The Lamplighter

PASTORS PIECE Zion United Church of Christ February 2013 Inside This Issue
My Dear Friends, Zion United Church of Christ is such a blessing to my family and me. Working with you for the glory of God is amazing and wonderful and exciting. Worshiping together is a joy, and so much fun to plan and to see evolve as God gifts us with creative avenues of expression through song and Word and love. With all my heart I want to thank our committees and teachers, our secretary Angie and our amazing Lamplighter editor, and their dedication to the work of the church and to the spiritual formation of our church family. All this is not just for the benefit of ourselves, but to help in developing disciples of Christ to minister to the communities around us and to the world. We must allow Spirit to heal our wounds through study and sharing and time spent in God's loving presence, so that the light and love of Christ may shine forth from the joy that is within us and reflects outward. This is a lifelong process. We are a broken people that seek healing, and the opportunity to share our growing relationship with God through Jesus the Christ, and the nudging's and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We learn together, grow together, grieve together, laugh together, love together, pray together, and fan out in the midst of it all to cover the world with the peace and love we experience. That's what it's all about! Christmas Eve Worship, as is each service, was very special. We gathered together to celebrate the mystery and joy of the birth of Jesus and our continuing hope which is fulfilled both now and yet to come. We saw some new faces, and welcomed back some familiar ones. We listened to the Word and sang carols in joy and thanksgiving, and you gifted me with a precious china cross ornament bearing the words "faith, love, hope, joy", which was on a most prominent place on our tree, and is now in my office for all to enjoy.

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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
Who buys a minutes mirth to wail a week, or sells eternity to gain a toy? For one sweet grape, who would the vine destroy? William Shakespeare

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

You gifted us with a beautiful card filled with your love and generosity. It is such a privilege to serve in this faith community, and to be a part of this place in Missouri. 2013 is already off and running, with new goals, joys, challenges, and surprises ahead of us. Let us move forth in profound expectation of God's extravagant love moving to and through us all. Bless you and so much love to you all, Pastor Kristin, Kenny, Austin and Donovan

The Lamplighter

Palm of Prayer
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
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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: The family of Kenneth & Arlene Klinkerman; Family of Ina Vorwark; Family of Martin Elmore; Jeff Haas and family; Jenny Pauley; Sherri Walls; Phillip Wagner; Tiffany & Daniel Halsey; Zaylee & Addisyn Wagner; Jen Wright; Mary & Jerods daughter; Lester Fox; and all who are suffering from illness.

PLANTING SEEDS
Interested in healing? There are so many types. We're ALWAYS healing from something, whether it is something physical, emotional, or spiritual. 'Can I help in healing?' you might ask. Certainly-we are ALL wounded healers of one kind or another. What do we really know about grief and its many stages? Is someone you know grieving? Or ill, or recovering... How can you help? Let's start talking about healing, asking questions, and coming together to look into it further. Put a bug in my ear if you're interested! Peace, Pastor Kristin

Joys
Engagement of Sammi Sanders & David Burroughs; Jen, Scott and Kinze Wright are expecting; all of those celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries this month. Gods grace is with us every moment of every day!

Mardi Gras or Carnival

Carnival, which comes from a Latin phrase meaning "removal of meat," is the three day period preceding the beginning of Lent, the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday immediately before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of the Lenten Season (some traditions count Carnival as the entire period of time between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday). The three days before Ash Wednesday are also known as Shrovetide ("shrove" is an Old English word meaning "to repent"). The Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday, or is more popularly known by the French term Mardi Gras, meaning "Fat Tuesday," contrasting to the fasting during Lent. The entire three day period has now come to be known in many areas as Mardi Gras. Carnival or Mardi Gras is usually a period of celebration, originally a festival before the fasting during the season of Lent. Now it is celebrated in many places with parades, costumes, dancing, and music.

Congratulations!
Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski, husband, Jamie, and grandparents, Rev. Bob Atkinson and Shirley were pleased to welcome Naomi Louisa Bilinski into the family this past weekend. Naomi was 9 lbs, 9 oz and 21 inches long.

Pastor Daniel Stanley and wife Megan (First Baptist Church Mayview), welcome new baby daughter Caroline Rose born December 31, 2012.

Ash Wednesday Service

Traditional Ash Wednesday service at 7pm on February 13. Communion by Intinction (If able, come up to receive, otherwise ushers will serve).

What day is it? Its today, squeaked Piglet My favorite day, said Pooh

The

This Months Events

S.S.9:30 A.M. Worship10:30 A. M. February 3, 2013 Souper Bowl Communion February 6, 2013 Choir, 7 pm February 10, 2013 Soup/Chili Supper w/local churches, 5 pm Sponsored by SAIL Tuesday, February 12 Shrove Tuesday February 13, 2013 Ash Wednesday Service 7 PM February 17, 2013 Contemporary Service First Sunday in Lent Lent Service, 6:30 pm February 18, 2013 Presidents Day February 20, 2013 Choir, 7 pm February 24, 2013 Second Sunday in Lent Jeremy Force from Camp MoVal and Tambo Lent Service, 6:30 pm February 26, 2013 SAIL, 7 pm February 27, 2013 Choir, 7 pm

Zion UCC Worship Ways

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. Blessings! Pastor Kristin

Youth Yak
Conference Youth Event
Saturday Feb 16 - Monday, Feb 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.

Lent Gatherings
Lent Gatherings begin Sunday, February 17, at 6:30pm. We will watch a bit of "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" each week (6 weeks) and discuss. This is the story of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assissi. Quite an amazing production by Franco Zefferelli, 1973. Very well done, very meaningful. Childcare will be available.

PRAYER GROUP TO BEGIN MEETING

You are invited to be a part of a prayer/support group at the home of Martha Hawthorne on Thursday mornings from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. Come and bring a friend. This is hoped to be a diverse group from all faiths and beliefs and ethnic groups. We will share joys and concerns and fellowship. If you are interested call or just show up. I am looking forward to welcoming you into my home and sharing our faith journeys together. Contact Martha Hawthorne at 660-237-4456 or 816-200-4275.

The Lamplighter

Spiritual Practices for Lent

A spiritual practice can be as small as saying the Lord s Prayer every day, or adding a grace before meals if you dont already say one. Though many of us have a notion of Lent as a time of extreme asceticism and harsh discipline, a spiritual practice really doesnt have to hurt. And whats more beneficial: a simple practice you will really do regularly or a complicated discipline you avoid? Here are a few ideas: Begin each day with a prayer of mindfulness--that you will be attentive to the ways God is present in the world--in your life--throughout the day. Near the end of the day, ask yourself, Where did I see God today? Make a list. Pick a specific issue of concern that you dont know as much about as you feel you should. Do both some daily reading and information gathering and daily prayer focused on this subject. Take a camera with you on Ash Wednesday or early in Lent and take a series of photosplaces, people, and situations that represent things you want to pray for. Make a scrapbook or collage. Work on it every day during Lent. Make it a prayerful time to reflect on the images and their meaning. Write a letter to God. Try a new physical posture during prayer. If you are able, kneel during part of your prayer. Or try praying with your hands cupped before you, as if you are about to drink water from a stream. Open yourself to receive the living water. Find a psalm or a hymn text that is meaningful to you. Write the words out and study them. Choose a different portion of the text for each week of Lent and memorize it. Spiritual reading is an important sort of spiritual practice. Find a spiritual book (or books) that you have wanted to read and set aside time during each day or week during Lent. Remember that you are feeding your soul. Imagine it as a delicious feast. Studying a new book of the Bible is one option, or try reading some of the spiritual classics. Decide as a family some things you can subtract or add to family practices during Lent: Maybe you will want to eat vegetarian meals one or two nights during Lent. Or agree to add family devotional time after dinner. Plan a service project your family can do together. Check into opportunities at local organizations for projects the entire family can be involved in. Exercise: Take a walk each day during Lent. Use the time to pray for others.
-- Adapted from suggestions published by The Upper Room

EXERCISE TOGETHER TIME

I am welcoming anyone who is interested in being more active and fit to come to a convening meeting on Tuesday, February 5, at 6:00 p.m. We will plan to offer a program that anyone could participate in, even if you need to do it sitting in a chair or holding onto a chair. I believe we can also challenge those who wish to be more aggressive. Come and help to begin a program to help us to be better fit so we can serve God better and more fully. Also, it should be good for some good laughs. If you have questions contact me, Martha Hawthorne, at 660-237-4456 or 816-220-4275 or email me at mlhaw@ctcis.net.

PLANTING SEEDS...
2013 is going to fly by, so it is very important to plan ahead! Calling all youth heading into 7th grade in the fall--it's time for Confirmation! This is a two-year process of education and experience that will prepare you to become a member of Zion UCC and the greater United Church of Christ. It is saying "yes!" to following Jesus, making your own decision, with the loving support of family and friends. We'll experience different kinds of Worship--Field Trips!, and learn more about the UCC, its history and its dreams. We'll learn about what it really means to follow Jesus, and to become a member of the church. We'll laugh a lot, we'll learn about reading the Bible and asking questions about our faith, and much more! Parents, please call me with any questions--I'll find out an answer if I don't have one on hand! Pastor Kristin

Board of Christian Education

The next Board of Christian Ed meeting will be Feb. 12th at 7 PM.

The Lamplighter

Community, County & Conference Clamor

Photos for the Music Photo Album
The creation of a Missouri Mid-South Conference "Music Photo Album" is underway. A great big THANK YOU to Elaine Hudson for sending in pictures for Zion!

Women's Retreat, May 3-5, 2013 Meet Me at the Well and Water Our Souls
Camp Mo-Val, Union, Missouri Registration is now open and will close April 1. Complete registration information may be found on the Conference website. The full weekend fee is $100. Space is limited to 120 (no pets please). You must be 18 years of age to attend. Registration opens 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3 No early arrivals, please. Retreat ends Sunday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m. Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care. Psalm 50.10-11 Mission4/1 EarthMMSC Kick-Off Event to be Held April 13 at Shannondale Community. Mark your calendars and plan to come and participate in the official kick-off celebration of Mission 4/1 Earth 50 Great Days of Engaged Environmental Stewardship on Saturday April 13, 2013. The event will take place at our beloved outdoor ministry site - Shannondale, where we have been stewards of a tree forest and a place of worship and community outreach for generations. More details are to follow. Plans for the event include worship, environmental education and advocacy. A special dinner and live music will be part of the day. We are delighted to announce that the MMSC Conference Council indicated its support of the national and conference-wide Mission 4/1 Earth Campaign of our denomination by planning to hold its next regularly scheduled meeting at Shannondale Community Center and Camp on April 12-13. They are planning to participate in this signature kick-off event. Plan on joining your conference leadership at a once-in-a-lifetime event. Contact: Dr Marc A. Wessels, Associate Conference Minister, for more information email marc@mmsucc.org.

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. 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.
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My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

How about a community garden right here in Mayview? Let's talk about it!! Pastor Kristin

Butterfly Room
Valentines Day and Grief
Valentines Day again? Ive spoken with so many people who dread this day after theyve lost a loved one and I agree it can be such a hard day. The feelings of loss, depression, and grief can be overwhelming. I lost my husband in 2006, and since that time Ive had so many different feelings as Valentines Day has come and gone. Ive heard from others what they do to make it through the day, and I thought Id share two ideas: 1) Valentines Day comes from legends of several different Saints in antiquity that did good to those around them. Think of the day in that light this year and think of something, even something small, that you can do in that spirit. Is there someone lonely in your neighborhood, at work, or in your circle of friends that you could call, take a card to, or visit? 2) Think of a gift for yourself! You are worth caring for and if no one is around to do it for you, it can get forgotten. Dont let that happen do something to brighten your day. A seminar; a book; a new song or musical piece to learn; a lunch date with a friend; a cd of music to lift your heart; a massage; a new scarf or outfit; an hour of peace just for you; flowers for your table; just one thing to remind yourself that you have worth and you can make a difference in this world. Remember weve been commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves so take care of yourself! With love on this Valentines Day, Roslyn Reynolds
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The Lamplighter
A very popular custom that is still celebrated is the making of the Kings Cake which represents the three kings who brought gifts. A plastic baby is baked inside the King Cake, and the tradition is whoever receives the baby in their piece of cake must buy the next King Cake or throw the next party. King Cakes are made of a cinnamon filled dough in the shape of a hollow circle. The cake is topped with a delicious glazed topping and then sprinkled with colored sugar. The three colors of the sugar are Purple (representing Justice), Green (representing Faith) and Gold (representing Power). Today the King Cakes are baked with a wide assortment of fillings inside the cake. King Cake is the preferred dessert and snack in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Hundreds of thousands of King Cakes are eaten in New Orleans during the Carnival season. Source: www.mardigrasday.com

Spiritual Reading During Lent

On Spiritual Practices Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene H. Peterson Children and Prayer: A Shared Pilgrimage by Betty Shannon Cloyd Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices by Daniel Wolpert Prayer and Our Bodies by Doris Wuellner An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith Barbara Brown Taylor Books with Lenten Themes A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent by Sarah Parsons Listening at Golgotha: Jesus Words from the Cross by Peter Storey Sensing the Passion: Reflections During Lent by Kevin Scully Reflecting on Biblical Texts Against the Grain: Unconventional Wisdom from Ecclesiastes by Ray Waddle The Power of a Focused heart: 8 Life Lessons from the Beatitudes by Mary Lou Redding
-- Adapted from suggestions published by The Upper Room

He answered, You shall love the Lord your

God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27 (NRSV) To touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground. Stephen Covey

Kings Cake
Epiphany, marks the coming of the wise men who brought gifts to the Christ Child. Epiphany is also called Little Christmas on the Twelfth Night, and is celebrated twelve nights after Christmas. People from the entire world celebrate Epiphany by exchanging gifts and feasting.

NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!

The 12-step chocoholics program:

The Lamplighter

Celebration Occasions
February Birthdays Pastor
Date 3 4 11 12 13 15 16 Birthday Barrett Struchtemeyer Tiffany Amos Tyler Johnson Amy Hoefer Beth Wagner Adam Hoefer Sharon Begemann Jen Wright Sylvian Neher Leah Wagner Macy Begemann Robert Hoefer Kimberly Koch Jeff Kueck Brian Murry Gaye Cox Don Albright Austin Schmutz 17 24 10 Wednesday 6:008:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AMNoon Wednesday 5:009:00 PM Tuesday 8:00 AMNoon

Office Hours
Secretary

Serving Souls
Feb 3 ACOLYTES Austin Aardema Faigh Donovan Aardema Faigh Seth Bayless Tanner Burns GREETERS Dwight & Denise Dickmeyer Russell & Ruth Dierking Darrell & Lori Fiegenbaum Ron & Martha Hawthorne

17 19 22 25 27 28

February Anniversaries
5 15 21 28 Jim & Sherri Walls Ronnie & Diane Wagner Scott & Tresina Alvested Jim & Teresa Begemann
Wayne Hoefer Council President

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

Reminder!
The deadline for submissions for the March newsletter is Thurs Feb. 20, 2013. Send your submissions to: jennyj36@yahoo.com or zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com or Call (660) 237-4923

Angie Lawson Church Secretary

(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 February 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