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If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself....
Philippians 2:1-7a
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
"Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.... Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus...."
As we approach the holy days of Jesus' passion, we hear Paul's plea, and we wonder, "When Jesus set in  motion the drama of those final days, when he climbed onto the donkey, when he entered through the gates of the Holy City, when he challenged the powers of wealth and government, state sponsored religion, and even the secular effort to control life and death; when he allowed the comic episode his followers created, as they sang Hosanna and cast branches before him in mockery of customs appropriate to a king, what then was in this good man's mind? What was the mind of Christ?
The mind of Christ as portrayed in the Gospels and described by the Apostle Paul is profoundly countercultural. What fascinates the Apostle is Jesus' self-emptying - his willingness to lose, so that love can win. Paul takes this as the sign of God's presence and perfection in Jesus, and employs it as a model for our life in the Christian community. "Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." Ours is above all a communal faith that reflects the love of God, and mutual care is the first commitment of our life together in Christ.
The truth expressed in Holy Week is the trust we hold in God's own sacrifice - expressed as a love so deep that it compels our faith and washes away our doubt and fear, to make us more like the Christ in whose mind we have committed ourselves to live.
May this year's renewing drama of Christ's passion breathe life into his church once again, and may we witness it together.
Allen
Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Vision Team Update - Vision Forward!
Ten members of your Missouri Mid-South Conference Vision Team met on April 6 with ACM Allen Fluent, Jan Aerie, Minister of Strategic Innovation,  and consulting partner, Dr. Dick Hamm. After opening worship, the team reviewed a preliminary contextual analysis of history and trends in our conference, mapped ways of ministry connections within and between cluster and mission groupings, heard a summary of findings from listening sessions held at congregations and at the Conference Youth Event, and began studying a possible paradigm for wider ministry in the future. Affirmations were given that much of how we minister for and among each other already embodies a model of mutuality and the pooling of strengths - marks of a vibrant future.
Our work, however, is just getting traction. We solicit your input on helping us map our "Conference's future story." Four (4) listening sessions hosted by Vision Team members will be taking place throughout our Conference in May, and we will share the dates and locations with you once they are confirmed. We are looking into the possible of a Web-based forum for those unable to make either of the sessions.
After the sessions, a preliminary report will be made at our Conference Annual Gathering with a follow-up forum. We look forward to working with the Designated Conference Minister search team and the named minister for future collaboration on journeying together in fruitful and sustainable ways.
In Christ's service,
Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Vision Team Chair
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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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Amazing Congregation, Amazing Choir
A traveling choir came to the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Old Monroe MO to sing a few hymns. They call themselves the Second Chance Choir.
They are met with smiling faces and standing ovations and the pride is written all over the singer's faces. Lincoln  County Sheriff John Cottle says the idea of a jail choir has morphed into now taking the show on the road.
"Gives them a little more pride in themselves and also we've seen the families show up at some of the services they've been in," says Sheriff Cottle. The choir is made up of 12 volunteer inmates from the Lincoln County jail. The sheriff says they practice three or four times a week. Even the director is an offender who spoke in front of the congregation Sunday. "He asked to do that and so he is allowed to do it," says the Sheriff.
"Things happened in my life that made me doubt that the Lord was on my side, when I was younger I went through sexual abuse," says Jason Russell. Russell shared he went from a boy being raised in the church to becoming a father at 17 and a drug dealer shortly after. Now he's leading the Second Chance Choir - a hot commodity hailing from the county jail.
"I've seen a change in them from the beginning until now and it's been just a month and a half," says the Sheriff.
Word is getting out about the Second Chance Choir and churches are starting to call them, inviting them to come to sing.
If you would like more information or to invite the choir to your church contact stpaulucccom@centurytel.net
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Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. Lecture
Jeremiah Wright, a name very well known within the UCC, will be hosting two lectures within our Western Association.  He is Pastor Emeritus of the 6,000 member Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL, where he served 36 years, Dr. Wright combined his studies of African Traditional Religions, African American music, and the African American Religious Tradition with his studies of Judeo-Christian thought to create ministries which addressed the needs of the community. When he retired in 2008, the church had over 50 active ministries with social justice advocacy at the core of its theological perspective. From HIV/AIDS outreach programs and two senior housing complexes, to a federally funded childcare program for low-income families and the church's Kwame Nkrumah Academy to serve students on Chicago's South Side, the congregation put into practice the Gospel. With four earned degrees, Dr. Wright has authored numerous articles for academic journals and has published four books of sermons. He now spends his time preaching, teaching, and leading study tours to Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean. Click here for the event flyer. His two lectures will be held on April 23 at:
11:00 a.m.
Sermon: Who Is My Neighbor?
Saint Paul School of Theology Chapel Service
Wesley Covenant Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave. Leawood, KS 66224
7:00 p.m.
Lecture: Another World Is Possible!
St. James United Methodist Church
5540 Wayne Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
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Rott Foundation Loan Applications 
The Trustees of the Rott Foundation request that any applications to be considered at its next quarterly meeting on June 3, 2014 be submitted to the Conference Office no later than May 2, 2014. Please contact Rev. Allen Fluent if you have any questions at 314-918-2604 or allen@mmsucc.org.
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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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MoVal Registration Deadline & Open House
Just in case time has slipped away from you, here is a gentle reminder that MoVal's early discount rate is about to expire. As of May 1, you will no longer be able to get the great deal we our offering on our summer camp programs for the 2014 camp season. Please make sure you get your registration in the mail and post marked by May 1 to receive this special rate. Hurry! And if you miss the deadline, you have one more chance to receive the discount. Simply attend MoVal's Open House on May 4, and the discounted rate will be honored. Come and join us on Sunday afternoon May 4, from 12-4pm at Camp MoVal. Whether you are a seasoned camper, a first timer, or just want to see what Camp MoVal and Outdoor Ministry is about, here is your opportunity. There will be tours of camp, opportunities to visit with Outdoor Ministries Director and our Summer Camp Staff, go for a hike, go boating, cook a hot dog or make a s'more and much more. We would like everyone to have the opportunity to visit Camp MoVal, so please join us on May 4. If you have any questions, please call the camp office at 636-583-2730 or you can visit our website at www.campmoval.org or follow us on Facebook. We can't wait for camp to start; it is just a little over a month away! If you have any questions, please contact me - Jeremy Force, Outdoor Ministries Director at Jeremy.moval@mmsucc.org or call 636-583-2730.
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Installation of Rev. Meredith Jackson 
All are invited to the installation of Rev. Meredith Jackson as Associate Minister of Union Avenue Christian Church (DOC). Meredith is a United Church of Christ minister serving a Disciples of Christ congregation. Her installation service will be held on Sunday, April 27, 10:45am at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union Blvd, 63108.
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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! Deadline for registration is April 15th!!!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Linda Carter at 336-222-8771 or at lindacarter@soc-ucc.org.
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Voices of the People
Two-way communication is what makes the world right. I have been inspired by listening to so many of you. The Spirit is on the move within our Conference. For instance, teens at the Conference-wide Youth Event for high schoolers, held in February, articulated a clear view of their definition of what the Conference is and should be:
The Conference, at its heart, is a group of churches connected as communities of faith in covenantal relationships-a family filled with people of diverse backgrounds, ages, identities,
ideas, and gifts.
I have continued to conduct individual and group interviews over these past eight months. There have been these common themes in all of the interviews:
Themes 
Not surprisingly, throughout these conversations Church Renewal and Vitality was consistently emphasized as anessential component for sustainable ministries.
Communication (95%) was the most frequently named area of importance. Transparent, consistent and intentional communication was cited was essential for staying connected in ministry.
Support (93%) of clergy and churches was seen as vitally important, especially during times of congregational and pastoral challenge and change.
Maintaining relationships (88%) were noted as key to nurturing faith and spiritual health through
regular clergy and church-to-church cluster meetings and mentoring programs.
Rebuilding trust (74%) was recognized as a Conference-wide need to promote healing through listening, empowering, uniting and deepening interaction.
There have also been areas named by significant numbers of people envisioning an interdependent Conference.
Priorities
Re-identification and ownership of the Conference's focus and purpose
Reaffirmation of covenantal identity with the UCC
Renewal and planning new churches
Children, youth and intergenerational faith formation
Clergy authorization and placement
Joint mission projects
Being Church in changing times
There is yet more to be done in interviewing, listening, shaping models and experiments to be shared in the Conference. Be sure your voice is heard, and your Spirit-let ideas shared.
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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 Lazar - 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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Spring Association Meetings
Please mark your calendar with the two following meeting dates:
The Western Association meeting took place on Saturday, April 5.
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Gospel Mass to be Performed at Eden Seminary
The Eden Seminary choir, The Voices of Eden, will perform Robert Ray's Gospel Mass on Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00 am in Wehrli Chapel. The entire community is invited to attend this special event held during morning chapel.
Composer Dr. Robert Ray is known nationally and internationally. He is the founder of the St. Louis Symphony's IN  UNISON® Chorus, a 120-voice auditioned ensemble that performs a variety of musical styles with a focus on the interpretation, performance, and preservation of the music of African-American and African cultures.
Donita Bauer, Director of Music at Eden, chose this musically uplifting and exciting piece to provide a creative springtime focus for the choir. Donita is "happy to offer students some variety in their studies" especially during this time when students are writing papers and preparing for final exams. Choir member Chance Beeler shared, "I really enjoy this piece of music because it is a different style than anything we've done. I am amazed at the creativity that blended this style of music with the words of the mass."
The Gospel Mass is a contemporary piece which contains the traditional parts of any mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Acclamation, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. There are also opportunities to feature some of the beautiful solo voices in the Eden choir. The Voices of Eden are having fun rehearsing this inspiring contemporary piece in their weekly practices. Please join us for the April 30 performance!
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FREE Online Youth Curriculum
This free online youth curriculum is one of self-discovery to broaden their view of themselves, the church, the community, and their place in the world. http://globalministries.org/ready
R.E.A.D.Y! (Revolutionary Engaged and Driven Youth): 
Session 1 Challenging stereotypes and prejudices
Session 2 Recognizing God in all religious traditions
Session 3 Discovering differences and similarities to people in different cultures
Session 4 Realizing God's mission requires a constantly evolving world view
In each session there are bible quotes (linked to the appropriate scripture passage), reflection questions, quotes for reflection, embedded videos, and exercises. Each session could be completed in one hour with a bible passage/discussion and video/reflection question. The materials are plentiful and flexible enough to be used in one or several sessions. The resource can also be used for adult study. The Global Ministries Mission Education team welcomes your feedback and has provided a link at the end of Session 4.
Join the journey! Email: ready@ucc.org for more information.
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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 spac e 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. For more information,please click here for a brochure. You may also contact Rev. Phiwa Langeni at pastor@zionucc1.org.
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Men's Retreat at Shannondale, May 2-4, 2014
Click here for a printable brochure 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!
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Women's Retreat at Camp MoVal, May 2-4, 2014
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.
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2013 Clergy Information Review Forms 
The 2013 Clergy Information Review forms will be sent to all active and retired clergy after Easter. To refresh your memory, all authorized ministers are expected to participate in Information Reviews in order to maintain their authorization within the UCC and MMS Conference.
While the forms are delayed a bit this year, it was decided to wait until the week of the 27th since so many of our clergy are busy preparing for Holy Week. Please look for your 2013 Information Review form via email or snail mail soon!
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LIFE at Eden Event, April 25-26
The church is a learning community! Rethink how your church approaches education - Christian Education in  worship, in class, in coffee hour- it impacts every aspect of our church life- come and rethink how you and your community approach education as a LIFE Long learners. You will leave with new insight and enthusiasm for how YOU can encourage Life Long Learning in your church!
Rev. Dr. John Bracke, Professor Emeritus from Eden Seminary, will engage the historical books (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) some of the most familiar stories- but difficult to modern ears. Come hear the stories again- and examine the theological themes for the 21st century. NOT to be missed for all with questions of "why is THIS or THAT" in scripture???!!! Scripture comes alive with Dr. Bracke leading the class!!! Event flyer.
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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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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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Quotes for Your Week - Moving Forward 
He who rejects change is the architect of decay.
- Harold Wilson
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.
- Kofi Annan
You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.
- Shirley Chisholm
Seeds of great discoveries are constantly floating around us, but they only take root in minds well prepared to receive them.
- Joseph Henry
If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
- Thomas Edison
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries, Professional Registered Nurse, 4/9/2014 Must hold a current unencumbered Missouri license for part time 22 hour faith community position without benefits at a North County UCC congregation and free clinic. Job applicant must have two years nursing experience, preferred in home health, community health or medical-surgical nursing, possess a willingness to integrate faith and health, as well as be a vital team member within a church setting. Resumes are to be sent to Rev. Donna Pupillo, RN at dsmith-pupillo@eden.edu.
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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