The Lamplighter

PASTORS PIECE Zion United Church of Christ November 2013 Inside This Issue
"Death and Dying"
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecc. 3:1-8 NRSV Along with the gift of life comes the end of life, even the gift of death. Life is a process, and sometimes it is unfortunately interrupted by illness or injury which can make it end abruptly. Most all of us have experience with both. And either way death is often not easy to face, although life's end is as much a part of life as life's beginning. We are not being encouraged here to think morbidly, but it is helpful to think clearly about death. It reminds us that we still have time to change, time to examine the direction of our lives. The process of life and death allows us to experience times to live anew as we allow old ideas, fears, judgments and expectations expression, perhaps in confession and release, and receive the forgiveness that has been awaiting our letting go. Times of bereavement litter our lives through personal loss, both big and small, and offer us a time to pause and reflect, and a time to grow and discover. I attended an End-of-Life Training seminar at John Knox Village East recently, led by Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation in support of our congregations.
Zion United Church of ChristEstablished 1880 105 N. Mary, Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224 Phone and FAX: (660) 237 - 4355

1 Pastors Piece 2 Palm of Prayer 3 This Months Events 4 Worship Ways 5 Community, County &
Conference Clamor

6 8

Butterfly Room & Expression Session

7 Celebration Occasions
Worship Whirl

And that is just what it was--an outreach of support, as your faith community is here to love and support you through your life experiences, no matter what they are. God is with us, and for us, and ahead of us. Thanks be to God! Blessings and love, Pastor Kristin

The Lamplighter Veterans Day

November 11th we celebrate Veterans Day in remembrance of all those who have donned the uniforms of our Nations military. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the signing of the Armistice, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918, which officially ended the First World War. Thank you Veterans.

Advent
In Western Christianity, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24. When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last, or fourth Sunday of Advent. Advent Dates for 2013 December 1 - First Sunday of Advent December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Zion UCC Worship Ways

Council Comments
The Congregation approved to accept Councils recommendation for funding the additional, unforeseen expenses incurred with the painting and carpeting projects. Brown Box will be out for donations through October with any remaining amount to be taken from Undesignated Memorial Funds. Andyou may also have noticed that our organ is operational again! We are quickly approaching the end of the year and preparations for budget and Annual Meeting are upon us. Please hold your Council members in thoughtful prayer as we strive to make the best decisions for the good of Zion and to the glory of God. Diane Wagner, Council Secretary

Palm of Prayer
There are many plans in a mans heart, Nevertheless the LORDs counselthat will stand.

Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV) 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: Maurice & Wilma Hoefer; Sharon Hoefer; Pastor Kristins Uncle Bob; Jim Bainbridge; Dorothy Begemann; A. D. Kellum; Ed Jenkins; Frank Folsmeyer; family of Lester Fox; family of Ike Skelton; first responders; military personnel and their families; families around the world that are in the midst of war and natural disasters.

Mission Committee
The Mission Committee, Jeanette, Norma, Pastor Kristin and Ruth, traveled to Sedalia for the Festival of Sharing on October 19, 2013. They delivered: 5 emergency clean-up buckets, 6 CWS layettes, 6 CWS school kits, 1 pair of eyeglasses, 1 Blanket,1 family food pack, 16 paper products packs, 6 personal hygiene packs, 7 readin' & writin pac's, 17 seed packets, 10 student dental packs and 628 best choice labels. They also delivered $364 in cash which will be used for shipping and where needed for the Festival of Sharing. Thank you Zion for your generous gifts.
"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some. Charles Dickens

Joys
Many, many birthdaysMilestone birthdays Viola Campbell reaches 104 years young, and Max Tyler reaches 90 years young! We celebrate with Emily and Louis Coen on their 62nd wedding anniversary. Special shout out to Mark Fiegenbaum on being selected Homecoming King.

This Months Events

S.S.9:30 A.M. Worship10:30 A. M. Daylight Saving Time Ends November 3 Be sure to set your clocks back one hour! November 6, 2013 Choir, 7 pm November 10, 2013 SAIL Shut In Visitation Advent Chorale Practice Salem 1:303 pm November 13, 2013 Choir, 7 pm

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Copyright 2011 The Zondervan Corporation

November 17, 2013 Contemporary Service Confirmation Installation Service for Rev Dr Tommy Faris Salem UCC, 3 pm November 20, 2013 Choir, 7 pm November 10, 2013 Community Thanksgiving Service First Baptist, 4 pm Advent Chorale Practice Salem 1:303 pm November 28, 2013 Thanksgiving

Board of Christian Education

Changes have been made for the openings of Sunday School Gathering upstairs. The first Sunday of the month will be Kenneth Jungerman; second will be Wayne Hoefer; third will be Tresina Alvested; and fourth will be Denise Bainbridge. When the month has a fifth Sunday, Judy Pragman will do the opening. November 24th will be the Mayview Community Thanksgiving Service at 4pm at First Baptist Church. The hanging of the greens will be December first, with lunch provided by BCE. Taking down of the greens will be January 5th, 2014, right after the church service. Please mark your calendar for these events, and come and have fun! Submitted by Judy Pragman

The real things havent changed It is still best to be honest and truthful, To make the most of what we have; Be happy with simple pleasures and have courage when things go wrong. Laura Ingalls Wilder

SAIL
SAIL met on Oct. 22, 2013. Ruth shared a message on Waste from "The Seven Experiment" by Jen Hatmaker. Are we living, so that the world as God created it, will be around for our children and grandchildren? With so much waste what can we do to leave the world a better place? Facebook had several recipes that would not only be 'cheaper" but earth friendly: Floor Cleaner: 1 cup white vinegar, 1 Tablespoon dish soap, 1 cup baking soda and 2 gallon's of warm water. Sore throat/beginning of cold: 2 Tablespoon honey, 2 Tablespoon vinegar, dash cinnamon, 2 Tablespoon lemon juice, mix with a cup of hot water and drink. Natural Spider Killer/Preventer: 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup pepper, 1 teaspoon oil, 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Put in spray bottle and spray along outside of your outside door and along windows. Notice a common ingredient? Vinegar must be good for just about anything!!! Looking for more "earth" friendly recipes. Got one to share?

The Lamplighter

TOTENFEST
November 24, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, will be our time to remember those dear to us who have died over the last year. Please email pastorkristinatzion@yahoo.com, or telephone 660-237-4355 or 660 -237-4902 with names and spellings if necessary, and please feel free to bring a picture and/or a candle to light in memory of your loved one or friend.

Community, County & Conference Clamor

OCWM
When we are so busy, it is easy to fly through an entire day barely connecting with our surroundings. In that context, some miracles may seem so small we may not even notice them. What connotes a "small miracle"? Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) offering recently made some "small" miracles occur. For instance: MoVal staff led more than 500 young campers in experiencing God in new ways this summer. Awareness was increased during Congo Week when churches and individuals used resources and participated in educational events about the situation in that country. The database containing each profile of pastors in search of a call, and each church searching for pastors, makes connecting pastor-to-church and churchto-pastor possible. We each helped to make these miracles happen through our giving. Our Church Works Miracles! OCWM: creating miracles every day.

Youth Yak
Conference Middle School Event!
This year's awesome retreat will be November 22 - 23 with the theme Who Says we Cant Change the World?. CMSE is a tool for enhancing Middle School youth ministry in local congregations by helping youth connect with their peers from around the Missouri Mid-South Conference. The retreat will be full of games, discussion groups, hang time, an awesome guest speaker, and all the great camp activities MoVal has to offer. Check in will start at 7 pm on Friday, November 22 and the event will end at approximately 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 23. Youth currently in grades 6, 7, & 8 and their adult advisors are all invited to this life changing event. The cost is $60 per youth or adult. Scholarships are available. Registration Packets are available on-line at www.mmsucc.org or by calling Renee at the Conference Office at 1-877-877-5884. A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing!

Installation of Rev. Tommy Faris

The Western Association of Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ and Salem United Church of Christ Higginsville, Missouri, will install the Rev. Dr. Tommy L. Faris as Pastor on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 3:00 p.m.

The Lamplighter We've a Story to Tell the Nations

I love Fall, partly because it is the season for fairs of all kinds - harvest fairs, apple butter fests, quilt shows, pumpkin and corn maze festivals. I think the energizing, cooler breezes, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the knowledge that soon it will not be so pleasant to spend time outside, entices us to join in community to enjoy the outdoors and share the fruits of ours and others' labors. The Festival of Sharing which was just held at the fairgrounds in Sedalia, is to me, the best model of all festivals. This 30 year old annual interfaith event, involves thousands of church members of all ages, including many of our own conference churches. These generous workers and givers contribute nearly $1 million each year to do something very tangible to address local and global hunger, poverty, human crisis, and injustice needs. So many members of so many churches work all year long for this one weekend gathering, to celebrate how much we have to give. What a Gospel story, what a ministry vision! I think there is so much that we have to celebrate. I am hearing of things everyday from you, as you share with me your views and thoughts about the conference. I am convinced that we could - and should- tell these inspiring stories. You recognize this too. Nearly every person I speak to mentions the importance of communication to keep all of us connected. Relationships begin with communication, don't they? Better and more transparent communication is one of the priorities of the conference. Won't you tell me how you want to share and receive communication? Be sure to share your stories of celebrating mission ministry with us too. Harvest blessings, Jan Aerie, jan@mmsucc.org, 314.918.2601 Q. What do you mean, a "re-imagining" of the Christmas story? A. The original gospel writers (Matthew and Luke) presented two very different accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the centuries our culture has woven both narratives together. By retelling the original stories from a fresh perspective, a jazz nativity seeks to bring a new vitality to an oft-heard tale. Q. Why jazz? A. Jazz, America's original art form, is based on re-imagining--taking existing musical themes and improvising new, creative melodies and harmonies. Jazz improvisation can be a deeply spiritual art and for many musicians, an act of prayer. Some of the great masters of jazz have reimagined Christmas carols and improvised vibrant new arrangements that echo the spirit of the original composers. Q. Who created the program? A. The Rev. Clifford Aerie, a United Church of Christ minister, saxophonist and founder of the Oikos Ensemble wrote and directed "Follow that Star." In creating the Jazz Nativity program Cliff brings all his talents together as a musician, actor, writer, director, special events producer, and pastor. Cliff produced the program the past two years in St. Louis and Kansas City. Q. When and where will the performance be held? A. Saturday afternoon, December 21, 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 700 E. 110th St., Kansas City. Q. Then who is welcome to attend? A. Anyone who affirms the spirit of Christmas enjoys great music and storytelling is encouraged to attend. All ages are welcome. Children and youth will enjoy the program. Q. Is there a cost for the concert? A. "Follow that Star: A Jazz Nativity" is a Christmas gift to the people of the Kansas City area. A free-will offering will be taken to help support local charities. We also encourage bringing non-perishable food items to be donated to local food pantries. Our hope is that, in the spirit of Christmas, concert-goers will wish to support those in need in their community.

"Follow that Star" - A JAZZ NATIVITY

(Pastor Kristin will play Isaiah!) Frequently Asked Questions about Jazz Nativity 2013 Q. What exactly is a jazz nativity? A. Jazz Nativity is a holiday event-a concert performance weaving together the music of the Oikos Ensemble and a reimagining of the Christmas story by actors portraying 21st century counterparts of biblical characters.

Give thanks to the Lord and pray to him. Tell the nations what he has done. 5
1 Chronicles 16:8 (NCV)

The Christmas story will be brought to life in creatively surprising ways through an ensemble of talented actors, who also serve the church as ordained and licensed clergy: Rev. Jody Furnas-Wright (pastor of St. Peter's UCC, Kansas City), Pastor Kristin Aardema Faigh (pastor of Zion UCC, Mayview), Rev. Michael Stephens (pastor of Southwood UCC, Raytown) and Rev. Dale Parson (Associate Conference Minister).

The Lamplighter
Second, make an effort to visit your friend as soon as you can after hearing of his or her loss, particularly if the person who has died was a significant part of your friends life. Also, when possible and appropriate, make a concerted effort to attend the service or memorial because your bereaved friend will always remember those who took the time to come. Third, remind your friend of some meaningful times you remember about their deceased loved one. For example, Marilyn, your mom was so smart and funny. I remember when we were kids and how she dressed up during the holiday as Santas elf. She always made people happy. Im so sorry for your loss. Or, Joe, your dad was the most patient man I ever knew. I remember his years of kindness and devotion to your mom after her stroke. Fourth, take your friends hand, touch them on the shoulder, hug them. Their body hurts now; it is aching with the absence of the lost person. Your compassionate touch will be merciful and comforting. Fifth, tell them you will be there for them no matter how long they need to grieve. You see, the world wants us to hurry up and get on with things. This demand whether from society or other people in your friends life doesnt work with the grieving process because loss, as love, is embedded deep in our souls and mourning cannot be rushed. Sixth, send a note, card or email every few weeks telling your friend you are thinking about them. Seventh, remove from your speech this sentence: I know how you feel. No one really knows how we feel even when the circumstances are similar; each person has his or her own unique experience of what losing that person means. Eighth, comfort your friend with a few hopeful reminders that they, too, will be able to manage and survive this sad period. Comfort your friend by saying you will pray for them; that you grieve with them and that you are only a phone call, text or email away. Thats what friends do for friends who are grieving. Thats what friends are for. Author - Mary Jane Hurley Brant
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more. John Burroughs

EXPRESSION SESSION
Thank Yous
Thank you all for kind gesture in sending the sympathy card about my mom. She was a very special lady and will be missed by those who knew her. I appreciate your support very much. Julie Cahalane

Condolences
Louise Wobus died of cancer on Wednesday, October 9th, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Concordia, MO. She was a registered nurse and graduated Deaconess Nursing in St. Louis. Louise, along with her late husband, Rev. Paul Wobus, spent their lives working in the church Our sympathy, love and support surround her family and friends.

Butterfly Room
3 And

if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3 (KJV)

How To Comfort a Friend Who Is Grieving

No one wants to watch a friend suffering with grief, that natural emotional response to loss. Its a painful emotion to observe in anyone but even more so when its our friend. No one wants to see a friend who is sad. Its instinctual to want to ease their pain and sorrow and offer them comfort. Sometimes, because we cannot change the fact that someone has died, we feel inadequate; we feel we cant be helpful. While its true we cannot bring back the deceased person to our grieving friend, we can ease our friends distress and comfort them. Here are my thoughts on how to go about it. First, be empathic by opening yourself up to the other persons pain and staying present to them. By that I mean be aware of their body language, their tears and sighs, their words or even their lack of words.

The Lamplighter

Celebration Occasions
November Birthdays

Office Hours
Date
2 5 9 12 13 18 23 25 27

Birthday
Tricia Russell LeRoy VanCleave Olin Struchtemeyer Bob Holt Nathan Dierking Quenton Bainbridge Eric Struchtemeyer Donna Jungerman Chris Begemann Khara Hawthorne Larry Soendker Tyrel Wagner Kenny Faigh Nov 3 10

Pastor
Tuesday 8:00 AMNoon Wednesday 6:008:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AMNoon

Secretary

Wednesday 5:009:00 PM

Serving Souls
ACOLYTES Adam Hoefer Kristen Johnson Leah Wagner Austin Aardema Faigh GREETERS Vernon & Kim Koch Brian & Rachel Murry Laura Nolte & Judy Pragman Jeff & Connie Sanders

Young Michael
Young Michael was sitting in his grandmother's kitchen, watching her prepare the Thanksgiving meal. 'What are you doing?' Michael inquired. 'Oh, I'm just stuffing the turkey,' his grandmother replied.

17 24

'Wow, that's cool.' Michael remarked. 'Are you going to hang it next to the deer?

Administrative Affairs November Anniversaries

4 14 Jason and Michelle Bayless Vernon & Kim Koch
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 Jenny Holt Newsletter Teresa Begemann Organist Connie Sanders Custodian

Reminder!
The deadline for submissions for the December newsletter is Wednesday, Nov 20, 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 (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

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The Lamplighter November 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