Responding to National Tragedy

Randy and I were on our way to Kansas City to participate in the KC Jazz Nativity when we first heard the reports. A gunman opened fire at a school in Connecticut. 20 children and 6 adults killed. The shooter took his own life.   The police are on the scene. Anxious parents await news about their children. Once again national tragedy has intruded on our desire for normalcy.   We see the pictures of grieving parents, grim faced officials, and frightened children and we seek explanation, and we want to help, and we ask the unanswerable question why.  Many ask what can we offer in the face of raw grief and pain.  

Some have responded with anger directed toward the shooter, toward the gun industry, or toward the culture of violence in which we live. Others have responded with fear suggesting that more people should be permitted to carry guns to protect themselves. Still others desire a quick return to life as normal and a way to escape the painful reality of Sandy Hook elementary school. I was listening to sports radio on the way to work and as the DJ's were ending their program they pointed out that they had offered a normal program today. They acknowledged the grief of the Newtown parents, the feelings of pain and shock around the country and then went on to say - but to those who needed to return to normal we offered our normal broadcast. As people turn to the church seeking comfort I want to suggest that the gift we have to offer in the face of national pain is lamentation.  

Most are uncomfortable with lamentation for the raw pain and soul cries are too honest for us. They grip us in a reality from which we are trying to escape and force us to stare into a darkness we are try so hard to ignore. As one pastor put it, "I don't think my church does well in the dark. We present the Christian faith as an exercise of reason, as a means of enlightenment for the illuminated. We are therefore most comfortable at eleven o'clock in the morning when the sun shines through the stain glass and we can see where we are going."  

We don't do well in the dark. I read an article about a woman who was grieving the lost of her husband who had died a horrible, painful, death after a long illness. She spoke of well meaning Christian neighbors who tried to take her grief from her. She says of them, "They refuse to look on the dark side of things, and they want her to blink it away too. If she can smile in the face of loss, grief, and death, so can they. They are like children in a fairy story, singing songs, holding hands. Never mind the dark wood, the wolves and witches. Or birds that eat up the breadcrumbs that can lead them home.

They refuse to look on the dark side of things and they want her to blink it away too, but she will not flee too quickly from the darkness and her refusal is eventually her redemption. We don't want to stare into the abyss where lamentation would lead us, yet it is there in the darkness that our hope and salvation abide. Perhaps what we need now is a safe place to express our grief, to demand answers from a God who seems delayed or absent, a place to ask - How long, O God, How long?  

What lamentation offers us is the possibility of transformation, of converting a potentially deadly force such as vengeance into something better." By confronting the darkness we offer our anger and grief to God. We do not deny our pain, for to do so would be to lie to ourselves and to God. We do not seek to rationalize our grief for it is too real to be dismissed easily. We do not withhold our questions for they burn not within us. We offer them to God so that they do not become the things that define us. We gaze into the darkness, for this is where God is waiting for us.

That might seem strange - after all we say that God is light. But if God is only God of the day, then God cannot be our God because there is too much darkness in us and around us. In our lamentation we hear the words of transformation and new life, "The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light, those who dwell in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." It is the mysterious nature of our faith to assert that, in entering our darkness, God is preparing to take back the night. Darkness shall not be the last word. Perhaps this is best gift we can offer - our belief that God is born among us in the night of the soul for that is when we most need God.  

To my sisters and brothers in the Missouri Mid-South Conference I pray that this Christmas you will be filled with awe and wonder as you remember the birth of the Messiah.  I pray that as you remember that God is born among us and dwells with us your faith will be renewed and you will find renewed strength to proclaim the good news that God is still speaking a word of hope and grace. God has not left us abandoned. The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.

Rev. Jeffrey Whitman

Conference Minister   

In the wake of the school shootings in Connecticut last week many parents and pastors are concerned about how to talk with children in their families and churches about the tragedy. Mike Brennen the executive director of ECH - Every Child's Hope - offers these suggestions.

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the ECH community, I offer our deepest condolences to the families of Newtown, CT, where, on Friday morning, we know that so many young children and educators lost their lives.

Our hearts are broken by this senseless violence and unfathomable loss.  At ECH, our therapists and clinical experts have convened and are prepared to assist children and their families as they deal with the multiple emotions, anxieties and fears that have surfaced in the aftermath of this national tragedy.

In times like this, it is only natural for us to think of our own children and about the children served in the many different programs of ECH Every Child's Hope.  Please be assured that for the children served at ECH, safety is our number one priority and all building and emergency procedures are being reviewed, checked and improved.

As the children in your lives learn about this tragedy, they may need assistance with their feelings and reactions. Following 9-11, the "A-B-C-D-E" approach provided helpful advice for parents and teachers when sharing information about violence or tragic events with kids:

A. Age Appropriate
B. Be Honest
C. Consistent (regular routines as much as possible: bed times, lunch times, etc.)
D. Delete television (and limit media exposure to the event for at least a few days)
E. Expression (love, faith, the goodness of others)

Most children are quite resilient and will return to their normal activities relatively quickly, but parents should be alert to any signs of anxiety that might suggest that a child or teenager might need more assistance.  Such indicators could include:

• a change in the child's school performance
• changes in relationship with peers and teachers
• excessive worry
• school refusal
• sleeplessness or nightmares
• headaches or stomachaches
• loss of interest in activist that the child use to enjoy

Also remember that that every child will respond to trauma differently.  Some will have no ill effects; others may suffer an immediate acute effect.  Still others may not show signs of stress until sometime after the event.

Resources are being provided to all staff to help the children and families in our community in the aftermath of this tragedy. Below you will find some additional resources that may be helpful to you.

However, if you find your child or family in need of extra help to process these events, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Through the wide variety of programs we offer, there is help available right here at ECH Every Child's Hope.

In shared grief,

Michael

Friends,

As we continue to offer prayers for families and friends of victims, and survivors, I wanted to share with you some web links:  to a UCC article and prayers that were shared on on our web site;  information originally offered by Mike Denton on how to talk with your children about the recent school shootings; and Matt Crebbin, pastor at Newtown Congregational Church UCC was interviewed on the Today show this morning and offers words of comfort for all about faith.  You may have already seen all...but wanted to be sure to share as much information as possible with all of you.

Peace,

Florence

Newtown, CT UCC web article and prayers:

http://www.ucc.org/news/connecticut-weeps-for-the.html

Talking to your children about recent school shootings web link:

http://www.northalabamaumc.org/pages/detail/1173

Rev. Matt Crebbin, Newtown Congregational Church, UCC; Today Show interview, Monday December 17:

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/50224492#50224492

___________________________________________

Florence Coppola, Executive, National Disaster Ministries

UCC Wider Church Ministries

700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115

216-736-3211; toll free: 1-866-822-8224 x-3211

Fax: 216-736-2294

Web site: http://www.ucc.org/disaster

"National Disaster Ministries' are supported by OCWM and OGHS."

Church of the Master UCC Florissant celebrated the Advent season with a special program on Sunday, December 9.

The program included a retelling of the birth of Christ and featured a young family with a new child.

We are pleased to announce that the United Church of Christ and Justice Witness Ministries have selected three ministries with the Missouri Mid-South Conference (MMSC) to receive grants through the Neighbors in Need (NIN) campaign supported through local congregations throughout the denomination. The annual Neighbors in Need Offering is normally scheduled in most congregations on the first Sunday in October and is a great way to engage local churches with ministries of significance throughout the UCC.

According to Associate Conference Minister, Dr Marc A. Wessels who wrote letters in support on behalf of the MMSC, those receiving NIN grants within the MMSC are "engaged in ministries of transformation that witness to the Still-Speaking God which we declare."  These three projects represent creativity, ingenuity and faithfulness to the call of Christ. The projects receiving NIN grants include the following ministries:

"Home Coming Stories" a play to be performed in Memphis, Tennessee by Voices of the South under the direction of Elaine Blanchard, a member of First Congregational UCC,  and Program Founder and Coordinator. Home Coming Stories provides an opportunity for growth and transformation to an important and largely ignored segment of our society: those who are returning from periods of incarceration who are seeking to successfully re-enter society. Efforts which utilize literature and drama with the incarcerated and ex-felons is positive in creating thoughtful opportunities for inner awakening and spiritual growth.

Joint Neighborhood Ministry (JNM), which celebrated 45 years of ministry in the Cherokee Neighborhood of inner city St. Louis was an ecumenical effort started by Epiphany UCC and Curby Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1967.  Today they receive support from many of the UCC congregations in St. Louis. The ministry that JNM offers includes a Food Pantry,  a Parish Nurse program, an Urban Mission Experience for work camps coming to St. Louis from around the country, and also a Back to School program.  As Conference Minister Jeffrey Whitman noted in his letter supporting the NIN application, "JNM is located in an area of the city that wrestles with issues of high crime, high unemployment, and high levels of poverty. JNM offers hope and outreach to people in need of loving care and support."

The third NIN grant recipient is First Congregational UCC, Memphis, Tennessee where innovative and meaningful ministries is being lived out in this congregation under the capable leadership of the Rev. Cheryl Cornish since her tenure commenced in 1988. This initiative, Blessed Bee - An Urban Apiary - is representative of all that our denomination is about and affirms as stewards of creation and agents of social transformation. Through the simple act and art of bee-keeping will address significant justice issues such as urban ministry and poverty, hunger, environmental awareness and sustainability as well as empowering people economically. This grant ties into the broader background of the upcoming Mission 4/1 Earth project for earth care and the creation of a Green Church. The practice of bee-keeping as a low-impact, sustainable economic reality is reinforced by the importance of maintaining a healthy bee population which supports native plants and trees as part of the ecology of our planet.

Congratulations to all of the NIN grant recipients!

It's that time of year again!  The Conference office is gearing up to begin the process of obtaining your church's annual people and financial information - known as the Yearbook Reports.  Each church will be receiving forms via email and snail mail from me once they are sent by Cleveland, which should be very soon.  With the forms you'll also receive directions on how to properly complete them and how the forms should be returned to our office.  You will also have the opportunity to enter your church's information directly online into the National database, which is a huge time saver for me and the ladies in Cleveland.  We had a good return on completed forms last year, and it would be even better if the MMSUCC could reach 100% this year.  As always, I'll be available for questions by phone and email.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation and I'll be in touch soon!

Renee

The Eastern Association Program Committee will sponsor a Pastor's Appreciation Luncheon on January 24 from 11:30 to 2:00.  Ebenezer Stone Church in Gerald has graciously offer to host this year event.  This luncheon is for ALL Pastors in the Easter Association.  Watch for you informational flyer in the mail or via email.  Call Donna Curdt at 636-634-1150 for information and reservations.

This past Sunday morning in worship at St. John's, Bem United Church of Christ, the Holy Spirit was moving throughout the congregation, enlivening inspirational action to meet the needs of those who are wanting this holiday season.  They collected an estimated $3000 worth of toys and essential items in a spontaneous act of generosity, prompted by the emotional appeal of one church member who works with children in need.

The movement began on Sunday, December 9.  Rev. Rick Oberle, Pastor at St. John's, was soliciting prayer concerns from the congregation, and Paula (Howard) Shockley, an aide in the nursing and counseling offices at Cuba Elementary School, rose to speak.  Paula asked the congregation to keep children who are living in poverty in their prayers this Christmas.  She then told the congregation of a writing assignment given in the lower grades at Cuba Elementary, instructing the children to write "letters to Santa".  Many of the children wrote to Santa asking for toilet paper, soap, laundry detergent, food, clean socks and underwear.  Paula asked that the congregation keep in their prayers any child that has to ask Santa Claus to provide them with toilet paper for Christmas. 

The congregation was visibly moved; and decided that while they would keep these children in prayer, they would do much more than that.  A Spirit of action moved throughout the congregation, and conversations took place on what could be done to assist.  It was decided that they would all spend the next week in prayer and discernment, asking God what they could do to aid these children in need; and that they would have a great ingathering the following Sunday.

The response was overwhelming.  This past Sunday, ingathering day, donations poured in.  Toilet paper, laundry detergent, clothing, food and toys, toys, toys.  An estimated $3000 worth of items were collected; and financial assistance continues to come in.  Employees of Crawford Electric Cooperative participated in the collection as well, donating toys and money.  It took three SUVs and a car with a very large trunk to haul all of the donated items to Cuba Elementary for distribution this week.  These donated items will go a long way to helping ensure that Cuba Elementary School children have a Merry Christmas this year.

Rev. Rick Oberle was astounded by the response and commented, "It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit was at work at Bem Church this past week.  After Paula's appeal Sunday morning, the Spirit started moving.  People have been bringing items to the Sanctuary all week long; and this morning was like the final scene in 'It's a Wonderful Life'.  Box after box and bag after bag of donated items just kept coming in!"  He went on to say,  "It really was a Christmas miracle; a miracle made possible by God's children doing the work God calls us to do.  God challenges us every day to be miracle workers; today was great evidence of what can be done when we get to it!"

St. John's, Bem has been active participants in Operation Christmas since its inception adopting 10 families each year, helping the children of Owensville have a Merry Christmas as well.  St. John's Bem is located just off Highway 19 between Owensville and Cuba.          

  The Child

This is the Child who is born to be King.
Let us adore him and incense bring,

gold for his coffers and myrrh for his bed,
wool from the shepherds to pillow his head.

This is the Child of the dubious birth,
scorned and rejected, yet Savior of earth.

This is the Child who is friend of the least,
shouting his welcome to come to the feast.

This is the Child who is born to be King, riding a donkey,
his triumph to bring.

This is the Shepherd who seeks for the lost,
showing his love at a terrible cost.

This is the Child who was born in a cave.
This is the One who has broken the grave.

Venite adoremus !

-David Beebe, Christmas 2012

Are you, or someone you know, searching for the right internship in 2013 - summer or a year? If so, check out this one from the UCC, today!

Summer Communities of Service (UCC/Alliance of Baptists) 

Ages 21-30.  September 3, 2013 - August 3, 2014
Apply by March 15, 2013

      - Community Living

      - Service-Justice Advocacy Opportunity

      - Leadership Development with Local Congregation

      - Faith Conversations

A national network--Host churches located throughout the United States

Housing, health insurance and small living stipend provided. 
AmeriCorps Education grants available for some positions.    

Questions:  Please contact Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss, Executive, UCC Volunteer Ministries at blaufusm@ucc.org or 216-736-3214.

Come see the "50 Years of Camp MoVal Tree" and the "Prayer Flag Tree" displaying the prayer flags made by Missouri Mid-South UCC children and youth at the Conference Middle School Event and Revival in October at the annual Community Festival of Trees. The Festival is a display of 46 beautiful and uniquely decorated Christmas trees, open every weekend in December through Christmas Day at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 20 E. Fifth Street in Washington MO. Saturday times are 3-7 PM and Sundays are 11-6.  Admission is free however canned goods for the St. Peter's and local food pantries are appreciated. Place the items under a favorite tree. Special weekday group tours are by appointment. Call 636-239-6176 or go to www.stpeters-washington.org for more info. Come show your support for wonderful causes and celebrate the holiday spirit in this highly enjoyable and meaningful way.

All Things New, Look What God Is Doing is the theme for Outdoor Ministries in 2013. Throughout the course of the 2013 program year, everyone is invited to come and participate in the many different outdoor ministry opportunities provide to for you at Camp MoVal and beyond. New camping programs along with many traditional programs are part of the 2013 schedule to insure that everyone has the opportunity to experience God and Creation in whole new way.

Some of the new programs in 2013 are a Grandparent and Grandchild Camp, three Day Camps in three locations to better serve our whole conference, a social justice camp based on the Hunger Games Series and many other opportunities. Camp and Outdoor Ministry is the a special time and place where all people, young and old from many different places can come together and be part of one community, one family and feel safe in a space where everyone is cared for and loved in Christian Hospitality.

The camp schedule is available on the Conference website, which gives everyone plenty of opportunity in advance to plan for their chance to get away and participate at Camp MoVal or one of our other Outdoor Ministry programs next year. If attending a program is not for you, maybe you would like to volunteer as a counselor, or director or just come and assist for a day, we can always use the extra help. We would not be able to provide the great programs without all of the volunteers that give of their selves and time to make Outdoor Ministry successful.

The camp brochures will be sent out in late January of 2013, be watching for them to arrive. Also, be watching for the launch of our new Camp MoVal website at www.campmoval.org , this will give everyone more up to date information about Camp MoVal and the Outdoor Ministry programs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Camp MoVal office at 636-583-2730 or email the Director of Outdoor Ministries at jeremy.moval@mmsucc.org. We look forward to serving you at Camp MoVal and the Outdoor Ministries programs. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

We Need Your Photos for the Music Photo Album   

The creation of a Missouri Mid-South Conference "Music Photo Album" is underway. We are asking each MMS congregation to share 5 random pictures of their church and congregation. To be  easily recognized, send 1 picture of your church sign which includes your church name, and 1 picture of your church building. The other 3 pictures are totally up to you, so your congregation can showcase your church's unique qualities and spirit. The pictures will be arranged randomly in a computer photo album and then put to music. The hope is that this project will be completed by the 2013 Conference Annual Gathering. Currently, only 3 congregations have provided pictures which have been used to create an example video of this project. Anyone can see the short video by following the internet link provided at the bottom of this article. We cannot stress enough that to make this project a success EVERY congregation MUST be represented. Pictures can either be mailed to the Missouri Mid-South Conference office or emailed directly to Rev. Dr. Doug Kaufman. Both the snail mail and email addresses are provided at the end of the video. Please spread the word about this project because we want each MMS church represented.  

Thanks so much! Keep The Faith.