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The Lamplighter May 2020 • Salem United Church of Christ • Higginsville, Missouri

Dear Friends,

As you all know, for the present we continue to forgo meeting in person. This is a hardship on us all, I do not need to tell you, but a bit of hardship for the present will, we hope, bring a quicker end to the hardship long term. Governor Parson has extended the stay-at-home order through 3 May for most businesses. We do not yet know what the lifting of the order will mean for churches, or at least I do not know, so we will have to keep our eyes and ears open for developments.

Some things that we do know are that schools are closed for the remainder of this year. We know that many events and programs that we might want to attend are cancelled. For me, this means that I will not be going to the Festival of Homiletics, which I so enjoy every year in May. Weddings are being cancelled, post-poned, or reimagined in new ways. I read the other day of a wedding being performed via a video chat. We have just learned that Group Mission Trips, the organization with which our Youth on Mission group has worked for many years, has “postponed” all workcamps for this summer until 2021. Here at Salem, we have to postpone Vacation Bible School until sometime later in the summer and may need to conceive another way to do it. All of this makes planning and preparation difficult, but nonetheless necessary.

We continue to have our weekly worship time online with Facebook Live on Sunday mornings at 10:30. The response to this has been quite gratifying. It is not ideal, to be sure, but we have found fellowship via the Internet. The ways in which everyone greets everyone else in the comments section is quite touching.

Once again, allow me to encourage you to remember to send in your offerings and other support for Salem Church or bring them into the office. Although we are not gathering in our beautiful sanctuary, there are still obligations that we have to meet, such as utilities and payroll. We need and are grateful for your support for your church in this time of difficulty.

The coronavirus global pandemic reinforces for me, as I hope it has for you, that we are all one family in this world. We are responsible to one another and for one another. Our lives are intertwined and cannot be otherwise. We tend to focus on the ways we are different, on politics, on ethnicity and race, on nationality, on gender identity and sexuality, but all of these are our own constructions as human beings. Scripture affirms that we are all one people, the people of God’s creation, and we are to care for one another in good times and bad.

Look, for instance, at Acts 2. 42-47, which describes for us the early days of the post-resurrection Jesus Movement: 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the tem-ple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

We are the continuation of that early community and as disciples of Jesus, our calling is always to live in love for one another. May God be with us and with everyone in the world.

Grace and Peace Tommy

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May 2020 The Lamplighter Page 2

In-person Church Services and Sunday School have been cancelled until further notice. We can worship together virtually at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook by livestream services with Tommy, Jamie, and Crystal. When the Church Council, Board of Elders, and Tommy decide in-person church services will resume, we will get the word to everyone by social media, txt messages, emails, or phone calls.

All church meetings are cancelled at this time until further notice.

John Knox Village and Meyer Care Center Bible Study has been cancelled until further notice.

Normally in May the Women’s Fellowship Circles enjoy a combined meeting with a luncheon. This year the joint meeting and luncheon has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

O.C.W.M. (Member Contributions for March) $44

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

29 3-1-20 83

30 3-8-20 70

25 3-15-20 143

COVID-19 Online services

COVID-19 Online services

28 Average

Total Average 127

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The Church Council was not able to meet in March or April because of COVID-19. The February Council minutes nor the February and March finan-cial reports could be published without the approval of the Church Council. Once we have a new normal following COVID-19, all minutes and financial reports will be published.

LAFAYETTE CO C-1 BACCALAUREATE

Everyone is invited to the Baccalaureate Service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church celebrating and praying for the Graduating Seniors of Lafayette County C-1 on Thursday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m. If stay-at-home/social distancing orders are extended through June, the back-up date will be July 23.

WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO:

The family of Annie M. Fiegenbaum. Annie passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020. A private graveside service was held at Zion Cemetery in Mayview, Friday, April 10, 2020.

ALSO

The family of Viola E. Meinershagen. Viola passed away Monday, April 6, 2020. A private graveside service was held at Salem Cemetery, Thursday, April 9, 2020.

ALSO

The family of Bob Pragman. Bob passed away Friday, April 24, 2020 of a massive brain bleed. Arrangements are pending at this time.

CHURCH NEWS DURING

STAY-AT-HOME /SOCIAL DISTANCING ORDERS FOR COVID-19

A prayer for Memorial Day

We remember, O Lord, all those people through-out the years who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country, for liberty, for us. Whenever we breathe the air of freedom or claim the right to justice or enjoy the privilege of worship, fill us with gratitude for those who selflessly gave the last full measure of devotion — their very lives — for our benefit.

May these brave men and women now know the joy of eternity and your presence. And may the families of the fallen receive comfort and peace amid their grief. Help us as we minister to their needs. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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May 2020 The Lamplighter

Marci Swartz

Anna Marie Rinne

Stephanie Cahill

Mason Bergsieker

Ricky Erdman

Scott Jensen

Barb Nolte

Bradley Robinson

Penny Harris

Erin Robinette

Emmalynn Ventura

Eric Bergsieker

Lindsey Rolf

Kaylee Harden

Kyle Warren

Emily Kusgen

Chloe Drago

Jacob Tripp

Georgia Thirkield

Paige Fiene

Bob Tankesley

Hubert Dickmeier

Jeff Nieman

Hope White

Allan Fisher

Daniel Bergsieker

Eric Schloman

Roberta Summers

Tanner Wahn

Pearle Alumbaugh

Carol Nolte

Frederick Jungerman IV

Tiffany Camp

Terri Gilkey

Lacey Wesley

Jaxson Cowherd

Brent Iles

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Best Wishes for May Birthdays go to...

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THANK YOU!

There are no words to tell you, our Church family, how grateful and thankful we are for you. Your loving sup-port during Kirk's lung transplant journey gave us so much hope, strength, and love each day. Whether you sent prayers, cards, texts, financial assistance, or called us, we always felt like we had family and friends right beside us every step of the way even though we were miles apart. We are forever grateful and blessed by Dalton Wilkinson's gift of life to us. His amazing love is helping many others to be able to live. Throughout these past months, we have had time to reflect on the miracle God has given us through our donor, Dalton. Even though we don't always understand why, we believe God works in mysterious ways and in His time. God bless all of you! We love you!

Kirk, Jamie, Kristen, and Jordan Smith

THANK YOU!

The family of Viola Meinershagen would like to Thank everyone for memorials, cards, prayers and thoughts of comfort during the passing of our mother. We are com-forted knowing she is no longer in pain and at peace with our Dad, and her brothers and sisters.

Gary, Bruce and Venita

THANK YOU!

Thank you so very much Salem Church family and friends for your condolences offered upon the passing of our mother and grandmother, Doris Jane Stoner. We appreciate all of your prayers, support, cards, memori-als, food, and messages that were sent to comfort us. We want to express a special thank you to Pastor Tommy for his kind and caring words at mom's funeral service. Another special thanks we give to Joe Rolf for his time and effort in compiling mom's organ music on a CD for her funeral. These things meant the world to us. We plan on having a Celebration of Life at a later date to remember our mother and her life that was dedicated to serving God as our organist. We are so grateful and blessed for everyone at Salem helping us through this difficult time. God bless you.

The Family of Doris Jane Stoner

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The Lamplighter Page 4

May 2020

OUR FRIENDS AND CHURCH FAMILY

IN CARE FACILITIES 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 from a church family member would be a delightful surprise! Meyer Care Center, 1201 W. 19th St., Higginsville, MO 64037 Al Dieckhoff Herb Echelmeier Mary Kirchhoff Anna Marie Rinne Earl Struchtemeyer Bob Tankesley Mary Ann Vorwark Lutheran Good Shepherd Home, 202 SW St., Concordia, MO 64020 Jake Stoecklin Arthur Thaller Riverbend Heights Rehab & Health, Lexington Nursing Home, 1221 South Highway 13, Lexington, MO 64067 Mark Gieselman Monterey Park Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, 4600 Little Blue Parkway, Independence, MO 64057 Roberta Summers (Roberta’s mailing address is Rob-erta Summers, C/O Carrie Tunison, 1207 SE Brookwood St., Lee’s Sum-mit, MO 64063.) Barb Siegfried:

1001 Quincy Dr.

Warrensburg, MO 64093

Recognition of Graduates:

If you have anyone graduating from high school or college please call the church office (660) 584-3603 with the information by May 6, so they can be included in the Lamplighter.

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

PRAYERS AND CONCERNS Anyone who is in need of prayers, please call the church office, (660) 584-3603.

Trust the Artist We must offer ourselves to God like a clean, smooth canvas and not worry ourselves about what God may choose to paint on it, but at each moment, feel only the stroke of his brush. … It is the same with a piece of stone. Each blow from the sculptor’s chisel makes it feel … as if it were being destroyed. … All I know is that I must stay im-mobile in the hands of the sculptor. … I have no idea what he is doing … but I know his work is the best possible.

—Jean Pierre de Caussade

“The mere whisper of the Holy Spirit can drown out the thunder-ing noise of an entire world.” —David Jeremiah

A Spirit who comforts

In a time when life expectancy was around 40 years, Hildegard of Bing-en (1098-1179) lived more than twice that long. The Benedictine abbess and mystic wrote books and music, founded two convents, con-ducted four “preaching tours” and much more, despite chronic illness, lack of schooling, grave self-doubt and a male-dominated church and society. Perhaps these poetry ex-cerpts reveal her source of strength and inspiration:

O comforting fire of Spirit, Life, within the very Life of all Creation. Holy you are in giving life to All. …

O sacred breath, O fire of love … O most pure fountain through whom it is known that God has united strangers and inquired after the lost. …

You always draw out knowledge, bringing joy through Wisdom's inspiration.

Therefore, praise be to you who are the sound of praise and the greatest prize of Life, who are hope and richest honor bequeathing the reward of Light.

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May 2020 Page 5 The Lamplighter

Vacation Bible School This year’s Vacation Bible School “Wilderness Escape,

Where God Guides & Provides” has been postponed. June will keep everyone updated.

Honor Your Mother

in a Special Way in May

Blanket the World With Love While Honoring Your Mother or any other special lady in your life. Once again Salem is offering the opportuni-ty to honor "mom" with a donation to be used to purchase a specially made woolen blan-ket. When disaster strikes, one of the first needs is shelter. These blankets can be used as ground cover, a stretcher, a tent and for warmth. These blankets are shipped worldwide to provide comfort to those suffering from natural disas-ters. Enclosed with this Lamplighter is a card in an envelope. Above the inscription in the card write the name(s) of that special lady you want to honor. Sign your name on the line be-low. Include a donation (checks can be made to "Salem UCC"). Place card in envelope and mail it back to Salem or drop it by the church office.

Evangelism Committee’s

Up-Coming Event:

June –For Fathers, make a donation in honor of your father or other male influences in your life toward the purchase of tools.

Donations provide help to people in need. Watch for further details in the June Lamplighter.

SOUPER SUPPER REPORT:

The Souper Suppers have come and gone with great success. In January, we had 90 take outs with 46 eating in. In February, we had 118 take outs and 40 eating in. With having the coronavirus pandemic in March, we only did take out meals. All pick ups were done at the curb side. We had 204 take outs. These suppers would not have ben a success without the help of our congregational members and church committees along with the Immanuel Lutheran Church ladies who provided desserts and volunteers for the Souper Suppers. We would like to say “Thank You to: Women’s Fellowship Service Committee for the leftover cheeseburger and taco soup, Rita Wallpe, Juanita Homfeld, Sandy Thompson, Joyce Gross, Aubrey Clark, Eric Kirchhoff, Delbert Goetz, Danielle Bergsieker, The Food Pantry for the cream soup, and to anyone else who we may have for-gotten to mention. We would also like to say “Thank You” to the Lutheran Ladies that volunteered to help and make the desserts for the suppers: Sandy Starkebaum, Betty Harms, Myra Fuehring, Kathi Fricke, Gertrude Rolf, Jan Oetting, Sherri Tieman, Delsine Fuehring, Teressa Loges, Jeanne Soendker, Joyce Goodman, Cheryl Sowers, Kali Erdman, Jan Meyer, Wendell Starkebaum, Bonnie Dickmei-er, L.H. Dickmeier, Donna Brown, Ruby Rasa, Sandy Kronsbein, Madie Plymell, Bernice Rasa, Ruth Griffel, Vicky Rhodes, Peggy Fridall, Marsha Tomchany, Kathy Salvestor, Vernetta Poyner, and to anyone else who we may have forgotten to mention. We are looking forward to working with the Immanuel Lutheran Ladies at the 2021 Souper Suppers.

THANK YOU

The Salem UCC Evangelism Committee

(Karen Homfeld, Tina Bergsieker, Amy Goetz, Felicia Leonard, Sherry Kilpatrick, Dennis Knipmeyer, and Ray Don Paul)

F E D B Y T H E F A T H E R God loves his little birds; for all his tender care he shows; a single sparrow cannot fall but its Creator knows. …

God loves each little bird; but still more tender is his care for children who obey his will, than for the fowls of air. —Anonymous

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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

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The Lamplighter

May 2020 • Salem United Church of Christ • Higginsville, Missouri

The Lamplighter

Is a monthly newsletter of :

Salem United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris Kevin Berry, President

1500 Main Street Pastor Church Council

Higginsville, MO 64037 Sarah J. Berry Stanton Thompson, President

(660) 584-3603 Secretary Board of Elders

Fax: 584-5666 Jamie Smith Tina Gibler, President

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

Early Worship June Howell Lowell Grumke

8:30 a.m. Christian Education Coordinator Custodian

Sunday School Anne Iles Lindsey Rolf, Volunteer

9:15 a.m. Youth Music Director Assistant Church Secretary

Worship

10:30 a.m.