If you are an Open and Affirming congregation, talking about becoming Open and Affirming or thinking about starting the conversation, if you want to explore how to be effective allies, this meeting is for you. Come be in conversation with others, learn what it means to be Open and Affirming and how to fully express extravagant welcome to all God's children.  If this sounds of interest to you and/or your church, join the Gateway ONA on Saturday, February 22 at First Congregational in Webster Groves at 10 am.   

 

Registration $15 per person/includes lunch or $75 per church with 5 or more attending.  The keynote address will be presented by Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson.  Also available - Workshops around various issues and concerns including: Initiating ONA Conversations;  Biblical Perspectives;  the ONA Process; Transgender; Youth, GLBT Legal Issues; Bisexuality; Advocacy...and Featuring Resources; Resource People; Displays, Fellowship, Food, and Fun!

 

Click here for more information and the registration form.  Deadline for registrations is tomorrow-February 20th! 

 

"Dream God's Dream" is the theme for our Conference Annual Gathering, and the dates are June 12-14, 2014.  As the Missouri Mid-South Conference begins a new chapter of our life together, this Gathering will bring together the work of the Visioning Team, the year of Strategic Innovation ministry, and the anticipation of changes in Conference leadership.

 

Rev. Geoffrey Black, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, will join us for these days together as we "Dream God's Dream."  This is an opportunity for delegates and visitors to get acquainted with Geoffrey, hear about the work of our denominational family, and be inspired for the road that lies ahead for all us, both locally and nationally.

 

There is (at least) one very important change in this year's Conference Annual Gathering:  The meeting will begin with an evening banquet on Thursday, June 12  The meal is open to everyone and we highly encourage you attend.  Friday will be a time for workshops, boundary training, sessions with Rev. Black and other focused and interesting opportunities.  The meeting component of Conference Annual Gathering will officially begin the evening of Friday, June 13, following a shared meal.

Our gathering will conclude Saturday, June 14, with worship.  This will enable delegates and visitors to return home in time for worship in their local churches on Sunday, which is also Father's Day.

Another very important change is that we will meet at The Truman Hotel and Conference Center in Jefferson City for the 2014 Conference Annual Gathering.  This spacious facility will provide sleeping rooms at a most reasonable rate of $64 per night.  The Truman Hotel features ample space for plenaries, worship, displays and the like.  Each person attending CAG will be responsible for making their own hotel reservations directly with The Truman Hotel.

 

What else is there to anticipate?  Here are just some of the planned events:

Inspiring worship

Meaningful, relevant workshops

Youth programs and activities

Faith-Sharing luncheons

Breakfast and program provided by the Deaconess Foundation in celebration of 125 years

Business sessions that are productive and focused

 

This will be an Annual Gathering that will bring people together in a spirit of unity and covenant connection as we "Dream God's Dream!"  Keep watching the eCourier weekly for updates and further information on this newly charged and exciting event!   

 

-Rev. Dale Parson 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

The Leadership Development Committee of the MMSUCC wants you to know we have several leadership opportunities.  We ask you, as Conference and Association members and leaders, to help us identify prospects for the following:

 

1.)   Conference Council seats (three year terms) for election at the June 2014 CAG: 

A.  Eastern Association: Two seats - male layperson / female layperson

B.  St. Louis Association: Three seats -male layperson /female layperson / clergy

C.  Western Association:  Three seats - male layperson / female layperson / clergy

 

Our Conference is seeking a highly qualified, diverse pool of candidates for the limited number of Conference Council positions. Members shall be selected so that our Council represents diverse population groups and can bring to its deliberations a variety of points of view and life experiences, as well as access to cultural, religious, educational, civic, business and economic resources. 

 

2.)   Deacon positions (openings available immediately).

Deacons play a very important role in the life of our Conference and we are actively recruiting more members.  Deacons visit each assigned church two (2) times a year to:

• bring greetings on behalf of the Conference,
• offer a word of thanks for OCWM participation,
• encourage giving to OCWM and the special offerings of the UCC, and most importantly
• build relationships and strengthen the connection between the local and wider church.

We have divided each association into multiple groupings.  It is our goal to have two (2) deacons for each of the groupings in each association.  Please contact Joyce Bathke (Joyce.Bathke@RedCross.org) with deacon suggestions and for additional information.  

 

3.)   2015 General Synod delegates.

 

Please click here for the Identification Form for prospective candidates for our Conference Council and/or 2015 General Synod Delegates.  You may also find the form on our website's Your Conference Council page. This form should be completed by you (or others), or the candidate, and returned to the Conference no later than Friday, March 21, 2014.  

 

Please prayerfully consider who might be prospects to serve in these very important roles in the life of our church.  We appreciate your assistance and guidance at this time.

 

Laura Dierberg Ayers 

Chair, Leadership Development 

We pray at the beginning of a meal, the beginning of a meeting, the opening of a program and during worship. We may pray at the start of our day or at the end of it. Each time we pray something shifts and changes in us.  Praying together gathers up the power of individual prayer into a catalytic movement toward possibility and hope. What better way is there to BE the Missouri Mid-South Conference than to pray together? 

 

Our Conference has been on a path of change lately, a path of questions and reformulations for the future. Sometimes that is the description of the faith journey through the forty days of Lent. Yet we travel through the days of Lent with growing expectation, because we know that at the end of those days we will arrive at Easter.

 

Would you like to write for one of the days? Anyone in the Conference is invited to do so. Please

The Aroma of Fresh-Baked Ideas   

 

I love to bake bread - from scratch. You know, the kind that is good exercise at least for the hands and arms: mixing and blending, kneading, waiting while it rises and then punching the dough down to let it rise again. The very best part is the aroma of the baking bread...except for the even better first taste of fresh-baked bread still warm from the oven. There is nothing like it.  

 

There are many positive actions rising up in the Conference right now, the result of mixing conversations and ideas; mixing wishes with empowerment; mixing need with timing; mixing energy with courage. For instance, the soon-to-be tested model of training Search and Call facilitators to support and enhance the work of the Conference staff. Or the new monthly tips in the e-Courier led by experts in their field of health and wellness, spiritual practices and peacemaking. My own activity has shifted from individual listening interviews to meeting with many existing groups to listen to their particular views and ideas for the Conference.  

 

Our Conference-wide ideas and inspirations rise up from within us, not from our heads only, but from our hearts and souls. These Spirit-guided concepts are what is leavening the combinations that will one day yield the sweet and satisfying aroma and taste of fresh creations. Already these offerings bind us more closely together in our God-given work as the Missouri Mid-South Conference. And there is nothing like it.

 

What gives rise to your dreams?

 

Jan Aerie, jan@mmsucc.org, 314.918.2601

 

Members of Peace UCC are doing an "Immersion Experience" in El Salvador under the direction of International Partners for Mission, August 9-16.  Prof. Clint McCann from Eden Seminary will accompany the group.  Are there any members of our UCC churches that would like to go and enjoy this great experience?  The cost is about $1,250, plus your airfare.  IPM will make all of the arrangements and provide SAvaldorian hosts.  If you are interested, or would like more information about the trip, please contact Mickey Clarke at clarkem@wusm.wustl.edu, or Marilyn Stavenger at mstavenger@eden.edu. 

The criteria and application for the 2014 SLA Mission Funds can be found on the St. Louis Association page of our Conference website.  The deadline is for ALL applications is Tuesday, April 1st.   

Click here for a printable brochure (in Word) highlighting the weekend events and schedule for the Men's Retreat. For further information or questions, and to register please contact Jonathan Jones at 314-608-0783 or via email jonathan@jonathanjonesconsulting.com  

• Cost:  $60 per person, which includes your lodging and food

• Lodging:  Dormitory-style air-conditioned bedrooms. Please bring your own bedding & pillow.Camp sites & camp sites with electrical hook ups are available.

• Work projects:   Will depend on the number of men & the skills of the men attending.  Please let Jonathan know what specific skills you can provide.  

We hope to see you at Shannondale in May for the Annual Men's Retreat.  Gather a group of guys from your church, work or office, or just a bunch of friends who want to (or maybe need to!) get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend a few days getting back to the basics.  Back to the basics of God, fellowship and nature.  See you in May!

 Click here for a printable brochure highlighting the weekend events and schedule for the Women's Retreat. For further information or questions, please contact Donna Duffee at 816--305-8913 or via email dkduffee@hotmail.com    

• $100 registration includes: two nights' lodging, four meals, all activities and program materials, and a special souvenir tote bag.
• Space is limited-respond early to ensure your registration.
• No pets. (Service animals are permitted.)
• You must be at least 18 years old to attend.
• Doors open at 5 p.m., Friday, May 2. No early arrivals, please.
• Retreat concludes at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, May 4.

We hope to see you at Camp MoVal in May for the Annual Women's Retreat. Additional small group activities will allow for exploring beautiful Camp MoVal, communal crafting, Rev. Day's special step class (based on sorority-style step dancing), "Create-a-Song" with Susan and Julie, massage, rest and quiet reflection. Join us for enlightenment, exploration, thought-provoking discussion, worship, music and fun.

The 2014 Young Adult Scholarship application is now live for the North American Interfaith Network!  Here is the direct link to the scholarship application page: https://www.smartrecruiters.com/NorthAmericanInterfaithNetwork/75141235-2014-nain-connect-young-adult-scholarship-application.

You will find additional information about the scholarship below, which can also be found on the application page. 

The North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) offers a unique opportunity to include younger representatives (ages 16-35) in a valuable interfaith encounter during the 2014 NAINConnect in Detroit, Michigan.  This scholarship recognizes young adults across the continent who are actively engaged in important work at the high school, college, graduate, and professional level.If you are passionate about interfaith work, we welcome your energy and enthusiasm and encourage you to apply!  You do not need to be part of a NAIN member organization to apply.  Recipients are selected by the NAIN Young Adult Committee, according to the directives of the NAIN Board of Directors.  See below for complete information about the application process and requirements.

 

Scholarship recipients will receive:

• A $500 stipend to assist with the cost of registration, travel, housing, and meals at the Connect taking place in Detroit -  August 10-13, 2014.
• A reduced registration fee of $135 to attend the NAINConnect.
• The option of sharing a room with another scholarship recipient.

Scholarship recipients are required to:

• Be actively engaged at the NAINConnect, attending the majority of the programming.
• Speak on a panel or participate in a workshop at some point during the Connect.  More information will be provided to selected scholarship recipients.

Scholarship Application deadline: April 15, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST.  For more information about the Young Adult Scholarship, visit: http://nain.org/connect/young/. 

The St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ and St. Johns Evangelical United Church of Christ

cordially invite your presence to the ordination of

Debra A. Harness

to the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament and installation as

 Associate Pastor

of St. Johns Evangelical United Church of Christ

Sunday, March 9, 2014

3:00 PM

St. Johns Evangelical United Church of Christ

11333 St. Johns Church Road

Saint Louis, Missouri, 63123

 

Telling the Good News is what we are about as Christians. We also know that everyone loves a story. This new and regular feature of the e-courier will tell Good News stories of our MMS congregations. These remarkable and not-so-remarkable acts of faith will inspire you. We also want to hear and share your stories. Send your amazing congregation's story to Colleen Bender at our Conference office: colleen@mmsucc.org 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Living Well of Bethel

 

This week marked the first anniversary of the online faith community website, www.livingwellofbethel.com says Libby Feagans-King, founder and pastor.  Living Well of Bethel's mission is to tell the good news globally while creating a network for smaller open and affirming churches.  Living Well of Bethel is linked to churches in Cahokia, IL and in Henderson, KY.  These partnerships, or "harbor churches", enable us to share resources and referrals.  It is a new model of internet ministry, one in which a web ministry connects to multiple brick and mortar churches.  Living Well of Bethel has grown, offering many ministry opportunities such as Living Healthy Moments, meditation and prayer videos and a weekly worship.  Utilizing green screen technology, we practice radical hospitality by providing both traditional and non-traditional worship settings.  Our attendance has grown from an initial 363 unique weekly visitors to over 900 weekly visitors.  In celebration of our first anniversary, Living Well of Bethel launched a new interactive worship on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. CST.

 

Our goal for the coming year is to expand our harbor church base into surrounding Conferences, such as Missouri Mid-South, while continuing to provide quality online worship.  Harbor churches are churches that are:

            small congregations of less than 100 members

            open and affirming churches

            geographically located at least 50 miles away from other harbor churches  

            mission-oriented and progressive theologically

 

Partnering with local churches allows us to share resources and provide those without a faith community the opportunity to connect with the church offline and well as online.

 

Check us out at www.livingwellofbethel.com.  Living Well of Bethel can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LivingWellBethel and can be followed on Twitter @livingwelbethel. Come and worship at the well.    

Send your amazing congregation's story to colleen@mmsucc.org.  

Eden Theological Seminary's Spring Convocation April 22-23, 2014 

Eden's annual Spring Convocation is an opportunity for pastors and laypeople to listen to and interact with outstanding biblical and theological scholars. We encourage you to attend and reconnect with friends and colleagues while sharing in the community life of Eden Theological Seminary and reflecting on the theme: Power: Its Use and Abuse. 2014 lecturers will include:

 

Thomas G. Long

Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

 

Laurel Koepf Taylor

Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

 

Adam Ployd

Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

 

Leah Gunning Francis

Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

 

Eden Black Alumni Association Breakfast - April 23, 2014

Teresa L. Fry Brown

Professor of Homiletics, Candler School of Theology; Director of Black Church Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

 

Herbster Event - April 24, 2014 (Alumni/ae Classes of 2009-2013)

Cameron Trimble

Executive Director, Center for Progressive Renewal, Atlanta, Georgia

 

Celebrating the Deaconess Spirit - April 22, 2014

Convocation registrants are invited to a special dinner commemorating the 125^th anniversary of the Deaconess mission in St. Louis hosted by Deaconess Foundation.

 

Reunion Dinner - April 23, 2014

We encourage you to attend the Reunion Dinner as you reconnect with Eden classmates. The Class of 1964 will be celebrating their 50^th reunion and will be recognized at the dinner.

 

For more information: www.eden.edu/convocation.aspx or call 314.918.2565.  To go directly to registration: registration.eden.edu

  OCWM: creating miracles every day.

Eastern Association Pastor's Lunch

Young adults of Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas and beyond, ages 21-35 - Are you looking for a way to make a positive difference in the church and world?  Just YASC! Excitement is building about the UCC Young Adult Service Communities - one near you or in another part of the country.   February is the month for Applications.  The service year is September 2, 2014 - August 2, 2015.  Inquire today UCC Young Adult Service Communities.

 

First Parish Church United of Westford, MA (near Boston), is a joint UCC-Unitarian church that loves to make everyone feel welcome and engaged.  Old First Reformed UCC in Center City, Philadelphia lives every day as a wellspring of hope for diverse people in their neighborhood, city, region and throughout the world.   A UCC congregation near St. Louis is regenerating their church by working to regenerate their community. On the west coast, Pilgrim UCC in Carlsbad, CA (north San Diego county), is a church committed to inclusion, progressive Christian theology and social justice. And the Justice Leadership Program in Seattle, WA  gives interns the opportunity to link passion for social justice with spiritual and personal growth.   Great community internships are lined up for the right candidates. YASC interns serve both in a community agency and part-time in congregational service at the church. Interns live in intentional community with one another and figure out how to live as 'change-makers' in the world. AmeriCorps education grants are available for interns placed in some community agency positions.