"Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity"   

Last performance is this Saturday in Kansas City!!!  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.  To see and hear excerpts from last year's performances click here.    

• Bulletin Insert 1     Bulletin Insert 2 

Have you noticed that soon after Thanksgiving each year, as the autumn days shorten, people seem to increase their speed - walking, driving or even talking? It may be because it is getting colder outside and we want to stay warm, or that less daylight causes us to have less time to do as much, but I theorize that it is something else. Our culture seems to push us to move faster in order to cram in as much Christmas shopping, decorating and food preparation as we possibly can before December 24. By ten days before Christmas, almost everyone I speak with can't help but exclaim, "There is not enough time in the day to get everything done for Christmas!"

I get caught up in this too, but when I recall the most memorable moments of Advent they are the quiet times when serenity crept in - even for a few moments, when my fast pace and rushing mind slowed for a bit. Church services, singing carols, serving a meal to the homeless or visiting shut ins can do this. Even sitting down for a cup of tea in the midst of a hectic day slows the pace.

I have had conversations with some people who have been wishing the conference would move faster, and change sooner to show a new way and offer different options. While we are conscious to make change happen in good form, we are ready for some implementation. Early in 2014 the conference will be seeking names to create lists of people with gifts to offer the conference - not so much the financial ones, though those are needed too, but the gifts of expertise and knowledge. We will invite names of people by areas of ability and interest, then connect those with the ability to those with the need. Contemplate your gifts as you wrap your Christmas gifts for your family, then watch for our invitation early in the New Year.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE DEACONESS PARISH NURSE MINISTRIES WILL BECOME:

Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries

Please make certain that any listing or reference to our organization January 1, 2014, or after appropriately and accurately reflects the new name of the organization.

Additional communications regarding our new name and organization will be provided beginning January, 2014 and throughout the year.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact either  

Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN, Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries' Executive Director, 314.918.2596 or via email at dsmith-pupillo@eden.edu.  Or Jim Schnurbusch at 314.413.8673 or via email at jim@orgstory.org.

Please note that our office address remains the same:

Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries

483 East Lockwood Avenue, Room 106 (Schultz Hall)

St. Louis, MO  63119

Thank you! 

The Christmas Fund Offering is one way that we, as members of The United Church of Christ, embody God's love for one another, living out a holy vision of caring and compassionate relationship.  By increasing your local church's mission to include The Christmas Fund, you will also be increasing your giving to The Good Samaritan Fund and your own local retired pastors. Please consider giving generously!

During this Advent season, please share these two educational pieces in your church bulletin:

• Bulletin insert
• Poster  
• UCC website for further resources and materials  

For further information or assistance please contact The Good Samaritan Fund Board:  Chair: Alvyne Rethemeyer, R.N, Secretary: Dave Detering, Treasurer: Norm Volle, Doug Dischinger, Rev. Ivan Horn, Rev. Margaret Diz Philip, Linda Stoecklin, R.N., Rev. Russell Viehmann.

Newborns draw our attention especially around Christmas time - they remind us of the Christ Child. Newly-born ideas and projects are also especially poignant this time of year when they bring hope and healing. New miracles are birthed in December with Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) giving:  

•   A newly initiated free dinner for people in need not only brings large numbers and special conversations around the meal, but new worshipers to advent services.
•  An Egyptian mother has long dreamed of opening a small store supplying staples for her community. She has received a micro-loan and her store is now open. Sales allow her to send her daughter to school.
• A recently widowed member has found solace in grief counseling and a Blue Christmas worship service. 

Celebrate the miraculous births you have enabled through your generosity.

The 2014 Conference Youth Event will be held on February 15-17 at Camp MoVal.  The theme is "Pray, Play and Stay Together: In God's Embrace."  The youth will connect with God in nature and fellowship, hang out with friends, experience cool workshops, enjoy awesome games and share their gifts with others.  The cost of registration is $120 and is open to grades 9-12.  Click here for further information and keep watching the eCourier for new updates!  Be sure your church is represented at the 2014 event, show your youth spirit!!!