SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1500 North Main Higginsville, Missouri web page: salemucchigginsville.org We are a gathering church sent out by God to bring the good news of God s grace, justice, peace, and love to the world
March 4, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT THE GATHERING 10:30 a.m. MUSIC BEFORE WORSHIP * PROCESSIONAL HYMN This Is My Father s World No. 58 WELCOME: No matter who you are or where you are in your life s journey, you are welcome here. We gather to remember the Sabbath day, and keep it Holy (Exodus 20:8, NRSV), thanking God for the gift of rest. Welcome! NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION ADDRESSING OURSELVES TO GOD RINGING OF THE BELL Piano Prelude In the Garden arr. Wolaver * CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Weary and overwhelmed, we gather. People: God s holy word revives us. Leader: Simple and confused, we yield. People: God s word gives us wisdom. Leader: Blind and uncomprehending, we await. People: God s word enlightens our eyes. Leader: More precious than gold is God s word. People: Sweeter than honey are God s commands. * INVOCATION (Unison) O God, your weakness is mightier than human strength, your foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. We rejoice that you are with us today. Open our hearts and discipline our will. Teach us to follow your perfect ways. Test us with your 1
righteous decrees. With your patient, compassionate persistence, direct us away from unholy living, and turn us toward your holy light. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, comfort and heal us with your holy gospel. Amen. *GLORIA PATRI No. 623 HEARING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES June YOUTH CHOIR I Love You Lord HYMN Lavish Love, Abundant Beauty No. 61 (Please write your joys and concerns on the card and hand it to the usher during the hymn) JOYS AND CONCERNS Preparation for prayer PASTORAL PRAYER, THE LORD S PRAYER ( debts and debtors words in hymn No. 426) MORNING OFFERING Offertory Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Leatherman *Doxology No. 625 *Dedication Prayer *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle s Creed (Printed inside back cover of Hymnal) CHANCEL CHOIR You Are My All in All arr. Harlan PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 19 (O.T. p. 472) SERMON Sweeter Than Honey Tommy THE SENDING *HYMN Jesus Shall Reign No. 231 2
*BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE The Church s One Foundation arr. Leatherman The Worship Service is over and our Service begins. *Indicates please stand if you are able to do so **************************************** Leading Worship Today: Rev. Dr. Tommy L. Faris Pastor Delbert Goetz Liturgist June Howell Christian Education Coordinator Jamie Smith Substitute Organist/Music Director Charles Grumke Acolyte GREETING YOU TODAY ARE: North Door: Senior High Sunday School South Door: Senior High Sunday School IN OUR PRAYERS: Barbara Bottemuller, was at Meyer Care Center, she returned home, and is now hospitalized at Lafayette Regional Health Center. David Thaller, was hospitalized at Western Missouri Medical Center, he is recovering at Riverbend Heights Health & Rehab in Lexington. Walter Homfeld, brother of Ryland Homfeld and Mary Dickmeier, is now at Oak Grove Nursing and Rehab. Warner Schelp, was hospitalized at Lafayette Regional Health Center, he is now recovering at Meyer Care Center. Mary Kirchhoff, is recovering at Meyer Care Center. Wilma Dieckhoff, is currently residing at Meyer Care Center. Myrna Fette, is residing at New Haven Living Center, Odessa. WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO: The family of Delores Steinway. Delores passed away Monday, February 26, 2018. Delores was a cousin of C.W. Hook. Her visitation was Friday, March 2, at Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home. 3
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER: Corey Robinette was welcomed as a new member to Salem this morning at the 8:30 a.m. Worship Service. Corey is married to Erin (Nolte) and they have two children, Charlotte and Elsie. Corey is originally from Evergreen, Colorado. His parents are Brad and Sherry Robinette. Corey and Erin were united in marriage at Salem in 2012, then they moved to Higginsville in 2015. BAPTIZED TODAY AT THE 8:30 WORSHP SERVICE: Charlotte and Elsie Robinette were baptized this morning at the 8:30 a.m. Worship Service. Their parents are Corey and Erin (Nolte) Robinette. Their grandparents are Paul and Barb Nolte and Brad and Sherry Robinette. ANNOUNCEMENTS: EASTER FLOWERS: We will appreciate having spring flowers in church again this Easter. If you wish to place a flower in memory of someone, please notify the church secretary (584-3603) by March 28, so she can print it in the church bulletin. Be sure your name is on the flower that you bring. Please leave it in the Fellowship Hall on the stage by Noon on Good Friday, March 30. suggestions of spring flowers are: Tulips, Daffodils, Hydrangea, Azaleas, Lilies or check with your florist. Thanks! (The flower committee will place the flowers in the sanctuary.) ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING will be dedicated next Sunday, March 11; extra OGHS envelopes are available in the back of the sanctuary and by the church office. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS MARCH 11! CHILDREN S SUNDAY: We are planning another Children s Sunday for March 18th during the 10:30am service. We asked the kids what kind of service they wanted to have. The answer was very funny. They want to have a Pajama Service. So March 18th is a come as you are service. You can wear pajamas, or casual clothes, or work clothes. Whatever you feel like doing! The kids will absolutely love to see you all in pajamas or whatever you choose to wear! 4
Women s Fellowship Circle Schedules for March Esther Circle Wednesday, March 7, 10:00 a.m., at Vida Mehrhoff s apartment, Vida Mehrhoff hostess. Mary Martha Circle No meeting in March. Ruth Circle Wednesday, March 7, 2:00 p.m., at Fay Tilly s home, Fay Tilly hostess, Annie Fiegenbaum program. Eve Circle Tuesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m., in the Salem Board Room, Sharon Hoefer hostess, B.J. Salyer program. LENTEN DEVOTIONALS: Are available in the back of the Sanctuary and outside the church office. LENTEN SERVICES: Salem will hold Wednesday evening Lenten Services at 6:30 p.m., through March 21, in the Sanctuary. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: for our YUMMY annual Pie and Cake Auction to be held Sunday, March 11th! The auction will begin at 12:30 p.m. after a luncheon of sandwiches, etc. provided by the Youth on Mission. MAUNDY THURSDAY: Maundy Thursday service with communion will be March 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. COMMUNITY NEWS: FISH FRY: St. Mary s Catholic Church is having a Fish Fry, Friday, March 9, 4-7:00 p.m. Adults: $10, children 6-12: $5, and children under 6: Free. CHORUS OF FRIENDS 2018 EASTER CANTATA: Presents The Resurrection of the Messiah Music by Mary McDonald /Conducted by Dr. Guy D Aurelio Dates, Times and Locations: March 16, Friday 7:30 p.m. Zion Lutheran Church, Corder March 17, Saturday, 5:00 p.m. First Baptist Church, Lexington March 18, Sunday, 5:00 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Higginsville March 19, Monday, 7:30 p.m. Baptist Church, Concordia March 23, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Christian Church, Waverly March 25, Sunday, 5:00 p.m. United Methodist Church, Wellington 5
TA TRUCK STOP-CONCORDIA COUNTRY PRIDE: Travel Centers of America-Concordia, MO-Country Pride Restaurant has 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! BLUE SPRINGS TERRACE BREAKFAST BUFFET: Blue Springs Terrace is having their Thirteenth Annual Breakfast Buffet, Saturday, March 24, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will serve a variety of homemade food. The address is 312 S.W. 19th Terrace, Blue Springs, MO. JKV 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 March, Dale Felder (Ministerial Fellowship Chairperson) during the month of April. The Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room. MARCH SOUPER SUPPER SCHEDULE March 18th (Sunday) First Presbyterian March 19th (Monday) Salem UCC/Immanuel Lutheran Church partnering March 2Oth (Tuesday) First Baptist Church March 21st (Wednesday) St. Mary s Catholic Church/New Beginnings partnering March 22nd (Thursday) Grace United Methodist Church MEN S HOLY WEEK BREAKFAST SCHEDULE: Tuesday, March 27 First Presbyterian Church 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 28 First Assembly of God 6:30 a.m. Thursday, March 29 First Baptist 6:30 a.m. Friday, March 30 Salem Church 6:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31 St. Mary s Catholic Church 7:00 a.m. 6
WOMEN S HOLY WEEK BREAKFAST SCHEDULE: Friday, March 30 First Assembly of God Church 7:00 a.m. Saturday, March 31 Immanuel Lutheran Church 8:30 a.m. GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNITY CROSS-WALK SERVICE: Friday, March 30, the community service will begin at 11:45 a.m. by gathering at the Caboose with a short prayer. At Noon the cross will be carried down Main Street where it will end at Grace United Methodist Church. At that time, a devotional service will be offered to commemorate Jesus saving act on the Cross. The Cross Walk is open to all who want to participate. Those who feel uncomfortable carrying the cross can walk along and sing or meet us at Grace United Methodist for devotion. 2018 CHURCH CAMP: Camp MoVal s 2018 Brochures/ registration forms are available outside the church office. Early Bird registration date is April 1, 2018. 2018 MMS-UCC WOMEN S RETREAT: Registration Form/Brochures for this retreat are available outside the church office. Registration must be mailed by Friday, March 31, 2018. UP COMING DATES: March 7 Lenten Service March 11 Fourth Sunday in Lent One Great Hour of Sharing Offering Dedicated YOM Light Lunch and Pie & Cake Auction March 14 Lenten Service March 18 Fifth Sunday in Lent Children s Sunday (10:30 a.m. Service) CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! If your child is most comfortable with you in worship, they are welcome. If you prefer, the nursery room is open and available for parents who would like to take their child there and stay with them. TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE: Transportation is available to any worship service. Please call the church office (584-3603) to make arrangements. OFFICE HOURS: Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. to Noon & 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. 7
Sunday - THIS WEEK S EVENTS AT SALEM March 4, thru March 11, 2018 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:45 a.m. Confirmation Monday - 4:00 p.m. Brownie Troop 3152 Tuesday - Food Pantry 2:00 p.m. Grief/Hospice Support Group 7:00 p.m. Board of Christian Education Meeting 7:00 p.m. Eve Circle Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Esther Circle 10:30 a.m. Lafayette Area Pastors Meeting 2:00 p.m. Ruth Circle 2:00 p.m. Young Peacemakers 4:30 p.m. Arrow of Light 5:00 p.m. Bear Den 6:30 p.m. Lenten Service 7:00 p.m. Al-Anon Meeting 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday - 6:00 p.m. Board of Elders Meeting 7:00 p.m. Health Department Class No Activities Scheduled 7:00 a.m. Men s Fellowship Breakfast 9:30 a.m. A. A. One Great Hour of Sharing Dedication Daylight Savings Begins 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:45 a.m. Confirmation 12:30 p.m. YOM Pie and Cake Auction 8
OUR FRIENDS AND CHURCH FAMILY IN CARE FACILITIES: Listed below are our members and friends (at the time of printing of the Bulletin) 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 64037 Wilma Dieckhoff Mary Kirchhoff Glenn & Shirley Nowack Pat Pence Anna Marie Rinne Louise Salyer Warner Schelp Robert Cobb Souder Earl Struchtemeyer Bob Tankesley New Haven Living Center, 609 Golf Street, Odessa, MO 64076 Myrna Fette Lutheran Good Shepherd Home, 202 SW St., Concordia, MO 64020 Winnie Knehans Jake Stoecklin Ann Nuelle Country Oak Village, 101 Cross Creek Drive, Grain Valley, MO 64029 Viola Meinershagen Riverbend Heights Rehab & Health, Lexington Nursing Home, 1221 South Highway 13, Lexington, MO 64067 Mark Gieselman David Thaller Addington Place of Lee s Summit, 2160 SE Blue Parkway, Lee s Summit, MO 64063 Roberta Summers (Apt. 212) (Roberta s mailing address is Roberta Summers, C/O Carrie Tunison, 1207 SE Brookwood St., Lee s Summit, MO 64063.) 9
Not OK but forgiven Since Thomas Harris popular self-help book I m OK, You re OK was first published in 1967, the title has become a cliché, thanks to knock-offs and parodies. One is titled I m OK, You re Not So Hot. Indeed, it s often in our nature to be more accepting of our own behavior than of others. Yet at other times we re too quick to dismiss a wrong done against us. When a wise Christian apologized to me for something she d done, I immediately replied, It s OK. But she responded, No, it s not OK, but you can tell me I m forgiven. Lent reminds us that none of us is perfectly OK in our relationships with God and one another. But thanks to God s unconditional love, demonstrated through Jesus willingness to suffer even death for us, we re indeed forgiven. Heidi Mann 10
UCC Mission Moment Branded like animals, chained naked together, hundreds of human beings crammed into a tiny space and rowed across the Atlantic with a bucket for human waste and little food or air such was the brutality of the Middle Passage. The Middle Passage is the name given to the journey by ships forced on to millions of human beings kidnapped and brought from Africa to the Americas. Many died and those who survived were sold as slaves into a world far from their homes. It was on one such ship that a slave named Sengbe Pieh found a file given to him or left behind by a female slave and with it he sawed through his leg iron. He then freed others and led a revolt above decks. It was 1839 and such is one piece of the story of the ship slave ship called the Amistad. We in the United Church of Christ remember that story because our past is tied to its events, and reflects how deep are our roots in the cause of freedom and equality for all. Sengbe Pieh and his fellow slaves were arrested and charged with murder and their case was tried and won in the Supreme Court by John Quincy Adams and the tireless work of many others, including prominent Congregationalists. Abolitionists of all colors gathered around in support of the slaves of the Amistad. The American Missionary Association was organized in 1846 by Congregational and Presbyterian abolitionists who had been active in support of the Amistad defendants. Twenty-five years later the AMA chartered seven colleges for the education of African American students: Berea College, in Kentucky; Fisk University, in Tennessee; Atlanta University, in Georgia; Hampton Institute, in Virginia; Talladega College, in Alabama; Tougaloo University, in Mississippi; Straight University, now known as Dillard, in Louisiana. They helped establish Howard University. Originally established to train teachers, these schools had trained over 7000 black teachers by 1888. The AMA itself long ago folded itself into other associations including the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries and further into our denominational restructure in 2000. But its mission to support the empowerment of black Americans through education has helped create generations of black leaders whose articulate and powerful presence continues to make our country and world a better place; a freer place. Sengbe Piah didn t just free himself and his companions. What he did started many people thinking differently about slavery and grew beyond what he might have imagined filing away at his leg irons in the hold of the Amistad.