Conference Annual Gathering

Over 225 delegates, visitors, and guests gathered this past weekend at Drury University in Springfield, MO for the 2012 Missouri Mid-South Conference Annual Gathering. Our meeting began with opening worship prepared by the Creative Worship Team from 11 congregations across the conference who have been working on worship renewal this past year.   Our keynote speaker Dr. Kenneth Samuel told the story of Queen Vashti from the book of Esther who began a movement by saying no to power.   On Saturday morning we were again inspired by Dr. Samuel's keynote address 4 cheers for the church.

We were honored to have 3 guests from the United Church of Jamaica with us for the weekend as we celebrated 20 years of partnership with the northeast mission council of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. On Saturday morning we were led in bible study by Dr. Henroy Samuel the Assistant General Secretary for the Northeast Region Mission council of the UCJ. On Saturday evening we celebrated our 20th anniversary of partnership by presenting our friends from Jamaica with a check for $1000 for Pringle Home in memory of Chuck Adams former chair of our partnership committee. The evening ended with Reggae music and Jamaican snacks.

The Jamaican partnership was one of 4 anniversary celebrations we recognized this weekend. We kicked off the 50th anniversary of the Missouri Mid South Conference using 4 Oral History spots prepared by the Heritage Committee of the Conference. There was an Oral History booth where people could share their memories of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. The Oral history project will continue throughout the year at Association meetings and other gatherings where you will have an opportunity to participate. Our thanks to Joy Dressel and the Oral History team for their work on this project.

We recognized the 50th anniversary Camp MoVal on Saturday morning. The celebration will continue August 26 with an anniversary pool party and BBQ at Campo MoVal.   We also recognized 100 years of ministry and service by the St. Louis Association Minister's wives group that began in 1912.

During the business sessions the delegates approved the 2013 Conference Budget and a Reserve Fund Policy for the Conference. The delegates also voted to approve the changes to the UCC Constitution and elected members for the Conference Council, General Synod delegates for the class of 2015 and new Council Conference Officers: Wesley Hurt Conference Moderator, Joyce Bathke Vice-Moderator, Ken Ulmer Treasurer, Judi Privitt Secretary. Congratulations to all those who have been elected. 

Throughout the meeting we were blessed by the music of Paul Westcott from Prince of Peace UCC in St. Louis. Paul provided the music for worship on Friday evening and Sunday morning, gathering music before business session (along with Rev. Joe Rowley), and directed the choir for Sunday morning. Paul's music was inspiring and uplifting, creating an atmosphere of celebration and spirit presence for our meeting. Thanks to Paul for sharing his gift.

Thank you to everyone for giving so generously during the two worship services. Friday's offering totaled $1,297 and will go to OCWM. Sunday's offering totaled $1,002 and will go to Jamaica and Congo. Thank you!

Our Conference Annual Gathering could not happen without the hard work and dedication of many people. We extend out thanks to the office staff in Webster Groves for their hard work; David and Debbie Rahmoeller for their work with the sound system; the staff at Drury University for their support; the Conference Annual Gathering Planning team: Lansford Lawerence, Christine Isham-Walsh, David Beebe, and Dana Schindler; our Conference Moderator Brady Abel for his leadership during the past two years; all those who sang in the choir, helped with set up and tear down, plan and led worship, and set up and operated display tables.

As I said in my sermon on Sunday morning the conference annual gathering is our family gathering. There is business to discuss, worship to celebrate, mission to discern but it is also a time to be together with members of our family to share a meal, engage in conversation around picnic tables, catch up on news from other congregations, and to be reminded that God has called us together as the church. So we end by saying thanks to all those who participated in the 2012 Conference Annual Gathering.

Mark your calendar now and plan to join us for the 2013 Conference Annual Gathering June 7-9, 2013.

Jeffrey Whitman
Conference Minister

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Holy Trinity Living Water Prayer Garden

Check out this project that Holy Trinity in Memphis, TN is undertaking to create a Prayer Garden and natural space in our urban neighborhood.

Conceived in 2012, the Living Water Prayer Garden on the grounds of Holy Trinity Community Church UCC are designed to highlight a setting of natural beauty, create a peaceful place for prayer and reflection, and serve as a gift to our neighborhood.
 

Click here for a promotional video.

UPDATE! They did not win in Round 1, but have moved on to Round 2, so please keep voting!!!!!!!

Plant Your Vote for Our Friends in Bridger, SD.

(This is based at a UCC congregation.) "The Bridger Community Garden is located in the rural community of Bridger, SD. We are located in Ziebach County on the Cheyenne River Lakota reservation. Ziebach County is presently listed as the poorest county in the United States, we will not let that define us, and we will continue to seek ways to enrich our lives through sustainable gardens.

Please vote - this could make a big difference in the lives of our friends!

2012 Persons In Ministry Retreat

The 2012 Persons In Ministry Retreat will be held on September 17-19 at Port Arrowhead resort at Lake of the Ozarks. Our retreat leader this year will be the Rev. Charles McCollough and artist, author, sculptor, and retired UCC pastor. The theme of the retreat will be Preaching, Seeing, and Living the Wisdom of Jesus.  You can read more about Charles and the retreat in our PIM brochure which is on the website.Registration material will be available in early July.  Put the date on your calendar today and play join us at Port Arrowhead in September.

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