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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
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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!
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Call to Twenty-ninth General SynodOur anticipation is beginning to build as the United Church of Christ prepares to gather in Long Beach, California for the Twenty-ninth General Synod, June 28 - July 2, 2013. Please accept my invitation to join us for an exciting five days of worship, work, celebration, education and advocacy. Planning for General Synod is well underway, and the Planning Committee has given this Synod the theme: "God's Vision:" It is our hope and expectation that as delegates and visitors gather we will begin to discern and name what God's Vision could be for the United Church of Christ in its many settings. This biennial gathering of the United Church of Christ will meet in the beautiful Long Beach Convention Center. There we will continue the work towards a new governance structure for the national setting of the Church. The business of the Synod will also include the reelection of three officers of the Collegium. Needless to say, there will be celebrations, and we have much to celebrate at this General Synod. We will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Christ Pension Boards and the 75th Anniversary of the United Church of Christ Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM). As always with General Synod, there will be workshops, displays, special events and programs. Among the programs being planned is a Samoan Luau sponsored by our host Conference, the Southern California/Nevada Conference. The General Synod Youth Program will engage UCC youth in recreational, learning and service activities. Long Beach, California is our host city and an ideal location for General Synod. Long Beach is a walkable city. There is, of course, the beach and many other places of interest for visitors and delegates who come early or plan to stay a while at the conclusion of General Synod. Some might visit the Queen Mary that is moored in Long Beach or go to yet another popular Long Beach destination, the Aquarium of the Pacific. Guest registration will open on January 1, 2013. We hope to see you and your family in Long Beach for a joy filled, Spirit filled gathering of the United Church of Christ at the Twenty-ninth General Synod.
So come! Be with your UCC sisters and brothers as together we worship, work, celebrate and serve. Let us gather in Long Beach to discern and live "God's Vision:" for us and for the world.
Peace and Blessings, Geoffrey A. Black
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Final Boundary Training Session of 2012
The final boundary training session hosted by the MMS UCC will be held on Thursday, October 11 at St. Peter's UCC in New Haven, MO from 9am to 4pm. Cost is $20.00, and the fee is waived for retired clergy. The facilitators scheduled for this session are Rev. Bruce Moeller and Mrs. Francie Turnure. Click here for the registration form.
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 Recently Featured in the UCC National Email Newsletter...
Rooted In the Community
for 100 Years, Zion UCC, Union, MO
By Karen Cernich
Promoting awareness, solutions during National Bullying Prevention Month
By Emily Mullins
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News from CUE Seminaries
Higher Education Sunday is October 28
October 28 is Higher Education Sunday on the UCC Calendar. Higher Education Sunday is an opportunity to lift up the work of UCC-affiliated colleges and universities. It can also be a time to celebrate and pray for the UCC-affiliated seminaries in our region. Liturgical resources are available on the website for CUE (Chicago, United, Eden) Seminaries. Your congregation can also request bulletin inserts, posters, offering envelopes, or a five-minute DVD about the seminaries. www.cueseminaries.org
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You are invited to "Singing our Faith: A Festival of Psalms" on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 7:00 p. m. in the Wehrli Chapel at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves. The event will feature the singing of Psalms in various styles, led primarily by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, Eden Seminary's Artist-in-Residence and an accomplished composer, poet, and singer. Other participants include Donita Bauer, Eden's Interim Director of Music; the Eden Seminary Choir; Professor Clint McCann (who will briefly introduce the Psalms); Rev. Sarah McCann (who will lead Psalms from Taizé and the Iona Community); and Asst. Professor Laurel Koepf Taylor (who will lead plainsong and Psalms for children). Questions or more info? Please call Clint McCann at 314-395-5826 or email him at cmccann@eden.edu.
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Before You Share Your Church
Weddings, Weight Watchers, Alcoholics Anonymous....what you need to know to protect your church.
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Sharing your church property with others?
That's fine, but let's do it right.
In our next webinar we will talk about:
legal and contract fundamentals
myths about certificates of insurance
alcohol service
the importance of written agreements
Two convenient times on October 3rd: 11AM Eastern and 3PM Eastern
Register now here.
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Eden Theological Seminary's 25th Annual Schmiechen Lectures
Constructing Mission and Peace in the Shadow of Empire
October 10, 2012
To register, please contact Kathy Thomas at 314-918-2565.
Registration Fee: $40
Click here for additional information.
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Food Pantry at Severely Low Levels
Pantry shelves at Circle Of Concern are at their lowest level so far this year. "Although we know that summer and early fall are historically times when donations are lower," said Charlene Buckley, Circle's Executive Director, "this year's record-breaking demand has dramatically outstripped supply. And we don't see that demand ending anytime soon." Circle currently feeds more than 25,000 people annually. In fact, in the first six months of 2012, requests food and emergency assistance are up more than 14% and since the recession started, demand has more than doubled. In August alone, nearly 2600 people were fed by Circle Of Concern, the highest number ever fed in one month since its inception 45 years ago. Circle is getting pressed from both sides; the demand for services is markedly increasing while food prices keep going up. The same dollar that bought canned goods last year is purchasing less this year so we receive fewer items. And that is before the anticipated increase in food prices as a result of the drought. "We maximize our financial contributions by purchasing fresh items such as dairy, fruit and vegetables wholesale," said Sada Lindsey, Operations Director, "but even wholesale we are not able to purchase as much as in the past. Our community has been extremely generous over the years and we're confident they will help us over this shortfall," she continued. "We are extremely grateful for all of their support." The community may donate funds, food or personal care items Monday - Friday 9 am- 3pm at 112 St. Louis Avenue in Valley Park. Financial contributions are appreciated, and can be mailed to PO Box 444, Valley Park, MO 63088 or to donate online go to: http://tinyurl.com/9mafshw Circle Of Concern feeds the hungry and provides long-term and emergency assistance to low-income families living in western St. Louis County. We create opportunities for needy families to re-establish themselves as productive members in our community. www.circleofconcern.org |
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St. John's & Christ the King Host Justice Revival, October 3
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III is part of a new generation of ministers committed to preaching prophetically that the message of love and justice are inseparable companions, forming the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On Wednesday, October 3rd the pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (UCC) in Chicago, will join prophetically-inclined local pastors as Christ the King and St. John's UCC co-host REVIVING JUSTICE: AN ACTION OF WORSHIP at Saint John's, located at 4136 N. Grand in North St. Louis.
The night of faith-inspired activism - which coincides with the first presidential debate - will begin a with a voter registration reception at 6:00 pm, transition to worship at 7:00 pm and close with a call to action connected with the upcoming election. This brainchild of Pastors Starsky Wilson and Traci Blackmon, of St. John's and Christ the King respectively, reclaims and redefines the "justice revival" movement promoted by right-wing conservative Christians in years past for Christians with more progressive theological and political leanings.
"I believe the church has both a civic and biblical mandate to confront injustice wherever it is found. Injustice is inclusive of everything that excludes people or groups from participating equitably in the richness of society," Pastor Blackmon notes.
There may be no more appropriate voice to make the call for Christians to mobilize for justice in an election year than Moss who was thrust into the national spotlight during the 2008 presidential election as he was taking the reins of Trinity, the largest church in the United Church of Christ denomination and former spiritual home of President Barack Obama. His home-base of Chicago is also struggling with some of the same challenges of St. Louis.
Pastor Wilson asserted, "With our current tensions regarding public education, recent census data tracing a rise in poverty in the region and the horizon of the November election, it's about time God gets a hearing for the last, the least and the left out in St. Louis and the nation."
Moss is a native of Cleveland, OH, honors graduate of Morehouse College, Yale Divinity School, and he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister in the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the UCC. A board member of the Christian Century Magazine and Chaplain of the Children's Defense Fund's Samuel DeWitt Proctor Child Advocacy Conference, Moss published his first book, Redemption in a Red Light District in 1999 and co-authored The Gospel Re-Mix: How to Reach the Hip-Hop Generation in 2006. The work and legacy of Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the pastoral ministry of his father, Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. of Cleveland, OH, have been primary mentors for spiritual formation.
For more information on REVIVING JUSTICE visit www.sjuccstl.org or e-mail sjucc@yahoo.com.
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Ordination Service of Dennis L. Ureche
A Service of Ordination will be held for Dennis L. Ureche
Sunday, September 30, 2012, 2pm
at McFarland United Church of Christ
5710 Anthony St.
McFarland, Wisconsin 53558
A reception will follow the service.
Clergy are invited to robe and process wearing red stoles.
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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.
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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.
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Don't Miss Out! 3rd Annual Women of the Cloth Clergy Retreat
Clergy women! Don't forget to register for the 3rd Annual Women of the Cloth Clergy Retreat, Thursday - Saturday, October 11 - 13! The retreat will be held at the Wingate by Wyndham in Maryland Heights, MO. The Rev. Barbara Essex, Minister for Higher and Theological Education at the national setting of the UCC, will be returning as the facilitator of this year's retreat. She is a Pilgrim Press best-selling author of the Bad Girls and Bad Boys of the Bible books and many other titles. Join together with clergy women from other denominations for a time of rest, reflection, and re-creation. To register or for more information, please visit www.womenoftheclothministries.com or send an email to Rev. Phiwa Langeni at plangeni@immanuelucc.org. The registration deadline has been extended to September 30! Don't miss out!
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Change the things you can...
Marcus Engel, Motivational Speaker
Sponsored by SHYG of First Congregational UCC of Webster Groves
10 W Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Saturday, October 20, 2012 3-5 pm
Memorial Hall
Youth and Adults are invited to join us for an inspirational talk with Marcus Engel followed by small group breakout sessions.
Questions can be directed to youthcoordinator@firstchurchwg.org.
All are invited. Donations of school supplies are encouraged in lieu of admission tickets.
Marcus grew up in the St. Louis area and as a part of the Mid Missouri South Conference of the UCC.
On a cold autumn night during his freshman year of college, Marcus' life took a dramatic turn. Following a Saturday night hockey game, Marcus and some friends were headed to a local diner for a midnight snack. They never made it.
When he awoke to a world he would never again see, Marcus faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles: survive hundreds of hours of reconstructive facial surgery, adapt to blindness and find happiness in a world changed forever.
Marcus' story has empowered, enlightened and entertained audiences around the nation to overcome personal adversity and make intelligent decisions.
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Featuring
St. Louis' premier jazz vocalist, Kim Massie
December 8 & 9 in St.Louis
December 15 in Kansas City
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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.
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St. Louis Association News | |
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Chinese Moon Festival Celebration at Samuel UCC in Clayton
 Join us for the Chinese Moon Festival Celebration and Welcome Luncheon on September 30, at 11:30am at Samuel United Church of Christ, (320 North Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105), hosted by the Chinese Outreach Ministry. We will greet new friends from China and share a meal together. The Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular lunar harvest festival and one of the most important holidays celebrated by Chinese people around the world. During the festival, the families get together to eat moon cakes, fruit and drink wine under the beautiful full moon. Come and join us to learn Chinese culture and to meet new friends.
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Fashions for the Faithful
 At 7:30pm on Monday, October 8, 2012, jeff wunrow designs presents "Fashions for the Faithful," a runway show of liturgical vestments at , 1210 Locust St. in downtown St. Louis. On the eve of St. Louis Fashion Week, clergy and lay leaders from several faith traditions will be modeling stoles and chasubles in the Gothic space of the Cathedral and against the backdrop of the historical reredos, the massive and delicately carved stone screen behind the altar.
Among the "models" is the Rev. Katy Hawker, pastor at Peace United Church of Christ in Webster Groves.
Since 2004, Jeff Wunrow, a 20-year-resident of St. Louis, has designed and sewn banners and vestments for clergy and churches. His work can be found in collections across the country and in six foreign countries www.jeffwunrow.com.
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Save the Date, November 18, 2012
On November 18, 2012 Joint Neighborhood Ministry will have an afternoon and evening of celebration marking 45 years of service in the Benton Park area of south St. Louis. A celebration service will be held at Curby Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2621 Utah Street, St. Louis, 63118, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. A celebration dinner will be held that same evening at Mathew's Kitchen, 5625 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis 63105. The reception will begin at 5:00 and dinner at 6:00. Cost: $45.00 per person. Details and an announcement will be sent to all area churches in September.
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Upcoming Conference Minister PreachingSunday, 9/23/12
Jeff Whitman @ Zion, Union, 8am, 10:30am Marc Wessels @ Christ UCC, Maplewood, 9am Sunday, 9/30/12
Jeff Whitman @ St. Lucas, 8:30am, 9:45am, 11:15am Sunday, 10/14/12
Jeff Whitman @ Pershing, 10am Sunday, 10/21/12
Jeff Whitman @ St. John's High Hill Dale Parson @ Immanuel UCC, Sedalia, 10:30am
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St Paul's UCC, Defiance, MO, Sausage & Turkey Dinner,
Sunday, September 30, 11am to 5:30pm
Carry outs available. The country store will have homemade apple butter, plants and home made goods available.There is also a quilt raffle. Adults $10.00 Children $5.00 Under 5 Free
150 Defiance Rd. (Highway 94 and Defiance Road) Defiance MO.
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St. Luke's UCC Trash & Treasures Sale
Saturday September 29, 7am-2pm & Wednesday, October 3, 7am - noon
St. Luke's United Church of Christ, 6610 St. Luke's Church Road, Imperial, MO 63052
(636) 948-3545 or (636) 942-2085
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St. Martin's UCC - Dittmer 29th Annual Fall Festival - Saturday, October 6, 2-8:30pm Dinners served from 2-7 pm with choice of Fried Chicken or BBQ Ham plus sides, dessert and drink. Adult tickets - $9.00 / Children 4-11 $4.00 / 3 and Under Free - We have a fun filled day of great family entertainment! FREE Kids activities include - Farm Animal Petting Zoo - Kevin Dobbins and his Amazing Animals (4-7pm) - Horse Drawn Wagon Rides - Games - Face Painting - Prizes - Cotton Candy - Popcorn - Hot chocolate - CHFPD Safe House! Christian Contemporary Music and Gospel Music starting at 4 pm - end the evening with Fireworks! Enjoy a stroll through our Country Store for our famous Apple Butter & German Potato Salad Sauce along with baked goods, jams, jellies, crafts and more! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ St. Johns Evangelical UCC, Harvest Fest, Saturday, October 6, 4-7pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44th Annual Chicken Dinner, Sunday, October 7, Noon - 6pm Immanuels United Church of Christ, 17510 Church Street, Marthasville, 636-932-4646 Inside and outside dining and carry outs. Adults $10. Children (6-12) $6. Children under 5 free. Come enjoy a country store, quilt raffle, famous Holstein apple butter, bounce house, games and music by Friedens UCC Celebration Band. Take Hwy 47 to Hwy N. Go west on Hwy N about 4 miles to Holstein. Turn left on Church Street after you pass the church cemetery. Watch for signs! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whole Hog Sausage & Roast Beef Dinner, Sunday, October 7, 2012 - Noon until 6pm Friedens Peace United Church of Christ, New Melle 3560 Mill Street, New Melle, MO 63365 (1/2-block south of the Hwy D & F intersection) All-you-can-eat, whole-hog sausage and slow-cooked roast beef dinner including our homemade fixin's of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, sauerkraut, applesauce, bread, and your choice of dessert, served cafeteria style! Adults $9 / Children (Ages 6- 11) $5 / Children (5 & younger) FREE / All Carry-outs $9 Apple Butter and Fresh Sausage available. Craft tables, beer garden, and music! Pre-orders or Questions call 636-828-5980! Join us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friedens-Peace-United-Church-of-Christ/122879711068097 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chili-Soup Dinner, Saturday, October 13, 11am - 7pm Blue Springs Terrace, 312 SW 19th Terrace will be hosting their 7th annual Chili and Soup Dinner, a fundraiser for fun and fellowship. Bring your family and friends! Enjoy homemade chili, vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup, salad bar, dessert, coffee, tea and lemonade. Donations accepted. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Martin's UCC - Dittmer MEGA Yard Sale - Saturday, October 13, 7am - 2pm Sponsored by STM UCC held at Arrowhead Sales Facility located at 8343 Hwy B (Next to Windy Hill Farm Supply), Cedar Hill, MO. HUGE assortment of items: clothes, baby items, specialty items, household, small appliances, and more! All proceeds benefit STM General Fund for church expenses. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 19 and 21, St. John's High Hill will be celebrating "125 Years of Caring".
202 Spruce Street, High Hill, MO 63350 October 19 - Marcus Engel, as son of the church, will be speaking at 7pm. Marcus will be sharing how his faith in God and the support of his church helped him during his recovery from a tragic accident that left him permanently blinded. There will be a time of fellowship and refreshments following his presentation. The public is welcome to attend. On October 21, the service of worship, which starts at 10am will be a celebration of the life and history of St. John's. There will be a complimentary fellowship dinner served following the service of worship. Again, all are welcome. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Joint Neighborhood Ministry's 5th Annual Trivia Night, Saturday, October 20
*Please note corrected address* At St. Paul United Church of Christ, 3510 Giles Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63116. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Trivia begins at 7pm $20.00 per person (plus non-perishable items) at tables of 8; RSVP to Joan at 314-771-3987. Soda and water provided. Evening will include silent auction, raffle, mulligans and door prizes. There will be a prize for the best decorated table. Cash prize for trivia winning table. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emmanuel UCC Sausage Supper, Sunday, October 28 Dine-in buffet style - Whole hog sausage - Roast beef Serving from noon - 6 pm Emmanuel United Church of Christ
6210 Highway 94 South
Weldon Spring, MO 63304 Adults $10 - Children 6-12 $5 - Children 5 & under FREE - Carry Outs $10 Questions: 314-630-8001 or 314-703-9789 or 314-799-3103 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Luke's UCC Chicken Dinner and Bazaar, Sunday, October 28, Noon - 4pm St. Luke's U.C.C., 6610 St. Luke's Church Rd. Imperial, Missouri. (2 miles west of I-55 on Hwy. "M", turn right on St. Luke's Church Rd.) Carry outs available. Adults $10. Children $5 (12 and under) Morning worship at 10am. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ivy Chapel UCC's Craft and Vendor Fair, Friday, November 30, 6pm-10pm 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Come join us to shop local vendors, handmade crafts, baked goods, one-of-a-kind jewelry and more! Finish up your Christmas shopping, hang out with friends and pick up some snacks to eat now or later! ivychapel.org or 314-434-4991 |
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Contact Us |
Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ 314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884 |
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