The Lamplighter

PASTORS PIECE Zion United Church of Christ January 2013 Inside This Issue
Responding to National Tragedy
Randy and I were on our way to Kansas City to participate in the KC Jazz Nativity when we first heard the reports. A gunman opened fire at a school in Connecticut. 20 children and 6 adults killed. The shooter took his own life. The police are on the scene. Anxious parents await news about their children. Once again national tragedy has intruded on our desire for normalcy. We see the pictures of grieving parents, grim faced officials, and frightened children and we seek explanation, and we want to help, and we ask the unanswerable question why. Many ask what can we offer in the face of raw grief and pain. Some have responded with anger directed toward the shooter, toward the gun industry, or toward the culture of violence in which we live. Others have responded with fear suggesting that more people should be permitted to carry guns to protect themselves. Still others desire a quick return to life as normal and a way to escape the painful reality of Sandy Hook elementary school. I was listening to sports radio on the way to work and as the DJ's were ending their program they pointed out that they had offered a normal program today. They acknowledged the grief of the Newtown parents, the feelings of pain and shock around the country and then went on to say but to those who needed to return to normal we offered our normal broadcast. As people turn to the church seeking comfort I want to suggest that the gift we have to offer in the face of national pain is lamentation. Most are uncomfortable with lamentation for the raw pain and soul cries are too honest for us. They grip

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Pastors Piece Palm of Prayer This Months Events Worship Ways Community, County & Conference Clamor Butterfly Room & Expression Session

7 Celebration Occasions
Worship Whirl

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

us in a reality from which we are trying to escape and force us to stare into a darkness we are try so hard to ignore. As one pastor put it, "I don't think my church does well in the dark. We present the Christian faith as an exercise of reason, as a means of enlightenment for the illuminated. We are therefore most comfortable at eleven o'clock in the morning when the sun shines through the stain glass and we can see where we are going." We don't do well in the dark. I read an article about a woman who was grieving the lost of her husband who had died a horrible, painful, death after a long illness. She spoke of well meaning Christian neighbors who tried to take her grief from her. She says of them, "They refuse to look on the dark side of things, and they want her to blink it away too. If she can smile in the face of loss, grief, and death, so can they. They are like children in a fairy story, singing songs, holding hands. Never mind the dark wood, the wolves and witches. Or birds that eat up the breadcrumbs that can lead them home. They refuse to look on the dark side of things and they want her to blink it away too, but she will not flee too quickly from the darkness and her refusal is eventually her redemption. We don't want to stare into the abyss where lamentation would lead us, yet it is there in the darkness that our hope and salvation abide. Perhaps what we need now is a safe place to express our grief, to demand answers from a God who seems delayed or absent, a place to ask - How long, O God, How long? What lamentation offers us is the possibility of transformation, of converting a potentially deadly force such as vengeance into something better." By confronting the darkness we offer our anger and grief to God. We do not deny our pain, for to do so would be to lie to ourselves and to God. We do not seek to rationalize our grief for it is too real to be dismissed easily. We do not withhold our questions for they burn not within us. We offer them to God so that they do not become the things that define us. We gaze into the darkness, for this is where God is waiting for us. That might seem strange - after all we say that God is light. But if God is only God of the day, then God cannot be our God because there is too much darkness in us and around us. In our lamentation we hear the words of transformation and new life, "The people who walk in darkness

The Lamplighter
have seen a great light, those who dwell in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." It is the mysterious nature of our faith to assert that, in entering our darkness, God is preparing to take back the night. Darkness shall not be the last word. Perhaps this is best gift we can offer - our belief that God is born among us in the night of the soul for that is when we most need God. To my sisters and brothers in the Missouri MidSouth Conference I pray that this Christmas you will be filled with awe and wonder as you remember the birth of the Messiah. I pray that as you remember that God is born among us and dwells with us your faith will be renewed and you will find renewed strength to proclaim the good news that God is still speaking a word of hope and grace. God has not left us abandoned. The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. Rev. Jeffrey Whitman Conference Minister

NOTE from Pastor Kristin:

As we enter 2013, let it be with hope that shines through darkness, and walk as a people sensitive to other's pain and loss, praying with them even hundreds of miles away, loving them in our hearts, and realizing too that 28 lives were lost, not just 26, all God's beloved children in this tragedy. God grieves with us through pain and loss, and gives us strength to endure and to take our next steps into a new day. Blessings, Pastor Kristin

"The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual--for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost." Scott Peck

Q: A:

What do penguins ride? Ice-Cycles.

This Months Events

S.S.9:30 A.M. Worship10:30 A. M. January 2, 2013 No Choir January 6, 2013 Taking Down the Greens after Worship Committee Reports due January 8, 2013 BCE, 7pm January 9, 2013 Choir, 7pm January 10, 2013 Council, 7 pm January 14, 2013 Pastoral Support, 7pm January 16, 2013 Choir, 7pm January 19, 2013 Creative Faith, Southwood January 20, 2013 Zion UCC Annual Meeting 1pm January 22, 2013 SAIL, 7 pm January 23, 2013 Choir, 7pm January 28, 2013 Lafayette County Cluster, 7:30 pm January 30, 2013 Choir, 7pm

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Copyright 2011 The Zondervan Corporation

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Palm of Prayer
Yet give attention to your servants prayer and his plea for mercy, LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 1 Kings 8:28 (NIV)

Concerns
Please continue to surround in love and prayer, those experiencing health difficulties &/or recovering from surgery & those adjusting to new seasons in their lives: El Dean Dickmeyer, Ralph Gadt, Mrs. Shafer, Emily Coen, the family of Donald Arth, Frances Bargfrede, Virgil and Verneal Koch, Sylvian Neher, Bob Heidbrink, Donald Heidbrink, Stephanie Carpenter and Mary Couch.

Joys

PASTORAL VISITS OR PRAYERS

I'm joyfully continuing my endeavor to visit all the members and friends of Zion United Church of Christ, according to schedules, time available, and desire. You can help out also by calling me for a time to visit, or if a pastoral care visit or prayer request is in your heart. The best way to reach me is at the parsonage, 660-237-4902, and the next best option is my cell @ 660-641-1038 and of course the church @ 660-237-4355. Blessings! Pastor Kristin

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Q: What did Jack Frost say to

Frosty the Snowman?

A: Have an ice day!

Youth Yak
Conference Youth Event
Saturday February 16 - Monday, February 18, 2013 Conference Youth Event brings together the youth of the Missouri Mid-South Conference for a weekend of fun, fellowship and personal spiritual renewal. Located at Camp Mo-Val, just outside Union, MO, the weekend offers youth the opportunity to commune with nature and to escape the business of their lives. Youth will have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones, along with attending meaningful worship services and enjoying multiple opportunities to connect with each other. Keynote speaker for this event is Andra Moran, a musician who will share modern day and historic stories that will explore ways how "ordinary people" can help change the world through God's love and peace.

Zion UCC Worship Ways

Church Council
Church council met Dec. 17--busy night preparing 2012 budget. Treasurer shared as of the end of Nov. total receipts for 2012 are $78,328.98, total expenses, $80,639.54 equaling a difference of $2,310.56 (red). Remember the ANNUAL MEETING is JANUARY 20, 2013 at 1:00pm. Lunch will be served by Zion United Church of Christ Church Council. Please have reports to church office by January 6. Next Church Council meeting will be on Jan. 10 at 7:00pm. Jesus replied "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and it will be done. Matt. 21:21 Look out 2013 here we come. Ruth Dierking, Secretary

History of Epiphany
The observance of Epiphany started in the Eastern Christian Churches. It was a combined celebration of Jesus' birth, the visit of the Magi to the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem, all of Jesus' childhood through to his baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, and the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. The primary event being commemorated was Jesus' baptism.

Board of Christian Education

Thirty Rock is set for January 10th at Scott and Jen Wrights house at 6:30pm. 3rd Sunday of every month is Bible study during Sunday School. Taking down the greens is January 6th after church. Hit and Run was a success! Youth and parents, Wayne and Joyce Hoefer, Pastor Kristin and Kenny delivered the bags and the extras were sent to the caroling group. 105 bags were made! January meeting is set for the 8th at 7pm.

Season of Epiphany
Many Protestant church traditions regard the season of Epiphany as extending from 6 January until Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the season of Lent leading to Easter. The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw his glorythe glory that belongs to the only Son of the Fatherand he was full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NCV)
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Community, County & Conference Clamor

We Need Your Photos for the Music Photo Album
The creation of a Missouri Mid-South Conference "Music Photo Album" is underway. We are asking each MMS congregation to share 5 random pictures of their church and congregation. To be easily recognized, send 1 picture of your church sign which includes your church name, and 1 picture of your church building. The other 3 pictures are totally up to you, so your congregation can showcase your church's unique qualities and spirit. The pictures will be arranged randomly in a computer photo album and then put to music. The hope is that this project will be completed by the 2013 Conference Annual Gathering. Pictures can either be mailed to the Missouri Mid-South Conference office . Please spread the word about this project because we want each MMS church represented. Thanks so much! Keep The Faith.

If attending a program is not for you, maybe you would like to volunteer as a counselor, or director or just come and assist for a day, we can always use the extra help. We would not be able to provide the great programs without all of the volunteers that give of their selves and time to make Outdoor Ministry successful.

Take time for silence and reflection this holiday season

Greetings United Church of Christ family, In the midst of the Advent season I have been blessed with the opportunity to join a small group of colleagues on a retreat. While there is some prayer and conversation when we gather and before we part, the bulk of the time is spent in silence. This is time for reading and prayerful reflection. I have come to treasure this retreat, which among other things allows me to experience Advent; to reflect of my hopes and expectations, my concerns and joys. This retreat time has enriched my experience of Christmas. I am well aware that we won't all have an opportunity or the desire to go on a retreat, especially a silent retreat. Yet, I cannot help wishing and hoping you will find time, even just a moment to pause, retreat style, in silence throughout the season. Just as I have, you might in those moments hear the words of one of your favorite Christmas carols rise from a place deep within. While on retreat, in the silence I heard this: "How silently, how silently, The wonderous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of God's heaven. No ear may hear his coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in." ("Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" - words by Phillip Brooks, 1867) May your Advent and Christmas abound with opportunities to experience to love of God in God's gift of Jesus the Christ. Peace and Christmas blessings,

All Things New, Look What God Is Doing

All Things New, Look What God Is Doing is the theme for Outdoor Ministries in 2013. Throughout the course of the 2013 program year, everyone is invited to come and participate in the many different outdoor ministry opportunities provide to for you at Camp MoVal and beyond. New camping programs along with many traditional programs are part of the 2013 schedule to insure that everyone has the opportunity to experience God and Creation in whole new way. Some of the new programs in 2013 are a Grandparent and Grandchild Camp, three Day Camps in three locations to better serve our whole conference, a social justice camp based on the Hunger Games Series and many other opportunities. Camp and Outdoor Ministry is the a special time and place where all people, young and old from many different places can come together and be part of one community, one family and feel safe in a space where everyone is cared for and loved in Christian Hospitality. The camp schedule is available on the Conference website, which gives everyone plenty of opportunity in advance to plan for their chance to get away and participate at Camp MoVal or one of our other Outdoor Ministry programs next year.

Geoffrey A. Black General Minister and President United Church of Christ

Butterfly Room
Newtown, CT web links
Friends, As we continue to offer prayers for families and friends of victims, and survivors, I wanted to share with you some web links: to a UCC article and prayers that were shared on our web site; information originally offered by Mike Denton on how to talk with your children about the recent school shootings; and Matt Crebbin, pastor at Newtown Congregational Church UCC was interviewed on the Today show this morning and offers words of comfort for all about faith. You may have already seen all...but wanted to be sure to share as much information as possible with all of you. Peace, Florence Coppola, Executive, National Disaster Ministries, UCC Wider Church Ministries Newtown, CT UCC web article and prayers: http://www.ucc.org/news/connecticut-weeps-forthe.html Talking to your children about recent school shootings web link: http://www.northalabamaumc.org/pages/detail/1173 Rev. Matt Crebbin, Newtown Congregational Church, UCC; Today Show interview, Monday December 17: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/ today/50224492#50224492

The Lamplighter

The Christians New Year Prayer

Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Thou Christ of mine, Thy gracious ear low bending Through these glad New Year days, To catch the countless prayers to heaven ascending For een hard hearts do raise Some secret wish for fame, or gold, or power, Or freedom from all care Dear, patient Christ, who listeneth hour on hour, Hear now a Christians prayer. Let this young year that, silent, walks beside me, Be as a means of grace To lead me up, no matter what betide me, Nearer the Masters face. If it need be that ere I reach the Fountain Where living waters play, My feet should bleed from sharp stones on the mountain, Then cast them in my way. If my vain soul needs blows and bitter losses To shape it for Thy crown, Then bruise it, burn it, burden it with crosses, With sorrows bear it down. Do what Thou wilt to mould me to Thy pleasure,

David went on up the Mount of Olives crying; he was barefoot and had his head covered as a sign of grief. All who followed him covered their heads and cried also. 2 Samuel 15:30 (GNT) But the Lord says Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already-you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. Isaiah 43:18-19 (GNT)

And if I should complain, Heap full of anguish yet another measure Until I smile at pain. Send dangersdeaths! but tell me how to dare them; Enfold me in Thy care. Send trials, tears! but give me strength to bear them This is a Christians prayer.

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Celebration Occasions
January Birthdays Pastor
Date 2 3 4 5 6 12 Birthday Carrie Begemann Jenny Holt John Vahrenberg Kyra Kueck Larry Neher Anita Bentsen Roger Thomson Denise Bainbridge Pastor Kristin Aardema Faigh Lincoln Bainbridge Alvin Cox Tony Coen Mildred Jungerman Amanda Hoeppner Phillip Wagner Rev Bob Atkinson Ronnie Hawthorne Robert Heidbrink Jeanette Starkebaum Jami Vandevort Jan 6 13 20 27 Wednesday 6:008:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AMNoon Wednesday 5:009:00 PM Tuesday 8:00 AMNoon

Office Hours
Secretary

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Serving Souls
ACOLYTES Tanner Burns Adam Hoefer Kristen Johnson Leah Wagner GREETERS Mike & Amy Burns Jim & Carolyn Bayless Carrie Begemann & Elaine Hudson Leo & Maggie Barresi

January Anniversaries
1 2 5 Bill & Denise Bainbridge Scott & Jennifer Wright Wayne & Joyce Hoefer

Administrative Affairs
Pastor Kristin Aardema Faigh Home(660) 237- 4902 Church (660) 237-4355 pastorkristinatzion@yahoo.com Cell (660) 641-1038 (660) 237- 4386

Wayne Hoefer Council President Angie Lawson Church Secretary

Reminder!
The deadline for submissions for the February newsletter is Thurs Jan 17, 2013. Send your submissions to: jennyj36@yahoo.com or zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com or Call (660) 237-4923

(660) 237- 4355 zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com (660) 237 - 4923 jennyj36@yahoo.com

Teresa Begemann Organist Connie Sanders Custodian

(816) 633 - 4133 tjbegemann@yahoo.com (660) 237 - 4246 cjsanders77@yahoo.com

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 January 2013

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 Contemporary Worship 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