REMINDER: Please submit your news, events and photos by noon each Tuesday to be included in the Wednesday eCourier. Items received after the deadline will be in the next issue. Thank you! 

On September 9 the Missouri Mid-South Conference deacons met in Columbia to celebrate their first year of ministry visiting churches of our  conference. Tracy Carnes from the national setting of the church was with us and talked about the ministry that we are engaged in through our gifts to Our Churches Wider Mission and how OCWM makes a difference in the lives of people throughout the conference, our nation, and the world. The Missouri Mid-South Conference deacons are a group of lay women and men and retired clergy who are visiting local congregations on behalf of the conference.  

Each deacon has 4 or 5 congregations that they are asked  to visit twice a year on a Sunday morning. Many of the deacons are also attending church dinners, picnics, and special events in the lives of their congregations. We are still looking for people who would be willing to serve the wider church as a conference deacon. If you have an interest in sharing your time and gifts with the conference as a conference deacon please contact Joyce Bathke at Joyce.Bathke@redcross.org or Jeff Whitman jeff@mmsucc.org    

Thank you deacons for your ministry this past year!!!!

Rev. Jeffrey Whitman

Conference Minister 

Dr. Marc A. Wessels, Associate Conference Minister   

"Memory is the mother of all wisdom." Aeschylus   

September 11 occurs this week. Most American calendars identify this date to be Patriot Day - a day designated in memory of those killed in the attacks which forever changed the world in which we live. While it is a not an official state or federal holiday but rather a discretionary day of remembrance, it was authorized by the House of Representatives and President George W. Bush signed the resolution into law in December of that year. The day was initially known as the Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. During the day a moment of silence is observed at 8:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, recalling the time that the first plane flew into the World Trade Center.

For a moment or longer on the day we recall the memory of those who were killed - some 2,977 people - citizens of the United States and 58 other nations murdered by terrorists who hijacked and crashed three airliners into the Twin Towers of World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Another aircraft which had been hijacked crashed into a field in rural western Pennsylvania while passengers struggled with the hijackers and prevented them from successfully hitting their intended target - the United States Capitol in Washington only 130 miles away.

For most adults in our country this event is seared into their memory. Like the Kennedy Assassination and the Apollo 11 Moon Landing they recall exactly where they were, who they were with and what they were doing when word of the terrorist attacks were transmitted on television and on radio. I recall vividly my own experience of having just walked my Irish setter, Kumara, along the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky and stopping in at a convenience store before heading home. When I entered the store there was a television broadcasting the news of the first strike on the World Trade Center. I knew at that moment that it was not pilot error but an attack. I quickly made my purchase and headed home to call my wife, Elizabeth who was already at work, and to turn on the television in time to see the live transmission of the second attack. In the moments of terror that followed, I, along with millions of other viewers, watched in horror at the collapse of the Twin Towers and the loss of life.

It was eerie that day as people huddled together wondering what was happening. The Louisville sky, normally busy with commercial airline traffic, UPS cargo flights and private aircraft was quiet when all aircraft were grounded in fear of other possible hijackings. People were stunned and worried. They gathered their children from schools and spoke to their neighbors. For a short time a sense of community grew out of the terror of September 11. It is known that people who hadn't been in church in years, or perhaps ever, found solace in the prayers and sermons that were preached offering hope in the midst of uncertainty and faith in the face of evil.

The historical events of the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 are with us all today. The loss of lives, tragically taken from us, the destruction of the symbolic Twin Towers an architectural marvel in the heart of the city and the political choices which lead our country into wars half a world away are embedded in our collective conscience. Eleven years after the attacks there are still repercussions not only in our nation but throughout the global village.

To continue reading Rev. Wessels' message, please click here to visit the Conference website. 

So Who Is "Our Church"?

In my days on the former UCC Stewardship Council, when I arrived at a gathering of our people I would often wear a name tag which said:

David Beebe

Brought to You

by Our Church's Wider Mission.

Because, of course, it was funds that came from the churches' giving that made possible my work.

But notice that it didn't say "Brought to you by our churches' wider mission." Though it is true that we are a denomination of "churches," we are also a part of the greater Christian Church, which is the one body of Christ in all the world. All together, in the United Church of Christ, we are a part of that larger Church. Often in the New Testament the word "church" applies to local congregations. But just as often it means that glorious vision of "the Church" as the people of God going about the challenge of preparing our world to be the Kingdom, the Reign of God.

We are all in this together! No congregation exists alone, but as a part of the larger "Jesus Nation" (well, if there can be a "Cardinal nation," or a "Royals nation," why not?) So it is as we reach out that we live.

I learned as a child in a pastor's home that if the people aren't coming to church the pastor goes to them, and if the people aren't giving, the pastor would be well advised to "preach missions!"

"Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 CEB)

David Beebe

Ordination Service of Nancy Mack   

The St. Louis Association of the United Church of Christ and Peace United Church of Christ in Webster Groves cordially invite you to the ordination service of Nancy Mack into the ministry of Word and Sacrament. 

Sunday, October 7, 3pm

Peace United Church of Christ
204 E. Lockwood Ave.
Webster Groves, MO 63119   

Clergy are invited to robe and process (red stoles please).

A reception will follow the service.  

Ordination Service of Robert E. Van Ess   

The St. Louis Association of the United Church of Christ and Holy Trinity Community Church United Church of Christ, Memphis, TN cordially invite you to the ordination service of Robert E. Van Ess into the ministry of Word and Sacrament. 

Sunday, September 30, 3pm  

Holy Trinity Community Church United Church of Christ

685 S. Highland Street

Memphis, Tennessee 38111   

Clergy are invited to robe and process (red stoles please).

A reception will follow the service.   

Note: If you are planning to travel from the St. Louis Area to Memphis for Rob's ordination, please email stlaucc@hotmail.com so we might coordinate travel and hospitality.

The Camp Mo-Val Walk-a-thon is almost here!  It will be held on Saturday, September 15 at 8am at two main locations: Grant's Trail in St. Louis (meet at Crestwood School, 1020 South Sappington Road  St. Louis, 63126) and at the riverfront park in Washington, MO.  Several other grassroots walks are being planned by others in more areas of the Conference.  We are asking participants to pre-register; for your pre-registration form click here. All who pre-register by September 7 will receive a t-shirt commemorating the event. 

Can't participate that day, or can't walk so well?  Do a virtual walk at a time more convenient for you.  Or, do a rock-a-thon or even a sit-a-thon!  No matter how you choose to participate, you are welcome to be a part of this event.  Simply fill out the pre-registration form and send it to Camp Mo-Val; 2659 Camp Mo-Val Road; Union, MO  63084. You will be mailed an envelope to use to solicit donations for your walk, and will receive a t-shirt the day of the walk.  Pre-registrations are due by September 7- send in yours today!  For more information, contact Jeremy Force, Camp Mo-Val Outdoor Ministries Director at 636-583-  2730.

What Story Will You Share?  

What narration of events or impressions of the Missouri Mid-South Conference would you like to have recorded for posterity? Some of the factual highlights are recorded in the various old publications, but you have something additional to add from your experiences and your point of view. Help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the conference by participating in the Oral History Project!  

Our Oral History Team is small, just one or two people from each association, but you may see us at your next association meeting. Won't be at an association meeting? We invite you to either notify us of your desire to be recorded or 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!     Click here for more information.

The members of St. Johns Evangelical United Church of Christ, Mehlville will begin a faith journey with Reverend Steve Westbrook on Sunday, September 23. Steve brings excitement, energy, and a renewed vision for the congregation. In 1985, he graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana and received his Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in 1991. With 21 years of experience serving local missions, growing and building a new church, and working with youth, Steve brings many gifts to St. Johns.  

Steve's passion for the ministry and people is evident in his words and actions. He is caring, compassionate, humble, committed, creative, resourceful, and faithful.

St. Johns EUCC invites everyone to join us as we grow together as a faith community, serving others and proclaiming the good news of God's love.

Worship Services 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.
11333 St. Johns Church Road (Highway 55 & S. Lindbergh)
314-892-0848
Web site: stjucc.org

Nominations Requested for the 2012 Rural Church Awards
and John Bennett Awards

Every year Missouri School of Religion recognizes congregations and leaders in the church and community that are providing creative, faithful and outstanding ministries.

Below are guidelines and application information for the two awards. The application deadline for both awards is October 12th.  Winners are recognized at the Missouri School of Religion's Annual Dinner.  The annual Dinner is scheduled for Friday, November 9th at the Rickman Center in Jefferson City, MO. 

2012 Rural Church Award  

Purpose of the Award:

• To discover and report on some of the creative, faithful and outstanding ministries being provided by our rural churches.
• To lift up and give honor to those congregations providing such ministries.
• To inspire other congregations toward the development of their own creative ministries.
• To thank and praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit through all rural churches - acknowledging that while only a few are picked, many more deserve honor.

Guidelines for Selection:

The selection of awardees will be based upon the assumption that a local congregation has four areas of responsibility/opportunity for its ministry. Congregational leadership in each of these areas will be assessed in determining the recipient of the Rural Church Award. The areas are:

• Nurture of the members of the congregation, preparing them for Christian discipleship, and building the Body of Christ through evangelistic outreach.
• Ministries of social concern, justice and compassion to the geographic local community within which the congregation is located, and to the larger community - state, nation and world.
• Support of the denomination with which the congregation is affiliated, and of the many ministries in which it shares with the denomination.
• Involvement in ecumenical or interfaith partnerships in education, worship or mission endeavors.

Application Process:

A representative congregational leader or leader team should complete the form (click here)indicating how the congregation addresses the above four components of the congregations ministry and other pertinent information.

John Bennett Award for Ministry 

This year, in addition to the Rural Church Award, Missouri School of Religion will recognize individuals who have made a difference through ministry. This award known as the John Bennett Award for Ministry in Church and Community is designated for "unsung heroes" in ministry. Both clergy and laity are eligible for the award. Nominations are requested by October 12th for persons who:

 

• have contributed to the revitalization and renewal of congregations
• have exhibited moral courage in addressing critical issues
• exhibited compassion and care in congregation and community ministry
• who have started new and innovative ministries
• committed their time, talents, gifts or service to a local ministry
• given visionary leadership in congregational ministry

To nominate a person provide the following information:

• Name and contact information of nominee.
• Church Affiliation
• A very brief (150-300 word) letter of nomination that describes why this person should be the recipient of the John Bennett Award for Meritorious Ministry in Church and Community.
• Name and contact information of the person making the nomination.

Deadline for Application:

Self nominations will not be accepted.

Beans and Rice at Festival of Sharing

Festival of Sharing is approaching and we are purchasing the beans and Rice for distribution in Missouri on October 20. Every $1.25 donated will provide two pounds of rice or beans to a family in Missouri. Donations to the Missouri Rice and Bean fund or Where Needed Most at this time will help us better serve the hungry in Missouri. You can donate online at http://www.umocm.com/festival/donate.html  For information about volunteering at the Festival of Sharing contact Terri at festival@socket.net 

Free Books Looking For a Home

Responsive readings from The Living Bible Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois

1971

Sections include:

1. The Life of Our Lord
2. Jesus Teachings
3. The Christian Life
4. Significant Church Days
5. National Days
6. Unison Readings
7. Important Bible Subjects

Please call Diane at St. Johns Evangelical UCC at 892-0848 for more information.

Mark Your Calendars - September 30, 2012 

The Mission & Social Concerns Committee invites you to:

Deepening the Conversation: A Moderated Panel on Bullying, September 30 at 3pm, in the sanctuary of St. Peters UCC, 20 East Fifth Street, Washington (refreshments to follow)

The American Association of Suicidality lists suicide as one of the top three causes of death among 15-24 year olds in our country. For every completed suicide by youth, it is estimated that 100-200 attempts are made (2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey).  

Bullying is a prime cause of youth despair and is epidemic in our country. 33% of youth report being bullied 1-3 times per week, and bullying among adults in the workplace, political arena, and in families and friendships is becoming a troubling American cultural norm.

Join our panel in learning about the implications of bullying in youth and adults and reflecting together on spiritual and social responses we may engage as members of the United Church of Christ. 

A Call to Meeting for all Covenant Partners in the Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference

You are invited and called to participate in the Annual Fall Gathering of the Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid South Conference of the United Church of Christ!

The Eastern Association Fall Gathering will begin on Sunday, September 23; 2:00pm at St. John's, Bem United Church of Christ, Owensville.  Registration and display set up will begin at 1:00pm.  Supper will be served at 5:00pm.

As a member of one of the 55 congregations that make up the United Church of Christ in Eastern Missouri, it is your privilege and pleasure to gather together with your partners in ministry for this annual event.  We hope you will avail yourself of this opportunity for education, worship, fellowship and food!

To register: fill out the registration form on the Conference website. Send your registration form, along with a check for $8.00/person to St. John's, Bem United Church of Christ at the address on the registration form.  (Make checks payable to St. John's, Bem UCC)

Click here for registration and meeting materials available on the Conference website. 

Questions may be directed to Rev. Rick Oberle, Eastern Association Council President at 573.437.3698 or rick@bemchurch.com.  We hope to see you on September 23!

Yours in Christ's Ministry,

The Eastern Association Council

Rev. Rick Oberle; Wendy Jaine Summers; Judy Kemp; Charlene Klein;

Pastor Darryl Deeker; Rev. Genie Althen; Gloria Ridder; Carole Dotson;

Rev. Devin Jones; Rev. Wayne Hoffman; Eric Moeller; Karen Watson;

Alvyne Rethemeyer; Nylin Bathke; Pastor Heather Arcovitch;

Rev. Michael Kasevitch