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Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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2013 Conference Annual Gathering
Registration is Now Online
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Bombing in Boston:
Once again an act of senseless violence has shocked and saddened our nation reminding us once again how vulnerable life is. In the wake of the bombing in Boston there are families grieving the loss of loved ones, others praying for healing for those who have been injured and deep lamentation as question "WHY?" is raised to the heavens. There will be renewed calls for greater spending for national security and prayer vigils in communities of faith around the nation. The Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis is holding an interfaith prayer service on April 16 at Dar Al Islam Masjid in Ballwin. As we grieve and try to make sense of the latest random act of violence may we remember who we are as disciples of Jesus and take care that we do not become the evil that we deplore. In the coming days I invite you to join me in praying for:
- For those who lost their lives and those who were wounded and their families.
- For the staff of the Massachusetts Conference and pastors and leaders of our congregations in Boston as they work to provide comfort and support to the victims of the bombing.
- For the first responders who came to the aid of those wounded in the blast and the doctors and nurses caring for them now.
Rev. Jeffrey Whitman
Conference Minister
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Rev. Dr. Marc Wessels
It is with both joy and regret that I share the news that the Rev. Dr. Marc Wessels has been recommended as the candidate for the position of Conference Minister of the South Dakota Conference. Mark will be formally introduced and stand for election as the new South Dakota Conference Minister as part of their annual meeting in June. After his election in South Dakota we will provide additional information about the ending of Marc's ministry in Missouri Mid-South later this summer and plans to celebrate his ministry with us.
Please join me in extending congratulations and prayers thanks and blessing with Marc as he prepares to leave us and begin his new ministry in South Dakota.
Rev. Jeffrey Whitman
Conference Minister
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Housing Request
In January the news was shared that the Conference Council of the Missouri Mid-South Conference granted the request of our Conference Minister Jeffrey Whitman for a four month Sabbatical beginning in September. As part of our preparation for the Sabbatical time the Conference Council agreed to hire the Rev. Dr. Jack Seville as the part time sabbatical replacement Conference Minister during Jeff's sabbatical. Dr. Seville served as the interim Associate Conference Minister from September 2008 - July 2010 and is looking forward to returning to Missouri Mid-South this fall.
We are working with Dr. Seville to secure housing from September 15-December 15 while he is serving among us. If you know of anyone in the St. Louis area who is traveling south for the winter and would be willing to allow Jack and Fanny to house sit for them this fall please contact Rev. Whitman at the conference office. Jeff@mmsucc.org or 314-918-2604. Thank you for your support as work with the Sevilles to secure housing this fall.
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Mission 4/1 Earth Kickoff - "A Great Success"
and "Wonderful Opportunity"
Dozens of people from throughout the Missouri Mid-South Conference (MMSC) came to Shannondale Community Center in the southeastern part of the state to mark the commencement of the UCC national endeavor focusing on environmental justice and stewardship: Mission 4/1 Earth (M4/1E).
The Conference Council of the MMSC demonstrated their commitment to the goals of M4/1E by choosing to hold their overnight meeting at Shannondale. For many this was their first opportunity to visit the tree farm and enjoy the natural beauty. Shannondale has been a mission of the UCC and its predecessor denomination since the 1930's.
Many members of the MMSC have not yet visited the site to experience outdoor ministry, to participate in a retreat, to worship in the wonderful church, or to revel in the beauty of the night sky. Others who came to the event had been there previously and were delighted to see the great changes which have been taking place there under the leadership of Pastor Jeff Fulk, the minister of the community and the manager of the certified tree forest.
The event had many highlights and included special activities and educational opportunities. Attendees had the chance to learn about the biblical mandate to care for creation, tour the area and do clean-up of the forest, were treated to bluegrass music and share around a campfire. Displays included the participation of Thomas E. Haines, District Ranger of the United States Forest Service and children's activities by Pastor Tara Tetzlaff. Dr Marc A. Wessels' display on the effects of light pollution and the call for the church to participate in a Dark Sky campaign in order to decrease unnecessary and ineffective outdoor lighting garnered much attention. Ms. Jeanne Clauson from St John's UCC Manchester provided great resources for participants to take home to their congregations including information from the newly formed Interfaith Power & Light organization whose focus is on our religious response to climate change. Lorin Cope and Rev. Tom Ressler resourced a temporary bookstore with resources including The Green Bible and other theological studies related to "greening" the church Trees were distributed with a liturgy for planting them. Worship leaders included Rev. James Hogue and Rayla Hogue, a Member-in Discernment with the St Louis Association. Our Conference Minister, Jeffrey Whitman preached the Word at the worship service on Sunday morning at the conclusion of the event.
Click here to view additional photos from the weekend.
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White Oak Trees Available
One of the highlights of Mission 4/1 Earth at the Shannondale Kickoff last weekend, was the gift of a native Missouri tree for every congregation. About a dozen trees, native oak, are still available and can be picked up from the Conference office during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am- 4:30pm. Because there is a limited supply, please call before coming to be sure trees are still available. 314-962-8740
 A Mission 4/1 Earth themed Tree Planting Liturgy will be available along with each tree. Click here for the suggested liturgy.
The trees are saplings and will be easy to transport. Planting instructions will also be available.
Native Missouri Trees may be purchased from the Missouri Department of Conservation Tree Farm at Licking through the George O White Nursery; Missouri Department of Conservation; P. O. Box 119; Licking, MO 65542; 573.674.3229; Fax: 573.674.4047.
The seedling catalog may be viewed online at
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In The News!
Shared from the National UCC Email Newsletter
A Rusty Pickup Truck Teaches Missouri Youth to Think About Trash
Written by Emily Schappacher
April 15, 2013
 What began as the annual stream cleanup day in St. Peters, Mo., resulted in a surprising discovery and a very visual environmental lesson for a group from Grace United Church of Christ. After a few hours of picking up paper, bottles, plastic bags and other typical trash along the banks and waterways of the Meramec River, the church crew came across debris it didn't expect to find - a 1950s-era pickup truck, surprisingly intact after being submerged underwater and exposed to the elements for what could be 60 years or more.
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Synod Guests and Visitors Invited to MMSC Synod Dinner July 2, 2013
 If you will be attending the General Synod as guest or visitor, or know someone who has a relationship with the MMSC and wants to catch up with old and new friends, make plans now to share in the MMSC Synod dinner on Tuesday July 2nd at the Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Long Beach, California.
The meal will consist of an appetizer, salad, and choice of entrée selections including Steak and Fries, their famous Brew House Chicken, and delicious Blackened Shrimp Mac 'n Cheese and dessert. Unlimited coffee, tea and fountain sodas are included. The cost is $35.00 and includes tax & gratuity. Reservations must be confirmed and paid for by June 1, 2013. Please make checks payable to Missouri Mid-South UCC and send to the attention of Dr Marc A. Wessels, Associate Conference Minister at the Conference office.
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 Metal Folding Chairs For Sale
Mount Tabor UCC has 250 Samsonite metal folding chairs for sale for $2.00 each.
Please contact Susan, Monday thru Friday, 9am-3pm at 314-645-9025.
The chairs are at the church at 6520 Arsenal St. St. Louis, MO
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Blessing of the Scarves Celebration to be Held
June 2 at Trinity UCC, St Louis
 So, have you found your knitting needles? Located your crochet hook or looked up instructions on how to "finger knit" on your computer? Folks at Trinity UCC in Affton have been busy making scarves to send to General Synod this summer. So far this small congregation has well over 50 scarves collected and more are coming in. They are all colors and types. A few are STL Cardinal fleece scarves! We can't help it; we are Cardinal fans here at Trinity.
These scarves will be shared with those attending Synod who are willing to take a stand against bullying and violence. It works like this: Take a stand; get a scarf. Ask someone to take a stand; give them a scarf and go get a new one. The goal is to have 3,000 scarves to begin with and give them all away by the end of the gathering.
June 2 at 3:00pm you are invited to join with others from the Conference at Trinty UCC( 5200 Hilda Avenue St Louis, MO 63123) for a Blessing of the Scarves and Delegates! Pastor Jan Barnes and Associate Conference Minister Dr. Marc A. Wessels will be leading the event. Please bring your scarves and those who have worked to make them for a time of blessing and celebration. Following worship there will be a simple reception in honor of Trinity's 120th Anniversary. All are welcome to stay for a time of fellowship.
"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself."
---Firestone
For further information: 314.352.6645
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Conference Council Minutes Available Online
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Photo of the Week
Confirmation Class of 2013 from St. Peter's UCC in Owensville, MO.
Front Row Left to Right: Morgan Maciejewski and Allison Walker Second Row Left to Right: Jordan Vincent, Zane West-Derby, and Landry Williams Back Row Left to Right: Pastor Christopher Ross and Roxanne Bade
Photo taken and used with permission from Positive Image Photography Letha Ellis-Owner.
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You Are Invited - Installation of Pastor Nicole Torbitzky
Hope United Church of Christ of De Soto, Missouri and the St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ invite you to a worship service for the installation of Nicole Torbitzky as Pastor.
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 3PM
Hope United Church of Christ
100 South 3rd Street
DeSoto, MO 63020
636-586-2394
All clergy are asked to arrive by 2:30 to assemble for the processional and are invited to robe and/or wear red. A reception will follow the service.
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From The Heritage File
A few weeks ago you were introduced to the Conference Heritage Committee and the work they do in preserving the rich history of the Conference churches and community. In an effort to share this preservation with the Conference family, we will be featuring articles and stories submitted by members of the Committee. We hope you enjoy this feature.
The Rev. Dr. Harold H. Wilke
The Rev. Dr. Harold H. Wilke was an armless United Church of Christ minister and a renowned professor, author, lecturer and organizer. His advocacy for people with disabilities helped set the stage for a movement that ultimately won basic protections for them in areas ranging from employment to transportation.
The Rev. Dr. Harold Wilke was born and raised in Washington, Missouri, to the parents of F. William and Ida Rueter Wilke. He found ways to deal with discrimination from an early age. He was barred from his local elementary school and walked several miles each day to a private school. Wilke graduated from Washington High School in 1933 and the University of Missouri in 1937. He was educated at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis and Union Theological Seminary in New York where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1939. Wilke also attended Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts and earned a Doctorate from the University of Chicago in 1952.
Although the hierarchy of the Evangelical and Reformed Church (predecessor of United Church of Christ) discouraged him from becoming a minister, he was ordained in 1939; but only after demonstrating that he could conduct the rites of the church as well as a person without disabilities.
The Rev. Wilke worked as a college and hospital chaplain before receiving an assignment to a parish in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he served for several years. He later was head of chaplain services for the United Church of Christ. During the early years of his ministry, Wilke ordained the first woman in his denomination.
During World War II, Wilke was civilian chief of Protestant chaplain services, a role he would repeat in an advisory capacity during the Korean and Vietnam wars. After World War II, he began to counsel disabled veterans and their families, and eventually wrote four books on coping with disabilities in daily life.
In 1975, Wilke founded the Healing Community Project to help places of worship alter their attitudes and architecture to better include the disabled. He also was a founding director of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and was instrumental in establishing its Religion and Disability Program. He was also a member of the U.S. Council for the Year of Disabled Persons and a Board Member of both NOD and its international arm, the World Committee on Disability.
Dr. Wilke was noted for his unique role delivering the invocation at the White House signing of the American with Disabilites Act on July 26, 1990. Following the signing, President George H. W. Bush passed the signing pen to Rev. Wilke, who accepted it with his foot.
Dr Wilke retired in 1989. He was a resident of Claremont, California and died of heart failure February 25, 2003. He was survived by his wife, Margaret, five sons and eight grandchildren.
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Western Association Annual Business Meeting, April 20
The Western Association Annual Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, April 20, from 10am to 3pm at Ivanhoe United Church of Christ, 6512 Woodson Road, in Raytown, Missouri. The featured speaker for the day will be the Rev. Dr. John H. Thomas, former General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Dr. Thomas will speak and preach on building covenant relationships, and we will receive a new church, Peace Christian Church UCC/DOC into membership in the Western Association. More information will be forthcoming, but please place that Saturday date on your calendars and we look forward to seeing you in Raytown.
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Eastern Association Annual Spring Meeting, April 28
The spring Eastern Association meeting will be April 28, 2pm-5pm at St. Peters UCC, Owensville. The main emphasis will be about justice and our part in bringing God's kingdom to earth. If you would like to set up a display table contact Rev. Christopher Ross at 573-437-2779 (church phone)
or rev.fatmoses@gmail.com.
Click here for a flyer and more information.
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St. Louis Association Annual Spring Gathering, May 2
The St. Louis Association Spring Gathering will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 5:15-9pm at St. Lucas United Church of Chris. Please click here for registration and additional meeting information.
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Upcoming Events
(Please see the latest issue of eHappenings for church events)
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Upcoming Events At a Glance...
(scroll down for detailed event info)
April 23 Climate Reality Presentation
April 26-27 LIFE Retreat at Eden Seminary
May 3-5 Women's Retreat at Camp MoVal
May 3-5 Men's Retreat at Shannondale
May 5 Shannondale Sunday
May 6-10 Mediation Skills Training Institute
May 21 Appreciation Breakfast
September 16-18 Persons In Ministry Retreat
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April 23
Climate Reality Presentation and Panel Discussion
St. Johns United Church of Christ
15370 Olive Blvd.
Chesterfield, MO 63017
636-532-0540
www.stjohnsuccchesterfield.org
Join us at 7pm for a free informative evening at St John's with Dr. Lucas Sabalka, Brian Ettling, and Larry Lazar They will be discussing *"THE REALITY OF HUMAN INDUCED CLIMATE CHANGE"
Dr. Lucas Sabalka is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and
Computer Science at St. Louis University.
Brian Ettling is a park ranger at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.
Larry Lazar is an analyst at a global consumer products company.
This event will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Refreshments served.
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April 26-27
LIFE Retreat at Eden Theological Seminary
 Supplement your Mission 4/1 Earth campaign with a LIFE Retreat at Eden Theological Seminary. The April 26-27 LIFE Retreat offerings begin with CREATION, in the Beginning with "Reading and Understanding Scripture: OT. Offered by Eden's new OT Professor Rev. Dr. Laurel Koeph Taylor. This will open your eyes to Creation and the OT witness in a new way! Join US!!! The second offering, "Caring for Creation: Eco-Justice" by Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer is the 21st Century perspective on caring for creation. Don't MISS IT!!!
Tuition: $130.00/$140.00 with housing, 3 meals, worship, fellowship and inspiration from top scholars in their fields of study- PRICELESS!
Registration and more information Eden.edu or jill.schantz@Eden.edu
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May 5 Shannondale Sunday Mark your calendars! More details coming soon! 
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May 3-5
Men's Retreat at Shannondale
Join other men from the Conference for a weekend filled with:
1) Spiritual growth
2) Fellowship
3) Recreation & Fun
4) Great eating
5) Service to the Shannondale community
6) Opportunity to recharge
Click here for the event flyer with additional details.
COST: $60 per person - Includes Lodging & Food
LODGING:
Dormitory-style air-conditioned bedrooms. Please bring your own bedding & pillow. Camp sites & camp sites with electrical hook ups are available.
MEALS:
Meals will be family style at Timber Lodge.
WORK PROJECTS:
Work projects will depend on the number of men & the skills of the men attending. Please let Jonathan know what specific skills you can provide.
Contact Jonathan Jones at (314) 608-0783 or jonathan@jonathanjonesconsulting.com.
$20 deposit is requested by April 21st.
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May 3-5
Women's Retreat
Meet Me at the Well and Water Our Souls 
The full weekend fee is $100. Space is limited to 120 (no pets please). You must be 18 years of age to attend. Registration opens 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3 No early arrivals, please. Retreat ends Sunday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m.
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May 6-10
Mediation Skills Training Institute
First English Lutheran Church
1015 East Main Street
Columbus, Ohio
This event provides 32 hours of training, which is useful for clergy looking for continuing education opportunities along with honing your mediation skills.
The pre-registration deadline for the Mediation Skills Training Institute, scheduled for May 6-10, 2013, has been extended to Friday, April 19, 2013. Register before April 19 and save $100.
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May 21
Pastor or Faith Based Leader
Parish Nurse Appreciation Breakfast
Free Breakfast 8:00 am to 9:30 am
Resource Fair 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Schroer Commons-Breakfast
Chapel-SD Press Building Resource Fair
Come for free Breakfast from 8 am to 9:30am. Visit a variety of community resources from 9 am to noon.
RSVP by May 14th, 2013 to Rev. Donna Pupillo at 918-2596 or dsmith-pupillo@eden.edu
Sponsored by Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries
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September 16-18
2013 Persons In Ministry Retreat
 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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Upcoming Conference Minister Preaching
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Nursery Caregiver - St. Johns Evangelical United Church of Christ, St. Louis, MO
(posted 4/10/13)
Applications are being accepted for a Nursery Caregiver. This is a paid position. This person will be responsible for the care of children in the Nursery during both services on Sundays (9am and 10:30am), with help from volunteers and other paid staff. If you are interested in applying for the position, please send a letter of application, including references, via email to contact@stjucc.org, or call the church office at 892-0848 by April 22.
St. Johns is located in South County at I-55 and Lindbergh.
Our address is 11333 St. Johns Church Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63123
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Camp MoVal Opportunities (posted 3/27/13)
Camp Moval is still in need of three or four program staff for this year's summer camp season. To qualify you must have graduated high school, have a passion for the outdoors, working with children and serving in a ministry of hospitality. Camp staff will have one day off per week, be provided room and board and a salary for the eleven weeks of our summer camp program. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Jeremy Force, Outdoor Ministries Director at Jeremy.moval@mmsucc.org or call 636-583-2730.
Camp MoVal is also seeking a part-time assistant to work with myself, the Outdoor Ministries Director at the Camp MoVal site. This individual will work directly with the Outdoor Ministries Director and will have responsibilities for camp and retreat registrations, handling of guest services, working in the office at MoVal and being an integral part of our ministry team. If interested, please email a resume and cover letter to Jeremy.moval@mmsucc.org. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to be in contact with the Outdoor Ministries Director.
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Nurses Needed (posted 1/23/13)
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.
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Conference Deacons
(posted 1/16/13)
 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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