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Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Around the Conference
 

Photo of the Week!   

  Coalition 12

Several members from the Missouri Mid-South Conference attended the 40th anniversary Gathering of The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns, held at Elmhurst College in suburban Chicago, Illinois:  (top, L-R) Rev. Dorothy Gannon, Felicia Scott, Rev. Marilyn Stavenger, (bottom, L-R) Lorin Cope, Jeanette Mott-Oxford, Rev. Tom Ressler, and Jim Heaton.  

  

Share your photo, video or story today! Email [email protected]

 

 

Jazz Nativity logo 12   

157 days to the next Jazz Nativity! fireworks and flag

 

Dec 8 & 9 Saint Louis

 

Dec 15 & 16 Kansas City

  

   

Click here for the promo video!


Doris Judy submitted this poem and it seemed appropriate to share here!

   

"WHEN  THE STARS BEGIN TO FALL."

  Look up! Watch stars as they light

  the night, treating us to the wonder

  and mystery of eternal creation.  

 

by Doris Judy...(my husband and I saw this display on May 18, 2012

I will remember it .. the date and the beauty. Anyone else fortunate

enough to see it?   

 
 
Congratulations! Bridger Community Garden has won an orchard from Edy's Communities Take Root project! 

  
 Bridger

Four more neighborhoods have been selected to receive orchards. And now they can look forward to a whole host of benefits. Fresh fruit. Lush, green spaces. Not to mention a stronger, more connected community.

 

Thank you for voting!!  

 

A Faith That Takes The Cake...

By Dr Marc A. Wessels, Associate Conference Minister

 

Our celebrations within the church are marked with a sense of joy by the fellowship of community... and, on many occasions, cake. Over the past two years while serving the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ it has been my pleasure to enjoy both - the gatherings of people whose hearts are filled with gratitude... and, after the event, most often a slice of cake... or two. Whether for an anniversary, funeral, installation, ordination, or service of recognition, I have experienced such times of commemoration as visible expressions of hospitality and sharing the love and peace of God with one another.

 

Celebrating with cake makes a statement. An event is lifted from the ordinariness of such daily sustenance as bread to a higher, more sublime level when cake is shared. Smiles break out on faces otherwise calm. Eyes sparkle when they glimpse the wonders of the baked desert about to be experienced.

 

The expression, "takes the cake" came to mind recently during a celebratory occasion. I thought to myself, "I've had many wonderful worship experiences, but this one really takes the cake!" The phrase has come to mean something which is "especially good or outstanding" or something Cake 2which surpasses all others. My research indicates that this phrase likely originated during the late 1800's and into the early 19th century in the American south where there were competitions known as "cakewalks". Cake-walk strutting contests were commonplace in the African-American community. I have seen numerous examples of antique sheet music covers written for this style of dance. Some of the popular titles are "Eli Green's Cakewalk", "De Old Time Cake Walk", "Take Me to the Midnight Cakewalk Ball", and "Walking for Dat Cake".

 

In the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians written about 62 A.D., the apostle Paul encourages the first Christian community in Europe at Philippi to have a spirit of joy and thanksgiving. Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

 

According to Paul, our faith is cause for rejoicing in Christ and what he has done. The Cosmic Christ, the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ has brought us to a place where despite the challenges and difficulties in the daily patterns of life we can find peace. We are called to be a people of prayer and a community of faith where petitions to God are offered in a spirit of thanksgiving. And we are told that, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

 

Life is seldom a cakewalk. The life of faith in Christ calls us to declare the Good News of hope and liberation to a culture which is more interested in materialism. Our calling is to be filled with joy even when the message we bring is oftentimes de-valued, ignored, or rejected. We are not to lose our joy or to become anxious like others who have no faith. Rather we are to open our spirits to God's peace which takes the cake. And that's a slice of life we should all be able to enjoy.

 

 

Summer Fun: Music Video Contest for UCC Music

  

Is your youth group looking for a fun project during the summer months?  Or is there a youth or adult in your congregation who enjoys making videos?  Here's a chance to add a little creativity to their summer routine.

  

Ross Grundy, son of Rev. Christopher Grundy (professor at Eden Seminary), is hosting a music video contest on YouTube through July 20.  The contest is free and is open to all ages.  Entries will use songs from Rev. Grundy's latest CD of songs for worship, including some that were used at UCC General Synods and National Youth Events over the last decade.  You can learn more by watching Ross's invitational video.

Christopher Grundy  
Christopher Grundy "Stepping In" Music Video Contest [OPEN THROUGH JULY 20]

 Become a Part of History 

  

Did you see the Oral History Project videos at Conference Annual Gathering? Did you record your own comments at CAG? Twenty one people got their comments recorded while at CAG. We would like people from all areas of the conference to participate in this project that will help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the conference. Our Oral History Team is small, just one or two people from each association. We invite you to video record interviews with people from your area to make sure your corner of the conference is represented. Whether you have been active with the Missouri Mid-South Conference for 5 days or the entire 50 years, you ARE a part of this Conference and we want to hear from you!   For more information contact Joy Dressel at 636-256-1736.

 Camp Mo-Val Walk-a-Thon 50th Anniversary Event 

 

It is time to register for the Camp Mo-Val Walk-a-thon! The Walk-a-thon will be held on September 15, 2012. The Camp Mo-Val Covenanted Ministry is pre-registering people for the walk this year; registration fee is $10/person. Everyone who registers will receive a specially-designed 50th anniversary t-shirt and a "Walk-a-thon" envelope to solicit donors. We are asking folks to set a goal of at least $200 in donations collected in their walk-a-thon envelope. 

 

There will be two main walks this year: at Grant's Trail in South St. Louis County and on the Washington Riverfront; however, there are people organizing walks in other areas of the Conference as well. Walkers will gather at 8:00am on the day of the walk and, after a short devotional, begin walking for Camp Mo-Val. This will be a great time of Christian Fellowship, collegiality and communion as we walk and talk together.

 

If you can't make it to one of the walk sites, consider doing a walk in your own area. Register for the Walk-a-thon, and you can organize your own walk in home town, or at your own church. Aren't up to walking? Then how about a rock-a-thon! You can spend time in your favorite rocker on September 15, raising funds by rocking for Camp Mo-Val!

 

Registration forms can be found on the Outdoor Ministries tab of the Missouri Mid South Conference website (click here for a registration form). The form will instruct you to send a check ($10/walker, made out to MMS-UCC) to Camp Mo-Val; 2659 Camp Mo-Val Road; Union, MO 63084. Please write "Camp Walk" on the memo line of your check. All funds received will go towards the 2012 operating budget for Camp Mo-Val. Thank you for participating in this 50th anniversary event!

 

Eden Bookstore to Close for Inventory Eden logo

 

The Eden Campus Bookstore will be closed July 1 through July 22 for a comprehensive inventory.  

It will reopen on July 23, 2012.

 

Eastern Association News
 

St. John UCC Second Annual Performing Arts Camp

 

St. John UCC in St. Charles will offer a two week performing arts camp for area high school students July 16-29. The students will rehearse and perform a fully staged and costumed musical, "Once on This Island" by Stephen Flaherty. Auditions are being held for casting purposes only. The cost of the camp is $85, which includes a t-shirt, costume/makeup, all rehearsal materials, and a party for the cast and their families after the final performance. Interested individuals should contact Sarah Price, Director of Music and Worship Arts, at [email protected] or 636.724.1015 ASAP.

You Are Invited to the Installation of
Reverend James Semmelroth Darnell 

 

The Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ and St. John United Church of Christ of St. Clair, MO invite you to a worship service to install Rev. James Semmelroth Darnell as our pastor on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 3pm.

 

Clergy are invited to robe with red stoles and join in the procession. A reception will follow the service.

 

St. Louis Association News
 

Cooking Demonstration and Nutrition Class at Bethany-Peace UCC in St. Louis  

CSA dinner2CSA dinner1  

These are photos from the first monthly Cooking Demonstration and Nutrition Class at Bethany-Peace UCC in St. Louis.  The class is part of a community supported agriculture project in which Bethany-Peace is a partner in their community.  The project is focused on bringing affordable access to healthy food to the community.  Subsidized shares of the community farm are available to low-income families and sponsorship shares are available as well.  The project has a great start but there is an urgent need for individuals to purchase weekly shares of the produce from the community farm, called Seeds of Hope.  If you are interested in some healthy, local vegetables please contact Pastor Paul Emily at 314-741-9062 or Gabriel Hahn, Farm Manager at 314-566-8643.

  

Jesus, The Bible, And Homosexuality:
Explode the Myths, Heal the Church


How about a hot topic for a summer time book review?

 

As a follow up to our May Sunday Caf�, you're invited to read and discuss with Pastor Dale what the Bible says and doesn't say about homosexuality in the book "Jesus, The Bible and Homosexuality:  Explode the Myths, Heal the Church".

 

St. John's UCC

15370 Olive Blvd

Chesterfield, MO  63011

 

The group will meet on Wednesday evenings:

7:00 - 8:30 Church Library 

June 20, June 27

July 11, July 18

Aug 1, Aug 15, Aug 22, Aug 29

Sept 5

 

Author Jack Rogers describes the evolution of his personal ministry within the LGBT community - one that offers comfort and encouragement, supports marriage and family, and focuses on extravagant evangelism. We will read and discuss historical examples of interpreting the Bible in times of controversy.  We will study what specific scripture do - or do not - say about homosexuality.  And we will consider what it might take to move beyond stereotypes and to heal the church.

 

Prior to each week's session, participants will read one chapter of Jack Rogers' book, coming prepared to discuss the assigned readings with the group.  As we have discovered time after time - the small group model is a wonderful way to learn from one another, share perspectives and explore your own personal views on important subjects within our church and community today.  A study guide for small groups is included with this book which will help guide our group discussions each week.

 

To register email [email protected] or add your name to the coffee time sign up sheet in fellowship hall.  As always, you are welcome to invite friends or family who may want to explore this topic, as well.

 

Copies of Jack Roger's book are available from Pastor Dale or you may order one on your own.

  

  

 Voice of Namibia Choir Concert at Pilgrim UCC on July 11
Namibia 

 
Click the image for more information. 

 

 Come Hear Dr. Anil Henry

 

On Monday, August 6 at 6pm, Christ United Church of Christ, Bruno at Bellevue St, in Maplewood, MO will host our global mission partner Dr. Anil Henry. Dr. Henry and his wife Therese are serving in India. He is home in the states to renew his contacts with Disciple and UCC congregations and to fulfill family obligations. A potluck dinner is planned. Come hear his update on the work being done there.  

 

VBS at Ivy Chapel UCC 

 

Ivy Chapel UCC, 620 N. Woodsmill Road in Chesterfield is having our annual Vacation Bible School, July 23 - 27 from 9am to noon.

All children ages 3 through 5th grade are welcome!

Our theme this year is Operation: Overboard.  Dare to Go Deep with God!

Join us as we learn to Depend on God, Dare to Care, Claim Jesus, Choose to Follow and Change the World!!

For more information visit our website at www.ivychapel.org or contact Linda Lowry at [email protected]

VBS at Immanuel UCC

 

Immanuel UCC's (Ferguson) VBS is scheduled for July 9-13.  This year's theme is "Sky, Everything is Possible with God."  We welcome ages 3 yrs (by July 1st) to 6th grade and teen helpers 7th grade and older.  Contact Lynn Winterberg at [email protected] or Dwain Bollinger at [email protected] if you have any questions.

VBS
VBS at Christ The King UCC's (Florissant)

Annual Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 16-20.
This year's theme is "Fishin' on a Mission with Jesus". We welcome ages 2 to 18 years old to come out and attend. Visit our church website: www.christthekingucc.org or call the church office at 314-741-6808 for further information. 

VBS at Parkway UCC

 

Parkway UCC's (next to Missouri Baptist Hospital/2841 N. Ballas Rd) VBS is scheduled for July 22-26 (6-8pm) and our theme will be "Sky... Where Everything is Possible with God."  All children (4 years- 5th grade) are invited to attend.  Please check out www.parkwayucc.org for more information or contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

 

Save the Date

 

The Fall Meeting of the St. Louis Association will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 126 Church Street, Ferguson, Missouri 63135
 

The Annual Meeting will include elections, action on the 2013 budget, mission partner displays as well as food, fellowship, and fun. Registration information and an agenda will be sent later this summer. All authorized ministers, local church delegates and members of the Association Council should make plans now to attend. Vistors are always welcome as well.

Western Association News
 

UCC/DOC Missionary at Columbia UCC

 

Dr. Anil Henry, Director of Christian Hospital in Mungeli, India, will speak at Columbia UCC's two weekend worship services, July 21 & 22. Members and friends of central-Missouri churches are especially invited to attend the church's informal Saturday-evening worship gathering from 5:00-6:00 on July 21, so they can hear Dr. Henry's story and share it with their own congregations on Sunday morning.

 

Please contact Columbia UCC for more information via their website, www.columbiaucc.com or by calling or emailing the church office,

 

St. Luke UCC, Grand Pass, MO, will have its annual church picnic on Wednesday, July 18 from 6pm-9pm

There will be plenty of food, ice cream and homemade cakes, games for everyone, a quilt drawing, and our traditional concert by the Marshall Community Band.  We look forward to seeing everyone. 

 

News from Zion UCC Mayview

Our VBS--Operation Overboard, will be July 28, 9am-3:30pm. 
Come one, come all!

 

Community Worship will be July 15 in Lafayette Park Mayview at 10am.

 

Save the Date

 

Bentley de Bardelaben will be in Kansas City the weekend of September 22 & 23. Bentley is on the staff of the National Church and is the executive for administration and communications for Justice and Witness Ministries. Please make plans to attend:

 

  • Saturday, September 22 from 5 - 8:30 pm there will be a cocktail and hors d'oeuvre reception for all the United Church of Christ clergy and their guest. It will be at 418 W. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City MO. The purpose is just for us to get together, meet Bentley and have some fun.
     
  • Sunday, September 23 at 10:30am, Bentley will be preaching at Country Club Congregational UCC. Later that day at 3pm there will be a gathering of UCC people interested in working for missions and justice at Country Club Congregational United Church of Christ. This will be a great time to find out what justice work is going on at the National Church. It is also important for the National Church to know what justice work is going on in our local churches.

Questions? Please contact Paul Osgood 913-205-7997 or [email protected]

 

 

Upcoming Events
 
Conference News
Eastern Association
St. Louis Association
Western Association
Upcoming Events
Job Opportunities
Conference
Quick Links
 
 
 
 

UCC Habitat For Humanity Fundraising Dinner, Saturday, July 14

Zion United Church of Christ (5710 North Highway 67, 1/4 mile west of Jamestown Mall) Outreach Ministry will host a Fundraising Dinner to benefit Habitat For Humanity from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012. The menu includes: pulled pork, salads, veggies, drinks, and dessert. Tickets are: $8.00 (adults), $4.00 (children under 10). Call (314) 741-1590 for tickets or reservations. www.zionucc1.org

  

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St Martin's UCC VBS, Monday, July 23 - Friday, July 27

located at 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023 (next to Maple Grove Elementary). The week long adventure is FREE to area children ages 3-12 and runs from 9am - noon each day. The kids will spend the week learning of the great things that God does in their lives. They will have craft, story, sports/games, snack and music time. Pre-registrations due by Wed, July 18th. If you register on the first day, please arrive by 8:30 am. Contact the church office with any questions and to register at 636-285-4797 or 636-274-7078 or [email protected].    

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Healing Prayer Service at 9:45 am, Sunday, July 29

St Martin's UCC 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023 (next to Maple Grove Elementary).

Prayer can help with many ailments - health, heart and soul issues. We invite you to bring these concerns to God! Contact the church office with any questions at 636-285-4797 or 636-274-7078 or [email protected].


Job Opportunities
 

Church Secretary 

St. Paul United Church of Christ in south city St. Louis seeks a Church Secretary for a 10 hours a week position.  Computer and good people skills are a requirement, experience with church culture and the United Church of Christ a plus.  Schedule is negotiable.  Preparation of worship bulletins and monthly newsletter, keeping of records, and responding to phone calls/emails among primary duties.  Please send resume to Rev. Tom Ressler, [email protected] preferred method) or to Rev. Tom Ressler, St. Paul United Church of Christ, 3510 Giles Avenue, St. Louis 63116 (by mail).  Please no telephone inquiries.   

 

Youth Community Organizer

We are seeking a Youth Community Organizer to enhance our community experience with and for youth by fostering relationship, developing leadership, and supporting program that is reflective of the mission, vision and values of Peace United Church of Christ.  For more information and position description please visit our website:  www.peaceuccstl.org a direct link to position information:  www.evangelicalucc.org/JobOpening.  This is a part-time salaried position (1/3 FTE).  Interested applicants are invited to share a letter of interest and resume: Katherine HawkerSelf, Pastor (or snail mail: 204 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves MO 63119).  

 

Parish Nurse Coordinator

Stone Mountain Park is looking for a 24 hour per week, no benefitted parish nurse coordinator to work with the churches and agencies in Branson, Missouri area. If you are interested, please contact Vicki Parker at [email protected]      

 

Parish Nurses

Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries is seeking two parish nurse to fill positions. One for an 8-hour position in Belleville, Illinois and one for an 8-hour position in Maplewood, Missouri. A current registered nurse license in the state of practice is required. Please send resumes to
[email protected] or call 314-918-2596.

  

Music Opening, St. Paul UCC, Columbia, IL  Open for this fall: St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia, IL: Director of Chancel Choir and Children's Vocal Choir.  Strong potential for the development of a youth choir, as well.  Also, Director of Adult Bell Choirs (morning and evening).  Full position descriptions will be available by May 15.  Contact: Lori Morton [email protected]

 

Contact Us

Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ
314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884
 
Email [email protected] to submit information for a future issue.