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Wednesday, July 3, 2013
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T
he MMSUCC Conference office will be closed on Thursday, July 4.
 
Have a fun and safe holiday!   
Around the Conference
 
Notes from Davida

Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree      


 Your 22 delegates to the General Synod have had a great experience.  Worship has been powerful, keynoters challenging, debate vigorous, and the days have been long.  But there are different kinds of exhaustion: the kind that depletes, and the kind where you know you've been engaged with something so meaningful that you'll never quite be the same.  I'm prejudiced, having only missed one Synod since 1969, but I believe Synod is the latter kind of exhausting. 

It's like going to a family reunion where you get to meet people you never realized you were related to, people who are so different and yet...there is that something that makes us blood kin. 

We have taken major actions here, expressions of care and concern for the earth, for native peoples, women, veterans and immigrants.  We have dialogued about how Conferences might carry out their/our work more effectively, efficiently and faithfully, about the imperative of providing scholarships for seminarians, about ending bullying, and many other important matters.  Yet the most important things that happen at Synod are the ways in which we are woven together as a community of God's people. 
 
I had a little experience I'd like to share.  I stood waiting for an elevator on day three, and a young convention center worker approached me a bit hesitantly.  "You're a church? What kind of church are you?  You're not like any church I've ever seen."  I set down my bags, and talked with her, learned a bit about her and shared with her about our commitment to welcoming everyone, caring for everyone, and working for peace and social justice in Jesus' name.  Her face simply lit up.  She had been raised in a hierarchical faith in which women play almost no role, and she was amazed by us.  I asked her where she lives so I could suggest a church for her, and she excitedly gave me her name and cell phone number (can you imagine?)  Already a connection has been made for her with a church I know here in Long Beach.  It is so clear to me that when people know about us, they often want to be part of us.  They are hungering for a community of true and empowered belonging, for a place that is open and loving, where they can be themselves.  No, not all people are looking for us, but there are so, so many who don't know we are here and who need us!  May we never turn back until we find each other!

Thank You 
 
It has been a pleasure working with all of you through MMSUCC. Thank you for your kindness and warm wishes. Renee will be checking my email so please continue to send eCourier and eHappenings submissions to [email protected] until further notice.

Thanks again,
Julie Simmons     
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.

 

New Job Opening
   
Wanted: Part-time Director of Music Ministry.  Pilgrim Congregational   

Church United Church of Christ, 826 Union Blvd., St. Louis, is seeking 
a talented and passionate director to lead its choir and music 
program.  The director works with a volunteer choir and the pastor to 
provide an inspiring worship experience.  Pilgrim has a diverse, 
multicultural congregation that appreciates a wide range of musical 
styles, as well as an 81-rank Aeolian Skinner organ.  Duties will 
include performing/playing the organ and/or piano on Sunday mornings, 
arranging for substitute musicians, and administering the music 
budget.  Degree in music required; 3-5 years in a comparable position. 
Salary commensurate with experience. For a full job description, 
please inquire by calling 314.367.8173 or by email to 
[email protected]. To receive full consideration, applications 
should be received by August 7.

 
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!

News From Plowsharing Crafts

Job Opening - Off-site Sales Coordinator Manager

Plowsharing Crafts is looking for an individual to run our Off-Site Sales program. Plowsharing has a well-developed extensive program of sales that we do away from our stores at churches, schools, hospitals, fairs, festivals, conventions and other settings. We do approximately 100 of these in a calendar year, and they are an important and essential part of our Fair Trade efforts. This is a full-time, salaried position, and we are accepting applications until July 15th. For a job description and application, please send your inquiries to [email protected] 

     

Edwardsville Store is Open            

The new Edwardsville Store officially opened on Saturday, June 22.  There was an official ribbon cutting ceremony in the morning with the Edwardsville Chamber of Commerce, and over 40 people were on hand to celebrate with us.  We are very excited about the response that we have received in our new location, and already over 10 people have signed up to volunteer at the new store.
Little Churches, Big Hearts  

 

On June 1, 2013, three Eastern Association churches experienced the power and joy of working together with God to accomplish great things for mission.  When the terrible storms of May 20 devastated Moore Oklahoma, members St. Jordan's UCC (Beaufort) , St. John's UCC (Casco) and St. John's UCC (Mantels) wanted to help.  Though the churches are small, the hearts of the congregations are huge. One member of St. Jordan's, Debbie Fink (co-owner of Fink's ALPS in Union) had the idea to host a bake sale with all three churches contributing baked goods and volunteer time. Thanks to the prolific bakers and a generous community, the sale was a roaring success, collecting an unbelievable variety of goodies and raising over $1,300 for the UCC Disaster Relief efforts in Oklahoma IN ONE AFTERNOON. The event is an inspirational reminder of the good that can be accomplished when we combine efforts with one another and with God. 
Pastors: F�licia Scott and Larissa Forsythe

 
From the Heritage File

 A Brief History of Zion UCC, Union, MO 

 

On Ascension Day, May 16, 1912, Rev. F. P. Jens, Superintendent of Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis, MO, met with 16 ladies and organized Zion's Ladies Aid in Union, MO. Then on August 19, 1912, 14 men signed the Constitution and By-Laws officially founding Zion Evangelical Church. The German language dominated the worship until the late 1920's. The first pastor was Rev. Carl Fritsch, Sr., who also served St. John's Church in St. Clair, MO, and St. Jordan's in Jeffriesburg, MO, where he lived (1912-1914). Eight other pastors served Zion: Rev. Adolph Bisping (1914-1919), Rev. Herman Koenig (1919-1923), Rev. F. E. J. Schenk (1923-1927 and again 1929-1943), Rev. Martin Seybold (1927-1929), Rev. Albert Gaebe (1943-1958), Rev. John Stevesand (1958-1989), Rev. David Brune (1990-2007), and Rev. Michael Bone (since 2009).  

 

In its 100 years, ten young people related to Zion have been ordained: Otto Muenstermann (1920), Otis Young (1957), Elmo Ellerbrake (1963), Devin Jones (1972), Sandra Neal (1975), Michael Schunemeyer (1984), Kenneth Beckmann (1985), Tim Nelson (1991), Sue Leary (1997), and Brad Urban (2009). 30 persons have served as Council Presidents for various lengths of time. Only one was a woman - Delores Musket (1994-1997 and again 2006-2009). In all, 27 other women have served on the Council since 1961. The present organist, Carol Bean, has served 48 years; the Administrative Assistant, Connie Thompson, 33 years; and the volunteer Junior Choir Director, Gail Mefford, over 30 years.  

 

There have been two church worship buildings (1913 and 1959), plus the Education Building (1949) and an Education-Fellowship addition (1997). Over the years, Zion has acquired land covering an entire block, with two exceptions, plus an additional parking lot across from the church, the city cemetery, and two parsonages. One acquisition is leased to Head Start. Zion has a strong music program, generously supports the UCC, the Missouri Mid-South Conference, area church institutions, a local Food Pantry, Franklin County Habitat for Humanity, and ecumenical endeavors. For its Centennial Year (2012), four sons of the church preached, a piano recital was held, floats were entered into the community Memorial and Christmas Day Parades, a banquet was held in City Auditorium, and there was a picnic in the park, apple butter cooking, and a hayride in country. Plans for the future are being formulated by different ministry teams of the church.  

 

By Armin F. Klemme, Chair of Zion Historical Team and member of the Conference Heritage Committee.

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.

 

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! 

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. 
 
Eden Bookstore Closed 6/9-7/8

Eden logo

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 ([email protected]) 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

 

Blood Brothers
How Our Children Become Killers
Persons In Ministry Retreat
Brochure Now Available

The event brochure is now available.
Click here to view the entire brochure as a PDF.

Stay tuned for more details and registration information and be sure to follow the event on Facebook - click here now! 

   

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 [email protected] or 314 918 2623. First come first served. Arrange for pick up weekdays between 8am and 1pm.

 

 


Eastern Association Confirmation Retreat to Focus on Mission

 

Save the Date! Saturday, October 19, 2013 ~  9am - 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 [email protected] if you would like to help or have questions.

 

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Upcoming Events
(Please see the latest issue of eHappenings for church events)

 
 

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. 

 

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!  

Conference
Quick Links
 
 
 
 


Job Opportunities
 
Director of Music Ministry - part time - Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC (posted 7/2/13) 

826 Union Blvd., St. Louis, is seeking a talented and passionate director to lead its choir and music 
program. The director works with a volunteer choir and the pastor to provide an inspiring worship experience.  Pilgrim has a diverse, multicultural congregation that appreciates a wide range of musical styles, as well as an 81-rank Aeolian Skinner organ. Duties will include performing/playing the organ and/or piano on Sunday mornings,arranging for substitute musicians, and administering the music 
budget.  Degree in music required; 3-5 years in a comparable position. Salary commensurate with experience. For a full job description, please inquire by calling 314.367.8173 or by email to 
[email protected]. To receive full consideration, applications should be received by August 7.


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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 [email protected]

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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 [email protected]

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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 [email protected]

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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.
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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.

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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    

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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 [email protected], 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 [email protected] .

 

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
 
Email [email protected] to submit information for a future issue.