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Wednesday, January 30, 2013
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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YEARBOOK REPORTS ARE DUE SOON!
 Just a reminder that your church yearbook reports are due to the conference office on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH!!! That's just nine days away. If you plan to enter your church's information online through the National database, the deadline is March 1. As of today fifteen churches have returned their reports, so a big thank you goes out to: St. John's, Springfield; St. Paul, Old Monroe; Emanuel, Jackson; First Congregational, Bonne Terre; Catawissa, Catawissa; St. Paul's, Bland; St. Martin's, Dittmer; St. John's (Cappeln), Foristell; St. Paul, Hermann; St. John's, High Hill; Grace, St. Peters; Fulton, Fulton; St. Thomas, Chesterfield; St. Peter's, Washington; and Immanuel, Sedalia. But that means we still need to hear from over one hundred churches within the conference. If you need the yearbook reports resent, please call me at 314-918-2602 or email renee@mmsucc.org. Thank you again for your cooperation,
Renee
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 Persons In Ministry Retreat
Save the Date
Please mark your calendars for the 2013 Persons In Ministry Retreat, September 16-18 at
The Resort at Port Arrowhead, 3080 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049. The theme of the retreat will be "Honest to God Prayer: Being Still while in Motion" and will be led by Kent Ira Groff.
Kent Ira Groff is a spiritual companion for journeyers and leaders, a retreat director and a writer poet living in Denver, Colorado. Honest to God Prayer is his tenth and newest book. Others include Facing East, Praying West, prayer poems from his time in India, What Would I Believe If I Didn't Believe Anything?: A Handbook for Spiritual Orphans, and Writing Tides, which he uses with classes in Denver prisons.Dr. Groff is founding mentor of Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development, Camp Hill, Pa. With experience as a pastor of congregations, a chaplain, and a seminary teacher, he describes his work as one beggar showing other beggars where to find bread.
Stay tuned for more event details!
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Come and Celebrate Bill Kruel's Ministry at Camp MoVal
If you have been a camper or guest at Camp MoVal over the last twenty years, at some point you have probably met or been in the presence of Bill Kruel. Bill has been the Caretaker at Camp MoVal since May of 1994 and has been a part of the ministry at Camp MoVal ever since. A celebration has been planned for Bill on March 3, 2013 from 2-4pm at Zion UCC in Union, MO. Come and thank Bill for his service in outdoor ministry and wish him well.
Bill has been on medical leave from Camp MoVal since October 2012 and has been approved for disability. As these events have unfolded, Bill and his family have moved to their river house in Gasconade and are enjoying their time together. If you wish, you may send good wishes to Bill at his new address 365 B, Gasconade, MO 65061.
Please join us to celebrate Bill's ministry on March 3 and please keep Bill and his family in your prayers as they step into their next stage of life.
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Planning for Mission 4/1 Earth
 We will be holding our next general planning meeting for Mission 4/1 Earth
on Tuesday, February 5 from 10am - 12pm.
There are two places where we will be gathering at the Conference office (485 E Lockwood Avenue Suite 15, Webster Groves) and also at Columbia UCC (3201 I-70 Dr. NW, Columbia).
We will have conference call capabilities so please select the closest site to you and save on travel time and pollution!
Some of those meeting at the Conference office are planning to have lunch afterwards at Roadhouse 61. All are welcome.
Please confirm your plans to participate and locate where you will be coming. Marc@mmsucc.org
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Come and Join the Camp MoVal Staff
 As we start preparing ourselves for the upcoming summer and the outdoor ministries programs we provide to our campers from all over the conference, it is important that Camp MoVal provides the best staff possible to ensure the safety of our camper and to provide dynamic programs. Camp MoVal is in search of several staff members to make sure we can meet the needs of our campers and guests.
First, we are in need of six to eight program staff, the program staff are an integral part of what makes the programming at MoVal possible. This position does require that the person has completed high school, can meet the requirements of staff training and has a passion for serving children, youth and beyond with Christian hospitality. For more information about these positions and a job description, please contact Jeremy Force, Outdoor Ministries Director for Camp MoVal. Camp MoVal is also looking to increase its volunteer counselor pool. Whether you have a few days or weeks, this is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. Please contact the Camp office with dates you are available and we will match you with one of our volunteer directors and get you started on a rewarding experience.
Lastly, with Bill's departure, Camp MoVal will be hiring a new maintenance staff person to take on the responsibilities of maintaining Camp MoVal's facilities. This job does require a certain amount of plumbing, carpentry, electrical and general maintenance skills. For more information or to submit a resume, please contact Jeremy Force at Camp MoVal. If you one these opportunities do not fit your skills, there are many more opportunities to give at Camp MoVal. Thank you for your continued support of our ministry.
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Registration opens for 2013 General Synod in Long Beach, California
Online registration is now open for General Synod 2013. The biennnial gathering in Long Beach, Calif. June 28 - July 2 is expected to bring more than 2,500 delegates and visitors to the Long Beach Convention Center for five days of worship, work, education and advocacy.
The theme of this year's event is "God's Vision:_______". This year's unique theme asks UCC individuals to fill in the blank, choosing the word that best describes what you see as God's vision for you, your church, your community or your world.
There will also be a host of workshops, exhibits, special events and service projects throughout General Synod, including a Samoan Luau sponsored by the host Conference, the Southern California/Nevada Conference.
Delegates and visitors should visit ucc.org/synod for the most up-to-date information about the event.
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Photo of the Week
A service of Installation for Rev. Paul Ecknes-Turner was conducted at Holy Trinity Community Church UCC in Memphis, Tennessee on January 27, 2013. Co-Chairs of the Saint Louis Association Committee on Ministry Ms. Karen Miller and Ms. Jane Porchey and MMSC Associate Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Marc A. Wessels presided. Rev. Ecknes-Turner has dual standing with the Metropolitan Community Church and the United Church of Christ. |
 After Graduation - What's Next? Taking a College Break - Where to from Here?
If you, or someone you know, is searching for the right internship for 2013-2014 check out this one from the UCC, today!
Please forward and re-post widely.
Year-long UCC Young Adult Service Communities
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.
Visit our website for more information:
www.ucc.org/volunteer
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Mediation Skills Training Institute
Whether in the home, school, community, church or workplace conflict is an inevitable part of life. Having the skills to function effectively in emotionally intense, conflicted situations is important for all of us, especially those of us who are leaders. The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center has trained hundred of church leaders from a wide range of denominations in the skills that are needed to deal with conflict in the church setting through its Mediation Skills Training Institute. The Mediation Skills Training Institute equips people for working in various conflicted situations, including church disputes. Participants learn about: - Biblical foundations-finding renewal in conflict.
- Individual styles of response to conflict.
- Win-win negotiation skills.
- Skills to mediate conflict between individuals.
- Tools to effectively manage congregational conflict.
- Skills for serving as an outside consultant to conflicted churches.
The institute includes lectures, discussion, and guided practice in roleplays. Active and practical in focus, the sessions emphasize hands-on skills training and real-life role-plays based on the kinds of conflicts faced by participants. The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will be sponsoring five Mediation Skills Training Institutes through 2013. The first will be at St. John's Episcopal Church, Charlotte, North Carolina during the week of March 11-15, 2013, and, the second will be at First English Lutheran Church in Columbus Ohio, May 6-10, 2013. Please note that the pre-registration deadline for the MSTI in Charlotte has been moved to February 22; participants who register before February 22 will save $100 off the final registration price. Click here for additional information. or visit www.LMPeaceCenter.org
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Boundary Training Session at Eden Seminary
The workshop, "Creating Healthy Relationships in Ministry," will be conducted by Martha Robertson on Friday, February 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in room 201 of the Press Building. There will be a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. Lunch is on your own.
All Eden M.Div. and M.A.P.S. students are required to participate in a boundary training workshop. You need to attend this workshop once to satisfy the degree requirement.
There is a $50.00 registration fee for non-students. Please contact Chris Davis at cdavis@eden.edu or 314-918-2547 to register in advance for the workshop.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to submit a copy of your boundary training completion certificate to Renee at the MMSUCC conference office.
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 It's Not Too Late!
Have you considered submitting an oral history for the 50th anniversary Oral History Project? The deadline for video submissions is fast approaching. We have a small team of volunteers who have recorded a number of short videos during the past year, but we may be missing representation from your area of the conference about topics that are important to you. Consider participating in this special project. Read more at http://www.missourimidsouth.org/#!oral-history-project/chnn
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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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWK71qdQoSk
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Celebrate Seminary Sunday on February 24th
Why Celebrate Seminary Sunday?
Our UCC seminaries are filled with faithful, committed students seeking the skills and wisdom necessary to lead the church in the 21st century. Our congregations need these students. In our region, we are blessed to have three fine UCC seminaries - Chicago, United, and Eden. Each of these seminaries provides quality education for pastors and lay leaders, and they provide research and resources that serve the entire UCC.
How to Celebrate Seminary Sunday
- Lift up our UCC seminaries and seminarians in prayer, in mission moments, and in your bulletins.
- Post materials about Chicago, Eden, and United Seminaries on bulletin boards.
- Include a special prayer or litany in your service.
- Show a five-minute CUE Seminaries DVD.
- Include a gift to CUE Seminaries in your church budget or to take up a special offering.
- DVDs, bulletin inserts, posters, and offering envelopes are available CUE Seminaries website: http://www.cueseminaries.org
Please join us on February 24 in celebrating the current and future leadership of the UCC by celebrating and supporting Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries.
For more information and resources, please contact Kiely Todd Roska, CUE Seminaries Director, (651) 255-6121 or kiely@cueseminaries.org.
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Mission4/1 Earth MMSC Kick-Off Event April 13 & 14 at Shannondale
 Mark your calendars and plan to come and participate in the official kick-off celebration of Mission 4/1 Earth 50 Great Days of Engaged Environmental Stewardship on Saturday April 13 and Sunday, April 14, 2013.
Saturday, April 13 (1pm to after dark):
Bluegrass music; BBQ dinner; campfire; crafts that are ecologically friendly; Reps from Dept. of Conservation; demonstrations on things like composting/bee keeping/raised bed gardening/ etc.-all dependent upon who/what is available. For the Booths we want to encourage churches to show what they are doing (prairie restoration; food justice; community gardens; etc); River/Trash clean-up; Shannondale is donating a tree to every congregation.
Sunday, April 14, 2013 (morning)
Worship; the theology of Mission 4/1 Earth; music; Q & A
We are delighted to announce that the MMSC Conference Council indicated its support of the national and conference-wide Mission 4/1 Earth Campaign of our denomination by planning to hold its next regularly scheduled meeting at Shannondale Community Center and Camp on April 12-13. They are planning to participate in this signature kick-off event.
Plan on joining your conference leadership at a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Contact: Dr Marc A. Wessels, Associate Conference Minister, for more information email marc@mmsucc.org
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Upcoming Events
(Please see the latest issue of eHappenings for church events)
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Open & Affirming:
The Journey Continues
Saturday February 23, 2013
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration begins at 9:30 AM
First Congregational Church
of Webster Groves,
United Church of Christ
10 West Lockwood Avenue
Webster Groves, MO 63119
314-962-0475 - www.firstchurchwg.org
Registration $15 per person/includes lunch or
$75 per church with 5 or more attending.
Click here for a registration form.
Keynote Address by: Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer, Executive and Minister for GLBT Concerns and HIV/AIDS Ministries, United Church of Christ
Workshops around various issues and concerns including: Biblical Perspectives; Beginning an ONA Process; Next Steps for ONA; Transgender; Youth...and Resources; Resource People; Displays, Fellowship, Food, and Fun.
If you are an Open and Affirming congregation, talking about Open and Affirming or thinking about starting the conversation, if you want to explore how to be effective allies, there will be something for you and your church. Come be in conversation with others, learn what it means to be Open and Affirming and how to fully express extravagant welcome to all God's children.
Contact Rev. Marilyn Stavenger, Convener, Gateway ONA: mstavenger@eden.edu
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Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival Celebration
Saturday, February 23, 4-6:30pm
Samuel UCC will hold their Chinese New Year Celebration at Samuel United Church of Christ, 320 North Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO, 63105.
 It is the time for us to celebrate this most important Chinese holiday with our Chinese friends who are far away from their home. It also will be a good opportunity for us to learn more about Chinese culture and what God has done in Samuel Church through our Chinese Community Ministry.
This celebration includes making dumplings, Chinese New Year dinner, Chinese cultural and talent show.
We warmly welcome you to join us for this annual event at Samuel, and please bring your family and friends as well. Since the Number 8 is a lucky number in Chinese culture, especially for Chinese New Year, a donation of $8 per person will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and we wish you a blessed New Year!
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Mission 4/1 Earth Encourages Participation in the....
Join Us For the 4th Annual Community Garden Summit
 You're invited to hear from national experts on community gardening, horticulture and community development. Participate in networking opportunities with gardeners and people working in sustainable practices across the re gion. Attend breakout sessions throughout the afternoon. Listen to keynote Timothy Tramble, Executive Director of Burton, Bell and Carr Community Development, discuss Cleveland's Urban Innovative Agriculture Zone. We will also hear about Permaculture from Melissa Breed-Parks, Garden Coordinator of Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, Certified Permaculture Instructor and Non-Profit Consultant Reneé B. Johnson on mobilizing people power for garden projects. Breakfast from Black Bear Bakery and lunch from Franco. When: Saturday, February 16th, 2012. Registration: 8:00am-9:00am Program: 9:00am-4:00pm Where: St. Louis University High School 4970 Oakland Ave *Please park in the "SLUH" parking area SW of the campus. See attached map here. How: Click here to register. Early bird special until Feb 2. $5 for community gardeners. $10 general public. Doubles after Feb 2. Questions? Call 314.588.9600 x101 Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Or email theresa@gateaygreening.org There's More? Friday Night Movie Screening. The Friday night before the summit, Gateway Greening will be hosting a screening of Urban Roots, a film about the Urban Agriculture movement in Detroit. Visit the Movie Night event page to learn more.
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Women's Retreat, May 3-5, 2013
Meet Me at the Well and Water Our Souls 
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Grief Support Groups for Children, Teens and Families
Now Forming! Held at Samuel UCC, 320 North Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105. The Kid's Clubhouse is a non-profit organization serving children and teens, 4-18 years old, and families who are coping with the death of a loved one. Whether it is talking with our participants about the death of their loved one or using other modes of expression such as art, music, or play, we encourage children and teens to discover what works best for them.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Mottola Ernst, Program Director
314-721-1144
All families must go through a brief interview prior to the start of the session.
Spring Session Dates are:
Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18. No group Mar. 25.
April 1, 8, 15, & 22. 6:30 - 8:00 pm. At Samuel UCC |
Emmaus 25th Annual Open Your Heart Dinner Celebration
Friday, February 8th, 2013 at Sheraton West Port Chalet
Emmaus Homes will reach a wonderful milestone in 2013! For nearly 25 years Emmaus has celebrated people with developmental disabilities through the annual "Open Your Heart" fundraising dinner and auction. For sponsorship opportunities or ticket information, please contact Laverne Walker at 636.534.5210. To register, click here.
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Are You Experiencing the
One-Year Anniversary Blues?
Please join us for our new monthly support group where we will discuss tips for coping with the one-year anniversary of your loved one's death, rituals for honoring your loved one, and tasks for moving forward.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
There are two sessions to choose from:
1:00-2:30 pm or 5:30-7:00 pm
Mercy Hospice
1000 Des Peres Road, Suite 200B
St. Louis, MO 63131
(near the intersection of Manchester Road and I-270)
You will have the opportunity to decorate a commemorative candle.
Please feel free to bring photos or other special items to adorn your candle.
To RSVP, please call the Mercy Hospice Bereavement Coordinators
at 314-729-4410.
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 The Friends of Emmaus Mission and Message Over 40 years ago a few dedicated UCC women fellowship members volunteered at the Emmaus Home and formed a group to become "The Friends Of Emmaus". Over the years the group expanded and includes members from other denominations, parents of Emmaus residents and individual volunteers.
The Fall Bazaar and Quilt Auction have been a tremendous success, raising many thousands of dollars for Emmaus Home. The money has been used to purchase new vans; appliances; furniture; sent residents to the Special Olympics; Exceptional Equestrians; Hefer project; pottery program; special events; employee appreciation and much more.
Two years ago we changed our Fall Bazaar to a Spring Festival on the 3rd Sunday in May. This year the event will be on May, 19, 2013. The quilt auction will continue to be the highlight of the event, along with our famous dinners and many booths and activities.
Many of our devoted quilters can no longer do the quilting. We are in need of new groups that will be interested in quilting for the auction.
The proceeds of our efforts go to enhance the quality of life of the residents who call Emmaus home.
For additional information to join our efforts please contact one of the members. Thank you.
Mary Fischer
President-Friends of Emmaus
hankmaryfischer@charter.net
636-561-7747
Betty Shrum
Quilt Auction Chairperson
bkb6699@aol.com
636-566-6236
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Conference Youth Event brings together the youth of the Missouri Mid-South Conference for a weekend of fun, fellowship and personal spiritual renewal. Located at Camp Mo-Val, just outside Union, MO, the weekend offers youth the opportunity to commune with nature and to escape the business of their lives. Youth will have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones, along with attending meaningful worship services and enjoying multiple opportunities to connect with each other. Keynote speaker for this event is Andra Moran, a musician who will share modern day and historic stories that will explore ways how "ordinary people" can help change the world through God's love and peace.
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Upcoming Conference Minister Preaching
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Nurses Needed
Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries is seeking two professional registered nurses to serve in two UCC congregations in St. Louis. One 10-hour unbenefitted position in UCC church in Maplewood and one
4-hour every Saturday to work in a newly formed clinic at UCC church in North County.
If interested Rev. Donna Pupillo at Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries 314-918-2596.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marketing and Publishing Assistant Christian publishing house in Webster Groves seeking permanent part-time help (24 hours a week) to: write advertising copy, manage website data and email lists, file and organize paper and electronic files, proofread and create and analyze spreadsheets and work in other aspects of publishing. Excellent writing and organizational skills required; experience in Constant Contact, HTML, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office a plus. Send resume to: Lynne Letchworth, Vice President and Associate Publisher at lletchworth@chalicepress.com by February 8, 2013,or mail to Lynne Letchworth-Job Opening, Chalice Press, 483 E. Lockwood Ave., STE 100, St. Louis, MO 63119. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Church Administrator - Spirit of Hope Metropolitan Community Church - Kansas City, MO Spirit of Hope Metropolitan Community Church in Kansas City, Missouri is seeking candidates for a Church Administrator. We are a 150 member affirming congregation with a specific outreach to the LGBT community. We are looking for an individual with the drive and motivation to facilitate, supervise and provide leadership for the day-to-day operations of the church. This individual will assume administrative responsibilities for the church, including data maintenance and basic bookkeeping functions, as well as provide support and assistance to the Senior Pastor and Board of Directors with community outreach and communications. Appropriate candidates will have prior experience in an administrative field, preferably in a church setting. Candidates should also have prior experience managing, motivating and leading other team members. This is a full-time exempt position, and the individual should specifically be available for work on Sundays. A complete job description is available upon request. Interested candidates should make inquiries and submit a resume (including salary expectations and references) to spiritofhopemcckc@yahoo.com.
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Conference Deacons
 The Conference Deacon program has been in place since September 2011.
The purpose of the Conference Deacon Program is to recruit and commission more than 60 individuals-both lay people and clergy (retired and clergy who are not currently serving in parish positions)-to visit the congregations of the Conference on behalf of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Our goal is to have the deacons' visit each church assigned in our Conference 2 times a year in order to:
- bring greetings on behalf of the Conference
- offer a word of thanks for OCWM participation
- encourage giving to OCWM and the special offerings of the UCC
- most importantly, build relationships and strengthen the connection between the local and wider church.
This was an ambitious undertaking. Currently we have recruited approximately 35 deacons. Based on the success of this program and the requests from churches not currently assigned a deacon, we hope you will prayerfully consider the importance of this connection between the local and wider church and consider volunteering. If interested, please contact Joyce Bathke by phone at 314-409-2929 or email joyce.bathke@redcross.org .
Click here to visit the Conference website and read the full Conference Deacon program description.
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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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