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Wednesday, November 27, 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, November 29th.
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Allen's Message to You
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Dear Conference Friends and Colleagues,
Happy Thanksgiving Day to you.
First a moment of confession: It is important to remind ourselves that our traditional story of the first  thanksgiving needs some historical repair, that it was certainly an unequal sharing, and that the generosity of the native Americans was grievously betrayed by the Pilgrim settlers who brought to this continent that sense of entitlement that has tolerated privilege and allowed poverty to go unremedied even to this day.
Still, we Americans, with all our taken-for-granted luxury, can appreciate a day set aside to remember the importance of gratitude, both for the sake of our own mental balance and for the motivation it places within us to desire and work for the well-being of others.
In one of his loveliest of letters, Paul writes to the Philippians the important truth that those who practice thanksgiving in all times and situations discover the pathway to that place in their lives where crippling anxiety holds no more power over us.
We live in an anxious world, and this affects us, limits our generosity and our ability to support one another in times of need. So may we be thankful together and mutual in our encouragement, and may we see together the community of trust and generosity and peace developing in the midst of us.
Allen
Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister |
 Conference Office Closed To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday our conference office will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. We wish you, your family and your congregation a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
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Conference Conversations Update
Thanks to everyone who came out for what turned out to be eight gatherings last week for Conference Conversations.
I am summarizing your responses in a report to the Conference Council, and I am hopeful that some of the practical concerns that were raised can be resolved even before we move through the vision process and begin our search for a new Conference Minister. Many specific ideas and issues were lifted up - everything from regional sensitivities to financial worries, to social advocacy, to staff and laity roles, concern for our camps, worries over small church vulnerability, stewardship and evangelism. More broadly, the themes of communication, open participation in decision-making, and being in solidarity about our central values and mission were frequently mentioned.
Allen |
"Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity"
Only 10 more days until the first Jazz Nativity performance! 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 n ew 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.
Please use these handy, ready-made bulletin inserts to help your church to promote the performances in the St. Louis/Washington areas:
Th ree Uni ted Chu rch of Chri st cong re gations will be hosting this yea r's Jazz Nativity in the St. Louis/Washington, MO areas:
- 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 (STL poster)
A performance will also be held in Kansas City, MO:
Please print and share the above posters with your congregation, friends, family and coworkers. 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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Giving Thanks for Miracles
In this season of gratitude we can't help but think of the miracles occurring all around us - those things we can see and those we can't, that all reveal the power and hand of God in our lives. For instance, your Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) offering allowed for some great thanks to be given this week:
- The newsletter of our neighboring conference, Illinois South includes some news from our conference for its members. It also notes how recovery efforts for those affected by the recent tornadoes in several Illinois towns have been enacted through church volunteers, some from Missouri.
- Our Outdoor Ministry team is promoting more church retreats and family camps at MoVal, and in other locations across the conference.
- Our national Global Ministries office offers churches a mission moment and prayer with resources about our missionaries for every Sunday of the year.
We give great thanks for the many ways your gifts and ours reach so far, touching so many.
Our Church Works Miracles! OCWM: creating miracles every day.
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Eden Seminary Annual Christmas Concert
The Eden Theological Seminary Choir will present its Christmas Concert on December 4, 2013 in Wehrli Chapel in the Press Building at 10:00 am. All are invited to join in this joyous musical expression of Christmas!
The Eden Choir, "Voices of Eden", will share a variety of seasonal music including some traditi onal carols, classical pieces, and spirituals. The Choir will sing selections from "Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten and "Jazz Gloria" by Natalie Sleeth. Continuing with long-standing tradition, Eden alumni will be invited to join with the choir in singing the Christmas spiritual, "Jesus, Jesus, What a Wonderful Child". There will be instrumental accompaniment for several of the selections along with some musical surprises as well!
Donita Bauer, Director of Music at Eden is excited to share the story of the birth of Christ and the experience of the joy that Christmas brings through the music of the Voices of Eden.
The annual concert is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and friends of Eden to gather together to celebrate the joys of Christmas as a community. All are invited to the reception following the concert. We hope you will come and join in the festivities!
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A Call to Assist Typhoon Haiyan Victims
It's not too late, donations are still being accepted! 
To learn how you can help the victims of this tragic event, please see the articles from our partners with Global Ministries and from our national UCC website. You may also send a check to our conference office with "Typhoon Haiyan" in the memo line: MMSUCC, 483 E. Lockwood Avenue, Suite 15, St. Louis, MO 63119. 100% of all donations sent to our conference will be directly distributed to our national UCC office in Cleveland. Thank you in advance for your continued support!
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Quote for your Week - Giving Thanks
We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and squashes, which give us life.
We return thanks to the bushes and trees, which provide us with fruit.
We return thanks to the wind, which, moving the air, has banished diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to our grandfather He-no, that he has protected his grandchildren from witches and reptiles, and has given us his rain.
We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for the good of his children.
- Iroquois traditional
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Director of Children's Ministry - St. Johns UCC, St. Charles (11/6/2013)
St. John United Church of Christ, in St. Charles MO is seeking a full-time Director of Children's Ministry. This newly expanded position will have responsibility for the overall outreach, development, planning, coordination and implementation of children's ministry programs for youth, birth through fifth grade, and their families. The ideal candidate will be a person of deep faith, who has successful experience in Christian education, enthusiasm and the desire to work in a collaborative environment to reinvigorate our children's ministry. An understanding of child learning development and experience working with volunteer staff is also desired. No calls please. Please submit a job specific cover letter and resume to: jobs@stjohnucc.org. Deadline December 15, 2013. For more information about our Church community, visit our website at www.stjohnucc.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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