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Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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The next eHappenings will be shared on Friday, September 27th.
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Anniversary Invitation from the Pension Board
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2014 Conference Annual Gathering 
The 2014 Conference Annual Gathering will be held on June 13-15 and while that may seem like many months away, we are already busy planning. The biggest change to share with you is we will not be meeting at Drury University, but instead at the Truman Hotel and Conference Center in Jefferson City. Due to conflicting schedules with the school we had to make this change, but we believe the new venue will be much more conducive for many of our meeting needs. To read about the hotel, click here to visit their website. We are negotiating less expensive room rates for all attendees, so please keep that in mind when you are looking at the regular room rates on their site. Returning to a hotel will be a fresh change pace, and the location is very centrally located for our entire Conference. Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, United Church of Christ General Minister and President, will be with us for the weekend as guest speaker and honored attendee. We are extremely excited to have him visit Missouri next June and bring his spiritual message to us. If you have an interest in helping plan the 2014 CAG, you may contact Dale Parson at 816-257-9826 or dale@mmsucc.org. Please place the dates of June 13-15, 2014 on your calendars now for this important gathering of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. As more plans are made we will definitely share them with you!
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Thanks for the "Likes" on Facebook! 
Our Conference has increased our Likes on Facebook by over 50 in just a few short months, wow! Thanks for reading and liking our posts. I am seeing new faces and names added each day on our page, which is so encouraging. The more you share our posts with others, the more folks we can reach about our Conference and the UCC. So if you haven't yet, be sure to Like Us on Facebook. And keep watching for more posts each week.
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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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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.  There is one more conversation planned within the Missouri Mid-South Conference: - 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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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. Click on the following items for more info: Registration, Agenda, Churches/Delegates. If you have further questions regarding the meeting, please email the St. Louis Association. We hope to see you at Parkway UCC on 10/5!
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2013 MMSUCC Directories Still Available
Our Conference office has several 2013 MMSUCC directories available to anyone who would like one, or two, or even three! Extra copies are great to have on-hand at church, home or to keep in your car. You may stop by our office anytime during normal business hours M-F, or we will snail mail the directory to you at a cost of $2.00 per book to cover our costs. Please email Colleen if you would like a directory mailed to you or you may ask her to set aside some books for you to pick up.
We will begin working on the 2014 directory soon, hoping for distribution in late January or early February. If you have any changes (new email, address, phone, etc) that you would like incorporated in the 2014 directory, be sure to email your Conference office so we have the most current information to share with your colleagues.
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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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Eden Professor Awarded Training Contract with Navy 
Eden professor, Rev. Dr. Kristen Leslie who, along with Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune of the FaithTrust Institute, has been awarded a training contract with The Navy Chaplaincy School & Center though General Dynamics Information Technology to design, develop and deliver training to prepare Navy chaplains to effectively respond to sexual assault instances. Click here to read her story in yesterday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
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Only 74 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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Even if your retirement is 10, 20 or even 30 years away, it's never too early to begin planning for a more secure financial future. The Pension Boards has a number of options that can help you save for retirement.
To learn about these Plans, and to hear other tips that can help you enjoy greater financial security when you do transition to a less active ministry, we invite you to join us on
Wednesday, October 9 at Noon (ET) for 10 Tips to Help You Plan for a More Secure Retirement, a Member Education webinar.*
The webinar will be conducted using WebEx online conferencing technology. To participate, you will need:
- a computer with Internet access**, and
- a telephone (for the audio portion of the presentation).
Following a brief presentation, you will have an opportunity to have your questions answered by Pension Boards staff using WebEx's online chat function.
If you are unable to join us, a recording of the webinar will be available on the Pension Boards website at http://bit.ly/PBRecordings. * The content of this presentation is for information only. You should seek the advice of a tax professional or certified financial planner for your specific situation.
** If you do not have Internet access, you may listen to the presentation by dialing one of the toll-free meeting numbers: 1.866.699.3239 or 1.877.668.4490. When prompted, enter the Meeting Number: 688 657 945, followed by the # sign.
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Pension Boards-UCC | 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1020 | New York | NY | 10115 | 800-642-6543 |
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Jazz for the Journey
Jazz for the Journey, a national symposium on jazz as liturgy, will gather pastors, worship leaders, jazz musicians and jazz lovers from around the country to celebrate, share and explore the creative possibilities of jazz - and its power to speak to our existential situation and transform Christian worship.
This three-day event will take place in Cleveland on October 24-26 (just one month away!) and feature leaders in the liturgical jazz movement sharing their perspectives on the music's impact on ministry, including the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, the Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith, the Rev. Dr. Henry Simmons, and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Andrews. Our own Rev. Cliff Aerie will also be performing! For more information and to register at www.ucc.org/jazzjourney.
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October St. Louis Ministerium Meeting
Wednesday, October 9, 10:00 am - 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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Communications Explanation
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"Huh, what is this?!"
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I've had several questions recently about the differences between the eblasts/emails you receive from our Conference, mainly the eCourier, eHappenings and eConnections, and when those are shared. So here's a brief explanation of each: - eCourier - a weekly eblast sent each Wednesday highlighting the many seminars, special events, job opportunities, announcements and invitations within our Conference and the National UCC from our many partners, organizations and agencies.
- eHappenings - sent twice per month, normally on the 15th and 30th. Mainly consisting of local church and organization events within our Conference.
- eConnections - used for time-sensitive information within and surrounding our Conference, death notices, and other special events/announcements which deserve special attention and need to be highlighted.
At times the eCourier may be delayed until Thursday or Friday, and normally this is due to workload or if information which needs to be added is not yet available or complete. The eHappenings may either be delayed or cancelled entirely due to other vital communications that need to be shared from our Conference. We are very conscientious about the amount of information we send so you don't feel overwhelmed with emails popping up in your Inbox every 20 minutes. I hope this helped to clarify our electronic communications efforts, and if you have any other questions just send me an email. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful events, announcements and projects. Remember, this is YOUR eCourier and your opinions and thoughts are highly important to us. Renee
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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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Eden Seminary invites you to join Chris Nkemba Ndjungu (Eden second level Master of Divinity student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and the entire seminary family in learning about and advocating for the Congo during the internationally observed Congo Week. Come to the campus on Tuesday, Oct 15 at 11:00 am to view a video in the chapel, and engage in a lunch discussion about the Congo. Even if you can't come on Tuesday, be sure to commit to and promote turning off cell phones on Wednesday, October 16, in recognition of the problems mining coltan has caused in the DRC. The international "Don't Be a Cell Out" event calls for us to turn off our cell phones at noon for two hours, leaving a message in our voice mail stating why.
Congo Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating situation in the Congo and mobilize support on behalf of the people of the Congo. Plan your event-or an event every day of Congo Week-to learn about, reflect in worship, and together make a real difference for people of the Congo. Find facts, talking points, worship resources and reading lists here: http://globalministries.org/africa/congo-week.html
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the most mineral-rich country in the world; yet, 80% of the population survives on $.30 a day and 75% of the population is undernourished according to the UN. Further, there are an estimated 1.3 million displaced Congolese, and estimated 1.1 million are living with HIV/AIDS, and close to two-thirds of the population cannot afford conventional health care. The Congolese live in these dire conditions because DRC is entangled in war over a natural resource, coltan, which has resulted in the death of over 5.4 million to date. It is a battle for coltan, diamonds, cassiterite and gold, destined for sale in London, New York and Paris - the metals that make our technological society vibrate and ring and bling. In addition to high death rates, the war has led to the use of child soldiers, child slavery in mines, a rise in HIV/AIDS, the mass displacement of peoples, and the widespread use of rape as a weapon of war. To read more about Congo Week on a national scale, check out their website.
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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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2013 Taste of Home Cooking School Event - Emmaus Homes 
You're invited to the 2013 Taste of Home Cooking School on Saturday, November 9th at First Christian Church in Washington, MO. The doors open at 9:00 am for the Vendor Fair and the Cooking Show begins at 1:00 pm.
Click here to see the flyer for ticket levels/prices and prizes! All proceeds to benefit Emmaus Homes.
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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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