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The Lamplighter July 2017 • Salem United Church of Christ • Higginsville, Missouri

I was at a camp in the country, you were home in the city, and bad news had come to you.

You texted me as I sat with others around a campfire. It had been a test you and I

hadn’t taken seriously, hadn’t worried about. You texted the bad news word

cancer. I read it in that circle around the fire. There was singing and laughter to my right and left

and there was that word on the screen. I tried to text back but, as often happened in that county,

my reply would not send, so I went to higher ground.

I stood on a hill above the river and sent you the most beautiful words I could manage,

put them together, each following each. Under Ursa Major, Polaris, Cassiopeia, a space station

flashing, I said what had been said

many times, important times, foolish times: those words soft-bodied humans say when the

news is bad. The I love you we wrap around our

need and hurl at the cosmos: Take this, you heartless

nothing and everything, take this. I chose words to fling into the dark toward you

while the gray-robed coyote came out of hiding and the badger wandered the unlit hill and the lark rested herself in tall grasses;

I sent the most necessary syllables we have, after all this time the ones we want to

hear: I said Home, I said Love, I said Tomorrow.

Dear Friends,

Bad News Good News

by Marjorie Saiser

Here is a poem that I read recently that spoke to me in powerful ways. I pray that it will touch your hearts as well.

Be sure to remember in your prayers both the Youth on Mission groups in Puerto Rico, 1-8 July, and on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation at Busby, Montana, 22-30 July. Pray for safe travels and for the presence of God with each of the participants and the people they go to serve.

Grace and Peace

Tommy

“Bad News Good News” by Marjorie Saiser from I Have Nothing to Say About Fire. © The Backwaters Press, 2016.

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July 2017 The Lamplighter Page 2

Listed below are our members and friends (at the time of printing of the Lamplighter) now residing or recovering at our local and sur-rounding community nursing homes and care facilities. A card or visit from a church family member would be a delightful surprise! Meyer Care Center, 1201 W. 19th St., Higginsville, MO 64037 Wilma Dieckhoff Glenn & Shirley Nowack Pat Pence Anna Marie Rinne Grace Schemmer Robert “Cobb” Souder Earl Struchtemeyer Bob Tankesley New Haven Living Center, 609 Golf Street, Odessa, MO 64076 Myrna Fette Grace Niemeier Lutheran Good Shepherd Home, 202 SW St., Concordia, MO 64020 Winnie Knehans Jake Stoecklin Ann Nuelle Country Oak Village, 101 Cross Creek Drive, Grain Valley, MO 64029 Viola Meinershagen Riverbend Heights Rehab & Health, Lexington Nursing Home, 1221 South Highway 13, Lexington, MO 64067

Mark Gieselman

Winchester Meadows, 3761 W. 10th St., Sedalia, MO 65301

Roberta Summers (Apt. 102 E)

THANK YOU Thank you for all the phone calls, visits and cards during my illness. Special thanks to Pastor Tommy for being there before my surgeries, his visits and prayers. I truly appre-ciate everyone thinking of me. Jeanne Fleischmann

Please join us for Summer Sunday School at the 10:00 a.m. Worship Service if you are under the age of 10. We will meet in the sanctuary overflow, after the children's message.

YOUTH ON MISSION

Those going on the Group Work Camp to, Cayey, Puerto Rico, July 1—8, 2017, are: Morgan Benton, Angie Berry, Clayton Berry, Kevin Berry, Julie Boehmer, Justin Boehmer, Tommy Faris, Amy Goetz, Dawson Goetz, Delbert Goetz, Gary Goetz, Joe Goetz, Paige Goetz, Lydia Grumke, Cole Harris, Seth Harris, Dennis Knipmeyer, Judi Knipmeyer, Sadie Kumm, Cheryl LaRue, Kendra LaRue, Scott LaRue, Felicia Leonard, Cheryl Lettau, Carol Nolte, Abby Oelrichs, Paula Oelrichs, BJ Salyer, David Salyer, Allison Starke, Carson Starke, David Starke, Bailey Warren, Jill Warren, Logan Warren, Sandra Kay Welborn, Sarah Welborn (Sorry, mail can’t be sent to the Puerto Rico Work Camp because of the mailing time frame)

Those going on the Group Work Camp to Busby, Montana, July 22—29, 2017 are: Brian Alexander, Keill Borchers, Lane Borchers, Carys Brockman, Cassidy Brockman, Jonah Dotson, Cooper Fisher, Andy Mockridge, Dennis Payne, Macy Sprecher, Kylie Steffens, Terresa Stoll, Erin Thurmon, Micah Thurmon, Darrell Tilly, Logan Tracy, Hailey Tretter, Corey White If you wish to mail a card or pack-age, please mail early and please use the following format: (Work campers name) Attn: Group Workcamp Northern Cheyenne Tribal School #1 Campus Drive Busby, MT 59016

Women’s Fellowship Circle

Schedules for July

Esther Circle – Not meeting in July.

Mary Martha Circle – Not meeting in July.

Ruth Circle – July 5, 2:00 p.m., meeting place and hostess undecid-ed at this time, program Fay Tilly.

Eve Circle – Not meeting in July.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Memorial Committee is asking for volunteers to water the flower pots at the front doors of the church. If you are interested please call Mary Homfeld, 584-3060.

WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO:

Clifford and Dorothy Peck. Dorothy’s brother passed away, services were held Friday, June 23, 2017, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

ALSO Ricky and Angie Erdman and family. Angie’s mother, Marilyn Holloway, passed away. Her services were held Saturday, June 24, at Brookfield, Missouri.

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July 2017 The Lamplighter

Kevin Rinne

Mark Hook

Evelyn Sander

Crystal Faris

Graham Padley

Ella Wesche

Teresa Button

Angie Lefman

Jackie Meinershagen

Donald Knehans

Diana Meinershagen

Ken Green

Blayne Homfeld

Julie Davenport

Gary Riekhof

Donald Abbott

Candi Engle

Aren Koenig

Gina Riekhof

Alex Lettau

Nolan Salyer

Shirley Paul

Scott LaRue

Tommy Faris

Doris Jane Stoner

Caleb Kirchhoff

Korbin Thaller

Jami Homfeld

Seth Harris

Larry Nadler

Richelle Erdman

Ty Harris

Barbara Siegfried

Sharon Telgemeier

Rita Jean Vahrenberg

Camille Carminucci

Richard Niemeier

Rhonda Boedeker

Nathan White

Rev. Glenn Nowack

Tillie Erdman

Rhonda Grumke

Jeanne Fleischmann

Alice Kennedy

Ginny Baggs

Micah Gibler

Eric Kirchhoff

Cheryl Lettau

Pam Homfeld

Blake Kilpatrick

Justin Cramer

Larry Homfeld

Lynette Nevels

Grace Werning

Deanna Gash Linda Grindley

Darrel Opfer

Ronnie Bergsieker

Mark Berry

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It is time again for

Summer Special Music!

If you play an instrument or enjoy singing and would like to share your musical talent during the sum-mer worship service, please call the Church Office and leave your name and phone number. Jamie Smith will then contact you to schedule a Sunday for you to share your mu-sic. You may also contact Jamie directly at 660-259-4470 or 660-232-4470 to schedule a time to share. Thank you for considering sharing your talent!

Special Days in July

July 1 YOM leave for Mission Trip in Puerto Rico

July 4 Independence Day—Church Office Closed

July 8 YOM return from Puerto Rico Mission Trip

July 22 YOM leave for Mission Trip in Montana

July 29 YOM return from Montana Mission Trip

July 30 Vacation Bible School Starts

Evangelism Committee News

During the month of May, dona-tions were received for blankets/ honoring Mother’s. We received $700!

During the month of June, dona-tions were received for tools/ hon-oring Father’s. We received $590! What a testament to our Salem Spirit!

“May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please but as the opportunity to do what is right.”

—Peter Marshall

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From the Church Records

Financial Report:

General Fund Balance 5/01/17

Current deposits

Current expenses

Current Fund Balance 5/31/17

$ 8,324

$18,832

$14,890

$12,266

Building Fund:

Current Fund Balance 5/01/17

Current deposits

Current expenses

Current Fund Balance 5/31/17

$14,852

$ 162

$ 234

$14,780

The Lamplighter Page 4

O.C.W.M. (Member Contributions for May) $501

July 2017

8:30 a.m. May Attendance 10:30 a.m.

31 5-7-17 126

42 5-14-17 125

34 5-21-17 96

24 5-28-17 76

33 Average

Total Average 139

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Layden Paul Kirchhoff, was baptized on Sunday, June 4, 2017. He is the son Caleb and Dani Kirchhoff. Layden’s big brother is Laith. Layden’s grandparents are Eric and Gail Kirchhoff, Shawn and Connie Smith, great-grandparents are Mary and the late W. W. Kirchhoff and the late Kenneth and Helen Diestelkamp.

Vacation Bible School 2017

This year’s theme for Vacation Bible School is Rome, Paul and the Under-ground Church VBS will be July 30th – August 2nd, 6-8:00 p.m.

If there are any volunteers that would like to help the kids experience Rome, I have manuals for everyone. It is easy to read and explains every step. If you would like to volunteer, please call or text my cell-phone (660) 441-8568 or you can reach me at the church (660) 584-3603. Regis-tration forms for VBS are included in this Lamplighter or you can pick one up outside the church office. All children who have completed one year of pre-school to 5th grade are invited to join us. Thanks, June Howell

JOHN KNOX VILLAGE AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY

There won’t be Bible Study during July or August. Bible Study will resume in September.

HARVESTERS SCHEDULE

First Assembly of God Church of Higginsville hosts a Harvesters Community Food Network distribution of food on the third Thursday of every month. The date in July is Thursday, July 20. The work day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends approximately at Noon. After the food is distributed, volunteers are asked to stay and help clean up the area. Anyone willing to help is asked to call 660-584-3372, (First Presbyterian Church), and leave your name, phone number, and mailing address. Wear com-fortable clothes.

TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE

Transportation is available to any worship service. Please call the church office to make arrangements, (660) 584-3603.

CHURCH INFORMATION Tommy’s email: tlfaris@ctcis.net Tommy’s cell phone: 816-352-2052 Church Telephone: 660-584-3603 Church Email: salemucc@ctcis.net Church Website: salemucchigginsville.org Fax number: 660-584-5666 PASTORAL VISITS OR PRAYERS Anyone who would like a pastoral visit or are in need of prayers, please call the church office, (660) 584-3603.

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July 2017 Page 5 The Lamplighter

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

MAY 18, 2017, – 7:30 pm

The regular meeting of the Salem Church Council was held Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 7:30 pm in the Board Room. The members present were Delbert Goetz, Felicia Leonard, Ron-nie Bergsieker, David Starke, Kevin Berry, and Peggy Pragman. Pastor Tommy, Keri Borchers, and Janice Hoefer were unable to attend.

In absence of Tommy and Keri, Delbert Goetz, Vice-President led the group in devotion and prayer. Minutes were read and approved. Felicia gave the treasurer’s report with balances of $8,342 in General Fund and $14,852 in Building and Grounds Fund. The Pastor’s mileage of 190 miles for $101.65 was present-ed for payment. Motion was made and seconded to approve the treasur-er’s report and to pay mileage.

The Pastor’s report praised the Elders for their behind the scenes work during Lent and Easter. Re-ported the two funeral services held for Marty Begemann and Dorothy Bodenstab, and thanked the Elders and Condolence Committee of Women’s Fellowship compassionate help to both families. The Baptism for Baylee Lou Thomas was also re-ported. Also mentioned was a Thank You for the YOM for providing meals for over 80 people who attend-ed the Western Association Spring Annual meeting held at Salem. At the time of this evening’s meeting Pastor is participating in the Festival of Homiletics. Missouri Mid-South Conference Annual Gathering will be held in Columbia which he will be attending, June 8-10. He also report-ed he will not be attending the UCC General Synod in Baltimore, Mary-land on June 30-July 4, because of YOM trip to Puerto Rico. Tommy

informed us that Our Conference Min-ister, the Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Dan-iel will be worshiping at Salem on June 18, and preaching that morning at the 10:00 service. She has been informed of the early service and Tommy is awaiting her reply. YOM is taking part in the City Wide garage sale June 3. Tommy reported he is close to com-pleting the process of being a (CERT) member. He is looking forward to sup-port the wider community in partici-pating in this important work.

Correspondence read by Delbert included Thank You from OCWM for our 2016 contributions of $10,801, and also from Ron Wendle for hosting the 2017 Association Meeting.

Christian Ed: No meeting, to meet next Monday. Building and Grounds: David reported siding on parsonage completed and paid; Van received new battery; still needs to plane door in Sanctuary. Cemetery: Request from Kaiser to address East entrance be-cause of dragging. Keri spoke to Den-nis and was informed that is a State issue and waiting on State. Memorial: Peggy reported no meeting. Steward-ship: Ronnie reported no meeting. Evangelism: Felicia reported doing Blankets for Honoring Mothers in May, and Tools for Honoring Fathers in June. Worship: Delbert no meeting. Ushers: Kevin and Janice. Discussion was held over using only 4 ushers for summer. Decision was made to agree and go back to six in the winter if needed.

Unfinished Business: Received check from MFA concerning Wilbert Hilgedick memorial. Council dis-cussed, motion made, seconded, and approved to put money in General Fund. GFI met with Sarah to discuss cost of color coverage and getting a lower rate. Waiting on response. Dis-cussion held about hiring a part time

janitor for Wayne’s position. Ta-bled for present time. During summer the Grumkes are plan-ning on taking care of the posi-tion.

New Business: Dividing up committees, all existing members will stay the same with Kevin Berry going to cemetery commit-tee and Janice Hoefer going to Christian Ed. Janice requested permission to use Salem’s laptop and Early Worship Service Pro-gram at Central Christian occa-sionally. Motion made seconded and approved. Donations from Western Association of $387.63 and Hilgedick memorial $10,023.33, were discussed and motion made, seconded, and ap-prove to go to General Fund. Missouri Mid-South Conference Annual Gathering June 8-10 in Columbia Mo. Three slots open. A suggestion made to call Janice to see if she would be interested. U.S. Bank issues were discussed and tabled to check with Sarah and Keri on issues.

Announcements: Worship time change: June 4, 2017, 8:30 a.m. Early Worship/ 10:00 A.M. Worship and Sunday School. Next Council meeting Date: June 15, 2017, 7:30 p. m.

There being no further busi-ness, the meeting was adjourned by saying the “Lord’s Prayer”.

Respectfully submitted

Peggy Pragman,

Council Secretary

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July 2017 The Lamplighter Page 6

FROM THE BOARD OF ELDERS For many years, Salem, other churches and other organizations have participated in the Festival of Sharing. The Festival of Sharing is a cooperative response to world hunger, poverty and injustice and seeks to raise awareness of its cause and to address solutions. The Festival of Sharing is an interfaith, statewide celebration and gathering of re-sources that is held on the third Saturday in October each year. When people of faith come together, our sharing makes a positive and powerful difference in the lives of people in need. Members of Salem have participated in the Festival of Sharing through many different projects and causes, including quilts made by our quilters for the auction, coupons, blankets, specialized packets that are passed out following a disaster or other incident, along with church members donating time and labor for repackaging and loading bulk produce items that are distributed to those in need. This year the Board of Elders have chosen two projects that we are asking members of Salem to participate with, they are “Missouri Paper Product Pack and Missouri Personal Hygiene Pack”. Attached with this article is a description of how they benefit those who truly need our help. Please consider donating any of the many items in-volved with these packets that are listed. The Elders have placed a container in the Overflow to collect your items. We will accumulate them and deliver them on October 21, 2017.

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Salem United Church of Christ

1500 Main Street

Higginsville MO 64037

Non-Profit Organization

POSTAGE PAID

Permit NO. 104

Higginsville MO 64037

Return Service Requested

The Lamplighter

July • Salem United Church of Christ • Higginsville, Missouri

The Lamplighter

Is a monthly newsletter of :

Salem United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris Keri Borchers, President

1500 Main Street Pastor Church Council

Higginsville, MO 64037 Sarah J. Berry Mark Gross, President

(660) 584-3603 Secretary Board of Elders

Fax: 584-5666 Doris Jane Stoner Judi Knipmeyer, President

E-Mail: salemucc@ctcis.net Organist Board of Christian Education

Early Worship Jamie Smith June Howell

8:30 a.m. Music Director Christian Education Coordinator

Worship with Anne Iles Lindsey Rolf, Volunteer

Sunday School Youth Music Director Assistant Church Secretary

10:00 a.m. Lowell Grumke

Custodian

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Registration Form (one per child)

Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 30, through

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

6:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.

Child’s name: _____________________________________________________

Age: ___________________________________________________________

Street address: ___________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ______________________________________________

Home telephone: (_____) __________________________________________

Parent/Caregiver’s cell phone: _______________________________________

Home e-mail address: _____________________________________________

Date of birth: ____________________________________________________

Last school grade completed:________________________________________

In case of emergency, contact: ______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Mother: ________________________________________________________

Father: _________________________________________________________

Other: __________________________________________________________

Allergies or other medical conditions: ________________________________

Home church: ____________________________________________________

2017 VBS T-SHIRT ORDER FORM- $9.00 each

Please order shirts by July 26, 2017

(Please circle size to be ordered)

Child small Child medium Child large

Adult small Adult medium Adult large Adult XL

Other ___________

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