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The Lamplighter January 2021 • Salem United Church of Christ • Higginsville, Missouri

Dear Friends, About a week and a half before Christmas Crystal read on Facebook that one of my seminary professors

had died. The former professor was Dr. Reidar B. Bjornard, my Hebrew Bible professor, whom I have men-tioned several time before. At his passing, Dr. Bjornard was 103 years old. He was born in Norway and served in the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II. He was a brilliant man, an inspiring teacher, and a tender pastor to his students.

I was in his office once for a chat. He showed me what he had been reading when I came into the room. As I recall after nearly forty years, he was reading his father-in-law’s notes in Norwegian on a lecture in Greek class taught in German. Seeing the handwritten notes led me to comment that I wished that a book by one of Dr. Bjornard’s teachers, Sigmund Mowinckel, which was available only in German, had been translated into English. He looked at me with a smile and said simply, “Learn German.” Nothing to it, I suppose.

Dr. Bjornard (I cannot call him by any other title even after all these years) preached the sermon at my or-dination. I was tremendously honored. His text was John 3.30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” It was a moving and inspiring sermon, obviously, since I have never forgotten it.

He came into a class one time and noticed that there was a problem with the door. He spent a few minutes and corrected the problem. When he sat down to teach, he looked at the group around the table and said, “A pastor’s primary task is to be a good custodian.” He was only partly joking—he had a very dry and wry sense of humor—because, indeed, pastors are caretakers of all sorts of things. We see to buildings and lives and confi-dences. We have “custody” of hearts and spirits, and Dr. Bjornard was telling us that our calling is to be careful and mindful custodians.

I had not seen Dr. Bjornard in I do not know how long. I corresponded with him a few times, but I do not recall if he ever replied. He retired not long after I left seminary, and I could not tell you if he even remem-bered me, but I never forgot him, nor will I ever forget him.

That happens a good deal in our lives. We have relationships with some people, relationships that last only for a season in our lives, and yet they echo throughout our lives. Dr. Bjornard may have forgotten me the day after he preached the ordination sermon, but who he was and how he was continues to be a presence in my life. Which leads me to wonder, is there anyone in whose life my presence will continue to echo for years after we part?

We do not think often about such things, or at least I do not. And yet how profound our lives could be if we did think about them. How far the ripples of our lives could extend into the lives and the world around us if we gave more thought to striving to be positive influences.

On the flip side, I know that there are times that I have lost my temper and been short with someone who absolutely did not deserve it. If we are not careful, those “negative ripples” could extend as far as any positive effects we bring into the world

The year 2020 was a hard one in so many ways. So, reflecting on the life of Dr. Reidar B. Bjornard has en-couraged me to strive to be someone who brings thoughtfulness, mindfulness, and positive influences into the lives of people around me. The adult Sunday School class is currently reading and discussion Grateful, by Diana Butler Bass. I want to be a person who lives a life of gratitude and praise.

I invite you to join me. Together let us work toward influencing the world around us in positive ways. Let us work to be good custodians of the blessings of our lives. Let us be people whom others will remember long after we are gone because we were grateful and joyful and merciful and loving, and all that the good news of Jesus calls us to be. Grace and Peace

Tommy

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January 2021 The Lamplighter Page 2

From the Church Records

Financial Report: November 2020

General Fund Balance 11/01/20

Current deposits

Current expenses

Current Fund Balance 11/30/20

$24,496

$21,153

$15,629

$30,020

Building Fund:

Current Fund Balance 11/01/20

Current deposits

Current expenses

Current Fund Balance 11/30/20

$11,859

$ 762

$ 1,346

$11,275

O.C.W.M. (Member Contributions for Nov.) $149

Views

Live Stream

November Attendance 10:00 a.m.

In-Person

181 11-1-20 20

206 11-8-20 22

301 11-15-20 20

287 11-22-20 53

337 11-29-20 23

262 Average

Total Average 290

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2021 ENVELOPES are available by the church office.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT:

In-Person Sunday School Pre-K through- 12th grade will be starting January 10th at 9:00a.m. Please register if you plan to have your child attend in January. This is to ensure there are enough teachers and helpers for Sunday School. The Guidelines for Sunday School are posted on the Church Website under “Christian Education” Contact June at 660-441-8568 via text or phone call. Or you can contact the Church office to register for Sunday School. Virtual “Zoom Sunday School” will still continue every Sunday at 11a.m. In-Person Sunday School will depend on the opening and closing of Lafayette Co. C-1 School district due to COVID-19.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 2020

The Virtual Christmas Program can be found on YouTube.com, Here is the link

http://youtu.be/9SF9TsB1PsY Virtual Christmas Program 2020 Thank you’s:

Thank you to the Board of Christian Education for all the support in the making of this play.

Thank you to Jamie Smith for her time and dedication to our Salem kids and Sunday School Music.

Thank you to Mrs. McClaflin for putting together the music tracks to make the music videos that were in the play.

Thank you Amy Goetz for contacting Mrs. McClaflin for me.

Thank you to all of our Salem families for the time put in to practicing lines and songs and recording and sending these videos. If it weren’t for your commit-ment this video wouldn’t have been possible.

Thank you to all of our kids who have done such an amazing job on your speaking parts and songs!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

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

Truth + love I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

—Martin Luther King Jr.

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January 2021 The Lamplighter

Judy Struchtemeyer

Delbert Goetz

Kali Rechterman

Kristen Smith

Dana Cox

Cooper Fisher

Keri Borchers

Hope Siegworth

Arthur Thaller

Kevin Alumbaugh

Kelsey Bredehoeft

Kayla Augustine

Glenda Riekhof

Brenda Goring

Bill Oelrichs

Linda Dickmeier

Barbara Bottemuller

Kyle Dobson

Tara Gieselman

Kendra LaRue

Regan Wood

Ryan Cole

Keith Gadt

Shelby Long

Becky Bergsieker

Danielle Bergsieker

Denise Kirchhoff

Jim Stoner

Danny Long

Teri Salyer

Joyce Gross

Conner Moore

Nikala Nevels

Marilyn Cole

Keaton Tracy

Alice Jarman

Angie Erdman

James Frerking

Earl Fiene

Amber Wesche

Norma Gadt

Melanie Eickhoff

Gabriel Nevels

R.J. Nowling

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Best Birthday Wishes in January go to...

Special Days in January

January 1 New Year’s Day

January 6 Annual Reports due in the Church Office Epiphany

January 10 The Baptism of Christ

January 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day observed

January 25 Souper Supper at Salem

JANUARY SCHEDULE:

(All suppers are 5:30–6:30 p.m.)

Sunday, January 24

First Presbyterian Church: Phone: 584-3372

Monday, January 25

Salem UCC: Phone: 584-3603

(Immanuel Lutheran Church partnering)

Tuesday, January 26

First Baptist: Phone: 584-7165

Wednesday, January 27

St. Mary’s Catholic Church: Phone: 584-3038

Thursday, January 28

Grace United Methodist Church: Phone: 584-2211

A word for the year Every January, some people pray and ask God to provide a word for their year ahead. Friends have shared theirs with me, but I was hesitant to embrace the practice myself. I’d love to receive a word like flourish; then again, I might be like the friend who heard health and then faced many physical challenges that year. But I tried it for 2020 and heard prepare. My first reaction was that the word was-n’t very exciting, which possibly con-firmed I hadn’t orchestrated it. Indeed, 2020 ended up full of significant, unex-pected change for our family, with ca-reers, school, church and friends. Prepare reminded me that amid chaos, God had prepared me for each moment and con-tinues to prepare me for what’s next. Give it a try! Regardless of the word you receive or what lies ahead, you can trust that God loves you and is ultimately in control for 2021 and beyond.

—Janna Firestone

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The Lamplighter Page 4

January 2021

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

Women’s Fellowship Circle News:

Women’s Fellowship Circles will not be meeting until further notice. The Women’s Fellowship Board will not be meeting until further notice as well.

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 surrounding community nursing homes and care facilities. A card from a church family member would be a de-lightful surprise! Meyer Care Center, 1201 W. 19th St., Higginsville, MO 64037 Al Dieckhoff Mary Kirchhoff Anna Marie Rinne Kenneth Schemmer 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 Barb Siegfried: 1001 Quincy Dr. Warrensburg, MO 64093

OPTIONS FOR THE CHURCH BULLETIN:

You have a couple options for the church bulletin. The church bulletin is on the Salem website: salemucchigginsville.org/home/church-news/ If you would prefer to view the bulletin on your phone or tab-let during worship instead of using a paper copy, please feel free to use that option. If you like the paper copy that is avail-able as well.

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

2020 Annual Reports Are Due in the Church Office by January 6, 2021. Please have them typed or email them to: salemucc@ctcis.net

Please note your responsibility for the report.

Board of Elders Report-President

Church Council Report-President

Pastor’s Report

Christian Education Coordinator’s Report

Board of Christian Education-Secretary

Board of Christian Education—

(Financial Report) -Treasurer

Salem Cemetery-Lot Superintendent

Memorial Committee-Chairperson

Memorial Committee-

(Financial Report) - Treasurer

Salem Men’s Fellowship-President

Women’s Fellowship -

(Financial Report) - Treasurer

Endowment Fund-Report and Financial Report-Chairperson

Youth on Mission Report and Financial Report-Chairperson

Stewardship Committee-Chairperson

Chancel Choir-Director

Handbell Choir-Director

Youth Choir-Director

Little Notes-Director

Chime Bells-Director

Worship Committee-Chairperson

150th Anniversary Committee

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January 2021 Page 5 The Lampl ighter

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

November 19th, 2020 – 7:30 pm

The regular meeting of the Salem Church Council was held on Thursday, November 19th, 2020 at 7:30 pm in the downstairs din-ing hall. Members present were Marc Jensen, Sharon Hoefer, Bobby Bergsieker, Stacy Barns, Mark Hook, Kevin Berry, Keill Borchers, Barb Nolte, and Pastor Tommy.

President Marc Jensen called the meeting to order, Pastor Tommy opened with the devotion of Psalm 95, and prayer. Minutes were read and approved. The financial report was given by Sharon, discussed, and approved with balances of $24,496 in the General Fund and $11,859 in the Building and Grounds Fund. The total average attendance of 225 includes in-person and live stream views.

Pastor Tommy shared, since our last council meeting, he has had three funerals: Marvin Rinne, Larry Lombard, and Paul Warren. There will have been four bap-tisms: Dani Kirchhoff and son Lawson; Adalyn and Palmer Schloman; Perry Wentland, daugh-ter of Brandon and Amanda Gash Wentland the afternoon of Sunday, November 22. Confirma-tion classes have been proceeding well. Memorial Sunday will be on Sunday, November 22, and the Memorial Committee has made plans for our service of remem-brance. Sarah has circulated notices of the possibility of adding an earlier service on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. Responses are highly recommended in order to keep and maintain social distancing in the church during services.

Tommy and Crystal were able to utilize part of their vacation time with a few days in Hermann and Fulton, Missouri.

Correspondence: A donation of $25 will be given to the Higgins-ville Senior Center, to assist with the community Thanksgiving dinners. A $900 donation has been received from the Lafayette County Health Department (W.I.C.) and deposited into the General Fund.

Committee Reports:

Christian Ed: Mark Hook report-ed he was unable to attend. Building & Grounds: Discussion regarding snow removal for the upcoming months. Cemetery: Barb reported no meet-ing. Memorial: Sharon reported they are prepared for Memorial Sunday on November 22nd. Stewardship: Kevin reported no meeting. Evangelism: Stacy reported the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive brought in $577.22. Worship: Bobby reported the discussion is still underway regard-ing two services for Christmas eve, depending on responses from members. Ushers: Council will usher during December.

Unfinished Business: Tim Thurmon filed forms neces-sary to allow forgiveness of our PPP loan. A plaque will be ordered to present the title of Organist Emerita posthumously to Doris Jane Stoner, in recognition of her 63 years of dedicated service as organist.

New Business: Votes were count-ed for the proposed 2021 budget, 129 votes yes and 5 no. Annual reports are due in the church office by January 6th, 2021.

Crystal Faris summited a micro-grant application and was approved from the Missouri Mid-South Conference for $500. The grant is for Switcher Studio for one year, this will allow the use of Christian Educational iPad and other iOS devices to have additional camera angles for streaming worship on Facebook. June Howell and Danielle Bergseiker representing the Board of Christian Education presented to the board a final com-prehensive plan for returning to an in-person Hybrid Sunday School, (pre-school thru high school). In-person Sunday School will begin on January 10th. These plans will be made available through the lamplighter and to parents of Sunday School children.

Next council meeting Date: December 17th, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with the “Lord’s Prayer”.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Nolte,

Council Secretary

Why all life is sacred

Scripture does not know of any human life which is so common-place that it is not valuable enough to become eternal, and this is its high optimism. Nothing is too much for Scripture. Since every person is known by God by name, and since every person exists in time in the presence of the God who is judgment and salvation, every person is a person of eterni-ty, and not just the noble spirits of history.

—Karl Rahner

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The Lampl ighter

January 2021 Page 6

WE EXTEND OUR

SYMPATHY TO:

The family of Bill Rinne. Bill was born September 5, 1944 and passed away from Covid-19 on December 10, 2020. Bill was the brother of Darrel, Delmar, Bob, and Howard Rinne, Doris (Rinne) Bird, and the late Leland and the late Weston Rinne.

ALSO

The family of Roberta Summers. Roberta passed away Friday, December 18, 2020. A memorial service was held at Salem Monday, December 28, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation prior at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment followed the memorial service at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

TA TRUCK STOP-CONCORDIA

COUNTRY PRIDE:

Travel Centers of America-Concordia, MO-Country Pride Restaurant has a Church Program! We are offering 10% of your ticket price to be donated back to your local church. All you have to do is come in to dine with us, eat, and inform your server that you would like to participate in the program, give your church’s name, your name, and we will take care of the rest!

HARVESTERS SCHEDULE

First Assembly of God Church of Higginsville hosts a Har-vesters Community Food Network distribution of food on the third Thursday of every month. 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 num-ber, and mailing address. Wear comfortable clothes.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

CANCELLATIONS:

If the church council makes the decision to close church because of inclement weather, these are the stations that will have the can-celation notices: KMBC 9, KCWE 29, Fox 4, KCTV 5, 41 Action News, KMMO, KMZU, KOKO.

To be added to the church closing text list, send a text message to 81010 with the message @h8k8f7. When you do this you will get a text message telling you the church will be closed if there is inclement weather. Thank you to June Howell for coordinating this!

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Salem United Church of Christ

1500 Main Street

Higginsville MO 64037

Non-Profit Organization

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Permit NO. 104

Higginsville MO 64037

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The Lamplighter

January 2021 • Salem United Church of Christ • Higginsville, Missouri

The Lamplighter

Is a monthly newsletter of :

Salem United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris Marc Jensen, President

1500 Main Street Pastor Church Council

Higginsville, MO 64037 Sarah J. Berry Dennis Knipmeyer, 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

Sunday School June Howell Lowell Grumke

9:00 a.m. Christian Education Coordinator Custodian

Worship Anne Iles Lindsey Rolf, Volunteer

10:00 a.m. Youth Music Director Assistant Church Secretary

Live Stream Worship Also

10:00 a.m.