The Lamplighter

PASTORS PEACE
"Living Easter"
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the
Zion old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 niv
United Church The idea of living this life by myself is quite un-
nerving. I cannot imagine facing the world we live in, de-
of Christ pending only on myself. Don't get me wrong--in my __
April 2018
years I have attained a modicum of wisdom, I've changed
some things that needed to be changed, and I have looked
at a number of things in a new way. But even that was not
done on my own.
Inside This Issue Each Spring we observe Good Friday and celebrate
Easter with Holy Communion and joy that Christ is risen
and death is no more. But what happens between Good
1 Pastor’s Peace Friday and Easter morning is always a mystery. Transfor-
mation is mysterious and maybe even a little scary.
2 Palm of Prayer We are creatures of community. We each have
gifts that contribute to community, diversity in ethnicity,
3 Worship Ways personality, sexual and gender orientation, culture, every-
thing! So coming together in community is not always
4 This Month’s Events easy. There is often struggle for power, desire for affirma-

5 Community & Conference Clamor

tion and appreciation, and often there is outright dysfunc-
tion. What is the goal of each community that forms, both

6 Butterfly Room
secular and religious, and how can that goal be approached
and perhaps met?

7 Celebration Occasions
Believe it or not Easter is not a goal, it is a lifestyle.
We as Christians come together in a community of faith,
sharing our gifts, learning and growing closer to God, as
8 Worship Whirl we understand God through Christ. As we are a people
who tend to strive toward, it is often difficult to realize
that we become more a part of Christ by letting go. And
Prayer Pail letting go is hard. We are a people who like to control and
Write the names manipulate (not necessarily in a bad way) to reach and un-
of friends and
family on craft
derstand the purpose for our lives, so letting go doesn't
sticks then let seem to be conducive to striving. What about letting go of
your kids pick a emotional pain, shame, or embarrassment, as we are not
stick or two to alone in experiencing them? We have been groomed to be
pray for before independent individuals who make things happen...
meal times.
How can living Easter even be possible?
Something mysterious and wonderful happens
between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, something we
Zion United Church of Christ—Established 1880
105 N. Mary, Mayview, Missouri 64071-8224 1
Phone and FAX: (660) 237 - 4355

don't fully understand. But that's okay--it really is! Be-
cause when we begin to let go of our myriad facets of un-
healthy striving, we can begin to live into Easter, realizing
how this unconditional, sacrificial, beautifully powerful
Love can transform. And we can travel this pathway from
the old to the new creation together, as Easter people,
alive in Christ!
Praise God!
Pastor Kristin
PALM of PRAYER
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary
and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my
yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and
gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew
11:28-29 NLT 
Concerns Please continue to surround in love and
prayer, those experiencing health difficulties & or recover-
ing from surgery, the loss of family and friends, & those
adjusting to new seasons in their lives: Continued prayers
for Judy Pragman, David (and Betty) Thaller. Stacey Stef-
fins, knee surgery; prayers for Tiffany Rider, very ill, baby
daughter Allie had to be delivered 13 weeks early; Ches-
ter Fox is in the hospital; Jim Begemann had knee re-
placement surgery; Chester and Arlene Fiene; unnamed,
yet known by God; Cayci Hamilton's mom died; Lisa
Clausen, knee surgery; Trinity's friend Teegan Loehr;
Margaret Busch; Neal Hoy; Mike Burns' mom died; Carol
Schemmer; prayers for our nations election of leaders;
first responders; military personnel and their families;
families around the world that are in the midst of ten-
sions, conflicts, acts of violence and wars which are going
on in different parts of the world.
Joys
Scott & Tresina Begemann, 20 year anniversary! Kyle
and Sam Hawthorne are expecting a baby in September--
congratulations! Matt Elder's girlfriend, Sam, passed her
LPN! 
The Lamplighter
Shannondale Men’s Retreat,
Shannondale, MO- May 4-6, 2018
This annual long weekend draws men
from many walks of life to sacred ground
called Shannondale. Men are reached from
several approaches that can touch core
aspects of his being: through service, rugged
recreation, contemplative commune with
nature, sharing around bonfires, table
(kitchen and grill) fellowship, heart-felt
worship, and many one-on-one deep
encounters.Aside from the incredible
experience, we hope to jump-start groups for
men’s spiritual transformation back home at
your church. I make it to a point to round up
and wrangle as many men from my
community to attend and I make sure my
batteries are recharged by attending myself.
Will you strive to encourage at least one man
to attend?- Pastor Paul Koch, Regional
Minister TeamThe Christian Church (DoC) in
Mid-America
CALL TO MEETING OF THE
LAFAYETTE AREA WOMEN’S
FELLOWSHIP
The Lafayette Area Women’s Fellowship will
hold their Spring Meeting on Thursday, April
26, 2018, at St. John United Church of Christ
in Emma. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m.
with fellowship and coffee time. Snacks will
be provided by Emma, Higginsville and
Mayview. The meeting will begin at 9:30
a.m. The program will be ‘Come and Taste
presented by the Rev. Mary
Beisemeyer. Registration by Higginsville and
Welcome by Emma. Bulletins by Grand
Pass. Levasy will offer the
devotion. Lexington will be in charge of the
offering and offering prayer. Benediction and
meal prayer will be done by Concordia. A
salad luncheon will be enjoyed at noon so
bring a dish to share. PLEASE COME AND
BRING A FRIEND. Please publicize the event
in you bulletins, newsletters and women’s
meetings. Thank you. Martha Hawthorne,
Secretary 2
EXPRESSION SESSION THANK YOU!
Ginny Bertz would like for you With warmest thanks, grateful hearts,
to help her celebrate her 90th and deep appreciation for your thoughtfulness
birthday on Saturday, April 14 and prayers.
from 2-4pm in the activity I am doing much better and getting
room at John Knox Village in stronger every day.
Higginsville. She request no Love all of you,
gifts, only your presence. Judy Schmutz

Announcement ZION UCC WORSHIP WAYS

Our Administrative Assistant, Cole SAIL
Courtway, has resigned so he can place his MAYVIEW ANNUAL CLEANUP DAY
full attention on school. We wish him the very Wednesday, May 9, from 4-6pm, then supper
best and God’s blessings in his endeavors. on your own at Michelle's Place.
Please bring trash bags, gloves, and love for
Dear friends, the environment!
Hosted by S.A.I.L. (Serving All in Love)
In the wake of the domestic terrorist
attack on one of our high schools in Park-
land, Florida, I am reminded of the story Treasurer
of Jesus overturning the money changers in
the temple. Jesus’ outrage that the profane Comparison of Receipts to 2018 Budget & Expenses as of February 28, 2018
CURRENT BENEVOLENT
could exploit the holy is now expressed by the Total Budget $ 76,561.00 $ 7,656.10
survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stone- YTD Budgeted Expenses 12,760.17 1,276.02
YTD Actual Expenses 9,775.91 -
man Douglas High School. These teenagers, YTD Receipts 7,963.44 754.12
all born after the Columbine mass shooting in YTD Receipts to Budgeted Expenses $ (4,796.73) $ (521.90)
YTD Receipts to Actual Expenses $ (1,812.47) $ 754.12
1999, are turning over our 21st century money
changing tables and demanding that we, as a FEBRUARY 2018 SUMMARY BEGINNING RECEIPTS EXPENSES END
nation, change. As junior, Cameron Kasky TOTAL CURRENT $ 42,887.24 $ 4,036.93 $ (5,456.08) $ 41,468.09
TOTAL BENEVOLENT 423.70 330.42 - 754.12
said, “We are losing our lives while the adults TOTAL SPEC. FUNDS 28,094.01 966.74 (138.24) 28,922.51
are playing around…We have our lives on the GRAND TOTAL $ 71,404.95 $ 5,334.09 $ (5,594.32) $ 71,144.72

line here. At the end day, that is what is going BANK ACCOUNT BALANCE 2018 February
to be bringing us to victory and to making MM ACCT-Bank of Odessa $ 31,822.89
some sort of right out of this tragedy. This is CHECKING-Bank of Odessa 17,590.88
Certificate of Deposit-NASB 21,730.95
about us begging for our lives.” It is time, TOTAL $ 71,144.72
brothers and sisters of the Missouri Mid-
South Conference, to follow the ways
Q: Why did the leaf go to the doctor?
of Jesus Christ and now our teenage leaders
and demand change in our gun laws. It is A: Because it was feeling green!
time.
Blessings, Ginny

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE HYMN?

Please write down (legibly!) for Pastor Kristin

the hymns you like, so one can be included in
a service now and then!
3
 The Lamplighter

Sunday School—9:30 A.M.

Worship—10:30 A.M.
April 1, 2018 (Sunday)
Easter Sunrise Service 7am, Led by Youth
Men’s Breakfast; Worship at 10:30am

April 4, 2018 (Wednesday)

Choir 7pm

April 6, 2018 (Friday)

Gestalt Pastoral Care 10am

April 8, 2018 (Sunday) Copyright © 2011 The Zondervan Corporation

Board of Christian Education

April 9, 2018 (Monday) CHURCH COUNCIL UPDATE

Council 7pm
April 10, 2018 (Tuesday)
Blue Springs Terrace workday 8:15 carpool
April 11, 2018 (Wednesday)
Choir 7pm
April 14, 2018 (Saturday)
Southwood UCC 10-3pm Western Assoc.
Meeting
April 18, 2018 (Wednesday)
Choir 7pm
The Church Council would like to request that
those who are willing and able receive their
church newsletter, The Lamplighter, by email.
This would help us to cut costs for not only post-
age but also paper and ink and office staff time.
We realize that some of us prefer the hard copy
and we want everyone to enjoy the newsletter as
they prefer. If you are willing to receive it by
email please just jot down your email address on a
slip of paper and drop it in the basket at the rear of
the sanctuary or email it to our church email.
Thank you.

April 22, 2018 (Sunday)

Spring Ladies Tea 3pm

April 23, 2018 (Monday)

Laf. Area 0Cluster 7:30pm

April 24, 2018 (Tuesday)

SAIL 7pm

April 25, 2018 (Wednesday)

Choir 7pm

April 26, 2018 (Thursday)

Laf. Area Women’s– Emma 8:15am Carpool

April 27 & 28, 2018 4

Moval Women’s Retreat
COMMUNITY, COUNTY &
CONFERENCE CLAMOR
Call for Prospects – Conference
Council
Dear Friends in Christ,
We have leadership opportunities
throughout the life of the Conference and we
seek a highly qualified, diverse pool of potential
candidates. We are gathering names Confer-
ence-wide including both lay and clergy leaders.
Complete the Prospect form here: https://goo.gl/
forms/is6dfOSxwNs3rBOv2
Please help us identify prospects to fill
these roles.
Conference Council seats (three-year
terms) for first term election at June 2018 CAG:
(i) Eastern Association: Three nominees
a. Lay member and
b. Clergy member
(ii) St. Louis Association: Three nominees
a. Lay member
b. Clergy member
(iii) Western Association: Two nominees
a. Lay members
Prospects are vetted and nominated by
the Conference Leadership Development Com-
mittee as to the best fit for the needs of the Con-
ference. Those nominated are carefully chosen
so the body represents diverse population
groups and can bring to its deliberations a vari-
ety of points of view and life experiences, and
as related to the Conference Council can bring
access to cultural, religious, educational, civic,
business and economic resources.
The prospect form can be found
here https://goo.gl/forms/
is6dfOSxwNs3rBOv2 or a print version can be
found on the conference website here: http://
www.missourimidsouth.org/about1(at bottom of
page)
NOTE all FORMS must be submitted no
later than Friday, March 23, 2018
to LJDAyers@gmail.com . IMPORTANT: if
emailing then on Subject Line type: Prospect
[followed by Candidate’s name]).
Please prayerfully consider who might
be prospects to serve in these very important
roles in the life of our church.
Yours in Christ – Leadership Development
Committee
Friday, May 4, 2018
St Paul’s United Church
of Christ
5739 Dunham Rd
Downers Grove, IL 60516
(Chicagoland)
This one-day conference offers:
Ways congregations can address
mental health concerns
Stories from persons affected by
mental health issues
Practical steps to engage in a men-
tal health ministry
Introduction to the WISE
(Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, En-
gaged) Covenant
Network with those who are on the journey
to address mental health challenges
On-going support
Online Registration is open NOW
Conference brochure and mail-in
registration form (pdf)
Congratulations to our newest WISE
Congregation,Coral Gables United Church
of Christ in Coral Gables, Florida In 2016,
Coral Gables Congregational United
Church of Christ embarked on a journey
towards becoming a WISE Congregation. It
began with a presentation to introduce our
Called to Care Ministry team to Wise and
discuss the importance of developing men-
tal health programming for our congrega-
tion. Since that time, we have formed a
separate WISE Mental Health Ministry
dedicated to developing programming to
educate and raise awareness of mental
health challenges, as well as offer a variety
of support programs. We have instituted a
bimonthly grief support group and a mind-
fulness group. We also invite those caring
for persons living with mental illness to a
quarterly Caretakers Tea. This past Octo-
ber, we offered a month long adult educa-
tion program using Sara Lund’s book
“Blessed are the Crazy”. There’s also been
5

mental health fair, Mental Health First Aid train-
ing, and several opportunities to hear from
mental health experts on various topics. At our
recent annual meeting, the congregation voted
to become a WISE church. Our journey is just
beginning as we begin to plan our next steps in
our efforts to raise awareness, and fight the
stigma of mental illness.
mhn-ucc.org
BUTTERFLY ROOM
Not only does this exercise help you
draw closer to God, but it helps you get
sleep as well.
The examen is usually performed at
night before we go to sleep. It allows us to re-
play the day we are leaving behind, and helps
us become more aware of how to live out the
next day. It can take as little as three minutes to
do and I’ve found it often helps with insomnia.
So, not only does this exercise help you draw
closer to God, but it helps you get sleep as well.
I’ve broken the examen down into 6 easy steps.
1. Ask God to Be Revealed
Literally just ask, “God, please reveal yourself
to me.” If necessary, imagine you’re in a dark
room with a dimmer switch. In this room, it’s
hard to make out what’s in front of us, though
we know something is there. We ask God to
gradually increase the light: “God, help me to
see what’s in the room with me. Help me to see
the people and things in the world before me.
Help me to see you better.” Imagine the light in
the room getting brighter and brighter.
2. Cultivate Gratitude
Give thanks for the day. Give thanks for the air
we breathe, the water we drink, and the food
we eat, the clothes we wear and the homes that
provide us shelter. Give thanks for our families
and friends. Try to be thankful for all the people
we meet during the day, everyone from the jo-
vial secu-rity guard to the tired waitress in des-
perate need of a break. Give thanks to God for
that person who drove slowly earlier in the day
when you were running late for a meeting.
Maybe that laggard was God’s way of slowing
us down to protect us from being harmed in an
accident.
3. Pay Attention to Your Emotions
Sometimes our heads can get in the way of our
The Lamplighter
hearts. Many of us have minds that
never stop jumping from one thing to an-
other. But it’s important to pay attention
to our emotions, especially if we’re ex-
periencing blockages. Ignatius believed
that our emotions are able to carry us
closer to God when they are free-flowing,
just as they can stall us when there are
barriers. What is God saying to us in the
feelings we have about the day, in the
angry, anxious, depressed, or hopeful
and happy feelings we experienced at
work or at home? Ask God for help to
untangle these experiences.
4. Choose Something Great That Hap-
pened Today and Pray About It
Maybe you had a great conversation with
a friend. Explore what made you feel
good. Was it just laughs, or did you learn
something? Pray for that friend; take that
experience into your heart and ponder it
there. Make the experience a prayer to
God.
5. Ask, Where Was God for Me Today?
Was God present in your actions? Igna-
tius asks us to seek God in all things, so
the question becomes whether or not we
see God in our work, in the less fortu-
nate, or in the friend who is going
through a divorce. If we are angry at our
brother or sister, we know that we are
angry at God. We are called to forgive,
and if we are struggling to do so, then we
can ask God for help.
6. Bless the Tomorrow
We ask God to guide us on this
journey we call life. Though this might
seem almost rote or silly, asking God for
directions is an important part of our
lives. From time to time, all of us need to
stop for directions. Before you finish your
prayer, ask God to point you where you
need to go. Then be still. Trust that God
is guiding you in everything you are do-
ing and get some sleep.
http://www.foxnews.com/ opin-
ion/2018/03/03/three- minute-prayer-that-
can-change- your-life.html
6
 UCC leaders grieve, urge activism after another deadly school shooting in South Florida
February 15, 2018
Written by Connie Larkman
Seventeen people died in a school shooting Wednesday afternoon in South Florida, killed on Valentine's Day
by a former student expelled from the high school for disciplinary problems.
"Oh, my heart aches at news like this. I hate watching these stories unfold," said the Rev. John Dorhauer, UCC
general minister and president. "The senseless loss of young life; the random violence that takes the lives of innocent
students; the growing sense that our schools are not safe. There is a burgeoning helplessness we all feel as we know
no words will ease the pain of the victims' families; and no amount of response on our part seems to mitigate the like-
lihood that it will happen again."
The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Fla., about an hour northwest of Miami, took
the lives of both students and adults and injured more than a dozen other people. It is the deadliest school shooting
since the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., which claimed the life of 20 children
and 6 adults.
"Our condolences go out to all involved, but our condolences are not enough," said the Rev. John Vertigan,
conference minister of the Florida Conference UCC. "And so, I pray, 'have mercy on me, O God, according to your
unfailing love,' and I strive to keep faith with a hurting people, a devastated community, and a nation in need of repen-
tance at our lack of resolve to bring an end to the senseless gun violence that continues to scar the lives of so many
young people and their families who start each school day with a hug they hope will be returned later that very same
day." Teenagers waiting to be dismissed for the day heard a fire alarm, and then gunshots. Students taking cover re-
corded cellphone videos, capturing the sounds of rapid gunfire.
"The Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ is a member of the Florida Coalition for the Preven-
tion of Gun Violence and today proves that membership is not enough," he continued. "Activism and advocacy are
essential. It's past time for the Church to act. It's past time to stand up to the gun lobbies and to advocate for Jesus'
way of peace that just can't imagine how sisters and brothers or a nation can dwell together in unity while doing noth-
ing to train our common spirit in the ways of justice, while doing nothing to mitigate the availability of weapons that
enable such rampant violence, while doing nothing to stand in the public square and shout with a prophet's heart that
our prayers are not adequate and our faith demands more. We cannot pray "How long, O God, how long!?" and stand
by doing nothing in the face of evil."
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said the suspect is in custody, arrested in a neighboring city about an hour
after leaving the school. He was armed with a semiautomatic AR-15 assault rifle, and a substantial amount of ammu-
nition. He's now charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.
"The tragic shooting took place on Ash Wednesday when the church enters the season of Lent which is a time
of repentance," said the Rev. Jim Moos, UCC national officer and executive minister of Global Engagement and Op-
erations. "Responsibility for these ongoing, senseless attacks rests not only with the shooters, but also with a society
that refuses to repent from its idolatrous attachment to guns and gives virtually unlimited access to weapons capable
of inflicting mass casualties." Seven weeks into the year, and there have already been 18 school shootings in 2018,
eight of which have resulted in death.
"Our hearts ache with news of another gun violence tragedy, and we lift up prayers for the victims, their fami-
lies, and the school community. But our words and actions cannot end there," said Sandy Sorensen, director of the
UCC Washington, D.C. office. "We must remember in November, and commit to tirelessly raising the issue of gun
violence prevention in this pivotal midterm election year."
"As we begin the season of Lent, let us all reflect deeply on how we worship violence and rely far too heavily
on brute force to get our way, resolve our conflict, or express our rage," Dorhauer said. "Let us commit to turning
around a Congress beholden to the Military Industrial complex and the NRA when next we cast our vote. Let us use
our time in worship to not only pray for the victims of this and all other random acts of violence, and to remind the
people of faith with whom we gather that violence begets violence and that the way of Jesus is the way of peace."
"Pastors, find your people today and console them. People, find your pastors today and ask them to lead with
you in a movement to end violence in our communities. Remember especially the people of Parkland, Florida whose
anguish cries out and whose pain demands justice," Vertigan said. "Help build communities where this doesn't hap-
pen. Use your own compassion and power to heal this national sin. And, yes, continue to pray."
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 The Lamplighter
Celebration Occasions
April Birthdays
Office Hours
Date Birthday Pastor Admin. Assistant
5 Maggie Barresi
Tuesday
Austin Aardema Faigh
6 8:00 AM—Noon
Donovan Aardema Faigh
7 Kyle Hawthorne Wednesday
Ron Wagner 6:00—8:00 PM
10
Addison Wagner
13 Virginia Bertz Thursday
8:00 AM—Noon
28 Jim Bayless

Serving Souls
Apr ACOLYTES GREETERS
Norma Mittelhauser &
1 Brooklyn Murry
Jeanette Starkebaum
Rachel Murry & Lillie
8 Austin Faigh
Jennings
Judy Pragman & Juanita
15 Donovan Faigh
Wright
22 Trinity Alvested Will & Beth Ogan

29 Macey Begemann Marvin & Joyce Schemmer

Administrative Affairs
April Anniversaries Reverend Home(660) 237- 4902
Kristin Aardema Faigh Church (660) 237-4355
8 Bob & Jenny Holt pastorkristinatzion@yahoo.com
Cell (660) 641-1038

20 Robert & Mary Brueggenjohann Bill Bainbridge

Council President (816)-965-3107
26 Dwight & Denise Dickmeyer
Admin. Assistant (660) 237- 4355
zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com
Teresa Begemann (816) 633 - 4133
Reminder! Organist tjbegemann@yahoo.com
The deadline for submissions for the
Dawn Stuart
May newsletter is
Custodian (660) 237 - 4355
Friday, April 20, 2018.
Send your submissions to:
jennyholt14@gmail.com or
zionuccsecretary@hotmail.com
Or Call (660) 237-4923  11
 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 SERVICE REQUESTED ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

The Lamplighter
April 2018 

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 Sacra-
ments; to experience Christian fellowship, to build unity, and to practice charity within this congre-
gation and the wider church; and to share this witness of Jesus Christ throughout the world. 

Winter 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 After Church Monthly
SAIL (Serving All in Love) 7:00 PM Monthly - 4th Tuesday

12