The Lamplighter

PASTORS PEACE
Zion
United Church
of Christ
February 2015
Inside This Issue

1 Pastors Peace
2 Palm of Prayer & Worship Ways
3 Worship Ways
4 This Months Events
5 Inspiration Station
6 Expression Session
7 Celebration Occasions
8

Worship Whirl

Controlling the Universe

From an article written by Nancy Kennedy in the Citrus
Country (FL) CHRONICLE Grace Notes
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
Proverbs 26:11.
Every time I try to take control of a situation that is
none of my beeswax, Im being a fool. God keeps telling
me to butt out, but Im so much better at butting in. Recently, God and I went toe-to-toe over a certain situation
that I happen to know exactly how it should turn out, but
he has yet to relinquish his hold on the situation.
Its maddening.
Just the other day a friend, who has seen the extent of my lunatic control issues, sent me a devotional
article about control, from the book JESUS CALLING.
The first sentence slapped me like a length of half
-inch PVC pipe upside the head: Entrust your loved ones
to Me (Jesus). They are much safer with Me than in your
clinging hands.
The devotional goes on to say: Sometimes you
confuse loving others with rescuing them. When a loved
one has a problem, you often feel responsible to come up
with a solution. Then you plunge headlong into problemsolving mode, as if youre obligated to provide sound advice. I want to help you stop feeling responsible to fix people since that is My rolenot yours.
Once my head stopped smarting from Jesus
whacking it, I started thinking about what the devotional
was saying to me, which is: Put the tool box away. You
only think you know a band saw from a saber saw. Your
little bit of knowledge is making you a safety hazard to
everyone around you
He could be right.
Next, because God knows exactly the kind of lunatic I am, he gave me a word picture: Hes the owner of
a house in desperate need of renovation. I come along
thinking Im all Joe the Plumber and Bob the Builder and
start fixing the place up.

Zion United Church of ChristEstablished 1880

105 N. Mary, Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224
Phone and FAX: (660) 237 - 4355

I choose the wiring by how pretty the colors

are, install the doors backwards and use duct tape
on sheetrock seams.
Basically, I make a mess of everything and
the owner of the house, bless his patient heart, has
to come along behind me to undo everything I do
and fix my fixes.
because Im not Joe the Plumber or Bob
the Builder and its not even my house to begin with.
King Solomon said, Unless the Lord builds
the house, the builders labor in vain (Psalm 127:1).
Another version says, If God doesnt build the house,
the builders only build shacks.
God is in the business of building lives and
repairing those in need of renovation and restoration,
and hes an expert.
Me? Not so much.
I know all this, and I know that he is able to
do immeasurably more than I could ever ask for, hope
for, dream of or imagine. I know that I am a menace
and lunatic with control issues.
The problem isnt with what I know to be true.
The problem is with trusting God with it. I wonder if
theres a tool for that.
Pastors Note: At some point in our lives most
of us have issues with control. Its scary to release
our need to control and let God do the steering or the
building, until we do release itthen we realize how
much easier life is!
Praising God in all things,
Pastor Kristin

The Practice of Presence:

Creating What You Need From
Everyday Conflicts
This retreat is a four-day immersion into an
experience of Presence with each other, with one's
Self, and with the Divine. The retreat will take place in
St. Louis, February 15-19, 2015 at the Pallottine
Renewal Center. We will share in a variety of
contemplative practices [chant, silence, meditation]
and private and small group exercises [journaling,
Creative Conversations, and conflict resolution].
This will be the most comprehensive training
in JustConflict I have ever produced. If you can swing
the time and the cost [your travel plus $650] then I
strongly urge you to be there. Much more about this
event is available on the website. Rev. Dr. Mark Lee
Robinson
I'm signed up for this retreat, and would like to invite
you or anyone you think might be interested--it looks
fabulous! Blessings, Kristin

The Lamplighter

PALM of PRAYER
11

He will feed His flock like a shepherd;

He will gather the lambs with His arm,

And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with
young. Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV)

Concerns Please continue to surround in love

and prayer, those experiencing health difficulties
&/or recovering from surgery, the loss of family
and friends, & those adjusting to new seasons in
their lives: Wilma Hoefer, Dale Wheeler, Lois Dial,
Dana Shafer, Ginny Bertz, Sandy Starkebaum,
Norman and Linda Schmutz, Lewis Schmidt,
Maggie Barresi, Dorothy Begemann, Jack
Rhodes, Melanie Valdez, Scott Hoeppner, Margie
Busch, Dwight Dickmeyer, Sheila Davis, Charles
Cole, Ruth Ann Krueger, Rev Brett Mueller family,
John Kramer family, John Register, Steve Deveny,
Steve Lovercamp, Elva Dean Erdman, John
Hagerty, Don Heidbrink, Frank Fogelsong; the
family and friends of Tom Begemann; first
responders; military personnel and their families;
families around the world that are in the midst of
disease, natural disasters, immigration crisis,
tensions, conflicts and wars which are going on in
different parts of the world.

Joys
Correction: Laura Rhoades is not pregnant,
continued prayers for healing from cancer; New
neighbors in Mayview; Hope for healing and
restoration; Kenneth and Grace Schemmer-60th
Wedding Anniversary.

ZION UCC WORSHIP WAYS

ASH Wednesday Service
February 18 @ 7pm begins our 40day journey of Lent with our Annual
Ash Wednesday Service, with music,
prayer, worship, and the imposition of
ashes. Pastor Kristin will be on
retreat that week, so Rev. Bob
Atkinson has graciously agreed to facilitate the
service. The observance of Ash Wednesday with
our faith community is an important way to begin
the days of reflection and personal sacrifice, to
remember the One who made the Ultimate
Sacrifice on the cross. Our goal is, of course,
Easter. Let us begin to prepare our hearts and
minds now.

30

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;

good news makes for good health.
Proverbs 15:30 (NLT)

Weekly Lenten Gatherings

Lenten gatherings will be held
every Sunday from February 22
thru March 29. A feast of soup and
bread will begin at 5 pm in the
Fellowship Hall, followed by study
and discussion, concluding no
later than 7 pm. The Adult Lenten
study will focus on MOSAIC: When God Uses All
the Pieces and we will have games for the younger
learners. A sign-up sheet is on the card-signing
table if you and your family would like to provide the
soup and bread for an evening, or call the church
office at (660) 237-4355. Join us as we explore the
meaning of Lent in our lives together!

YOUTH YAK
What a feast! Youth put on the potato bar
before our Annual Meeting on January 25, and it
was marvelous! Thank you so much as well to our
tireless leaders Scott and Tresina Alvested and
Amy and Robert Hoefer, who organized and guided
the young men in their hosting.
The Next Meeting is Feb 8, 11:30 am2 pm.
Sunday school classes continue each week for
all ages, and great thanks go out for all the
teachers and all involved in preparation and
leadership for our faith community at Zion UCC
Mayview!

Fun and Fellowship

I am putting a quilt in the frames! I would like to
invite anyone to come on Wednesdays and put in
stitches. You can be a beginner, I am. If you
prefer you can bring whatever handwork you are
working on or just come and thread needles and
visit. Come any time after 9:00 a.m. and I will have
a pot of soup or something on for lunch, if you wish
you can bring a snack or dish to share, but not
required. Come and go as time allows, but supper
is not included. I am looking forward to the fun and
fellowship on cold winter days with friends, old and
new. Please feel welcome. Martha
Hawthorne 660-237-4456 or 816-200-4275.

Community, County &

Conference Clamor
Good Friday Community Service
Join us on April 3, at First Baptist Church--Pastor
Tommy Lindon from Zion AME will share the
message--time yet to be determined.

The Lamplighter
MAYVIEW LIONS CLUB

Community Breakfast
3rd Saturday
Jan, Feb, Mar & Apr
7:00 am 9:00 am
Mayview Community Building
Free will donation
Proceeds to Mayview 150 Club
(Mayview Sesquicentennial)

Over breakfast one morning, a woman said to

her husband, 'I bet you don't know what day
this is?' 'Of course I do,' he answered
indignantly, as he slammed the door, and drove
to his office. At 11 o'clock,
the doorbell rang. The wife
answered, and there at her
front door was a UPS driver, in
his hand was a box containing
12 red roses. Later, at 2 pm
there was another knock at the door, this time
it was a deluxe box of Belgian chocolates.
Eventually the husband came home, tired after
a hard day's work. His wife greeted him by
saying: 'First the flowers, then the chocolates,
I've never had a more wonderful Groundhog
Day in my life!'

My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as

deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have,
for both are infinite.- William Shakespeare,
Romeo and Juliet

The Lamplighter

S.S.9:30 A.M.
Worship10:30 A.M.
February 2, 2015
Groundhog Day
February 3, 2015
4-H, 7 pm
February 4, 2015
Choir, 7pm
February 6, 2015
Basement Reserved
February 8, 2015
Youth Meeting, 11:30 - 2 pm
Mayview 150 Club, 1 pm
February 11, 2015
Choir, 7pm
February 12, 2015
BCE, 7:15 pm
February 14, 2015
Valentines Day
February 15, 2015
Come As You Are Service
Transfiguration (Last Sunday in Epiphany)
February 16, 2015
Presidents Day
February 17, 2015
Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
February 18, 2015
Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 PM
Newsletter Article Deadline
February 22, 2015
First Sunday in Lent
Lenten Gathering, 5 pm
February 24, 2015
SAIL, 7pm
February 25, 2015
Choir, 7pm

Copyright 2011 The Zondervan Corporation

Fast From-Feast On
William Arthur Ward
(American author, teacher and pastor, 1921-1994.)
Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of
God.
Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; Feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; Feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; Feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; Feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that
strengthens.
All you need is love. But a little
chocolate now and then doesn't
hurt. Charles M. Schulz

INSPIRATION STATION
Ways to be intentional about matters of the Soul
Think of it as keeping your ears open, in ways and in places and at times of day when before you
wouldnt have thought to listen. Think of it as tuning yourself to recognize Gods voice, as becoming
someone who regularly, intentionally hears.
Spiritual practices are exactly what their name suggests; theyre ways to be deliberate about matters of the soul. A spiritual practice is a tool for becoming aware of God within the normalcy of lifeit injects the sacred into elements that could otherwise seem just ordinary. In applying spiritual practices, we
find that lines can be blurred between what is spiritual and what is secular: gratitude can happen when
were mowing the lawn, worship and grocery shopping are compatible, God can be pursued on the evening commute.
The Spiritual Practice Tree below shows there are many ways to connect with God, including: In
stillness or quiet reflection, in movement or through creative expression, by being present with others in
relational practices, through intellectual exploration and discovery, as an agent for change, and by sharing your gifts and resources.
Reprinted with permission http://www.trinitylc.org/ Jody Thone

jthone@trinitylc.org

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

WALK Take a prayer walk in your neighborhood,

where you live or work. Simply walk around and pray
for what you see, hear, touch and smell. Embrace all of
your senses and give thanks.
HELP Ask for it. Lent begins when we recognize that
we cant do everything ourselves and we depend on
Gods grace for our lives. Experience Gods grace by
asking for and receiving help for something we cant do
on our own.
PRACTICE Gratitude. Keep a gratitude journal open
to jot in throughout the day, or write down three gifts
before going to bed each night. Express gratitude to
others through words, cards, letters, or little notes.
ENGAGE Be a voice not an echo. Learn about a
particular social issue such as, immigration, human trafficking, or diversity. Let your voice be heard as you
learn more about the issue.
SPREAD Your skills. Share what you know about
photography, cooking, website programming or a host
of any other topics and offer to provide a training session or workshop to a local community organization,
church or youth group. You dont have to be an expert
and you never know who you might inspire.
CHEER Be someones cheerleader. Support a
friend, family member or colleague as they take on new
adventures, or work through a difficult time. A phone

call, text, written note can make a world of difference.

PAY ATTENTION When attending worship or other
gatherings of your faith community, pay attention to the
music, liturgy, conversation, and fellowship time and
see how they affect you. Be open to how God speaks
to you through community.
DONATE Blood! A lifesaving gift for so many. Host a
local blood drive in your community.
ADD A spiritual discipline to your daily routine. Take
a walk, study a book of the Bible, meditate on a portion
of Scripture, confess, worship, or spend more time in
focused prayer for others in the world.
DEATH An inevitable part of the Lenten journey as
we tell the story of Jesus death on the cross and find
assurance of our new life we have because of the resurrection. Take this time to remember those who have
new life with God and be strengthened by the witness
of their lives.
PARTICIPATE The people who organize events
always worry that no one will take part. That ugly
sweater contest, bake sale, carnival, talent show
NEEDS YOU!
VOLUNTEER Somewhere. Do something for somebody else. Pick a cause and share your talents.
BREATHE Simply observe your breath. Inhale and
exhale slowly, recognizing that breathing is a life sustaining and God-infused action.
LAUGH Smile easily, laugh heartily! Even at the soso jokes!

I know of only one duty, and that is to

love. ~Albert Camus

The Lamplighter

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)

Grief Tip
Healing a Broken Heart
Valentines Day reminds us of matters of the
heart. Physicians now accept and suggest that
someone can really die of a broken heart. A
bereaved persons risk factors increase and their
tolerance for illness and disease spike. Dont just
pretend that you are okay. Its important to socialize and talk about your loss. Grief can be a
frightening and unfamiliar experience. You do
not need to grieve alone. If you are suffering the
loss of a loved one, you need to find a way to let
go of the pain. Support groups provide a safe
place with others who have had a mutual experience. Be good to yourself. Explore the experience of grief and grow from your discoveries.
http://www.wingsgrief.org/

EXPRESSION SESSION
Thank Yous
Thank you to all the ladies who prepared the wonderful lunch
for Leo's family. He would have loved it.
Love, Maggie
Dear Zion Family,
Wasn't our Christmas celebration together joyous! My family
and I want to thank you so much for all the lovely cards, gifts
and the very generous congregational gift. Although there was
flu in Florida, it was so wonderful to be with family, and to
know that we would be coming home to our church family. Let's rejoice in the promise of 2015!
Many thanks and many blessings to you,
Pastor Kristin, Kenny, Donovan and Austin
Thank all of you at the Zion United Church of Christ for the
well wishes and prayers during my spinal surgery. I am doing
better and cannot wait to get the neck brace off. It has been 4
weeks now and though I still have some pain, I will have to continue with the neck brace for 6-12 weeks. This is my second
surgery like this and they have come along way with spinal fusion in the past 14 years. Thank you all for thinking of me. You
are a fine group of Christians. Thank you again,
Carla Luther (Rachel Begemann is my daughter)

The Lamplighter

Celebration Occasions

Office Hours

February Birthdays
Pastor
Date

Birthday

Barrett Struchtemeyer

Tiffany Amos

11

13

Tyler Johnson
Amy Hoefer
Beth Wagner
Adam Hoefer

16

Leah Wagner

17

Robert Hoefer

19

Kimberly Koch

12

Secretary

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

Wednesday
5:009:00 PM

Thursday
8:00 AMNoon

Serving Souls
Feb

ACOLYTES

GREETERS

Austin Faigh

Mike and Amy Burns

Donovan Faigh

Dwight & Denise

Dickmeyer

15

Trinity Alvested

Darrell & Lori Fiegenbaum

22

Tanner Burns

Ronnie and Martha

Hawthorne

Administrative Affairs
Pastor
Kristin Aardema Faigh

February Anniversaries
5

Jim & Sherry Walls

15

Ronnie & Diane Wagner

21

Scott & Tresina Alvested

28

Jim & Teresa Begemann

Reminder!
The deadline for submissions for the
March newsletter is
Wednesday, Feb18, 2015.
Send your submissions to:

Home(660) 237- 4902

Church (660) 237-4355
pastorkristinatzion@yahoo.com
Cell (660) 641-1038

Scott Alvested
Council President

(816) 230-4450

Angie Lawson
Church Secretary

(660) 237- 4355

zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com

Jenny Holt
Newsletter

(660) 237 - 4923

jennyholt14@gmail.com

Teresa Begemann
Organist

(816) 633 - 4133

tjbegemann@yahoo.com

Dawn Stuart
Custodian

(660) 237 - 4355

jennyholt14@gmail.com or
zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com

Zion United Church of Christ

105 North Mary St.
Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224
Generous - Loving - Dedicated Christians
Sunday School 9:30 am
Worship at 10:30 am

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

The Lamplighter
February 2015

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

10:30 AM

Sundays

Come As You Are Service

10:30 AM

Monthly - 3rd Sunday

Sunday School

9:30 AM

Sundays

Communion

10:30AM

Monthly 1st Sunday & Special

Holidays

Church Council

7:00 PM

Monthly

Board of Christian Education

7:00 PM

Monthly

SAIL (Serving All in Love)

7:00 PM

Monthly - 4th Tuesday