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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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Notes from Davida
Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree
This past weekend I had the wonderful privilege of driving across Missouri and visiting Hope UCC in Cosby, just northeast of St. Joseph. The church building is not the largest building around; the barns are bigger, I think, but it rises like the landmark it is against the horizon, its steeple pointing to the heavens above the cornfields that surround it. What a remarkable church to discover - vital, loving, encompassing all the generations, proud of their heritage, gifted with talent! I was honored to be their guest preacher. And it was a gift to me to witness the mutual affection between church and longtime pastor, Rev. John Middleton.
On my way there, I stopped in Kansas City to visit Louise Wallace, a great "saint" of the UCC, member at Country Club Congregational UCC. Louise was a member of the national Executive Council from 1965 to 1971 and nominated me to serve on the council, then the youngest person ever to serve! Later we both served on the first Task Force on Women of the UCC and Louise was co-chair. It was through her leadership that the Antoinette Brown Award for women in ministry was established, and through her church that the pewter medallions for the award were funded. I hadn't seen her in a number of years and was delighted to be able to have a conversation with this amazing elder (96!) among us. I just love Louise, and don't know anyone who doesn't!
After preaching at Hope, I traveled to Kansas City again, and had an opportunity to visit with about 25 or 30 people who came out, even on Father's Day, to meet the Acting Conference Minister. Excellent conversations with terrific clergy and lay leaders!
So I am beginning to know you just a bit, and find my appreciation growing at every turn. I'm looking forward to more opportunities after General Synod, which begins next week.
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 Boundary Training Location Change
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Another Departure
This week we learned that Julie Simmons, who has served as our Communications Specialist for the past year, will be leaving us in early July to devote herself to her growing family. We are going to miss her competent work, her lovely smile and her can-do spirit! Plans are just beginning for next steps, so we do ask for your understanding if we aren't able to produce all the communications on exactly the same time schedule you are used to.
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Farewell to Rev. Dr. Marc Wessels
Please join us Sunday, July 28th from 5 to 7pm at Robller Vineyard. We will gather in the Pavilion at Robller Vineyard (275 Robller Vineyard Road, New Haven, MO) to honor Marc's Wessel's service among us and send him on his way.
Robller Vineyards is located in New Haven, MO.
We will miss his ministry among us but are happy for Marc and his family as they begin this new journey.
It is our hope that we will shower him with cards of well wishes and present him with a gift. If you are interested in contributing to his farewell gift, please send your contribution to the conference office with a notation "Marc's Farewell Gift".
Missouri Mid-South Conference
483 East Lockwood Ave. Suite 15
St. Louis, MO 63119
 Marc was unanimously chosen as the new conference minister for the South Dakota Conference on June 9 and his last day with us will be July 31.
Please come celebrate Marc and his service with the MMSUCC! Hope to see you there!
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Solidarity on the Road to General Synod
Hello, all!
I am very excited to be sharing some good news with my wider church family! As many of you know General Synod is taking place in Long Beach, CA beginning next Friday. I am thrilled to be going as a delegate of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, but I will also be wearing another hat, so to speak. That hat is my musical hat! I will be performing some of my music at a pre-Synod, intergenerational healing service on Thursday night, and at an Outdoor Ministries Association youth event on Friday night! I'm sure these will be great events, so for those of you who are attending Synod, please note them and look out for them when you are there.
Now, I have decided to try something new and different on the way out to Long Beach. I will be performing what I am naming Solidarity Shows. These are performances to and for the poor. In my experience, live music has a transcendent quality to it that has the potential to bind those in attendance together in community, if only for a moment, and elevate that community to a special place. Music is also a way for me to offer hope and solidarity to a community that needs it. Therefore, I am happy to announce that beginning June 20, I will begin this Solidarity Tour. I am presently booked to play in a homeless youth center, two food pantries, a church, and I am still waiting for confirmations for a few more places. I write you all today to ask for your prayers as I take this journey and seek more open doors for performance opportunities, but also to invite you to follow my journey! I will be writing a blog as I go, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. The links below will allow you to view those pages and keep track of me!
Lastly, those of you who attended our Conference Annual Gathering heard me perform a song called 'Dirt Road' about seeking God's voice and guidance, and understanding that even in darkness and uncertainty God is present in love, mercy, and grace. I got a great response to that song, so I have decided to record it and make it available as a free download! I am hoping this will happen within the next month, so please watch out for another announcement containing a link to that download in the future.
Thank you very much for your prayers and support!
Peace and Blessings,
Eric Moeller
www.strummalongs.com
www.strummalongs.tumblr.com
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Eden Bookstore Closed 6/9-7/8
 If you haven't already heard, the Eden bookstore will have a booth at this year's UCC General Synod in Long Beach, California! We are packing up our whole store, so we will be closed after today (Wednesday June 19) until about Monday, July 8. We appreciate your patience with us as we put the store back together when we return. Fall class books will arrive in the bookstore in late July/early August. If you have any other questions while we are closed, feel free to email me (hrice@eden.edu) and I will return your email when I can. If you're heading to Synod too, stop in and see us at the Eden bookstore booth! Blessings, Hannah Rice Hill Interim Director of the Eden Bookstore |
Festival of Sharing, October 19, 2013
 On October 19, churches from across the state will come together for the 2013 Festival of Sharing, Beyond Charity...Reaching Where Needed Most. It will take place at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. Through the years churches have made up packs that have helped mothers and new babies, women in shelters and prison, homeless individuals, children going into foster care and more. Money has gone to buy beans for the beans and rice that has become a staple in many of the food pantries. One of the main goals of the festival is to respond to world hunger, poverty and injustice and seek to raise awareness of the causes of hunger and poverty and address solutions. There have been challenges to the churches sent out this year. They can be found in the FOS Pack. If your church has not received its pack contact Terri Williams at 573-474-3332. The Work of our Hands booth has many beautiful hand made items each year that are often missed. Later this year you will be able to view photos and purchase items on line. All proceeds go to "Where Most Needed".
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Blood Brothers
How Our Children Become Killers
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You Are InvitedThe St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ and St. Philip's United Church of Christ Invite you to a service of worship marking the installation of the Rev. Lois Wilson as pastor and teacher Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 7:00 PM
St. Philip's United Church of Christ
10708 Lavinia Drive Saint Louis, Missouri 63123-6029 314-843-5100 Clergy are asked to arrive between 6:30 - 6:55 p.m. and are invited to robe with red stoles. A dessert reception is planned after the installation. There will be wonderful sweet food and fellowship to share! All are welcome.
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 Online Leadership Development Survey
Interested in being a leader within the Conference? Please take a moment to complete the online survey and tell us a little about yourself, your skills and how you would like to be involved. If you have interest in a specific committee or project, please let us know. By providing your input and information, you will have the opportunity to share your skills and expertise with the Conference community. The Conference office will maintain the database of information and may contact you for future projects that relate to your specific interests. Thank you for your participation.
Click here to complete the online survey.
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 Persons In Ministry RetreatBrochure Now Available |
FREE: 2 floor model copiers  Eden Seminary has two working floor model copiers to give away since they are no longer used: HP Laserjet 8550 ID #23256 and OCE IM3512 Serial #8020195. Please contact Bev Scanlon if you are interested at bscanlon@eden.edu or 314 918 2623. First come first served. Arrange for pick up weekdays between 8am and 1pm.
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Are You Looking For a Way to Serve?
Shannondale Community Center's Wobus Craft Center is looking for volunteers this summer. The craft center is an outlet for local crafters to sell their creations. This part of the Shannondale ministry is free to the crafters and totally run by volunteers. The volunteers open shop each day, collect money from customers and keep the hummingbird feeders filled. Lodging is supplied, but volunteers are on their own for meals. This opportunity is great for those who have a yearning to serve, but are looking for a less physical opportunity for service. We welcome help for a week or a weekend! If this sounds like the personal ministry for you, please call the Shannondale office at 573-858-3284. Thank you!
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Eastern Association Confirmation Retreat to Focus on Mission
Save the Date! Saturday, October 19, 2013 ~ 9a  m - 4pm Eastern Association will host a Confirmation Retreat. We will spend the day focusing on mission - both doing mission work and learning about mission. All EA confirmation groups invited. It will be held at Emmaus Homes in Marthasville. More information coming later in the summer.
Contact Donna Curdt 636-634-1150 or semopest@centurytel.net if you would like to help or have questions.
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Almost There...
Thanks to many generous supporters, we are just $2,000 away from reaching our $10,000 goal. Thank you for considering a donation to help us preserve Shannondale Timber Lodge.
Years of weather and wear have ruined the roof of the Shannondale Timber 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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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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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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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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Director of Music Ministry - St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL (posted 6/12/13)
St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, seeks Director of Music Ministry. Requirements include degree in Music or Music Education, or equivalent experience, with emphasis on church music, piano, organ, or choir conducting, and proficiency on a multi-rank pipe organ. Responsibilities include directing chancel choir, vocal ensembles,and hand bells. Expected time commitment is 25-30 hours per week. Compensation based on experience, with minimum salary of $26,000. Please send letter of application,resume, and references to: Music Search Committee, St. Paul United Church of Christ,115 West "B" St., Belleville, IL 62220. For a complete job description and information on the church's 1991 49-rank Schantz Pipe Organ, please visit the church website at www.stpaulucc.org. Application deadline is June 30. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Director of Contemporary Music Ministry - St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL (posted 6/12/13)
St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL seeks Director of Contemporary Music Ministry. Requirements include experience leading children/youth music programs and proficiency on keyboard. Degree in Music or Music Education preferred. Responsibilities include providing music opportunities for children and youth during Sunday School, Wednesday Edition, and Vacation Bible School, and leading the contemporary Sunday service on keyboard and vocals. Expected time commitment is 15-20 hours per week. Compensation based on experience, with minimum salary of $19,000. Please send letter of application, resume, and references to: Music Search Committee, St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 West "B" St., Belleville, IL 62220. For a complete job description, please visit the church website at www.stpaulucc.org. Application deadline is June 30.
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Director of Music, part-time - Country Club Congregational UCC, Kansas City, MO
(posted 5/29/13)
Country Club Congregational United Church of Christ (CCCUCC) is seeking a part-time professional Director of Music who will conduct the volunteer church choir. Be part of an Open and Affirming, Peace with Justice congregation in the heart of historic Brookside in Kansas City. The Director of Music reports to the Minister and will work with other church staff to support and enhance the message and ministry of our church. View the full position description and application instructions at www.cccucc.net. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assistant Director of Music for Children, part-time - First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, UCC, St. Louis, MO (posted 5/29/13) First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, United Church of Christ - a progressive Christian congregation - is seeking a part time (10-12 hours per week) Assistant Director of Music for Children. Responsibilities include creating and leading music programs for young people, pre-k through 8th grade. The right individual will have the ability to demonstrate understanding of the role of music in worship and spiritual development in a progressive Christian setting; have training in music with basic piano skills (college level preferred); and have a passion for leading and nurturing children. For a more complete description of the position and application requirements, please visit this link: http://tinyurl.com/pzeozk9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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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