|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 Conference Annual Gathering
Registration is Now Online
|
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.
|
2013 MMSUCC Directory
 The 2013 Missouri Mid-South Conference directory will soon be arriving in your mailbox! A directory will be mailed to each church, authorized minister, conference council member and each person serving on an association committee. I will once again ask for extra directories which can be purchased at $2.00 per book to cover our envelope/mailing cost. If you live in the area and wish to stop by the conference office to pick up a directory, there is no charge. But we will only have a certain amount available, so please email your request to Renee at renee@mmsucc.org within the next few weeks. Thank you.
|
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
14. What is Verification?
The verification process is performed by a California accredited verification entity. Which, in addition to determining the composition of the forest, also initiates a protocol for future monitoring and record keeping?
15. What happens if the forest is destroyed by fire or other natural disaster?
As offsets are issued to a forest owner, a percentage is placed into a mandatory buffer pool. If a forest suffers a natural disaster, such as fire or disease, offsets previously sold are replaced by the buffer pool. .
16. What happens if the landowner wants to voluntarily terminate the project?
The landowner may terminate the project at any time but would be required to replace the offsets that were issues. Offsets are replaced at a ratio determined by the length of time the project has been in effect. Initially CRTs must be replaced with 1.4 CRTs to every 1.0 CRT lost. The replacement formula reduces over time to a ratio of 1.0 to 1.0.
17. Who buys carbon offsets?
Many entities which emit CO2 are already purchasing carbon offsets (CRTs) in anticipation of future legislation which will mandate cap-and-trade systems. In addition, some corporations in the United States are purchasing offsets as part of their corporate social responsibility ("CSR") programs and "green" marketing.
18. What is the process to qualify a carbon offset project?
Complete a carbon inventory of the forest
Select appropriate registry/protocol (e.g., CAR)
Translate inventory into carbon model and management plan
Prepare and submit project plan to chosen carbon registry
Once plan is accepted and registered, hire third-party project verifier
Submit project verification to registry and receive allocation of carbon offsets
Market and sell carbon offsets in a selected broker's proprietary network
Perform ongoing monitoring and verification, as well as periodic re-inventory of the forest.
19. How large is the market for carbon offsets? How large is it expected to be?
The current voluntary market, including pre-compliance buyers, is already worth more than $300 million per year and is expected to experience significant growth during the next several decades. The California Air Resources Board is expected to need 230 million offsets between 2012 and 2020. Bloomberg, Barclays and Reuters all estimate that the value of a California Carbon Offset (CCO) will average approximately $30/CCO during this same period.
20. Which program of MMSC is the focus of the carbon offset activity?
The 4,000 acre forest at Shannondale is the impetus for exploring the Conference's participation in a carbon sequestration project.
21. What is the potential value of participating in the Climate Action Reserve program?
The current value of the initial issuance of "historic credits "is estimated to be $700,000 or more. In addition, the ongoing value of annually issued credits is estimated to be $20,000 per year, which is in addition to the current logging income which ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. These amounts will vary depending upon the market value of CRTs at the time of their sale.
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.
|
Photo of the Week!
The Rev. Nichole Torbitzky was installed as Pastor and Teacher at Hope UCC in DeSoto, Missouri on a rainy Sunday May 5, 2013. The Rev. Dr. Marc A. Wessels, Associate Conference Minister and Ms. Karen Miller, Co-Chair of the St Louis Association Committee on Ministry officiated at the service. The Rev. Cindy Bumb preached a prophetic sermon.
|
Men's Retreat Photos
|
Can You Help?
Peac e UCC would like to borrow a 16-foot metal ramp. If you have one, please contact Rev. Bob Molsberry at 314-968-1727.
|
News From Chicago, United, Eden Seminaries
Barbara A. Holmes Inaugurated as President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
In a colorful, musical and celebratory ceremony on April 12, Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Holmes was inaugurated as the eighth president of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Dr. Holmes joined the United community in July 2012 from Memphis Theological Seminary.
Clad in a specially designed purple and stripe robe, Dr. Holmes was preceded down the aisle of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis by academic and ecclesiastic delegates from around the country, seminary faculty and staff, and a processional "mace" sculpted in bronze and metal by United alum Doug Abbott. Amidst Pentecostal, gospel and praise house music, the Old Testament reading was delivered by Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. of Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, followed by the inaugural address "Is There a Prophet in the City?" by Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems, vice president and academic dean at American Baptist College, Nashville. Many other special guests from the local area and around the country were in attendance to officially welcome United's first African American president.
|
National Church Leadership Institute
August 6-9, 2013
Pre-Conference Intensives, August 6
Atlanta, GA
Mark your calendars and start making plans to spend three inspired days with leaders who are reshaping what it means to be church. Prophetic Renewal is the theme for the annual National Church Leadership Institute (NCLI). You will hear from over a dozen leading experts on everything from building a dynamic, volunteer youth ministry to running the "business" of church. Bring a team from your church to take full advantage of the full experience of:
Innovative presentations - Practical workshops - Engaging conversations - Fun, after-hours events - Sustainable connections
During these three days, you will have access to the brightest practitioners and creative experts of our age who are changing the Church as we know it. NCLI will equip you how to birth new churches, innovate your ministry and how to make an impact in your community. If you are entrepreneurial and want to be part of shaping the emerging church, this conference is for you.
Click here for more information.
|
Zion United Church of Christ to Host Gay Pride Festival
Zion United Church of Christ will serve as the host site for the first ever Pride Festival to be held in St. Joseph, Missouri. The event is June 8th and will feature a sidewalk parade through the downtown area, local musicians, food, community vendors and information booths during the day-long celebration. The parade will begin the festival at 11am, with activities concluding at Zion with an evening drag show in the Fellowship Hall. Zion is an "Open and Affirming" member of the United Church of Christ.
"While Pride Festivals have been held in many cities for many years now, this may be the first time one has been staged at the inspiration, coordination and hosted by a church", said Donna Ross, Zion's pastor. St. Joe Pride is the work of the Gay-Straight Christian Fellowship (GCF), comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied peoples from many different denominations, which is an outreach mission of Zion. "Open and Affirming" means we welcome all sexual orientations and gender identities into the full life and ministry of our congregation", said Pastor Ross. "Hosting this historic event in St. Joseph is a natural and appropriate extension of our inclusive congregation", she said.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy St. Joe Pride. "This is not a religious event. The day is to bring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, friends, families and allies, together in community and celebration", Pastor Ross said. All Pride activities are free. For up-to-date information, visit the website: http://www.stjoepride.com
|
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.
|
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!
|
 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
|
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
|
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!
|
Upcoming Events
(Please see the latest issue of eHappenings for church events)
| |
|
Upcoming Events At a Glance...
(scroll down for detailed event info)
May 21 Appreciation Breakfast
September 16-18 Persons In Ministry Retreat
|
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
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Conference Minister Preaching
|
|
|
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
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
|
|
Contact Us |
Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ 314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884 |
|
|
|
|
