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Thursday, September 12, 2013 | |
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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Notes From Davida...
In some ways this is a one word column: Thanks!
Thanks for your warm and generous welcome to me as I have tried to serve and lead you.
Thanks for your deep commitment to your shared mission in Missouri Mid-South and through the United Church of Christ.
Thanks for your obvious care for one another and your care for your Conference staff.
Thanks for your readiness to seek healing and reconciliation, the kind of deep peace that generates revitalized relationships in the spirit of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for the opportunity to serve among you, to come to know the E tradition more deeply, to discover the beauty of this part of the country, and to rediscover my own gifts in ministry.
Thanks for being the Body of Christ in this place, a Body that knows suffering (when one member suffers, all suffer...) and yet also knows the joy of future possibilities.
Thanks for authorized ministers who work among you to build up the Church, and for lay leaders who give countless hours to do the same.
Thanks to all who have joined me in giving to Friends of the Conference this past week for a total of almost $3,000 already! That includes three who matched my gift!
And thanks be to God for the presence of the Holy Spirit and its inspirational guidance as well as its way of troubling the waters to lead us to new perspective and new life!
As I depart, I will carry with me all that I have learned from you. I am deeply grateful!
Davida Foy Crabtree
Acting Conference Minister
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Your Conference staff celebrating Davida's ministry at a farewell lunch. Note-we are all super happy because of the delicious ice cream we had for dessert, not because Davida is leaving us! From l-r front row: Jeff Fulk, Davida Foy Crabtree, Renee Cordes, Lorraine Brooks.
Back row: Jeremy Force, Jan Aerie, Dale Parson. |
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Reflections from Davida
As the cake said at my farewell last Saturday, it's been quite a ride! I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of serving as your Acting Conference Minister for these few months. While I am saddened by the need for my presence, yet I have found among you a gracious spirit and a deep devotion to Christ and our particular UCC way of being the Church. In this, an addendum to the last of my "notes", I want to take the opportunity to reflect back to you some of what I've observed and experienced. I ask that you remember that my time with you has been short, but intense. So, no, I don't have all the insight I might like, and I share this as a conversation starter among you, not as an authoritative word!
To continue reading Davida's article, please click here. |
Today is the Last Day to Register for PIM!!!
Click here for all registration materials for the PIM Retreat on September 16-18 at The Resort at Port Arrowhead - 3080 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049. Everyone attending is required to complete a registration form so we know who will be attending and we also need a count for meals. If you are planning to attend, please send your form and $125 registration fee to the MMSUCC Conference office as soon as possible.
All MMSUCC and Mid-America Region clergy are welcome. If you are a lay person, please encourage your church to send your pastor to this worthwhile annual event. It not only promotes spirituality, but also contributes to our continued partnership with the Disciples of Christ.
The theme of the retreat is "Honest to God Prayer: Being Still while in Motion" and will be led by Kent Ira Groff. Kent 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. 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.
The annual PIM retreat is a fabulous place to relax, renew and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
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Rev. Jeff Whitman Resigns
On Tuesday, Moderator Wes Hurt sent a letter to our Conference announcing that Rev. Jeff Whitman had resigned as our Conference Minister effective September 1, 2013 and that the Conference Council had voted to accept his resignation. We hold Jeff and his family in prayer. We give thanks for his leadership in reorganizing the structures of the Conference, in preaching the Word with power and passion, in bringing new staff to work among us, in imagining Creative Faith and renewed worship. We also recognize that there have been disappointments and troubles along the way, and seek God's guidance for both the Whitman's and the Conference as we move separately into the future. |
An Anniversary Invitation from the Pension Boards
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LIFE Retreat at Eden Seminary 
Autumn glory will abound at Eden's LIFE Retreat, September 20-21, 2013. Courses being offered are by Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause, "Reading and Understanding Scripture: NEW Testament" and by Rev. Dr. Mark Robinson, "Creative Conflict Resolution" will be available. Click here for the retreat flyer and further information!
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Remembering and Honoring September 11th 
Over a decade has passed and we are still a nation seeking new ways to create peace and gain understanding. This year Interfaith Partnership commemorated 9/11 as a sponsoring partner in the 3rd Annual September 11th Interfaith Commemoration in Music: An Appreciation of Religious Diversity. If you were not able to attend the musical tribute, you may still enjoy the event through photos and a rebroadcast.
This event, planned by a committee called Arts & Faith St. Louis, took place on Sunday, September 8th, at The Sheldon. A powerful stage show featured professional musicians like Christine Brewer, David Halen and Peter Martin, plus the St. Louis Children's Choir and a multitude of faith group performances: Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Mormon, Muslim and Sikh groups performed.
After the concert, audience members attached names, prayers and hopes for unity to an interactive mural called "Let Us Unite," coordinated by Interfaith Partnership and painted by Leslie Heberlie, IP Director of Communications & Administration.
You may commemorate 9/11 by checking out this stunning event in these ways:
- Watching the broadcast on the Nine Network of Public Media on its main channel (9.1) on: Wednesday, October 9, 9pm; Friday, October 11, 3am; Thursday, October 24, 10pm; and Sunday, October 27, 3pm
- Viewing powerful photos from the event. Philip Deitch made almost 150 photos available here, and Kristi Foster has an album of stunning images of performers here.
This event was made possible by generous sponsors, energetic volunteers, hard-working staff, and an overflowing audience. |
"My Faith, My World, My Voice" Video Contest
Do you know any young adults with a talent for creating inspiring videos? The UCC is inviting individuals ages 18-35 to create a short video - 60 seconds or less, expressing how their faith transforms, connects or touches the world. The contest is a great way opportunity for young adults to share their faith and inspire others. The creator of the video that earns the most votes on YouTube will be awarded $5,000 and national recognition on ucc.org. Additional information about the contest can also be found on the web: http://www.ucc.org/videocontest. The deadline to submit entries is October 31, 2013. Start a project within your church to see which young adult can submit the most creative video and then share them with your Conference office. Show your MMS spirit and love of the UCC!
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Only 87 More Days Until "Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity" Returns! 
Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity returns this December for its third season with an all-new production. Reimagining the Christmas story through the artistry of jazz and the magic of storytelling, this year's program will feature new jazz arrangements of Christmas music and dramatic twists that will creatively bring an ancient story to life for today's audience.
The Oîkos Ensemble under the direction of saxophonist, Rev.Cliff Aerie, will return as our musical hosts.This year we welcome one of St. Louis' great jazz vocalists, Ms. Kim Fuller, as our special guest artist.
Three United Church of Christ congregations will be hosting this year's Jazz Nativity:
- Saturday, December 7th at First Congregational UCC, Webster Groves -7:00pm
- Sunday, December 8th at Parkway UCC, St.Louis County - 2:00pm
- Saturday, December 14th at St.Peter's UCC, Washington - 7:00 pm
Jazz Nativity is pleased to announce its partnership with the Deaconess Foundation. Providing support to many local organizations, the Deaconess Foundation helps to ensure essential services to children and youth in need. Through the generous support of Deaconess and the financial sponsorship of our three host churches, all performances of Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity are free to the public. An offering will be received to benefit local charities. Keep watching the eCourier, the Conference website and Facebook for further updates. We hope you will attend one of the performances and please spread the word among your congregation about this fabulous, free musical journey!
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The MMSUCC Visioning Team is Ready 
The MMSUCC Visioning Team has undergone a transformation and is ready for the next step. To clarify the purpose of the Visioning Team: American churches tend to confuse democracy and discernment, but they are different. "Democracy" determines the will of the majority of people, usually through taking votes. But "discernment" is about understanding the will of God, which is much more difficult and requires deep humility. Democracy has its place, and there are certainly places within the process where people have opportunities to express their opinions and judgment, but the core question of this process is not, "What do we want?" Rather, the core question is, "What does God want?" That is, what is God calling us to be and do in the years ahead as the Missouri Mid-South Conference? If we can understand what God is calling us to be and do, then we can make our plans on a sure foundation of faith and alignment with God's purposes. This team will be leading us as we discern together God's intent for us. Watch for it - there will be opportunities for you to participate!
Along with Dick Hamm, we wish to introduce the Visioning Team members, who will guide our Conference in a new direction with respect, creativity, and of course, vision:
- Rev. Paul Koch, EA, Chair - As pastor of St. Peter's in Washington, MO, Paul is an active supporter of outdoor ministries, has worked at NPR and received the Outstanding Contributor award from the Interfaith Mission Services.
- Stephanie Beckman, EA - Stephanie is a teacher and is involved in her local church, Faith UCC. She chairs their stewardship committee and is the director of vacation Bible school.
- Dr. Linda Bickel, WA - Linda is Dean of Professional Studies at Lincoln University and Moderator of Central United Church of Christ in Jefferson City.
- Rev. Traci Blackmon, SLA - Traci is pastor at Christ the King and finds time to serve on several boards, including St. Louis Effort for AIDS, the Kidney Foundation, St. Louis Minority Business Council, Planned Parenthood, and the St. Louis Black Rep.
- Rev. Cindy Bumb, SLA - Cindy is currently the Interim Chaplain for Emmaus Homes at St. Charles and was pastor of Pilgrim UCC in St. Louis for many years.
- Anika Hickman, WA - As a stay at home mom with 2 young children, Anika attends St. Mark's in Kansas City where she chaired the recent search committee. She is a 2010 graduate of UMKC Law School.
- Dion Landis, SLA - Dion is a freshman at Park University in Kansas City and he attends First Congregational in Webster Groves. He was a youth steward at this year's CAG, in addition to working as summer staff at Camp Mo-Val.
- Rev. Bob Molsberry, SLA - Currently Bob is the interim pastor at Peace UCC in Webster Groves. He is the former Conference Minister in Ohio, as well as a published author. Bob served in the Peace Corps and speaks fluent Spanish.
- William "Willie" Nation, WA - Willie teaches high school courses in Business Education and Computer Networking. He's a very active member at Country Club Congregational and has worked for KPMG LLP and Express Scripts.
- Rev. Rick Oberle, EA - As pastor of St. John's Bem since 2007, Rick has mentored many youth at the church, association and conference levels. He was the last council president for the Eastern Association.
- Peter Oleski, WA - Attends Peace UCC in Hartsburg where Peter is a high school student. He attended this year's CAG as a youth steward. Peter is in his school's marching band and involved in sports.
- Rev. David Poe, EA - Pastor at St. Peters in New Haven and has been a pastor in Indiana and Illinois. David worked as a hospice chaplain and as a volunteer prison worship leader. He has published sermons in Pulpit Digest and The Upper Room.
- Ula Sao, WA - Ula is a member of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa UCC and has been regional chair of Pacific and Asian American ministries. She is originally from Samoa.
- Sue Simmons, SLA - Council president of her church, St. Lucas UCC in St. Louis. She has a BA in Chemical Engineering from Rolla and received her MBA from Washington University in 1995. Sue has been employed at Anheuser-Busch for 28 years and is the Sr. Resident Engineer.
- Joyce Bathke, EA - Representing the Conference Council, Joyce is also a member of the national UCC Wider Church Ministries and Common Global Ministries boards. She is the Administrative VP of the American Red Cross and is a member of Faith UCC, Wentzville.
We look forward to their guidance and a sense of renewal. |
Peace Day, September 21 - Pray for Peace
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The Story - Bible Reading Campaign
Friedens UCC in Warrenton is launching a groundbreaking Bible reading campaign by using The Story. The Story presents the word of God in an engaging and easily understood format because it reads like a novel. Friedens UCC plans to begin The Story experience on Saturday, September 28 at a new, weekly 6:00 pm service.
Click here to read more of how this church and their pastor, Rev. Jason Emmerson, are encouraging more people to read the Bible. Maybe your church can begin a similar program!
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2nd Annual Eden Festival of Psalms and Psalm-Singing Workshop 
You all are cordially invited and encouraged to attend the 2 nd Annual Eden Festival of Psalms on Sunday evening, September 29, 2013 at 7:00 in the Wehrli Chapel in the Press Building on the campus of Eden Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119. Click here to read more about the event!
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Gateway ONA - The Future of LGBT Ministry and Advocacy
The United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns and the United Church of Christ Office for Health and Wholeness Advocacy have launched The Churchwide Consultation on the Future of LGBT Ministry and Advocacy. The Consultation is meant to be a listening project that takes place in as many setting of the UCC as possible. We are interested in hearing from any and all churches regardless of ONA status and encourage as many as possible to participate. Click here for further info.  Two remaining conversations are planned within the Missouri Mid-South Conference: - Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Epiphany United Church of Christ, 2911 McNair Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63118.
- Friday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63119. We will gather in Room 201.
The Gateway ONA will meet on the following days, beginning at 7:00 pm in the McCarthy Room of Eden Theological Seminary: - September 26, October 24, November 21, December 19.
The Annual Gateway ONA Convocation: Saturday, February 22, 2014 at First Congregational Church UCC of Webster Groves.
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Clergy Counselors Needed at Faith Aloud
Faith Aloud is in need of more clergy counselors to offer women understanding and spiritual support before and after abortion. All counselors volunteer their time ONCE A MONTH All counseling is done over the phone. Spanish-speakers are encouraged to participate.
You are invited to participate in our training to better serve the women in your congregation and beyond. Clergy of all faith are needed to respond to women and the need is great.
Next Training: Friday, September 13th, 9a-3p @ Eden Theological Seminary; Rm 101 - light lunch will be provided.
To register or if more information is needed, please contact Felicia Scott @ (314) 531-5010.
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Church Transitions and Searches Protocol
We understand that there is some lack of clarity about how transitions in churches are being handled with all the developments in our shared life lately. Let's clarify as best we can!
For the near future, all communication related to churches in transition should be directed to Rev. Dale Parson, Associate Conference Minister, at his office in Independence: 816-257-9826 or at his cell phone: 816-806-0499. Even better will be emails to him at dale@mmsucc.org. His mailing address is 717 Piute, Independence, MO 64056.
Your staff are in the process of updating the forever changing information about what churches are in which stage of transition and ensuring that we have correct contact information for every search committee. That information is being compiled by Renee Cordes, Administrative Coordinator, and she may be reached at renee@mmsucc.org if you have an update for us. To ensure consistent communication between your church and our conference, it will be best to email Dale and cc: Renee on emails regarding any transitions happening within your church.
We know that there is a general understanding across your Conference that much is in flux in our common life. We also know that it can be disconcerting when things change. We are working hard to make the changes as seamless as possible, still we know there will be rough patches, so please let us know when you have a need we haven't been aware of! We are here to serve and to lead, but no one does that well without good constructive feedback. We will value yours!
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Eastern Association Fall Meeting Info
You are invited and called to participate in the Annual Fall Business Meeting of the Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ!
The Eastern Association Fall Business Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 22; 2:00 p.m. at Femme Osage United Church of Christ, 4360 Cappeln Osage Road, Augusta.
Please click here for further information. Please contact Karen Watson, swatson002@centurytel.net, 636-236-5611 with any questions regarding the meeting.
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2013 St. Louis Metro CROP Hunger Walk
Dear St. Louis Association Pastors and Churches,
The 2013 St. Louis Metro CROP Hunger Walk, sponsored by Church World Service, will be held on Sunday, October 13. CROP Walks are held throughout the U.S. each year and are an opportunity for churches and community organizations to participate together toward a common cause. The location for this year's CROP Walk is Eden Seminary in Webster Groves.
We hope you will consider encouraging your congregations to take part in this year's CROP walk. In recent years the St. Louis CROP Walk has dwindled in size and a CROP Walk Committee representing various denominations has been working to encourage revitalized support and participation in this worthwhile effort.
The attached document contains a ready-to-go newsletter article or bulletin insert which we hope you will use to increase your congregation's awareness of the CROP Walk. Each church will need one person to act as the organizer for your congregation. CROP Walk materials can be picked up on Sunday, September 15, 1:30-3:30 pm at Eden Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO, 63119. If you are not able to send a representative to pick up the materials the committee would be happy to mail them to you or to make other arrangements for delivery.
Please consider supporting the St. Louis Metro CROP Walk! Questions: Call or email Clint McCann at 314-395-5826 or cmccann@eden.edu.
Thank you,
The St. Louis Metro CROP Walk Committee
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Western Association Fall Fellowship Rally on Spirituality 
Western Association Fall Fellowship Rally is Saturday, Sept. 28th, at Ebenezer UCC in Levasy, MO from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The theme is Spirituality and Rev. Carol Shanks, Director of Admissions at Eden Seminary and Pastor of Bethel UCC, Cahokia, Illinois, will speak on "Body Building: No Pain but Plenty of Gain." There will also be Workshops on Prayer, Spiritual Discernment, and the Nature of Spirituality. Registration is $15.00 at the door which includes refreshments and lunch. Please contact Rev. Bob Atkinson, Assn. Secretary at 816-237-9222 or robertatkinson@sbcglobal.net
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Like the MMSUCC on Facebook! 
Be sure to Like Us on Facebook! Your Conference office is posting more often and we would love to get everyone more involved in our social media. Make sure the youth in your church are aware of our Conference page so they can keep updated, and that goes for the adults as well! Our Likes are growing each day - but we want more! Is there a topic you'd like to see posted on Facebook? Let us know at mms@mmsucc.org!
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St. Louis Association Fall Annual Meeting 
The SLA Fall meeting will be held on Saturday, October 5th at Parkway UCC, 2841 N. Ballas Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131. Registration will begin at 8:30 am. Further information will be emailed to churches and authorized ministers soon. We hope you can join us!
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October St. Louis Ministerium Meeting
Wednesday, October 9 from 10:00-11:30am
Deaconess Foundation
211 North Broadway, Suite 1260, St. Louis, MO 63102
www.deaconess.org
Host: Rev Starsky Wilson, StarskyW@deaconess.org (314-436-8001)
Deaconess Foundation is a faith-based grant making organization devoted to promoting healthy and hope-filled futures for children growing up in the St. Louis region, especially for those growing up in the grip of poverty. Currently Deaconess Foundation grants are focused on building the capacity of nonprofits that serve youth and children.
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Festival of Sharing 
The third Saturday of October is the day that people of faith, from many different denominations all over the state, gather at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, in Sedalia. The groups and families bring money that has been raised and "kits" that have been assembled during the year. Volunteers help to sack rice, beans and potatoes for distribution to Missouri agencies. In the afternoon state agencies bring their trucks and trailers to receive the kits, rice, beans and potatoes to distribute to their clients. Kits, assembled for Church World Service, are loaded on a semi truck to continue their journey to other parts of the world.Visit their website to see how you, your church or workplace might contribute. Also take a moment to click on the Donate button and see the many different organizations that need our help, such as The Rainbow Network, Patch, Foods Resource Bank, Bread for the World and more. Start a challenge at your church or office. Be a leader, be the difference, change begins with you! Hungry for God? Be part of YouthFest October 18-19 as we become more informed of the hunger issues faced by communities around the world and serve in ministry together to end poverty and hunger. Early Bird registration ends September 9th! Get details and register online at http://tinyurl.com/YOUFest.
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Jazz for the Journey Event
Please share good news about this exciting national symposium on jazz and worship. We are very pleased with the high caliber of the leadership for this conference and know that your pastors, preachers and jazz enthusiasts will be very interested in participating. Rev. Dr. Kirk Jones, Professor at Andover Newton Theological School, will also be presenting a workshop and Rev. Cliff Aerie will be performing! For more information and to register at www.ucc.org/jazzjourney.
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Neighborhood Houses - 100 Years of New Beginnings 
Neighborhood Houses is celebrating 100 years of strengthening children and families! 100 years of faces, stories, families, and dreams -
100 years of new beginnings. The weekend of November 1st-3rd is the culmination of a year-long celebration, so please join us!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Centennial Lecture: Modern Settlement Houses & Community Development
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Location: Wehrli Chapel in the Samuel D. Press Education Center at Eden Seminary
Free and open to the public
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Centennial Celebration Gala
Time: 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Location: The Four Seasons Hotel
Tickets start at $175 per person. Click here to buy tickets now!
Honorary Chairs and Presenting Sponsor: Ward and Carol Klein (members at First Congregational in Clayton)
Gala Chairs: Jim and Sheila Schnurbusch (Jim and Sheila are both long-time volunteers)
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Centennial Closing Worship Service
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Wehrli Chapel in the Samuel D. Press Education Center at Eden Seminary
Open to everyone!
For questions about any of the Centennial Events, please contact Ellen Reed-Fox, Vice President of Development, at ereedfox@neighborhoodhouses.org or 314-383-1733, ext. 15.
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Congregational Life & Mission Associate Pastor - part time - Webster Groves Christian Church (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 Christian Education - part time - St. John's UCC, Chesterfield (9/3/13)
This is a part-time 20 hours a week position.The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, organizing and implementing a comprehensive program of Christian Education for children and youth. This will include directing Children's Ministry through weekly Sunday school and Children's Worship along with special programs, such as VBS, Christmas Program, and other Sunday school events. An energetic and enthusiastic person of strong faith is needed who has experience in working with children in a faith based setting. A college degree is preferred and
musical talent is a plus. Resumes only, no calls please. Please submit a job specific cover letter and resume to:
stjohnsucccareers@yahoo.com For a complete job description go to www.stjohnsuccchesterfield.org.
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Contact Us
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Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ 314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884 Email renee@mmsucc.org to submit information for a future issue. Not all submissions may be used in future eCouriers. |
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