward from God is enormous- You know that they abused the Interpreters who came before you. -Jesus 1

2 January 2018 The Lamplighter Page 2 Special Days in January January 1 New Year s Day January 6 Epiphany January The Baptism of Christ January 1 Second Sunday after Epiphany January 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day observed January 21 YOM Ham and Beans/Baked Potato Bar January 22 Souper Supper at Salem January 28 Annual Congregational meeting. 12:0 p.m ENVELOPES Are available in the Fellowship Hall YOM 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. It is a busy time of the year for all of you and we would like to offer our talents to make your life a little easier this season and 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! Women s Fellowship Circle Schedules for January Esther Circle Wednesday, January, 10:00 a.m., at Wanda Niemeier s home, Wanda Niemeier hostess. Mary Martha Circle Thursday, January, 1:0 p.m. in the Salem Board Room, Betty Rinne hostess. Ruth Circle Wednesday, January, 2:00 p.m., at Fay Tilly s home, Fay Tilly hostess, Annie Fiegenbaum program. Eve Circle Tuesday, January 2, :00 p.m., in the Salem Board Room, Angie Green hostess, Rita Wallpe program. ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Will be held Sunday, January 28, 2018, at 12:0 p.m. in the church dining room. The meeting will follow the 10:0 a.m. worship service and a lunch at :0 a.m. Epiphany wonder Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, humanity in God, God in humanity, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As they look... their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die. Peter Chrysologus (5 th century) 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 60 Wilma Dieckhoff Mary Kirchhoff Glenn & Shirley Nowack Pat Pence Anna Marie Rinne Robert Cobb Souder Earl Struchtemeyer Bob Tankesley New Haven Living Center, 609 Golf Street, Odessa, MO 606 Myrna Fette Lutheran Good Shepherd Home, 202 SW St., Concordia, MO 6020 Winnie Knehans Jake Stoecklin Ann Nuelle Country Oak Village, 101 Cross Creek Drive, Grain Valley, MO 6029 Viola Meinershagen Riverbend Heights Rehab & Health, Lexington Nursing Home, 1221 South Highway 1, Lexington, MO 606 Mark Gieselman Addington Place of Lee s Summit, 2160 SE Blue Parkway, Lee s Summit, MO 606 Roberta Summers (Apt. 212) (Roberta s mailing address is Roberta Summers, C/O Carrie Tunison, 120 SE Brookwood St., Lee s Summit, MO 606.)

3 January 2018 Judy Struchtemeyer Delbert Goetz Kali Rechterman Kristen Smith Dana Cox Cooper Fisher Keri Borchers Hope Siegworth Arthur Thaller Kevin Alumbaugh Kelsey Bredehoeft Kayla Augustine Glenda Riekhof Herb Echelmeier Ryland Homfeld Brenda Goring The Lamplighter Best Birthday Wishes in January go to Bill Oelrichs Robert Souder Linda Dickmeier Barbara Bottemuller Kyle Dobson Tara Gieselman Kendra LaRue Regan Wood Ryan Cole Pearl Luehrman Keith Gadt Shelby Long Becky Bergsieker Louise Salyer Denise Kirchhoff Jimmy Stoner Danny Long Teri Salyer Joyce Gross Conner Moore Nikala Nevels Marilyn Cole Keaton Tracy Alice Jarman Angie Erdman James Frerking Earl Fiene Amber Wesche Norma Gadt Melanie Eickhoff Gabriel Nevels R.J. Nowling Page SOUPER SUPPERS In January 2009, the Churches of Higginsville began a program to provide meals for families needing to stretch their food supply. Each participating church hosted a simple meal (soup, sandwiches, drinks & dessert) one evening during the last week of the first three months of the year. Each of our congregations has great cooks! In 201 ministries such as the Food Pantry and the Heat and Hunger Fund have had more clients than in the past. We believe that even more families in our communities are in need of the support that Souper Suppers can provide. JANUARY SCHEDULE: (All suppers are 5:0 6:0 pm) Sunday, January 21- First Presbyterian Church: Phone: 58-2 Monday, January 22- Salem UCC: Phone: (Immanuel Lutheran Church partnering) Tuesday, January 2- (To be announced) Wednesday, January 2- St. Mary s Catholic Church: Phone: (New Beginnings partnering) Thursday, January 25- First Baptist Church: Phone:

4 January 2018 From the Church Records Financial Report: General Fund Balance /01/1 Current deposits Current expenses Current Fund Balance /0/1 Building Fund: Current Fund Balance /01/1 Current deposits Current expenses Current Fund Balance /01/1 The Lamplighter Page $,529 $22,50 $18,69 $ 8,20 $1, $ 15 $ 560 $1, O.C.W.M. (Member Contributions for Nov.) $280 8:0 a.m. November Attendance 10:0 a.m Average Total Average 12 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) COMMUNITY NEWS: 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. Father Tom Hawkins (Catholic) will be leading Bible Study during the month of January, Terry Cook (Methodist) during the month of February, Liz Lindsey (Presbyterian) during the month of March. The Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 10:15-10:5 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! United in diversity Although early Christians had much in common, they also dwelt in diversity. Each of their leaders emphasized certain parts of the gospel and favored certain worship styles. They all believed in the resurrected Jesus, and they all celebrated the Lord's Supper and baptism. But Christians in Corinth had a unique approach, as did those in Ephesus, Philippi, Galatia, Rome and so on. It might be boring if we all believed and practiced completely alike. Variations don t need to be an impediment to Christian unity. As pastor Charles Best said, If we re going to be in heaven together, we might as well get along now.

5 January 2018 Page 5 The Lamplighter CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING November 16, 201 :0 pm The regular meeting of the Salem Church Council was held Thursday, November 16, 201 at :0 pm in the Board Room. The members present were Keri Borchers, Pastor Tommy, Felicia Leonard, Janice Hoefer, Delbert Goetz, David Starke, Kevin Berry, Ronnie Begsicker, and Peggy Pragman. President Keri Borchers called the meeting to order. Pastor opened with devotion from Psalms 90 and prayer. Minutes were read, corrected, and approved. Felicia gave the treasurer s report with balances of $,529 in General Fund and $1, in Building and Grounds Fund. The Pastor s mileage of 29 miles for $90.02 was presented for payment. Motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer s report. Motion to pay mileage also made, seconded, and approved. The Pastor s report mentioned the possibility of investigating online giving, which he mentioned last month, also the possibility of getting wireless internet throughout the building. He feels both of these investments should not be large and both could be very beneficial to the church. He asked that this be something to consider carefully and prayerfully. June Howell began practice for Sunday School Christmas Program. Also June and Pastor took our confirmands to the Festival of Sharing in Sedalia Oct. 20 and 21. Need to look for another service project to replace this event, since this was last statewide Festival held. Tommy officiated at the marriage of Jessica Cole and Jeremiah Pressley in Lexington. Pastor also attended the ordination and installation of Bethany Meier on Oct. 29 th. It was a good service but because it was held at the same time he sadly missed the KC Metro Men s Chorus. Pastor announced there is another installation coming soon and hoping to see some Salem members present. Last weekend, at Ebenezer UCC, Levasy, the Western Assoc. installed the Rev. Jeanne Lischer as pastor and teacher there. This coming weekend Nov. 19 th at Central UCC in Jeff City, we will install the Rev. Jody Furnas-Wright as the associate pastor of faith formation. These services are very important in the life of our association. Our polity dictates that the association is the body that authorizes minsters, and conducts ordinations and installations, and I want you to know that I take this responsibility very seriously. The Higginsville Ministerial Fellowship will hold a Thanksgiving service on Tuesday, Nov. 21 st, at the Central Christian Church at :00 p.m. Correspondence: Thank You read from the 2016 Christmas Fund (Retired Ministers). Christian Ed: Delbert reported setting up things for YOM. Cookie sale after 10:0 service on Dec. rd. Thirteen have signed up for YOM so far. Working on float for Christmas parade, and planning movie for Jan. or Feb. Building and Grounds: David: Reported house numbers on parsonage still needs to be taken care of and Alumbaugh s needs to be called about locks. Bats gone, possible screens put into place next spring. Cemetery: Kevin Berry no meeting. Memorial: Peggy reported meeting held to plan Memorial Service at both services. There are 6 that will be remembered and plans are made. Stewardship: Ronnie reported no meeting. Evangelism: Felicia reported monetary collection for turkeys was a big success with raising $1,0.99. Ladies Lions made donation as well as members of our church, and community. The two locations used were Moose s Market and Piggly Wiggly. 5 Worship: Janice reported no meeting. Ushers: Kevin reported Dec. complete and working on Jan. and Feb. Unfinished Business: U.S. Bank Credit card was taken out for Salem UCC with cards issued one for Sarah Berry, secretary, June Howell Christian Ed. Coordinator, and Lowell Grumke, custodian. Kitchen Meeting Report: David reported that he and Peggy had met with Lance Tieman prior to the council meeting to get estimated bid for painting. David has meet with several people for estimates and ideas and he is moving forward with getting proposal ready for Congregational meeting in Jan. New Business: Light fixtures in office need to be replaced. Will call G and S Electric. Discussion about custodian for large events. Council voted to inform those wanting to use the building for such events, that there will be no Custodian on duty, and it will be their responsibility for clean up. A suggestion was made to a council member about the possibility of sending out quarterly financial statements to members as a way to remind them of their offerings. After a discussion about approximate coast of the mailings, a decision was made not to follow through at this time. Annual reports are due in the church office by Jan. 5, Next Council Meeting Date: December 1, 201, :0 p.m. The meeting will be held earlier because of Christmas week. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by saying the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted Peggy Pragman, Council Secretary

6 January 2018 The Lamplighter Page 6 WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO: Judy Struchtemeyer and family. Judy s mother, Geraldine Fauss, passed away Thursday, December, 201. Her funeral was held Saturday, December 16, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. ALSO Mary and Lester Homfeld and family. Mary s brother-in-law, Donnie Hendricks, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 201. He resided in Carson, Iowa. ALSO The family of Grace Schemmer. Grace passed away Saturday, December 16, 201. Her visitation and funeral were held at Salem Friday, December 22, 201. ALSO The family of Harold Schroer (Harold was the son of the late Walter and Delpha Schroer, brother of Bob Schroer.) Harold passed away Tuesday, November, his funeral service was held on Monday, November 1, at Christ Lutheran Church, Kansas City, MO, following the service his burial was at the Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri. You Were Real Angels! Thank you for making our Salem UCC Angel Tree a success. We were able to assist eighty-nine children from thirty-nine families. All but two tags were adopted and your financial donations easily covered the cost. I would like to thank all the members of the Angel Tree Committee for their great work. Jeannie Fleischmann prepared tags and inventoried the gifts. Sharon Hoefer shopped for the unadopted tags. Our team assembled on Saturday, December 16, at 9:00 a.m. Many thanks to Keri Borchers, Amy and Delbert Goetz, Sharon Hoefer, and my husband, Ken Green, for making time on that Saturday to deliver our bags of gifts. We appreciate everyone who helped spread caring and generosity through the Higginsville community. Angie Green, Committee Chairperson A penguin parable During storms, emperor penguins huddle for warmth, taking turns at the center and on the perimeter of the group. While incubating eggs, up to 6,000 male penguins have been observed clustering for shelter against the harsh Antarctic winter. Partially grown chicks gather in protective crèches (French for cribs ); often surrounded by a colony of adults, these groupings ward off predators and cold. In stormy times, humans also need supportive groups; we can t survive alone. A church family allows us to take turns giving and receiving care. Amid social upheaval, injustice, illness, natural disaster and any loss or crisis, God invites us to gather for protection and warmth. In the church community, we support and strengthen one another and are empowered to go out again into the less-sheltered world Annual Reports Are Due in the Church Office by January 5, Please have them typed or them to: salemucc@ctcis.net Please note your responsibility for the report. 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

7 January 2018 The Lamplighter Page Youth on Mission News 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. It is a busy time of the year for all of you and 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. Below is a list of possible tasks we can do, but if you have a job you would like to have done that s not on the list, NO PROBLEM. Call Delbert Goetz at and he will find a camper to do the work! Shovel snow Taking down Christmas decorations Walk your dog Baking and/or cooking a meal Bake your favorite dessert Grocery shopping Cleaning Run an errand Transportation to a doctor s appointment Clean gutters (single story) Wash windows (single story) Pressure washing siding/deck Painting Rake leaves or mow yard Plant bushes or tree Plant flowers or other gardening projects YOUTH ON MISSION HAM AND BEAN DINNER JANUARY 21, 2018 immediately following the 10:0 a.m. worship service will be a homemade HAM AND BEAN DINNER with cornbread muffins, plus a BAKED POTATO BAR with chili, cheese, and all the fixins! The Youth on Mission is sponsoring the event and baskets will be available for your donation to our youth who will be attending their mission trip to Imperial, PA, July 28-August, Invite your family and friends to share this wonderful meal to help support our youth! Watch for more information in weekly church bulletins.

8 January 2018 The Lamplighter Page 8 Salem s Veteran Honor Role years ago we didn t have any information about members of Salem who served in our Nation s Armed Forces. Today we have accumulated data on nearly 100 veterans who we individually recognized in a slide presentation during church services on Veteran s Sunday. That said our mission has not ended. Below is a listing of another 6 members known to be veterans. We have their names, but don t have their branch of service; years of service; rank/rate; duty stations/wars; where buried (if deceased); or a photo in uniform. If you know anyone who can help us capture information about these veterans, please have them contact Stanton Thompson ( ; jsthomps@ctcis.net) or Dennis Knipmeyer ( ; djknip@ctcis.net. Albers, Red Alberswerth, Carl H. Bergsieker, Lois Boedeker, Delmar Boedeker, Ernest Boedeker, Oscar O. Brackman, Joseph Buist, Burk Ehlebracht, Frank Engelbrecht, Marvin Fasse, William H. Fisher, Gene Fox, Eldred Freese, Siegmund Freund, Richard Frevert, William H. Fuffner, Calvin Gieselman, Lambert Gladish, Gilbert Halford, Orville Hauck, Theophil C. Held, Henry R. Heldt, Harold Hilgedick, Norman Hillebrenner, Emil Huscher Edward Knehans, Marvin Knehans, Maurice Koenig, William E. Lefman, Ray Lefman, Rudy Lineback, Edward Meinershagen, Clarence Meinershagen, Lawrence Meinershagen, Leroy Mensenkamp, Raymond Morstain, Wilbur H. Niemeier, Herman Niemeyer, Edward Oberhelman, Otto Opfer, Albert Opfer, Delmar Opfer, Ferdinand Pevestorff, Charles Rabshal, John Redeker, Burnett Rehsmeyer, Herman Ridder, William A. Ruffner, Calvin Sander, Robert Schaefer, Emmett Schaefer, Gilbert Schaefer, Paul Schierioh, John Schindler, Oliver Schlomann, Harold A. Schneider, Herman H. Schoppenhorst, Clarence Schroeer, Martin Smith, Walter Starke Henry Stockman, Elmer Stockman, Rov Stoecklin, Melvin Struchtemeyer, Keith Stuerke, Marvin Tagtmeyer, Gilbert Tempel, Roy A. Vahrenberg, Edwin Vahrenberg, Louis Voss, Leonard A. Wegner, Charles E. Wehmhoener, Emil Werning, Elmer Woltemath, Garret 8

9 Salem United Church of Christ 1500 Main Street Higginsville MO 60 Non-Profit Organization POSTAGE PAID Permit NO. 10 Higginsville MO 60 Return Service Requested The Lamplighter The Lamplighter Is a monthly newsletter of : Salem United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris Keri Borchers, President 1500 Main Street Pastor Church Council Higginsville, MO 60 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 January Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri 9