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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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Get Ready for the
2013 Conference Annual Gathering
Print your registration form and mail a check to the Conference office or pay online. No matter how you pay - check by mail or online - be sure to complete your registration form and mail it to the Conference office.
2. Pay for your registration!
You have three options to pay. Mail your registration form and a check or credit card form to the Conference office - 483 E. Lockwood, Ste. 15, 3. Make plans to bring your own
Conference Annual Gathering materials!
In the past attendees have received a packet of information (reports, budget info, Drury info, etc) upon arriving at the Conference Annual Gathering. This year all of the information is available on the Conference website.
It is your responsibility to visit the website and do one of the following:
1. Save the materials to your laptop and
bring the laptop with you to the event.
2. Bring your laptop to the event and access the materials
online using Drury's free wi-fi. (password will be provided later)
3. Download and print the materials and bring them with you to the event.
New information is being added weekly;
please check back frequently.
Looking forward to seeing all of you at the Conference Annual Gathering, June 7-9 at Drury University!!
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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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From the Heritage File 
For centuries churches have kept records of baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and deaths in a church record book. Record books may not get a lot of attention in these days of digital media. Click here to read a Springfield News-Leader article about the experience of St. Johns UCC, Springfield, whose record book was stolen in a burglary.
Do you know where your church record book is? Is it kept in a safe place? Safety includes being stored in secure, climate-controlled, fireproof place. Do you have a digital scan of your book for backup? If you are keeping your records digitally, do you have a hard copy as well in case of digital media failure or accidental deletions? These are all questions that you should ask about your church's record book. Sometimes we just don't know what we've got until it's gone.
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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
22. What is the duration of the contractual commitment to the project?
199 years.
23. What are the risks related to participating in the Climate Action Reserve program?
The law requires a forest owner to accept risk for reduction (reversal) in the CRTs produced by their forest. There are two types of reversals -- "unavoidable reversal" and "avoidable reversal". An unavoidable reversal is a reduction of the CRTs caused by a natural disaster. An avoidable reversal is a reduction of the CRTs caused by a forest owner's negligence, gross negligence, or willful intent, including harvesting, development, and harm to the area within the offset project boundary.
24. What kinds of projects are eligible for registration?
Currently, the Reserve accepts the following project types:
- Coal mine methane capture and destruction
- Forest (reforestation, avoided conversion, improved forest management)
- Landfill gas collection and destruction (U.S. and Mexico)
- Livestock manure management gas capture and destruction (U.S. and Mexico)
- Nitrogen management
- Nitrous oxide abatement at nitric acid plants
- Organic waste composting
- Organic waste digestion (including co-digestion)
- Ozone depleting substances destruction
- Rice cultivation
- Urban forest
25. How many Climate Reserve Tonnes (CRTs) are issued per ton of carbon reduction?
One CRT is equal to one metric ton (tonne) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emission reductions.
26. How do you sell CRTs once they are in your account?
All sales happen over-the-counter between buyers and sellers. Sale transactions for the Conference's account will be monitored by Finite Carbon.
27. Can CRTs generated inside California be traded outside California (e.g. as an offset for a project in a different state)?
For voluntary transactions, the answer is yes. If the question is whether CRTs may be recognized for regulatory compliance in another state, that will depend on whether the other state allows and/or recognizes CRTs as offsets in their program. Under California's cap-and-trade program, offsets may be used to meet a portion of an entity's compliance obligations, and offset projects under the four approved compliance protocols may be located outside of California. In addition, Pennsylvania has named the Reserve as a recommended source of offsets for businesses operating in the state.
28. What is the lifespan of a CRT? Do they expire?
CRTs do not expire - they represent a permanent reduction or removal of GHG emissions from the atmosphere. They can be retired, however, meaning that those CRTs cannot be traded again.
29. Who is allowed to register a project?
In order to register a project with the Reserve, you must have a project developer account. Any person or organization may obtain a project developer account regardless of location or affiliation. There is a $500 annual account maintenance fee for project developers.
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Photos of the Week!
Inner Jazz: An Interfaith Meditation was held May 12 at Kirkwood UCC. The B-V-D Trio is Dave Troncoso, bass; Tom Rickard, vibraphone; and Brian May, drums. Inner Jazz is led by Rev. Cliff Aerie and Rev. Betsy Happel.
The Parkway UCC Orchestra played during the Mother's Day Breakfast.
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Women's Retreat  a Success!
Around 100 women attend the Women's Retreat May 3-5 at Camp MoVal. As many know, it was pouring down rain and storming when the women began arriving Friday night. Our guest speaker's flight was delayed and would not get into St. Louis until around midnight. We put her up in a hotel for the night and anxiously awaited her arrival Saturday morning . However, these unfortunate circumstances did not dampen the spirits of those attending.
The theme was "Meet Me At the Well and Water Our Souls and the weekend certainly lived up to the theme. Comments from many attending said DaVita McAllister was well worth the wait. She kept us engaged with Christian comedy and also soulful journeys. We all took a walk to the well, and not alone. In addition a variety of workshops and Bible studies were offered. A climax to Saturday evening was a wonderful concert by Susan and Julie. All worshipped together on Sunday morning and headed home refreshed and encouraged.
If you have not attended in the past, we encourage you to consider attending next year. It can be life changing.
Click here to view photos from the weekend. If you attended the event and took photos, please send them to Julie@mmsucc.org and we will include them in the online photo gallery.
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Upcoming Golf Fundraiser for MoVal
Save the Date!
Camp MoVal Golf Tournament
Saturday, August 31st
1:30 Shotgun Start
The Landings at Spirit Golf Course
Golf and dinner - $100
Dinner ($20) Golf Ball Drop Raffle
For more information contact Adam Rustige
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Men's Retreat Photos
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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.
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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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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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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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Upcoming Events
(Please see the latest issue of eHappenings for church events)
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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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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
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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.
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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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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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