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Friday, December 27, 2013
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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eHappenings! Your MMSUCC Event News Source!
The next issue is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2014
(Issues will be emailed on the 15th and 30th of each month - or the nearest weekday.)
Full issues of eHappenings are also posted on our Conference website.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM PAST EVENTS
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The Valley Center United Church of Christ in rural Deepwater, donated 1550 lbs of food to the Henry County and St. Clair County Food Pantries that was collected during their annual Oktoberfest Dinner and food drive. They also donated $1500.00 from the Oktoberfest Dinner proceeds to the Food Pantries that will be used to purchase additional food. In September of 2011 their pastor, Rev. Dane Sommer challenged the congregation to raise 1100 lbs. of food in support of UCC's 11.11.11 project. The goal was met and the Church decided to make this an annual event supported by the Oktoberfest Dinner. Guests were encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the Oktoberfest Dinner in exchange for a discount on their meal. With the overwhelming support of the community and the congregation, this will be a part of their yearly mission to help support those in need. "But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer." PSALM 40:17
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On Sunday, December 1, 2013 at St. John's, Bem United Church of Christ, six High School Freshmen completed their studies and participated in the rite of Confirmation. These students attended faith development classes weekly for 14 months in anticipation of this day. On the Sunday prior, each one offered a four minute testimony or "sermonette" outlining their journey and testifying to their faith.
In the United Church of Christ, Confirmation is an affirmation of the promises made by one's parents at the time of baptism. During the rite of Confirmation, students take on these promises as their own- promises to live lives modeled after the teachings of Jesus, and actively participate in Christian ministry through the work of the church. Confirmation students are then officially welcomed as full members of the church in which they are confirmed.
St. John's, Bem United Church of Christ welcomed these six students as members on that Sunday they are pictured here with Pastor Rick Oberle, and Hester Tayloe, member of St. John's and Confirmation Instructor. Pictured left to right are: Shelby Oberle, Brooke Wildebrandt, Dawson Clark, Drew Layman, Connor Lewis, Austin Lewis.
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Literally every pew in the sanctuary at St Martin's, Dittmer was filled with gifts purchased by members of the congregation to share on the Saturday before Christmas with more than 80 families in need in the church's community. Also members of the National Wild Turkey Federation supplied each family with a free turkey to help brighten their holiday!
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December 1-29, Advent-Christmas Worship Series
St. John United Church of Christ, 405 S. Fifth Street, St. Charles invites you to take a spiritual journey of seeing all things expectant with the possibility of the holy. The Advent and Christmas seasons are a time when the juxtaposition of the sacred and secular sometimes feel blurred and blatantly opposed. What could your Advent and Christmas season experience be like if you lived it looking through the kaleidoscope of the sacred? Please join us for "Sacred", a Sunday worship series, December 1-29, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. service times.
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January 5-26, Adult Education Series: Issues of Life and Death, 10:45 am - 11:45 am
Guest speakers will discuss healthcare choices, difficult end-of-life questions, hospice care, burial options, and medical ethics, living abundantly and aging gracefully at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd., 63122, every Sunday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. during January starting Jan. 5 and ending Jan. 26. Topics and speakers will include: 1/5: "The Art of Dying", by Dr. Buettner, Ethicist, St. Luke's Hospital. 1/12: "Burial Options", by Mr. Richard Lay, Bellefontaine Cemetery. 1/19: "All about Hospice", by Helen Cassidy, Director of Mercy Hospice. 1/26: "Aging Vibrantly", by Gayle McHenry, Executive Director, Shepherd's Center. Childcare arrangements can be made by calling the church office: 314-822-2240.
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January 25, Post Holiday Retreat, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thinking ahead, why not treat yourself or give the gift of some midwinter reflection time and renewal for the New Year? We are offering a one day retreat "Rest for your soul" at beautiful Mercy Center. ($50/person 10% discount if early registration) Would you be interested? We have the opportunity to gather on Jan 25 from 8:30 until 4:30. Please reply by December 30 and let us know if you will be able to join us. We need to have at least 20 commitments in order to reserve the space. Reply to Devoree Crist and Susan Ulmer at closertogod@ymail.com or call 314-962-1031.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 26, Book Discussion: "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, by Gregory Boyle, 6:30 pm - 8 pm
At Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Road, 63122. Homeboy Industries is one of the ministries that Kirkwood United Church of Christ Pastor Betsy Happel has the KUCC Faith Formation Class visit when they take their summer trip to California. The book is easily ordered online and is available in paperback or e-reader. Participants should read the entire book and be ready to discuss it. Keith & Elaine Stanley, KUCC youth leaders who have been to Homeboy Industries, will lead this discussion.
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January/February, 2014, West Coast Swing Dance Lessons, 7 pm
First Congregational UCC,
6501 Wydown, St. Louis, MO 63105 will be hosting swing dance lessons on Tuesday's during January and February. Click here to see the flyer for further information.
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May 18, 2014, Friends of Emmaus Festival and Quilt Auction, Noon - 5 pm
Friends of Emmaus Festival and Quilt Auction. Emmaus Homes in Marthasville, MO will hold their Spring Festival. 40 years as a Fall Bazaar : now the third year as an "Ole Time Country Family Picnic" and famous Quilt Auction on SUNDAY MAY 18 2014 from noon to 5:00 p.m. Dinner served from noon to 4:00. Outdoor food venders. Flea market;silent auction;Children's games and play area: Crafts"homemade ice cream:all kinds of booths. Our faithful quilters are aging and we are in need of a few new groups to keep this dedicated tradition going for the benefit of our special residents that live at Emmaus in safety and harmony. Quilt auction with 50 hand made quilts will be at 3:00 p.m. On display all day. By the Brehe auction co. You may view the quilts at breheauction.com. Call Betty Shrum @ 636-566-6236. For information or e-mail bkb6699@aol.com.
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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 included. |
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