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Wednesday, March 26, 2014
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.
Luke 1:30b-31
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
There was a holiday this week, but perhaps you missed it, since few churches give it much notice, and the  Gospel text for the day is most often read in a different season of the year. It is the message spoken by the angel Gabriel to young Mary to allay her fears and tell her that she will bear a very special child. Most religious holidays are placed somewhat arbitrarily on the calendar of celebrations, but the Festival of the Annunciation is set by a biological calendar: March 25, exactly 9 months before the Festival of the Nativity on December 25, or as we know it, Christmas Day.
Most people feel some incongruity with this story, standing, as it does, in the midst of Lent, but for me it serves as a sign of one of Lent's most important themes. It is a promise of new life to come, spoken in the midst of the fears, anxieties and genuine inequities that often seem to prevail, making God seem invisible, unhearing and unknown.
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines;
Though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food;
Though the flock is cut off from the field and there is no herd in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will exult in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
For joy breaks in upon our sacred journey in the story of a burdened young woman who received good news from God. Lenten blessings.
Allen
Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Conference Daily Prayers in Lent - A Journey of Faith 
Join us in prayer each day during Lent as close to 12 noon as possible, or at your most favorable time. Click here for the newest meditations and prayers in printable format, or visit our Conference website to view the prayers by week. Please invite others to share in prayer. What better way is there to BE the Missouri Mid-South Conference than to pray together?
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Our Amazing Congregations
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
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Planning Ahead with Inspiration
Rev Jeanne Lischer, pastor of Immanuels Holstein and St Johns, Pinckney has invited the congregations to think
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Immanuels
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ahead. To help plan their personal mission giving for the year, she created a calendar of giving opportunities in their February 2014 newsletter. Not expecting everyone to give to every offering, she challenged members to give to the mission programs and projects that they feel most passionately about.
She said, "If you care about the United Church of Christ and its various ministries, give to Our Church's Wider Mission. You can give online at any time at www.missourimidsouth.org
"If you care about children, give to Neighbors in Need, the Festival of Sharing, and UNICEF. If you have a deep passion for global mission or disaster relief, give to One Great Hour of Sharing. If you are concerned about local needs, give to the Food Pantry or the Festival of Sharing.
If you want to support new leaders and churches in the UCC, give to Strengthen the Church. If you care about justice, equality, and peacemaking, give to Neighbors in Need and One Great Hour of Sharing. If you care about making a difference in the lives of poor people around the world, support the Living Gift Market (great alternative Christmas gifts!)."
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St. John's
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Each of the 2014 mission offerings were listed. There may be other giving opportunities added during the year.
Every week - Our Church's Wider Mission
January & February - Souper Bowl of Caring - Southern Warren County Food Pantry
March - One Great Hour of Sharing
June - Strengthen the Church
July - Vacation Bible School
September - Festival of Sharing
October - Neighbors in Need and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
November - Living Gift Market for Heifer International
December - The Christmas Fund (for the veterans of the cross)
Rev Lischer concluded, "The church exists to do God's mission. Responding to the needs beyond our four walls-beyond our community - is what makes us Christ's church!"
If you would like to replicate this idea or learn more, contact Rev Lischer at jlischer@centuryutel.net.
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Bread for the World Offering of Letters Workshop
The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 to 11:00 a. m. (doors open at 8:30) at Eden Theological  Seminary in Webster Groves, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119, Room 201 in the Press Building under the Gothic tower.
Come and learn about Bread for the World's mission to end hunger, its 2014 goal of reforming U. S. food aid, and how to conduct an Offering of Letters in your congregation/organization. The workshop is free and open to all. For more information and/or to register, please contact Peggy Beljan Schaefer at pbschaefer@sbcglobal.net or 636-227-4639. Please register by April 1.
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From the Heritage File
Many of the oldest churches in our Conference were established as churches of the German Evangelical Synod of  North America and were strongly influenced by the Evangelical Church of the Prussian Union. Rev. Richard Brueseke has investigated the origin of the practices of those early churches on the American Frontier and shares that background information with us in this article.
Worship Practices in the Evangelical Synod of North America
The worship practices of the German Evangelical Synod of North America cannot be understood without an appreciation of some of the events that took place at the beginning of the 19th century in the predominantly Protestant portions of Germany. Friedrich Wilhelm III, the King of Prussia, and his ancestors for many years before him, had been associated with the Reformed tradition, while most of the Prussian people had been Lutheran. Even as the king believed in one government for various German states, he also felt strongly that there should be one Protestant Church for various German Protestants. Moreover, the pietism, which for several decades had been a part of German church life, had tended to temper confessional differences between the Reformed and Lutheran traditions. Thus, the king issued a proclamation calling upon the Protestants of Prussia to observe the unions of the reformed and the Lutheran Churches - as the Evangelical Church of the Prussian Union. Please click here to continue reading Rev. Brueseke's article.
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Church Building and Loan Fund Electronic Newsletter
Great news - CB&LF just launched their new electronic newsletter that will be emailed monthly to everyone who would like to receive it. 
They transitioned from a paper to an electronic format because without the printing costs, they can communicate with you monthly instead of twice a year. They want you to receive up-to-the-minute information on the great projects and new initiatives from CB&LF.
In this age of "spam" and computer viruses they all must take precautions on emails they send and receive. As much as they'd like to email their newsletter to you, they need your permission to do so.
If you would like to receive up to date news and information from them, would you please sign up to receive CB&LF's monthly electronic newsletter by clicking here and completing the sign up form?: http://www.ucc.org/cblf/god-is-still-building.html
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Eden Theological Seminary's Spring Convocation April 22-23, 2014
80th Annual Brueggemann and Kulenkamp Lectures
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.
For more information: www.eden.edu/convocation.aspx or call 314.918.2565. To go directly to registration: registration.eden.edu
And during Eden's Convocation our Conference office will host an Open House for everyone visiting the seminary campus - see details below!
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MMSUCC Conference Open House, April 22 - 8:30 am to 5:00 pmIf you are planning to attend Eden Seminary's Convocation, be sure to stop by your MMS Conference office on  Tuesday, April 22 and visit us during our Open House! Our office is conveniently located on the campus of Eden Seminary - lower level of Schultz Hall, 483 E. Lockwood Avenue, Suite 15.
We'll have snacks, soft drinks and plenty of smiles to greet you upon your arrival. It's been 3 years since we moved from the "white house" to our new and ever-so-lovely digs in Schultz Hall, so it's the perfect time to take a quick tour if you've never visited us before. We hope to see many familiar faces and also meet some new friends, too. Several members of our Conference staff - Allen, Jan, Renee, Lorraine and Colleen - will all be here to greet you. So join us for a glass of punch and allow us the opportunity to tell you how much YOU are appreciated as a member of our Missouri Mid-South Conference!!!
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Ordination of Libby Feagans-King
The Illinois South Conference in covenant with Bethel UCC
Invites you to Celebrate a Service of Ordination for
Libby Feagans-King, Pastor and Teacher
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 3:00 pm
St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 West B. St, Belleville, IL
A reception to welcome our new pastor will follow the service. Pastors are asked to robe with
red stoles and arrive 30 minutes early in order to join in the procession.
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Possibilities of Hope
Three years ago at the beginning of the Syrian uprising, I traveled with a mission group to the Middle East. Even  then we were denied entry into Syria, but not to the refugee shanty towns in neighboring countries. There every refugee family, but especially the children, are deeply affected by the unbearable trauma due to loss of family members, and horrific experiences. Beirut, Lebanon is host to literally hundreds of thousands of refugees who live in ramshackle half- built buildings all on top of each other. In this "town" the children have nowhere to play except in the streets. Darting in and out of traffic and buildings, many are struck by vehicles.
Enter our One Great Hour of Sharing offering (OGHS) mission partners: an empty lot with a fallen and decaying building was found. Many worked very hard for days to remove the rubble and cement. Then topsoil was laid and grass seeds sown. Some children were enlisted to do the watering. Now the children have a safe place to play in grass - something most have never seen. Our mission partners have also set up schools in unused rooms, to teach lessons to the children, and provide much needed trauma counseling by trained experts. By the grace of God and with human compassion, at least tiny bits of the trauma are eased for these children.
When you give your special offering to OGHS this Sunday, picture the face of a child rediscovering hope - through YOU and your gifts.
What mission stories inspire you?
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Climate Change Panel
A public forum Climate Change Panel will be held at East Central College in Union, MO on Thursday, April 17 , 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
There will be a four person panel presentation and then open to discussion afterward. (It happens to be Maundy  Thursday evening - but those who do not have services that evening, are invited to come). The four panelists: Mr. Larry Lazur - a Climate Reality organizer and active environmental science worker, a local St. Louis businessman.
Dr. Johann Bruhn - Professor Emeritus at Missouri's Center for Agroforestry, and a Climate Reality presenter.
Mr. Chris Laughman - Corporate Facility Manager on Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, Water Conservation and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Mr. Brian Ettling - St. Louis based, but is a seasonal Park Ranger at Crater Lake Nat'l Park, Oregon for 20 years. Is a Climate Reality Leader.
Submitted by Norma Klemme
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A Spiritual Practice - March's tip to refresh and ground you:
This is a spiritual practice to try at the same time every day, first thing in the morning, before turning out the lights at night, perhaps sometime in between, or periodically.
"Me too." Praying with, not to, God. 
When praying for other people, we too often imagine God as stingy, doling out favors only if we plead long, hard or loud enough. This is a false image and understanding of the God who is love loving - a God of abundant love overflowing into life, beauty and creativity.
So when praying for someone, first get in touch with what God most wants for that person, keeping in mind that as much as you love them, God loves them even more. You may find that love's deepest yearning may be for that person to live life fully, come to know the depth of their own belovedness or beauty, grow in freedom, claim their dignity, own their purpose in life, etc.
When you are aware of God's deep yearning for the other, then join with God in loving the person in that way by saying "Me too."
Perhaps it is we who hold the power of our prayer because God has already transferred it to us. Perhaps our prayer is like a catalyst that unleashes the power of God's love and healing. Perhaps our ultimate purpose is to join with God in loving the world.
Clarence Heller, Spiritual Director, Poet, Artist
https://www.clarenceheller.com/
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Women of the Cloth - "Ministering to Women Called to Minister"
Women of the Cloth was founded by Reverend Dr. Cassandra Gould and Reverend Rebecca Ragland in 2009 as a ministry dedicated to women called by GOD. It's an ecumenical ministry that provides dedicated space for all women called by GOD including ordained and unordainded women, campus ministers, seminarians, chaplains, associates and senior pastors as well as those discerning calls.
We are pleased to announce this year's event as we celebrate five years, WOC5 Conference:
"When Sistahs Help Sistahs: Creating a Covenant of Care"
Our guest Conference Preacher and Teacher is the world renown Reverend Teresa Fry Brown, Ph.D,  Historiographer and Executive Director of Research and Scholarship for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This year's conference theme is based on Dr. Fry Brown's book "Can A Sistah Get A Little Help?"
This year's event will be held on Thursday, April 24-25, 2014 at Eden Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119.
This conference promises to equip women called by GOD with tools and best practices that enhance the formation of relationships and the development of accountability partners that lead to reciprocal covenants of care, all while providing "safe space" to laugh, cry, learn, acknowledge the need for, seek, accept and offer help.
For more information,please click here for a brochure. You may also contact Rev. Phiwa Langeni at pastor@zionucc1.org.
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Leaping Miracles
Early spring days set animal and bird life around us into joyous activity. Have you observed horses out of the barn  on an early spring sunny day leaping, twirling and running joyously? Did you notice the first thrilling trill of bird song in the treetops this spring? They sense the miraculous season's change even before we do. Celebrate with joy these miracles of your giving:
Shannondale Community and Craft Centers host work groups and crafting workshops for children and adults starting in early spring through fall. Local artisans can display and sell their crafts in the store, supplementing their income, throughout the year.
Church leaders with expertise in special areas of ministry freely share their knowledge, resources and offer trainings to us in the Missouri Mid-South Conference.
Eye doctors travel to villages in India to perform
Our Church Works Miracles!
OCWM: creating miracles Every Day.
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Come, Hear Our Missionaries Tell About God's Work in India! 
Eleven years ago Global Ministries commissioned Drs. Anil and Teresa Henry to become the Medical Director and Administrator of Christian Hospital Mungeli (CHM). The Hospital was then a dilapidated building serving just 30 patients. It is now a 120-bed hospital which provides a broad spectrum of modern medical services to the people of Mungeli, India. Come be inspired by hearing the story of the many advances the Henry's have instituted since arriving in Mungeli.
Sunday April 6 at St John UCC, Manchester at 3 pm.The church is at 332 Old Sulphur Springs Road 63021. Refreshments will be served. 
Other times are being scheduled across the Conference. Watch for further info in upcoming eCourier's, or if you wish to request a visit to your church contact Jan Aerie jan@mmsucc.org or Dale Parson dale@mmsucc.org.
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Christian Native Craft Workshop at Shannondale
Now in its 40th year, this exciting event offer hands-on folk art, craft experiences, and demonstrations in a family-  oriented setting. The workshop has given hundreds of persons, young and old, a chance to learn talents in an Ozark forest setting and take home beautifully handcrafted items. Classes are held at Shannondale Community Center's Timber Lodge, our very own UCC haven. The workshop will be held on July 27 - August 1, 2014 - be sure to register soon.
For more information, contact Phil and Judy Jones at 618-493-6371 or email cncwdirector@gmail.com. Visit the craft website for even more info! Brochure 1, Brochure 2, Registration form.
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St. Louis Association Ministerium Update
Epiphany United Church of Christ is embarking on another upgrade project this spring - replacing restrooms and  therefore they and Joint Neighborhood Ministry are unable to host Ministerium on April 9. However, as the Spirit would have it, we were trying to figure out how to provide a space and time for all of us to hear from our partner in ministry - Dr. Teresa Henry from Global Ministries - while she is here on April 9!
And so as a result, we cordially invite you to join us at the SEGA (Disciples of Christ) Metro Brown Bag Clergy meeting on Wednesday, April 9, at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union Blvd., St. Louis 63108 (located next to Pilgrim UCC). As the name of the group implies, everyone brings their lunch and gathers in the fellowship hall at noon. At about 12:15, introductions and announcements are made. Then, from 12:30 to 1:30 is the program. No reservation is needed. Please come and join us for this interesting and inspiring program. We look forward to seeing you there! Consider reaching out to bring a colleague with you!
Upcoming SLA Ministerium gatherings:
May 14 (evening) - Neighborhood Houses at Caroline Mission (host: Darlene Sowell)
June 11 - St John's Community Services (host: Johnniest Henry)
July 9 - Isaiah 58 (host: Brenda Booth)
August 13 - Doorways (host: Justine Craig-Meyer)
Kevin Cameron
kevin@parkwayucc.org ; 314-872-9330
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Free Canon Copier
Free Canon NP6221 Black/White Copying Machine. Includes stand and some supplies. If interested please contact St. Peter's UCC, New Haven, MO (573) 237-2182 or (636) 667-2541.
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Cornerstone Fund "EcoLoans"
We can probably all agree on one thing.......It's been a long winter! We're tired of it and eagerly look for any signs of spring.
Your church may also be tired of large energy bills eating into funds you wish could go to mission and outreach.  You may be looking for ways to make your building more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly. Or, you may be eager to respond to the UCC General Synod resolution on reducing our human "carbon footprint".
If any of these environmental or energy concerns sound familiar to you, the Cornerstone Fund of the United Church of Christ offers EcoLoans to help. EcoLoans provide fixed or adjustable rates and a quick application process for loan amounts up to $100,000. These loans may be for improvements to lighting or heating and cooling or even for an "energy audit" that will help your church decide what steps to take. The Cornerstone Fund will pay closing costs.
If you are interested, contact www.cornerstonefund.org or Midwest Mission Interpreter, Rev. David Moyer at 608-630-3177 or dmoyer@cornerstonefund.org. The Cornerstone Fund is a financial ministry of the United Church of Christ.
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Dear Colleague,
Grace to you and peace in this New Year. The United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network (UCCOSSN) is a national organization whose mission is to strengthen the ministries of those who work "behind the scenes" supporting the ministries of Conferences and the national setting of the Church.
Each year, the UCCOSSN members gather together for professional development and networking. This year's annual meeting will be held April 24-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina with the theme, "The Power To Be You." We encourage you to attend or send a representative from your support or administrative staff to the annual meeting. The knowledge shared in these three days will strengthen you and your staff's skills, in order to better support the ministries. Any UCC staffer working for a church, association or Conference office is invited to attend!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Linda Carter at 336-222-8771 or at lindacarter@soc-ucc.org. We wish you good health and abundant blessings in this New Year.
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Neighborhood Houses - 4th Annual Trivia Night
Round up your smartest friends and join us for a night of fun to support Neighborhood Houses! Raffles, door prizes, games, prizes for the top 3 teams, and more! 
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. | Trivia starts at 7 p.m.
Location: Sunset Hills Community Center | 3915 S. Lindbergh Boulevard | St. Louis, MO 63127
VIP Table of 10 - $300; Table of 10 - $250; Sponsor a Round - $150
To Register:
· Online: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8xof6oz68894883&oseq=&c=&ch=
· By Mail: Fill out this flyer and send credit card information or check made payable to Neighborhood Houses to 5621 Delmar Blvd., Suite 104 | St. Louis, MO 63112.
· By phone: Call Kathy McCadden at 314.383.1733 ext. 17
If you'd like to volunteer for this event, please contact Kathy McCadden at the above phone number.
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National Environmental Summit for High School Students
The National Environmental Summit for High School Students- July 8-12, 2014- is open to all students ages 14-17 by the time of the Summit. Students come to the summit from across the country with many different interests but  with one common passion, the environment. Students work with college professors according to the discipline of their interest, taking advantage of the diverse offerings of this small liberal arts campus such as writing, theater, history, botany, and zoology. The summit aims to match student talent, in a discipline of their interest, with avenues to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Students interested in writing may blog or write poetry about environmental issues or environmental surroundings, while students interested in botany may learn about the spread of invasive species and even how to cook them!
Students get the chance to work in real labs, recording studios, production stages, and all with college professors. The cost of the 4 day, residential summit is $490. There is a $90 discount for students who apply before April 1st. Per the organizer, financial aid available.
Please see flyer for contact details, and visit the website to find out more information.
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Quotes for Your Week - Celebrate Spring...again!
If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to  move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.
- Eleanora Duse
Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.
- John Lubbock
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
St. Anthony's Medical Hospital, Pastoral Care, 3/26/2014
Reports to the Vice President of Human Resources, with accountability to the co-lead chaplains and team, assists with faith issues in the healing process. Provides crisis intervention, visits with patients, families making spiritual assessments to add to the plan of care. Please click here to see entire job description and how to apply.
Pilgrim UCC, Coordinator of Christian Education & Outreach, Part-Time, 3/12/2014
Pilgrim Congregational UCC, a multicultural, multiracial, and O & A church in the city of St. Louis is seeking a Coordinator of Christian Education and Wednesday Outreach Ministries.
Christian Education responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and teaching faith-based educational opportunities with children, youth, and adults on Sunday mornings; supervising the paid Nursery Staff Person; and planning and coordinating church events with the appropriate church staff and ministries as needed.
The Wednesday Outreach Ministries responsibilities include supporting and coordinating the volunteer Community Lunch staff and the Food Pantry staff in providing these outreach ministries.
This is a 20 hour/week, year-round position with paid vacation. The Coordinator of CE and Wednesday Outreach Ministries will provide support to families and will create, coordinate, and provide a variety of spiritual, relational, and mission experiences. For further information, please contact the Rev. Dr. Allen Grothe (allengrothe@yahoo.com or 440-371-1885).
St. Lucas UCC, Preschool Director, 3/12/2014
We are seeking a preschool director who is an enthusiastic leader with a love of children and a passion for early childhood education. The director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring the safety of all the children and promoting Christian principles through curriculum and classroom experiences. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to developing curriculum and assessment practices; observing, mentoring, and evaluating the faculty; planning staff development; marketing; enrollment and student placement; communications with parents, school board, and church staff; budget planning; and overseeing the maintenance of the overall classroom and school environments. Click here for the full job description and how to apply.
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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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