SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1500 North Main

Higginsville, Missouri

web page: salemucchigginsville.org

We are a gathering church sent out

by God to bring the good news of

God’s grace, justice, peace, and

love to the world.

January 12, 2020 10:30 a.m. BAPTISM OF THE LORD

THE GATHERING

MUSIC BEFORE WORSHIP

* PROCESSIONAL HYMN “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” No. 96

WELCOME: No matter who you are or where you are in your life’s journey, you are welcome here. In Jesus, the beloved son of God, we are all children of the Most High. Welcome to worship!

NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION

MISSION MOMENT Peggy Pragman

ADDRESSING OURSELVES TO GOD

RINGING OF THE BELL

Piano Prelude

* CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Come, all who are gathered to worship God: People: Give our God glory and strength! Leader: Let us sing to God the glory of God’s name. People: Worship God in holy splendor! Leader: The voice of our God is over the waters. People: The God of glory thunders over mighty waters.

* INVOCATION (Unison) God of grace and majesty, we exalt you for your wisdom, compassion, strength, and love. We thank you for choosing to walk among your people in all the circumstances of our lives. We pray that we would always be aware of your presence among us. Grant us ears to hear and eyes to see, through faith, the Christ in all who call upon your name. Almighty God, we give thanks for the strength, courage, and conviction to do justice, to speak loudly the good news for all people. In the name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.

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*GLORIA PATRI No. 623

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD

MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES June

HYMN “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” No. 252 (Please write your joys and concerns on the card and hand it to the usher during the hymn) JOYS AND CONCERNS Preparation for prayer PASTORAL PRAYER, THE LORD’S PRAYER (“debts” and “debtors” words in hymn No. 426)

BAPTISMAL HYMN “This Child We Dedicate to Thee” No. 317

RITE OF BAPTISM

Welcome

Address

Questions of Parents, Candidate, Family and Congregation

*Stanton: Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations, and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care, to these children of God about to be baptized as they live and grow in Christ?

*People: We promise our love, support, and care. We receive these children of God as new persons in Christ. We offer our understanding and support as they explore life. We enfold these two in our love, seeking together to grow in wisdom and in

stature, and in favor with God and all people. We join with these parents in telling the gospel in our midst, so that their child may live with us for Christ, showing forth Christ’s love for all people.

Act of Baptism

Prayer for the Baptized 2

WELCOMING NEW MEMBER-Wendy Jensen

Covenant with new member – Tommy

*Congregational assent and welcome All who are able may stand as the congregation is asked to make promises

*Stanton: Let us, the members of Salem United Church of Christ, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.

*People: Wendy, we welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.

*Stanton: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of Salem United Church of Christ, we extend to you the hand of Christian love, welcoming you into the company of this local church.

MORNING OFFERING Offertory *Doxology No. 625

*Dedication Prayer

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Printed inside back cover of Hymnal)

CHANCEL CHOIR “Touched by a Child” John Purifoy

PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING

SCRIPTURE READING Luke 4: 14-30 (N.T. p. 57)

SERMON “The Good News” Tommy

THE SENDING

*HYMN “Wherever He Leads I’ll Go” No. 367 3

*BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE The Worship Service is over and our Service begins. *Indicates please stand if you are able to do so

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Leading Worship Today: Rev. Dr. Tommy L. Faris – Pastor

Peggy Pragman – Liturgist June Howell – Christian Education Coordinator

Keri Borchers – Substitute Pianist Karen Luehrman – Substitute Chancel Choir Director

Acolyte

GREETING YOU TODAY ARE: North Door: Keri and Lane Borchers South Door: Arlene Long

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS: Are placed in loving memory of Dalton Wilkinson by his family.

IN OUR PRAYERS: Arthur Thaller, is hospitalized at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Clayton Lettau, had surgery for a brain tumor on Wednesday, January 8. It will take a week before pathology results are known. Cory Achenbaugh, son of Mary and Lester Homfeld is hospitalized at Bergen Mercy Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska. He is in critical condition. Charles Cole, at Meyer Care Center. Anne Kriegh, is hospitalized at St. Luke’s East, she is in ICU. Lois (Luehrman) Crane, please continue to lift her in your prayers as she undergoes rehabilitation over the next several months. Doris Jane Stoner, is at Meyer Care Center receiving physical therapy. Elva Dean Erdman, has a treatment plan for her cancer. Marvin Rinne, is at home with hospice. Kirk Smith, was dismissed Friday from Mayo Clinic – St. Mary’s Hospital and is recovering at the Residence Inn Hotel next to Mayo Clinic. All is going well!

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BEING BAPTIZED TODAY: Timothy Paul Jensen, is being baptized this morning. His parents are Marc and Wendy Jensen and his big sister is Brooke. Timothy’s Godparents are Brent and Emily Kusgen. His grandparents are Wendell and Jonna Rechterman, Susan Thompson, and Scott and Susan Jensen. Timothy's great grandparents are Kenneth and Jane Rechterman, Ray Knoche, David and Virginia Knipmeyer, Frankie Jensen and Jim Jensen. WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER: We welcome Wendy Jensen as a new member to Salem. Wendy is

married to Marc and they have two children, Brooke and Timothy. Wendy is becoming a member of Salem through baptism. ANNOUNCEMENTS: ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2020, lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. A free will offering will be collected to help cover the cost of the meal. The menu for the meal is: Veggie tray, pimento cheese sandwich halves, taco soup, cheeseburger soup, rolls, apple crisp, Texas sheet cake and drinks. The agenda for this meeting will include the following: 1) The election of two officers for each of the following:

Church Council Board of Elders Board of Christian Education. 2) Other items of business and concerns. Nominees for the Church Council are: Stacy Barnes Bobby Bergsieker Corey Robinette Alex Starke

Nominees for the Board of Elders are: Brooke Cramer Mark Gross Cindy Nuelle Peggy Pragman Nominees for the Board of Christian Education are: Emily Bergsieker Wendy Jensen Tania Pessetto Alivia Thirkeild (Thank you for agreeing to place your names on the ballot)

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PICTORIAL DIRECTORY: It is Pictorial Directory time! Lifetouch will be at the church Feb 6 & 7 from 2-9 p.m. and Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. We will have sign up after both services. You can also reserve your appointment online at https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/b5qq213g/. This time, you also have the option of submitting your own photo, if this is the route you wish to take, please contact Peggy Pragman or Emily Bergsieker. We also need volunteers, so if you would like to help please let us know.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED: The church office will be closed Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

NEWS FROM THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE: Pick up one of the Dream Cards to share your dreams for the future of Salem. These will be on display during the year as we remember our past, serve our present, and celebrate our future together.

SALEM STORIES: Our 150th anniversary celebration continues when we tell our stories! We hope that you take time to interview someone in the church and let someone interview you! The committee is recommending that you download the StoryCorps app for Apple or Android and utilize this easy to use method for recording your conversation. If this will not work for you, Crystal will be happy to schedule a time with you for you to use one of her devices. More detailed instructions are available in the multipurpose room. Let’s gather our Salem Stories! 6

COMMUNITY NEWS: JANUARY SOUPER SUPPER SCHEDULE: (All suppers are 5:30–6:30 pm) Sunday, January 26 - First Presbyterian Church: Phone: 584-3372 Monday, January 27 -Salem UCC: Phone: 584-3603 (Immanuel Lutheran Church partnering) Tuesday, January 28 - First Baptist Church: Phone: 584-7165 Wednesday, January 29 - St. Mary’s Catholic Church: Phone: 584-3038 Thursday, January 30 - Grace United Methodist Church: Phone: 584-2211 JKV AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY: John Knox Village and Meyer Care Center have a weekly Bible Study that is led, on a rotational schedule, by the Ministerial Fellowship. Father Tom Hawkins (Catholic) will be leading during the month of January. The Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room.

Aging: Growing Stronger in Faith and Wisdom." We are pleased to announce the Western Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference and the Lafayette County Cluster of the Western Association are co-sponsoring a program entitled "Aging: Growing Stronger in Faith and Wisdom." The program will be facilitated by Jan Aerie, M.S. who is a Family Counselor and Gerontologist. The event will be held Sunday, March 21, 2020 at Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville. More information to come. Learn about: biblical perspectives, anticipating change, coping with loss, caregiving, grief support. UP COMING DATES: January 19 – Annual Congregational Meeting January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Church Office Closed) Fourth Full Week of January – Souper Suppers begin January 27 – Souper Supper at Salem

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CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! If your child is most comfortable with you in worship, they are welcome. If you prefer, the nursery room is open and available for parents who would like to take their child there and stay with them. CHURCH INFORMATION

Tommy’s email: tlfaris@ctcis.net Tommy’s cell phone: 816-352-2052

Church Telephone: 660-584-3603, Fax: 660-584-5666 Church Email: salemucc@ctcis.net Church Website: salemucchigginsville.org

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

OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to Noon & 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

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THIS WEEK’S EVENTS AT SALEM January 12, thru January 19, 2020

Sunday - Baptism of the Lord 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 8:45 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Sunday School 9:15 am. Chime Bell Choir Rehearsal 9:25 a.m. Little Notes Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship/Baptisms 11:45 a.m. Confirmation

Monday - 7:00 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Board Meeting

Tuesday - Food Pantry 6:00 p.m. Cemetery Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Evangelism Committee Meeting

Wednesday – 10:30 a.m. Lafayette Area Pastors 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

7:00 p.m. Al-Anon 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir

Thursday - W.I.C. All Day 6-7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts 7:30 p.m. Church Council Meeting

Friday - 7:00 p.m. A. A.

Saturday - 9:30 a.m. A. A.

Sunday- 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 8:45 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Sunday School 9:15 am. Chime Bell Choir Rehearsal 9:25 a.m. Little Notes Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Lunch Prior to Annual Meeting 12:30 p.m. Annual Congregational Meeting

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A New Year’s blessing May God make your year a happy one! Not by shielding you from all sorrow and pain, But by strengthening you to bear it as it comes; Not by making your path easy, But by making you sturdy to travel any path; Not by taking hardships from you, But by taking fear from your heart; Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows; Not by making your life always pleasant, But by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help. God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead. —Author unknown

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UCC MISSION MOMENT The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, (recently elected) Associate General Minister of Global Engagement and Operations of the United Church of Christ, raised her prophetic and poetic voice addressing General Synod delegates (last June). She shared a memory of a clock without hands she’d seen in Clujj-Naropa, Romania, which became for her an image of the contemporary Church. It looks useless, she noted, unable to perform its stated function of telling passers-by the time. Yet it retained power and relevance. “That clock in Clujj was a source of inspiration for me as a poet and a theologian,” she said. “It reminded me of what the church is and is supposed to be. That clock did not have the ability to tell time anymore, but I could tell from its location and the fact that it was still there that it pointed to a time when things were different.”… Thompson wove the theme of time throughout her address. Memory of other times comes relatively easy to the Church. Old stories inspire us with the faith and courage of people who have gone before. There is also a history we would prefer to forget, times when the Church has been on the side of injustice. Misunderstood history, anxiety over loss of numbers and resources, and the rise of fascist dogmas all diminish the Church’s faithfulness and effectiveness. She stressed the power of ecumenical partnerships for addressing these challenges. As the UCC’s Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, she has seen these strengths first hand. In an interview, she contrasted this vision with the one dominating domestic politics, obsessed with closing borders. “I think that’s a challenge to our theologies of love of neighbor and love of neighbor as self,” she said. “We need to be something different.” Thompson told the delegates: “Yes, the world is changing. Yes, our communities are changing, too. Yes, the resources that are available for ministry and mission are shrinking. None of these markers name or define the relevance of the church, the possibilities we have for ministry, and the services that can be provided in partnership with the communities we serve locally and globally.” “The time we have is now,” she declared. “The decisions we make are for today. We are living on borrowed time with the commitment to change the world.”* *Excerpted from an article by Anderson, Eric S. (June 22, 2019) A Vision of Endless Possibilities for Changing the World. Retrieved from https://www.ucc.org/news_a_vision_of_endless_possibilities_for_changing_the_world_06212019