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Notes from Davida
Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree
 This week's highlight was a visit to Camp Mo-Val where Jeremy gave me a grand tour of the buildings, programs, and life of the Camp. I've been hearing about Mo-Val for years, so it was great to experience it in action. We had quite the conversation about the way lives are profoundly changed by our Outdoor Ministries. I know mine was, and I am forever grateful!
It is not unusual for young people (and counselors and staff) to come away from a summer or retreat experience feeling that they have just discovered who they really are. Often they find a deep experience of acceptance from those around them during their time there, an acceptance they may not find anywhere else. They learn to live in community, to share in the work, and to accept others who are different from them. Whether on the ropes course, in an arts activity, or meditating on God during chapel or during alone-time by the lake, those experiences shape the rest of their lives.
From my perspective, an investment in a place like Mo-Val or Shannondale is an investment in the future of the nation. Leaders grow from those roots, and learn to think and lead ethically and morally. Authorized ministers grow from those roots and build up our churches for decades to come.
Some years ago I was working to find others who had grown up at our UCC camp in CT as I did, to begin a network of alums. I managed to find one woman who is now a top level administrator at a major university. In the course of our emailing, I asked her if she had ever been back to Silver Lake. She said "No, but every time I've had to make a difficult decision in my personal life or my professional life, I've gone back there in my heart. It's my touchstone." Wow. Just Wow.
You go, Mo-Val! Transform those lives and help kids know it does get better, and they can and will make a difference!
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Shannondale Sunday is July 14
July 14 is Shannondale Sunday; a day your church can help support this big picture of God's great beauty by participating in this special mission.
Shannondale Community Center and Tree Farm is a mission of service to our neighbors in Shannon County, as well as an outdoor space for church retreats, work groups, craft camps, and many other outdoor activities. The land and ministry of the site belong to the members of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, whose careful stewardship provides the labor, funds and spirit to maintain this ministry.
We are asking all churches in our Conference to designate July 14 as Shannondale Sunday. We ask that you participate by contributing to the special offering, lifting up the ministries at Shannondale in your prayers and participating in the programming and volunteer opportunities available.
If each member of the Conference gave just $3, this special mission would be fully funded for an entire year. By offering of ourselves, we ensure that others can continue to enjoy God's special gift that is Shannondale. Donations can be sent to the Conference office: Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC, 483 E. Lockwood, Ste 15, St. Louis, MO 63119.
Thank you for your continued support.
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You Are Invited
The St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ and Zion United Church of Christ invite your prayers and presence in the ordination of
Heather Arcovitch to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Three o'clock in the afternoon at
Zion United Church of Christ
5710 North Highway 67,
Florissant, Missouri 63034-2698
Phone: 314-741-1590
Clergy are invited to wear red stoles.A reception will follow the service which Heather says will include wonderful food!
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Play Golf for a Great Cause!
Or Just Come Enjoy a Great Dinner!
Golf Fundraiser for MoVal
Camp MoVal Golf Tournament
Saturday, August 31st
1:30 Shotgun Start
The Landings at Spirit Golf Course
180 North Eatherton, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Don't play golf? That's okay! Come for dinner and other fun activities!
Golf and dinner - $100
Dinner - $20
Golf Ball Drop &Raffle
Please help publicize this special event!
Donated items are also needed for raffle baskets!
Thank you for your support!
For more information contact Adam Rustige
314-699-8948
Any golfers from the Western and Eastern Assoc. can stay at MoVal for free on Saturday night, please contact Jeremy Force
For a registration form please click here.
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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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Thank You
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Thank you so much for attending my service of installation (on a very stormy evening!) Your presence was such a blessing to me and to my congregation. Thank you for the genuine welcome and support you have shown to me since my arrival here in Saint Louis. I am truly blessed to have been called to be a part of such a wonderful community.
Love always,
Pastor Lois Wilson
The Rev. Dr. Lois Wilson shared her gift of music as part of her service of installation as Pastor and Teacher at St. Philip's, UCC, St Louis.
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Interested in being of service 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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New Developments In Space
 Written by Rev. Dr. Marc A. Wessels
Special to The Courier-Journal
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White House Releases House of Worship Guidebook to Developing Emergency Operations Plans
As part of the ongoing collaboration between government and the faith community, the White House has released a Guide for Developing High Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship.
This guide covers topics such as:
- The Planning Process - Forming a Team, Understanding the Situation, Determining Goals and Objectives, Plan Development, Preparation, Review, Implementation and Maintenance.
- What's included in an Emergency Operations Plan - Basic Plan Content, Functions, Threats and Hazards.
- Active Shooter Situations - Preparing, Prevention, Responding, and What to do following an incident.
Having an emergency operations plan and a plan to include potential threats, such as an active shooter, is an important component of congregation readiness. As has been experienced in recent natural disasters and mass shootings, it is often congregations and religious leaders care for the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical needs of those affected by crisis and disaster.
This guide was developed in part at the suggestion of the Faith-based Security and Communications Advisory Committee. Their final report and recommendations can be found below.
Guidebook: Developing Emergency Operation Plans for Houses of Worship
The guide provides recommendations in the development of plans not only to respond to an emergency, but also outline how organizations can plan for preventing, protecting against, mitigating the impact of and recovering from these emergencies. The guide translates lessons learned from the Administration's work on national preparedness to the school, IHE, and house of worship contexts, ensuring that these critical assets are benefitting from recent advancements in the emergency planning field. The guide introduces houses of worship to a new approach to planning, that includes walking through different emergency scenarios to create a course of action for each objective the team is trying to accomplish. The guide emphasizes that successful planning requires all stakeholders be engaged in the planning process from the start - including community partners such as local law enforcement, fire officials, EMS and emergency management staff.
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Emmaus Spring Festival
reported by Norma Klemme
The report is in, and it is GOOD! The Friends of Emmaus Spring Festival was on Sunday, May 19, and in spite of everything that went on in mid-Missouri that day, we had a very good Festival! Total receipts were over $31,000!
 The Quilt Auction brought in over $14,000! Fifty-two quilts were donated along with eight other items that were auctioned. Thank you to all who donated!! The Silent Auction totaled $2133.00. Many churches, individuals and businesses donated baskets, hand crafted items, and other beautiful items. Indoor and outdoor food, drink etc. totaled $5325.00. The Gourmet Booth ($815) Flea Market ($1913) Green Thumb ($1103) Those are a few of the booths, and there were many more. Thanks to all who gave, and to all who worked so hard!!
Youth and youth leaders were there providing fun and games for children, for which we are grateful! There were many, many opportunities for fun, good buys, food and fellowship. It was an uplifting, inspiring, busy day. We thank all who came, and we thank God for the good that was done for the wonderful Emmaus Community! Now, what do Friends of Emmaus do with all the money?
Here is a general rundown of the good that comes from all the fun and work! Every year, these are the regular things to which Festival proceeds go: $1000.00 for the residents to go to Heifer International Ranch in Arkansas, to do projects which serve others; $1000.00 for Founder's Day which residents and staff attend to celebrate the founding of the Emmaus Homes; $1000 for residents to be able to participate in Special Olympics; $600 to provide supplies for the Nature program of the residents; $1500.00 for Pottery Club supplies; $500 for the Arts and Crafts program; $10,000 to enable the residents to participate in Exceptional Equestrians. Any additional may go to other activities such as staff appreciation day; chaperone funding beyond normal working hours; needed furniture items, and other equipment.
We would like to invite any of you to attend the next Friends of Emmaus meeting at the Marthasville Campus, on Tuesday, September 24 at 10am. We meet two times a year, on the fourth Tuesday of April and the fourth Tuesday in September. A delicious lunch will be served by the good people of St. Paul's UCC in Marthasville. Come, we would like to see you there!
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Disaster recovery in Moonachie and Little Ferry, New Jersey with Bergen County Long Term Recovery Committee
Contact:
UCC Disaster Recovery Registrar, Judy Moore
Address: 221 Moonachie Road, Moonachie, NJ 07074
Phone: 201.446.8585
Fax: 201.489.1995
Hurricane Sandy, in October 2012, left Moonachie and Little Ferry in northern New Jersey under several feet of salt water for days after a 9 foot ocean surge overflowed the Hackensack River. Almost all of the small homes in this area were damaged and residents were traumatized. Local organizations responded immediately to help support these communities and projects are now ongoing to repair homes in this area. Much of the media focuses on areas on the shore so this small in-land area of Northern New Jersey tends to be overlooked.
Work Needed: Repair/Rebuilt homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.
Time: Arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Saturday morning. Work Monday - Friday.
Minimum Age: 16 years. Volunteers under age 18 have specific waiver forms requiring parent/guardian signature.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4
Group Size: maximum 15.
Accommodations: A house in Little Ferry is used to house volunteers. The house holds 30 people at maximum, has two bathrooms and two kitchens. Groups bring their own bedding and prepare their own meals. The cost is $20 per person a night. Other accommodations may be available.
Tools: Groups should bring standard carpentry tools.
Travel: Nearest airport is Newark, NJ. Housing is within 5 miles of work sites.
Bonus: 20 minutes to NYC; 40 minutes to the shore.
Education Components:
- Preparation for the trip: "Mission Trips That Matter" by Don C. Richter, Upper Room Books.
- On-Site Reflection: "Meeting God in the Ruins: Devotions for Disaster Volunteers" Free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only.
- Follow-Up Action: Help your local community prepare for possible disaster and response. Be sure your local congregation has a plan in case of local disaster. Get to know your UCC Conference Disaster Coordinator and stay involved.
Click here for registration.
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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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 Persons In Ministry RetreatBrochure Now Available |
FREE: floor model printer  Eden Seminary has a working floor model HP color Laser Jet printer to give away since it is no longer being used: HP LaserJet 8550 ID #23256. 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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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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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 Ministries - part time - Peace Memorial Church (posted 6/26/13)
Peace Memorial Church is a medium-sized United Church of Christ congregation in a south west suburb of Chicago. Peace Memorial Church has a long history of a strong music ministry which has included special concert series, tours with its choirs and even professional recordings. Our worship services have included both traditional music as well as praise and worship music. We are looking for person of deep faith to share their love of music with us and help us grow our music ministry to include people of all ages, abilities and musical tastes.
Essential Job Functions
Scheduling and directing rehearsals for the Adult Choir, Bell Choir, Praise Team, soloists and other musical programs as needed
Work collegially with all other music staff and musicians
Responsible for coordinating and organizing the overall music program of the church for Sunday morning services and special services throughout the year
Education and Experience
A degree in Music from an accredited school is required. A well rounded knowledge of church liturgy, music and programming to fit into all church ministry functions.
Salary commensurate with experience
Please visit our website at www.pmcucc.org for more about Peace Memorial Church United Church of Christ. No phone calls please, resumes only. Please submit a job specific cover letter and resume to Rev. Shana Johnson at sjohnson@pmcucc.org
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Organist - part time - Peace Memorial Church (posted 6/26/13)
Peace Memorial Church is a medium-sized United Church of Christ congregation in a south west suburb of Chicago. Peace Memorial Church has a long history of a strong music ministry which has included special concert series, tours with its choirs and even professional recordings. Our worship services have included both traditional music as well as praise and worship music. We are looking for person of deep faith to share their love of music with us and help us grow our music ministry to include people of all ages, abilities and musical tastes.
Essential Job Functions
Play for all Sunday worship and Special seasonal services of Peace Memorial Church
Rehearse with the choirs as designated by the quarterly music calendar
Opportunity to play for all weddings and funerals held at the church
Education and Experience
A degree in Music from an accredited school is required.
A well rounded knowledge of church liturgy, music and programming to fit into all church ministry functions.
Salary commensurate with experience
Please visit our website at www.pmcucc.org for more about Peace Memorial Church United Church of Christ. Resumes only, no phone call please. Please submit a job specific cover letter and resume to Rev. Shana Johnson at sjohnson@pmcucc.org
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Director of Youth and Children for Peace Memorial Church, UCC (posted 6/26/13) This full-time position offers the opportunity to work with a vibrant youth program serving over 100 children at an exciting suburban church. This program currently includes 9 levels of church school classes for ages 2 through high school including Confirmation classes, outreach programs, youth groups, a yearly mission trip, and numerous other faith-based and community outreach activities throughout the year. The Director of Youth and Children plans, organizes and directs the program of Christian education and nurture of youth from birth through high school. The Director develops and nurtures connections with their families. Essential Job Functions Create a fun and welcoming environment for youth and their families. Maintain and oversee current core and unique youth programming at the church. Recruit and train volunteer teachers and youth leaders to work with youth from ages 2 years old through high school. Work with the youth education committee to select and implement curriculum. Oversee administration, with the assistance of other church staff, all programs Create and innovate new youth programs and community outreach Work collaboratively with the youth education committee, the church council, the pastors and other staff. Foster interpersonal relationships between youth, adults, parents, teachers, pastors, the community and the church. Work collaboratively with pastoral staff to create and integrate a vision of faith formation for youth. Support and foster the faith and values of the Peace Memorial community and the United Church of Christ. Maintain connections with church households and families that have school age children. Integrate New Members into the Youth Programs and Sunday School. Attend continuing education training and conferences. Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly meetings of the Youth Education Committee and the Church Council. Job Requirements Experience working with youth and families. Ability to work well with diverse people. Experience in or sensitivity to the culture of a mainline, liberal protestant church. A desire to lift up the arts and drama to support youth education and worship. Good organizational and creative problem solving skills. Excellent management, communication and multi-tasking skills. Excellent leadership abilities. Ability to work weekends and evenings. College degree. Salary & Benefits Salary commensurate with experience Excellent benefits including paid vacation and health insurance. Please visit our website at www.pmcucc.org for more information about Peace Memorial UCC. Resumes only, no calls please. Please submit a job specific cover letter and application to us at tbean@pmcucc.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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