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The next eHappenings, which was scheduled for 9/13/2013, will be shared on 9/27/13. Thank you for your patience.
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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The Rev. Dr. Allen Fluent
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Welcome to our New Acting Conference Minister!
The Council of the Missouri Mid-South Conference is extremely pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Allen Fluent has been selected by unanimous vote of the Executive Committee to serve as Bridge Acting Conference Minister for the MMSC. Rev. Fluent's official start date was September 16, 2013, and he was able to attend the PIM retreat in Lake of the Ozarks this week and today is attending the EA Committee on Ministry meeting. Allen's first day in our office will be tomorrow, so he's been a busy man already!
We anticipate that Allen will serve as Acting Conference Minister for approximately six months. Rev. Fluent's credentials are outstanding, having served in local church settings as both settled and interim pastor, as well as Area Conference Minister in the Penn Central Conference. Rev. Fluent has extensive experience with search and call and with congregations in transition. If you haven't read Allen's bio yet, please click here to learn more about Allen and his family.
Please join us in welcoming Allen as our bridge Acting Conference Minister. We all look forward to working with him during this very important time in the life of our Conference.
Allen's email address is allen@mmsucc.org, and his direct phone number at the Conference office is 314-918-2604. Welcome to your new role in our Conference, Allen! We all look forward to your leadership, guidance and spirituality.
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And Welcome to our New Office Services Clerk!
We had another new Conference staff member begin working at the Conference this week as well, Colleen Bender. Colleen is originally from St. Louis and lives in Kirkwood with her husband, two children and two dogs. She comes to us with a wealth of experience in the administrative field and we know she will be a huge asset to our staff. Colleen has worked at both large and small companies in the area, which makes her a perfect fit. She'll be working with us on a part time basis and will be in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Colleen's email address is colleen@mmsucc.org and her office phone number is 314-918-2605. We look forward to Colleen's enthusiasm and energy!
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Peace Day, September 21 - Pray for Peace
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An Anniversary Invitation from the Pension Boards
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MissionInsite Training, 9/25/2013
This webinar will be for both conference staff as well as for pastors and leaders in congregations. 
Please share this information.
MissionInsite Training! Join us for a webinar on Sept. 25, 2013 at 3:00 PM EDT.
Register now! https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2091148322863607808
Learn how to use the latest tools on the MissionInsite website to understand the demographics in the community around your ministry setting. The webinar will be led by Peter Wernett, Senior Vice-President of MissionInsite. Peter has had extensive ministry experience in using demographic tools and will be able to show you how to get the most out of using the MissionInsite website and products. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. View System Requirements
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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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"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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St. Luke's UCC Donates to Operation Breakthrough
St. Luke's UCC in Independence, MO, recently presented a donation of $13,077 to Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City. Operation Breakthrough is the largest single-site early education child care and social services facility in the state of Missouri serving over 400 children daily from the urban core.
Last June, Sr. Berta, one of the founders of Operation Breakthrough, made a presentation at St. Luke's and explained their program to the congregation. This kicked off a year-long fundraising effort of the church which culminated in the presentation of the donation. Along with the money, the congregation collected 404 books which were also presented to the children at Operation Breakthrough. The children brought the books to the front of the sanctuary where they were blessed - with bubbles - by Interim Pastor James "Buck" Firth during Children's Moment during Sunday morning worship at the church. As Sr. Berta explained, most of the families at Operation Breakthrough are working hard to provide food and shelter for their families and do not have extra money to purchase books. Plans are underway for St. Luke's congregation to take a bus tour of the neighborhoods and hear the stories from the families that Operation Breakthrough serves. It is the congregation's hope and prayer that the money and the books will be a blessing to the staff and families at Operation Breakthrough. Kudos to St. Luke's for their generosity and good will!!!!
 | | Rev. James "Buck" Firth presenting the check to Sr. Berta |
 | | Rev. Firth blessing books with the children. |
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Only 80 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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Words of Thanks and Appreciation!
The Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree has returned to her home in Connecticut. During her three and a half months  with us as Acting Conference Minister, Davida had a tremendously positive impact on the life of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. As a result of her untiring efforts I sincerely want to say, "Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!!"
Thank you, Davida, for your consummate professionalism in working with the MMSC Staff and Council; Thank you for your pastoral presence and for the care and concern that you showed towards the clergy and lay members throughout the urban, suburban and rural settings that comprise our Conference; and Thank you for your devotion to the United Church of Christ and for your commitment to serve the Missouri Mid-South Conference in our time of transition and need.
May God bless Davida in her future endeavors and service to the UCC.
Wes Hurt, Moderator
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More Thanks - Behind the Scenes!
The Conference is also indebted to the Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw for providing Davida with a very nice apartment on the campus of Eden Seminary. Davida was able to walk to work each day (very nice) and, thanks to Eden's buildings and grounds staff, the apartment even came with a plot for Davida's garden (although I don't know where she found the time to tend to it).
Thank you, Dr. Greenhaw!!! The Missouri Mid-South Conference appreciates your kindness and your assistance in providing accommodations for Davida during her stay. It couldn't have worked out any better!
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"Facebook for Your Church - The Right Way" Seminar
There are over a billion registered users, and company Facebook pages are now very common. But Facebook needs to be carefully managed with certain objectives in mind. And its use poses a variety of risks for your church. The Insurance Board is offering a seminar on November 13 where they will review how your church can present itself on Facebook, how to set up your page, and essential controls to stay out of both reputational and legal trouble. Register at: https://insuranceboard.ilinc.com.
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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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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. 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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Jeffco Clergy Meeting
The next Jeffco Clergy meeting will be Monday, September 23, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mark UCC, 1861 Missouri State Rd., Arnold, MO 63101. We hope to see you there.
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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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What Does a Minister of Strategic Innovation Do Anyway? 
In my six weeks with you as Conference staff, I have heard the question, "So, what is it you are doing?" many times. The eCourier is the place where on a regular basis, I will describe not only what I am doing, but what I am learning and how it is being shared. My first priority is to listen - really listen, to as many of you as I can in eleven months of time. Inviting you into a conversation with me is the best way to learn what each of you is thinking, calling for and wishing to see among our conference family.
So far I have held conversations and meetings with well over 50 people. Most of these are one-on-one times for about an hour. I have treasured these conversations. The template of questions asked is open-ended and the same for each so that information and ideas shared can be placed into the database that has been created. Over the coming months, the common threads of sharing will be applied to models and forms to present and test with you. For instance, a nearly universal comment so far, has been the importance of giving and receiving care and support especially during difficult and joyous times. There are many ways I have heard to do this better and more intentionally.
Another item in my job description says: "Equip staff and volunteers with a robust plan for mission interpretation, with particular emphasis on OCWM." I am aware this is stewardship season for many churches. So why not invite me (314.918.2601 or email jan@mmsucc.org) to bring a message or mission moment about stewardship to your church's worship or committee meeting? I look forward to listening, learning and sharing with you in growing the life of our conference family!
Blessings and peace,
Jan Aerie, Minister of Strategic Innovation
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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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Quotes for your Week
Wonder what opportunities you pass, unwittingly, because your  hands are so busy clasping what you think you have always known. - Mary Anne Radmacher
The challenge before us is to savor the unknown and delight in the taste of possibility.
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Uncertainty that comes from knowledge (knowing what you don't know) is different from uncertainty coming from ignorance.
- Isaac Asimov
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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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