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Wednesday, April 24, 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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In The News...
Shared from the latest KYP enewsletter from UCC National.
Click article title to read more...
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5 Minute Mission 4/1 Earth Project
The Missouri Botanical Garden has sent out an online survey to determine the community's interest in building and maintaining a new sustainable living demonstration home at the MO Botanical Garden. To view and complete this quick 5 question survey, please click here. |
Shannondale Needs Your Help
On April 14, Conference members and friends gathered at Shannondale to celebrate the kickoff of Mission 4/1 Earth. Many enjoyed meals and accommodations within Timber Lodge, the main building at Shannondale. Years of weather and wear have ruined the roof of the lodge and a recent assessment has projected that necessary repairs will cost $10,000. If any individuals, groups or congregations are willing to contribute to this need, please direct gifts to the Conference office, designated "Timber Lodge roof replacement". 
Thank you for your prayers and support as we work together to maintain the historic ministry of Shannondale.
* Due to this recent need, Shannondale Sunday will be delayed until July 14. Promotional materials will be sent at a later date.
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Shannondale's Carbon Credit Program
 For the past three years the MMS Conference Council has been in conversation about entering the Shannondale Tree Farm in the Carbon Credit program. What is a Carbon Credit? How are they allotted? What impact will this have on our ministry at Shannondale? Sean Carny, president of Finite Carbon, has been invited to be with us at this year's Conference Annual Gathering to provide a presentation and answer questions about the proposed Carbon Credit program at Shannondale Tree Farm. There will be a one hour Carbon Credit workshop on Friday beginning at 3:30pm prior to the start of the Annual Gathering, a Saturday morning workshop lead by Mr. Carney, and a presentation on Saturday afternoon. In preparation for our conversations about the Carbon Credit Program we will be sharing a series of Frequently Asked Questions in the next several issues of the e-courier leading up to the Conference Annual Gathering. The entire list of FAQ is posted here on the conference website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Credit Programs
Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC
Revision Date 4/24/2013
1. Why and when did the German Evangelical Church (GEC) get interested in a ministry to Shannon County, Missouri?
Following WWI the Office of Homeland Ministries of the German Evangelical Church noted the struggling conditions in southern Missouri. The homesteads in the region were habituated by women and grandparents, and the logging methods had left behind a weakened economy. In 1929 the Shannondale property was purchased from a logging company for $5 per acre and Reverend Vincent Bucher became the first Pastor/Manager of Shannondale Community Center... The mission of the GEC was to educate the people of Missouri on ways to use the forest land for income. In 1930 the State of Missouri Conservation Service initiated strong interest in stewardship of the land in the region by setting up ten tree farms. Shannondale remains as the only one of these most likely due to the development of a viable stewardship plan.
Under Rev. Bucher's leadership Shannondale led the community in stewardship practices and sustainable use of the land. He "kept one step ahead". Key endeavors/teaching projects were stewardship of oak and pine tree forests, raising/growing goats, livestock, chickens, strawberries and cucumbers. Research was done to find better ways to harvest which led to single tree cutting and division of the Shannondale tree farm into twenty 200-acre plots, which to this day are managed under a 20-year rotation program comprising maintenance, harvesting, and planting.
The simultaneous stewardship interests of the State of Missouri Office of Conservation in the region alongside the German Evangelical Church birthed and built the stewardship ministry at Shannondale.
2. What prompted Shannondale Community Center and Missouri Mid-South to begin exploration of the carbon credit programs offered under the Cap and Trade programs?
Jeff Fulk, current Pastor/Manager of Shannondale Community Center became interested in the carbon credit program in 2010. This is viewed as a means to enable SCC to become financially secure and thus continue the mission of serving, educating, and enhancing the lives and economic conditions of Shannon County residents.
3. Why is the Missouri Conference exploring participation in the Climate Action Reserve?
The potential income from carbon credits by participating in the Climate Action Reserve is viewed as the means to make SCC financial secure within 5 years. This source of income is anticipated to add $20K to the annual revenue of the Shannondale ministry.
4. What MMSC legal entity is related to the Climate Action Reserve?
Shannondale Carbon, LLC is a Missouri Limited Liability Company which was established in 2010 for participation in the Climate Action Reserve. The Board of Trustees for Shannondale, LLC is the Executive Committee of the Missouri Mid-South Conference.
5. What was the result of the verification of the forest at Shannondale?
The re-verification of the forest at Shannondale was undertaken by Finite Carbon in 2012 and determined that the project was viable. .
6. What is a carbon offset?
A carbon offset is a tradable commodity defined as the capture or "sequestration" of one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the Earth's atmosphere over the life of the project.
Next week we'll share a few more of the FAQ regarding the Carbon Credit program. To read ahead and see all of the FAQ, click here.
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 Red Cross Phone App
You may already have this app on your phone but if not please consider adding it. On the link below you will find information about the Red Cross apps available including first aid. The regional and perhaps helpful apps are the tornado, hurricane, wildfire, and shelter locator - specific to where you live.
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps
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Camp MoVal News
Camp MoVal Open House
Come join us on Sunday, May 5 from 12-4pm at Camp MoVal. Whether you are a seasoned camper, a first timer, or just want to see what MoVal and Outdoor Ministry is about, here is your opportunity. There will be camp tours, hikes, opportunities to visit with the Director of Outdoor Ministries, refreshments and much more. We would like everyone to have the opportunity to visit Camp MoVal, please join us on May 5th. If you have any questions, please call the camp office at 636-583-2730.
Camp MoVal Early Bird Registration Deadline
Just in case time has gotten away from you, here is a gentle reminder that MoVal's early discount rate is about to expire. As of May 1st, you will no longer be able to get the great deal we are currently offering on our summer camp programs for the 2013 camp season. Please make sure you get your registration in the mail and post marked by May 1st to receive this special rate. If you miss the deadline, you have one more chance to get the discount, simply attend our open house on May 5th and I will honor the discounted rate. We cannot wait for camp to start! It is just a little over a month away! If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Force, Outdoor Ministries Director at Jeremy.moval@mmsucc.org or call 636-583-2730.
Camp MoVal Job Opportunities
Camp MoVal is still in need of two female 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.
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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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Youth at General Synod
We excitedly look forward to Youth at General Synod 29 in Long Beach this summer. We have some inspiring youth programming outlined in partnership with our national, conference and local settings.
You can learn all about the programming and outreach via www.ucc.org/youth . Just click on Youth at General Synod on the left hand column. Hope to see you there!
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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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 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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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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Follow Us on Facebook!!!
Get the latest news and information from around the Conference and connect with friends on our Facebook page - just click the link below!
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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 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 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 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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