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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
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Around Your Conference

A Word From Our Acting Conference Minister... 

Dear Friends,

 

It is a wonderful thing that happens when we confer with one another:  I confer with you, and you confer with me, and soon we find ourselves in "conference" together. null

 

Needless to say, we don't feel the need to confer at all unless we have some value in common that we want to affirm and goals in common that we want to achieve.  Those values and goals are the things that lead us beyond the great delusion that the best things in life are the things we keep for ourselves.

 

Being in "conference" of spirit is not easy.  It goes against much of conventional human behavior.    Imagine the frustrations of Paul, when gifts he helped people in Corinth discover turned into  reasons for pride and dismissiveness among them.  Imagine the disappointment of Jesus, when he turned on the road to ask his followers what they were talking about and they were afraid to tell him, because they were discussing who was the more deserving among them.  Well, of course, you don't really have to imagine very much - just remember the last time you sat in a roomful of Christians worried about finances or membership or their own personal financial or family concerns as they tried to write the church budget for the coming year.

    

It is my special privilege to serve among you as "Acting Conference Minister."  I struggle a little with the title: does it mean that I am only acting like a conference minister, or does it mean that I am called to be a conference minister engaged in needed action for this particular moment in time?  Whichever that may be (I prefer the latter), I am sure that a conference minister's primary goal and function is to encourage among us the mutuality of care and contribution that the very word "conference" implies.  My prayer for us is that we may know the experience of interactive shared leadership through the offering and respecting of  many gifts.  

 

We are in the period of stewardship within most of our congregations, so this is a good time to think about what it means for us to be in mission and ministry together - in conference with one another.  We are too much tempted to think about our stewardship as an act of "giving to" something that is other than ourselves and carries out a mission on our behalf.  The truth is that we are all more likely to grow in fellowship, ministry and mission when we understand that we support one another by sharing our gifts.  Whether we are considering our financial stewardship or our capacity to serve or our desire to offer our opinions and our listening ears, it is always more powerful, effective and indeed sacred to bring an attitude of "sharing with",  not just "giving to" our common fellowship of ministry and mission.  Dear friends, for the life of the whole body of Christ, let us speak, let us listen, let us share what we have, let us be in conference together.

 

Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister  

 

While Davida Foy Crabtree was with us this summer, she made an initial gift to a Friends of the Conference fund and invited others who felt able to share in this extra mile support for our Conference.  This invitation is made only to those who feel they have the capacity and desire to support the work of the Missouri Mid South Conference at a time when obligations not anticipated in the current budget year have needed to be paid.  I myself have made a contribution to this fund and am convinced that the Missouri Mid South Conference is taking all appropriate steps to maintain good financial health, both now and in future years.  Thanks to those who have responded to this need.

 

Allen 


Celebrate MOVAL SUNDAY on OCTOBER 20th!

Camp MoVal is more than just collection of buildings and fun activities; it is an extension of our work, our mission and our ministry in the local church. It is Holy Ground where people have the opportunity and support to experience God in new ways, to grow in their faith, and to strengthen their commitment to sharing God's love with others.  It is a springboard for future clergy; it is a place for faith development and nurture; it is a place where laborers in God's mission field first take root.

 

Camp MoVal Sunday is being celebrated this October all across the Missouri Mid-South Conference, focusing on October 20th, and on that day we celebrate the programming and adventures that were shared during this summer camping season, and all year long.  In the summer program alone, 500+ campers were taught to experience God in a new way; and many adult leaders were able to develop their faith as well.  The camp season this past year focused on the theme, "All Things New;" leading our campers through Bible stories illustrating how God is continually doing new things in Creation.  It was a great summer!

 

Worship and liturgical materials for Camp MoVal Sunday were mailed to each congregation in late August; they are also available on the Camp MoVal website or by calling Jeremy Force, OMD at Camp MoVal, 636.583.2730.

 

Camp MoVal continues to grow and become even more focused on its mission in God's world.  We are beginning a strategic planning process that will focus and refine the work of Camp MoVal, and lead it into the future on sound and defined footing. 

 

This is a great time for Camp MoVal!  Your prayers and encouragement are always welcome; as well as financial support.  While Camp MoVal receives support from Our Church's Wider Mission, additional support is a necessary part of our program.  Donations designated to Camp MoVal are always welcome; as is your faithful support of Our Church's Wider Mission.  Thank you for keeping us in your prayers!  

 

To assist your church in preparing for MoVal Sunday, please click on the following items:

Inner Jazz Event

Join Rev. Cliff Aerie on Sunday, October 13 at Kirkwood UCC for a multi-faith meditation experience and explore the landscape of the soul through the transformative spirit of jazz.  This month's guest artists include Willem von Hombracht on bass, Christopher Braig on sax and flute and Baba Mike Nelson on percussion.  Inner Jazz is a blending of jazz improvisation, storytelling, and the arts.  Take an hour's respite from the fast pace of life to listen and relax your mind, body and soul.  Click here to see the event information. 
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Gateway ONA Meetings & Annual Convocation  

 

The Gateway ONA will meet on the following days, beginning at 7:00 pm in the McCarthy Room of Eden Theological Seminary:  
  • Thursday, November 21

  • Thursday, December 19 

The Annual Gateway ONA Convocation will be on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at First Congregational Church UCC in Webster Groves from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.  The theme for next year's event is Blessing on the Way.  Put this date on your calendar now!
Festival of Sharing  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. 

UPDATE - 2014 Conference Annual Gathering NewsMMS Logo

 

The 2014 CAG planning team (Dale Parson, ACM; Bob Atkinson, WA;  Jan Barnes, SLA; Renee Cordes, Conference Staff;  Coletta Eichenberger, WA;  Rayla Hogue, WA; Frank Husted, EA; and Jimtu Hogue, WA-Youth/Young Adult) met this past Friday at the Truman Hotel and Convention Center in Jefferson City, which is the new location of next year's gathering.  We had a chance to tour the hotel and see the many, many meeting spaces available, chat with the hotel staff, enjoy lunch and begin discussing themes, workshops, and all of the great components to make our 2014 CAG the best ever.  Unfortunately we didn't have time to take a dip in their outdoor pool, but maybe next time!  Yes, they have an outdoor pool so be sure and share that piece of info with the youth at your church!

To read more about the Truman Hotel, click here to visit their website.  The special MMSUCC room rate with the hotel will be $64 per night, which is an absolutely great price for a full service hotel.  Since all room reservations will be handled by the hotel and not our Conference, each CAG attendee will be responsible for making his/her own room reservation with the hotel directly.  We will let you know in the months to come if there will be a code or phrase to use when calling to make your arrangements to receive the discounted price of $64 over the CAG weekend.  

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. 

The next meeting of the 2014 CAG planning team is Friday, November 1, 11am-3pm, at the Truman Hotel.  Keep watching the eCourier and Facebook for further updates and details.  It's a new beginning - at a new venue - with new dreams and ideas!!!  Our group is really excited about the changes and renewed spirit we hope to share with everyone next June!  GET READY!!!

 

Bread for the World Lectures    
 

Parkway UCC and Second Presbyterian Church are sponsoring two lectures by Rev. David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World, on Monday and Tuesday evenings, October 14-15, at 7:00 pm at Second Presbyterian, 4501 Westminister Place (Westminster and Taylor) in the Central West End.   

 

Dealing with world hunger, Monday's lecture is titled "God Is Moving in Our Time" and the Tuesday lecture is titled "Changing the Politics of Hunger."  These lectures are free and open to the public.  For information call Tom Tupper at 636-236-3313.      

Congo Week VI



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.   

This Time of Miracles

 

Miracles do happen every day - even in our own churches!  What miracles have you seen in your congregation lately?  

 

Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) offering is a miracle.  Take for instance the miracles the offering recently helped make happen:

  • Our Conference pastors were renewed, revitalized and reconnected with other clergy on a two day spiritual retreat this and every fall at PIM 
  • The Conference Council members met recently and held important discussions, arriving at vital decisions - their voice representing yours
  • We know where and when each of the Sausage, Ham or Chicken Dinners, Apple Butter and Craft Festivals is occurring from the  eHappenings list and calendar 

You have contributed to making these miracles happen. The possibilities are expanding...

 

Our Church Works Miracles!  OCWM: creating miracles every day.

 It's Time for the Conference Middle School Event!

 

This year's awesome retreat will be November 22 - 23.  CMSE is a tool for enhancing Middle School youth ministry in local congregations by helping youth connect with their peers from around the Missouri Mid-South Conference.  The retreat will be full of games, discussion groups, hang time, an awesome guest speaker, and all the great camp activities MoVal has to offer.  Check in will start at 7 pm on Friday, November 22 and the event will end at approximately 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 23.

Youth currently in grades 6, 7, & 8 and their adult advisors are all invited to this life changing event.  The cost is $60 per youth or adult.  Scholarships are available.  Here is the event flyer, registration information, disclosure and release form, MoVal background formYou do not want to miss out!!!

And the next Youth Ministry Convenanted Ministry Team meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 26 at 6:30 pm at Zion UCC in Troy, MO.     

 

Thank You For a Successful Camp MoVal Golf Tournament

 

A very gracious thank you to all of those that came out, served, prepared, gave, played and participated in the Camp MoVal Golf Tournament on Labor Day weekend. Through all of this hard work and play, I am very pleased to let you know your support helped us raise just over $12,000 to support our ministry at Camp MoVal. Your generosity makes the outdoor ministry that Camp MoVal provides possible.

 

I would also like to thank all of our generous sponsors: Chris & Pam Gumper, Summit Distributing, Carl & Marilyn Norton, Great American Corporate Dining, St. Mark-Arnold, Tom & Miriam Rollins, Pearl Sellenriek, Appliance Discounters, The Barbara Reinhardt Family, Mark Fernandez, Performance Improvement Consulting, David Dauster,  Peggy & Ken Mueller, Wesley & Arland Stemme, St. Martins-Dittmer Men's Fellowship, UNIGLOBAL Professional Travel, Gene and Gloria Ridder, St. Lucas Mission and Outreach Committee, Ralph and Vera Streiff, Kenneth and Donna Staten, William and Connie Lowry, Femme Osage Mission and Ministry, St. Martin's Women Fellowship, Chesterfield Lions Activity Fund, Bill Brinkhorst and Joy Dressel, Emmaus Home, St. Johns St. Charles Evangelism Committee, Roy Dressel, Betty and Glenn Tope and Michael and Julia Fernandez.

    

The date has been set for the 2014 Camp MoVal Golf Tournament on October 4, 2014 at The Landings in Chesterfield. Mark this date on your calendar for next year. Again, thanks to all of you for your support of Outdoor Ministry at Camp MoVal.

  

Jeremy Force 

 

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Looking to Borrow?
Cornerstone Fund Offers $1,500 toward Closing Costs


If your church is looking for the right loan to finance a building repair, improvement or expansion project, it's time to talk to the Cornerstone Fund! In addition to good rates and a range of terms designed with churches in mind, the Cornerstone Fund is now offering up to $1,500 toward its already low closing costs.

"Our closing costs have always been minimal," said Cornerstone Fund president Gordon Gilles. "We only pass along to our borrowers the title and recording fees that are charged to us. But now we're sweetening our loan offers with $1,500 toward even those fees." Most borrowers focus on interest rates when looking for financing, he explained, but typical bank closing costs raise the overall cost of financing. "Banks often charge application and origination fees, they require appraisals and environmental survey fees, and more," said Mr. Gilles. The Cornerstone Fund has never required those additional reports or charged extra fees, helping churches keep their borrowing costs as low as possible and put more money into their project and their ministry.

In addition to the closing cost benefit, the Cornerstone Fund has expanded its loan options to include five different options - one- and three-year adjustable rate loans, and five-, 15- and 30-year fixed rate loans. The Cornerstone Fund also offers a revolving line of credit of up to $100,000, which does not qualify for the $1,500 offer. Developed with churches in mind, Cornerstone Fund loan options include the ability to recalculate payments when large principal payments reduce the loan balance. Churches interested in applying for a loan or a revolving line of credit can visit cornerstonefund.org to calculate borrowing potential and payments, check out term and rate options, and download an application.

Since 1995, the Cornerstone Fund has provided nearly 1,000 loans to UCC-related churches & organizations - loans funded by interest-bearing investments from UCC-related individuals and organizations. The Cornerstone Fund also offers workshops and seminars on church finance and management to regional gatherings - at no cost to the sponsoring organization. For more information, visit cornerstonefund.org.


Visit us online to download an application. Have questions? Just give us a call at 888-822-3863.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Gordon''''''''s signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gordon Gilles

President   


For information on any Cornerstone Fund product or service, email us at [email protected].

This is not an offer to sell our securities to you and we are not soliciting you to buy our securities. We will sell our securities only in states where authorized. The offering is made solely by our Offering Circular, which may be obtained by calling us at (888) 822-3863. Our securities are not insured by the FDIC or any other state of federally regulated institution. Rates may change without notice. 

From the Heritage Files  
  heritage

The Heritage Committee is very happy to announce that Dr. John Bracke has agreed to write a history of the Missouri-Mid South Conference.  As we mark our 50th anniversary it is important to gather and document the life of our Conference.  If you have information about the Conference that you think should be included in such a record, please send it to John Bracke, 6911 Stanwood Dr., Columbia, MO 65203 or [email protected].

 

 

Bill Schwab, Chair

 

 

Healthy Relationships, Healthy Kids and Healthy Churches

The Missouri School of Religion is offering a specialized boundary training* session for those who work primarily with youth.  It is recommended for youth ministers, Sunday school teachers, child care workers or anyone involved with young people at their church.  The session will also cover developing a safe church policy, which every congregation should have in place.  The primary goal of this workshop is to provide participants with the information and tools necessary to ensure the protection of children, youth and adult caregivers in our church ministries.

The event will be held on October 26 at First Christian Church in Columbia, MO, and hosted by Brian Kirk, pastor of the church.  Click here to print a flyer for this event, or here for the website to register online.  The cost is $35 per attendee. 

*Please note that the MMSUCC will not recognize this specialized youth session as a fulfillment of the 3 year boundary training requirement, per Conference guidelines.  This is an extra opportunity focusing on youth only and does not cover all necessary topics for clergy.

"What's Next?" 
 

"WHAT'S NEXT?" is an evening with Bishop Yvette Flunder at:

Epiphany United Church of Christ

2911 McNair Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63118

 

This event is free and open to the public on October 17th, and all are welcome!  Click here to see the full flyer.   
International Partners in Mission
 
Please click here to read about several upcoming events and opportunities in St. Louis with the IPM.  Eric Moeller, a member in discernment with the Eastern Association, has been working with this group since June and is now the St. Louis Outreach Community Coordinator.  Eric is available to visit your church and bring IPM's message to your congregation and also share his experience of visiting El Savaldor. 

One Lone Leaf

 

One lone red maple leaf lay on the sidewalk as I was walking one day this week. This first leaf to change color and fall from a young tree on the Eden Seminary campus is only the hint of many more colors and leaves to come. We know this and trust that this natural occurrence will cycle around again each year. The leaf reminded me that in this season we as a Conference are looking at as many aspects of our work and who we are as we possibly can. We are paying attention to what exists, what has been and how it is impacting each of us and our churches.

 

Did you collect a "bouquet" of colorful leaves as a child? Perhaps that is what we are doing right now by naming and recognizing the key values, goals and efforts of our Conference. Key aspects include Search and Call, the support of new clergy, the Conference Council and its covenanted ministry teams, the eCourier, our Association and Conference gatherings, and so much more.

 

The conference Vision Team will soon be meeting for the first time under Dick Hamm's leadership. Dick and I have spoken several times already to coordinate the work we are doing. All that we do will inter-relate, not duplicate, like a bouquet of colorful leaves. The Vision Team will create our Conference story and direct the choices for emphases in the Conference's future. You will hear about opportunities to talk together about hopes and dreams, and are invited to look with us at ways to blend, share, combine and strengthen programs and resources. Each will be like the leaves on our Conference's "family tree."

 

Like that lone leaf: one key question, one idea, one person, one church at a time, we will together build our collective colorful vision and make it reality in our Missouri Mid-South Conference.

 

Blessings and peace,

Jan Aerie, Minister of Strategic Innovation

 

Remember, in this stewardship season I am available to bring a message or mission moment about stewardship to your church's worship or committee meeting. (314.918.2601 or email [email protected]).  I look forward to continuing to listen, learn and imagine with you in growing the life of our conference family.

Ordination of Zayna Hart Thompson
Ordination
The Missouri Mid-South Conference and the Eastern Association invite you to the ordination of Zayna Hart Thompson on October 27, at 4 pm at First Congregational Church UCC in Platteville, WI. 

Clergy are invited to gather and robe in red at 3:45 pm. 

Please click here to see the formal invitation.

November St. Louis Ministerium Meeting

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The SLA Ministerium is a group for all St. Louis UCC clergy who are licensed, commissioned or ordained and serving in the local church or elsewhere.  Whether you are active or retired,  you are always welcome at the SLA Ministerium.


Next Meeting: 
Wednesday, November 13, in the evening - MORE DETAILS COMING SOON

 

Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries
Eden Theological Seminary Campus, Webster Groves, MO 63119
 

Find Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries on Facebook!
Host: Rev Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN
[email protected], 314-918-2596
(Exact location of Ministerium TBD, but it will be on Eden's Campus)

 

Please contact Rev. Kevin Cameron at Parkway UCC with any questions about the SLA Ministerium, 314-872-9330, [email protected]
 
Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries is the heart of parish nursing movement, acting locally and inspiring globally. We seek to foster physical, emotional, spiritual, and social harmony leading to healthy and healing relationships with God, family, faith communities, culture and creation. The mission is accomplished in two ways: in the United States and abroad, through education, consultation, and research to support the growth and development of parish nursing and in the St Louis area, through support of high quality parish nurse ministries.
Job Opportunities
 

Administrative Assistant - part time, St. Philip's UCC, St. Louis (10/9/13)   

St. Philip's U.C.C. church, mornings Monday-Friday.  Proficient in MS Office programs, keyboarding, social media, multi-tasking.  Must be friendly, reliable, and detail oriented.  Please mention the e-Courier when sending your resume to:  [email protected].  No phone calls, please.
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Administrative Assistant - part time, Eden Theological Seminary (10/2/13)

Eden Theological Seminary is seeking a part-time (10-20 hrs) administrative assistant who will report to the Executive Assistant to the President.  The seminary is flexible regarding the weekly work schedule.  A high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and confidentiality is crucial to this role.  Interested applicants may send inquiries to [email protected].

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Office Manager - full time, St. Paul's UCC, Oakville (10/2/13)

St. Paul's United Church of Christ is seeking a full time Monday-Friday Office Manager. Interpersonal skills: Friendly, reliable, professional image, excellent communication and phone skills, open to transition and change; and a team player. Technical skills: Ability to implement and manage Church Integrated Software (experience in Shelby preferred); Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook and in calendar/meeting management. Accounting Experience: handling payroll, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable and receipts. We are located on 5508 Telegraph Road in St. Louis (Oakville), MO. The deadline for resumes is Tuesday, October 15. Email resumes to [email protected].    

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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:

[email protected]    For a complete job description go to www.stjohnsuccchesterfield.org.    

Conference Quick Links
 
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.