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Wednesday, July 10, 2013
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Around the Conference
 
Notes from Davida...  
Health Care

One aspect of General Synod that is seldom mentioned is the many opportunities for networking and learning.  An important example of that for me was a workshop related to the changes in health care coverage (due to the Affordable Care Act) that will be taking effect very soon.  In the midst of the workshop, I had several "aha" moments: 

  • What a great opportunity for our churches to train some members to offer guidance to those who are confused about how to make the new systems work for them! Great outreach!
  • As a Conference, we need to teach our churches about some of the impact of the new environment - prime example, if your church's personnel policies have a waiting period longer than 90 days before coverage in the health plan becomes effective, that will now be against the law, so the policies must be updated.
  • We all need to know that health coverage will still be offered through the UCC Pension Boards and it is superior in several respects: for instance, under the Affordable Care Act currently benefits will not follow an individual from one state to another the way the UCC's do.
  • Many churches will benefit from the Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums Credit if you act quickly as this benefit will go away at the end of 2013.  The Pension Boards recommends this page on the Massachusetts Conference website (http://macucc.org/pages/detail/2460) to learn about a significant financial benefit to small employers.  We believe you can apply for the benefit retroactively one year (e.g., for 2012) as well as for 2013. 

If you are or know of CPA's who would be willing to help our churches take advantage of this program (at the 4thdot above), please let us know.

 
We recognize that not every church will have a person with the skill to follow all the detailed instructions, so here's a way churches can lend expertise to each other through the Conference. 

 

So these notes today are of the very practical sort --a reminder, though, that our denominational life is filled with the practical glue that holds us together - health insurance plans, search and call assistance, consultation about times of trouble and times of futuring, pensions and life and disability insurance,  resources for loans and grants, curricula, property and casualty insurance, daily devotionals, an infrastructure that means our mission dollars go right to work...

 

The Illinois South Conference and our colleague, Rev. Sheldon Culver, have invited us to participate with them in learning about the upcoming changes in the world of health insurance.  By attending one of these workshops at General Synod I came away believing it very important that both clergy and lay leaders learn very quickly now about the impact of the Affordable Care Act on our health insurance provisions.  For many of our churches there is great good news in the ACA, but it will take attending a seminar like this for you to grasp it all.  In other words, if you can possibly go, DO! Click here for more info    

 

Of course, it is Christ who truly holds us together!  Yet these practical matters are examples of the contemporary Body of Christ making covenant real in the lives of our churches and our pastors.  And each of them is a sign of the creative missional impulse of the Church at work over the last 100 years or so of our institutional life.  May it continue with strength!


Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree
Acting Conference Minister 

Position Available - Minister of Strategic Innovation Needed  
  Strategic Innovation

Introduction:  The Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC has determined that it will move from two Associate Conference Ministers to one ACM as of July 1, 2014 due to financial constraints.  This position has been created in order to make that transition as healthy and successful as possible for the churches, members and authorized ministers of the Conference.

 

General Statement of Responsibilities:  The Minister of Strategic Innovation is responsible to assess the opportunities and challenges before the Missouri Mid-South Conference as it reconfigures its life with new models of Conference ministry.  This minister will develop initiatives to increase the capacity of the authorized ministers, churches, laity and associations to assume a variety of responsibilities for our common life.  The incumbent will also prepare systems and procedures within the Conference's program and administrative life to ensure as healthy a transition as possible.  The Minister will oversee communications to build up relationships and to ensure transparency throughout the life of the Conference.  All work is done in coordination with the Visioning process and under the oversight of the Conference Minister and in collaboration with other staff.  

 

Accountability: The Minister of Strategic Innovation is selected by the Conference Minister, confirmed by the Conference Council and accountable to the Conference Minister.

   

Term: This position is funded through June 30, 2014  

 

Specific Responsibilities:

         Identify aspects of Conference work that can be transformed by the involvement of members, assisting in growing capacity within the Conference, teaching skills, and mobilizing the people of the Conference in ministry and mission

         Assess the viability  and sustainability of a variety of alternative ways by which the people of the Conference may participate in our common life through the gifts of their skills

         Build partnerships with organizations throughout the Conference's geography, and potentially beyond

         Develop training and resources to undergird these initiatives

         Build a communications strategy that is sustainable

         Equip staff and volunteers with a robust plan for mission interpretation, with particular emphasis on Our Church's Wider Mission and the development of new means of support for the Conference

         Provide staff services to local church search committees as assigned by Conference Minister

         Support and work collaboratively with the Visioning process as assigned by Conference Minister

         Other work as assigned by the Conference Minister

 

Qualifications:

         A person of Christian faith

         Knowledge of and appreciation for the United Church of Christ in all its settings

         Significant management and leadership experience in the church and/or nonprofit settings

         Articulate in both oral and written communication

         Demonstrated capacity in systems change and willingness to grasp and use new  communications media

         Proven ability to work with diverse people and settings (rural, small town, city; racial/ethnic; clergy and lay; generations, etc.)

         Graduate degree, preferably in a field related to family systems, communications, counseling or consulting, theology or ministry

         Ability and willingness to travel throughout the tri-state Conference (and beyond as necessary), including possession of a valid driver's license and a vehicle

 

Qualities Desired:  This individual will have a pastoral demeanor (ordination is not required), a high degree of professionalism, and a love for the local church.  He or she will have a reputation for listening well and for a collaborative work style.  The ability to see both the big picture and the details, the vision and the steps to achieve the vision is a must.  Experience in the wider United Church of Christ is a plus. 

 

The Missouri Mid-South Conference is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. 

 

Application Process: Candidate will submit a professional resume which addresses the elements of the above position description and demonstrates experience and skills in each area.  For those with UCC profiles on file, a cover letter addressing the elements will be required.  All candidates will be required to have or to complete a criminal background check before employment.  Please submit the names and contact information of three references who can speak directly to one's ability to accomplish the work projected.  All submissions are to Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree, Acting Conference Minister at [email protected].  Deadline for submission of materials is July 19 at 5 p.m.Start date is immediate.

 

Click here for a printable version

 

This Sunday IS Shannondale Sunday - Please Give Generously! 
 

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.

 

Tour the Cathedral Basilica with Interfaith Partnership on Sunday 
 
cathedral basilica
On Sunday, July 14th, we will hold a tour of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Lindell Blvd. All visitors are welcome to join the noon mass. Our tour will begin immediately after mass and will last approximately 1 hour.

The Cathedral Basilica is located at 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the seat of its archbishop, Archbishop Robert James Carlson, who is currently serving as the Chair of our Cabinet.

Please RSVP to Leslie Heberlie at [email protected].

 

Ordination
Ordination of Heather Arcovitch 

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 at 3:00 pm at Zion UCC  

5710 North Highway 67, Florissant, MO 63034

Phone: 314-741-1590   

 

Clergy are invited to wear red stoles. A reception will follow the service, which Heather says will include wonderful food!

A Farewell Celebration for Marc Wessels - Join Us, You Are Invited!

Please join us Sunday, July 28th from  

Elizabeth & Marc at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota.

5:00 to 7:00 pm at Robller Vineyard to honor Rev. Dr. Marc Wessels' service and dedication to our conference for the past 3 years.  Let's send him on his way to South Dakota with prayers, laughter and lasting memories of friendship and fellowship.


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 gift, please send to the conference office with a notation "Marc's Farewell Gift".

 

We will miss his ministry among us but are happy for Marc and his family as they begin this new and exciting journey. Marc was unanimously chosen as the new Conference Minister for the South Dakota Conference on June 9, and his last day with our conference will be July 31.   

   

Please come celebrate Marc and his years of service with the MMSUCC!

Robller Vineyards is located at 275 Robller Vineyard Rd, New Haven, MO.     

 

 


GS Logo

Delegate Reflections from the 29th General Synod

 

For the next several weeks we hope to share the emotional reflections, experiences, joys and opinions of our MMSUCC delegates who attended the event. Our first entry is from Joyce Bathke of the Eastern Association:

 

"Wow! What a great experience.  I have come back from Synod both weary and inspired.  As I shared with my church (Faith UCC, Wentzville) during announcements, I am proud to be a part of a church that not only listens to God's word but takes action. 

 

The response to pledging to take action to stop bullying was awesome.  I presented a scarf to my pastor and also asked the congregation to join me in making the pledge against bullying.  Many other resolutions of witness were discussed and voted on.. 

 

I began my week with moderator training and was inspired and eager to begin working with other conferences in our region to consider sharing some of the duties regionally, thereby allowing us to focus on our mission.  Then officially the General Synod began.  Worshiping with over 3,000 delegates and visitors from around the world, being respectful and open to the differences in culture, listening and learning more about the role our church plays in helping heal the hurt and injustices of many on the margins, creating awareness of our need to take action now to save the gift of this wonderful earth that God has given for future generations. 

 

God is still speaking and hopefully we will continue to listen and take action!"

Want To Serve YOUR 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. 
 
MoVal Golf Fundraiser - Play Golf for a Great Cause!
(Or Just Come Enjoy a Great Dinner!)

Camp MoVal Golf Tournament -Saturday, August 31,  

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!    

 

Volunteers are also needed.  For more information on the fundraiser and to volunteer, contact Adam Rustige, 314-699-8948[email protected]  

 

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.

 

2013 PIM (Persons in Ministry) Retreat, September 16-18 

 

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.  

 

Registration forms for the event will be available online next week via our website and in the eCourier. 

 

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!  

PIM (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! 

   

Conference
Quick Links
 
 
 
 


Job Opportunities
 

Congregational Life & Mission Associate Pastor - part time - Webster Groves Christian Church (posted 7/9/13) 

 

Interested candidates may contact Dr. Penny Ross-Corona, Southeast Gateway Area of the Christian Church of Mid-America, at 314-918-2515 for further information or click here for the full job description.

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Director of Youth Ministries - full time - St. John UCC, St. Charles (posted 7/9/13)
 
Summary of Position:  This position offers the opportunity to work with an active and vibrant youth ministry with the intention of continuing to build a spirit of discipleship among youth by developing and implementing a comprehensive approach to youth ministry and intentional faith development (in areas of small groups, worship, discipleship, mission, fellowship and church connection) while serving as a spiritual leader and role model.  This is a full time position with benefits. 

 

A successful candidate will recognize all programming will be based on an understanding of the primary task of youth ministry:

          -love and value youth where they are

          -encourage youth in developing a personal relationship to God

          -provide them with opportunities for spiritual nurture and growth

          -challenge them to respond to God's call to serve in their communities and    world.

 

Resumes only, no calls please.  Please submit a job specific cover letter and application to: [email protected]. by August 1, 2013.  For complete job description go to www.stjohnucc.org and follow the menu links for Extra > Downloads > Youth Director Job Description..

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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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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.  Not all submissions may be used in future eCouriers.