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Wednesday, April 23, 2014
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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The next eHappenings will be sent on Wednesday, April 30th. Be sure to email your church and organization events to Renee at renee@mmsucc.org.
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NOTE: Changes To Your eCourier
We have been listening carefully to your comments about Conference communication and the eCourier. Knowing  the great importance of communication, and in response to your comments, we are making some changes. You will notice the eCourier is shorter this week and has all of its articles first. Events will no longer appear in the eCourier but only in the eHappenings, which is sent on the 15th and 30th of each month. And the eCourier is shared in this format so that it is easier to print copies.
Each of these steps is taken with good stewardship as well as better communication in mind. Read more about the steps in the article, "We Hear You!"
We are excited about these changes and hope you are too.
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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
Dear Colleagues and Partners in the Gospel,
My pastor on Easter Sunday morning reminded me to wonder - that's all, just wonder. It's a reminder that seems too simple, but it is exactly the one I needed. It took her about ten minutes of sermon time to get my  attention and elevate my mind and spirit above the mundane details of the name tag, the offering envelope, and remembering the name of the fellow three rows up and four seats over who had greeted me with such friendliness in the parking lot, so that I could greet him more personally next time (worship is so difficult for the easily distracted). She's good at this. It's hard to make me stop thinking about problems to be solved, disappointments to be redressed, and questions to be answered - and to wonder.
I remember a professor of theology many years ago, engaging in the age-old conversation about how scientific discovery kept whittling away at the impossible, puzzling mysteries that once captivated our imaginations. He said, "I think that someday science will resolve all these remaining questions that we ask about the universe, and I think there will still be, after all of that, the mystery of our being in the hands of God."
Like my pastor said, and as St Peter tells us in his run-on headlong expression of joy, in the midst of our uncertainties and insecurities, we study what we can know and work at what we can change, and by the grace of the One incomprehensible, we experience at last the joy of living protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time - and faith is redefined as wonder.
Blessings this Easter Season,
Allen
Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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We Hear You!
The most important aspect of the Conference, according to most of you, is communication. The eCourier is named as the Conference's most significant communication tool. It has been around for some time, but when it switched from print to only electronic, some stopped receiving it. Over the years, more and more have access to the internet and therefore to the eCourier, but still there are those for whom it is not possible to access the internet. Hearing this, the Conference office has planned for some changes. As always, the greatest challenge is good stewardship of time, talent and treasure which we know must be maintained, so we ask for your assistance with us.
Each week the eCourier will have the articles appear first. In this way, the most significant news and information will be in the first four pages. It will now be easier to locate articles to cut and paste for emailing to church members, placing in church newsletters, and using as inserts for bulletins. Since these articles are thoughtfully written we encourage multiple uses.
You will notice the eCourier is shorter this week and will be in coming weeks. In listening to you, we have heard many times, the eCourier is too long to read through. Therefore we have decided to follow an "old" rule of thumb: announcement of events will only appear in the eHappenings, which is sent on the 15 and 30 of each month. They will no longer appear in the weekly eCourier.
Most important, this electronic courier is shared in this format so that it can be printed. Would you help us by printing some copies for others at your church? As you know, many congregations send electronic newsletters and offer printed copies to those who request it. In that way, those who need a paper copy may have it from their church office.
This means not all information previously shared will be included. We have heard loud and clear that the eCourier is long and few read all the way to the end of it. We also know from national research that less is more when it comes to effective electronic messaging. We have heard you say news is important, and effective is very important too.
We are excited about these changes and hope you are too. I welcome your feedback.
Jan Aerie,
jan@mmsucc.org 314-918-2601
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Conference eCommunications Explanation
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"Huh, what is this?!"
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Now that you know about our newest changes to the eCourier, I want to once again share the the differences between the eblasts/emails you receive from our Conference, mainly the eCourier, eHappenings and eConnections, and when those are sent. So here's a brief explanation of each: - eCourier - a weekly eblast sent each Wednesday highlighting information and inspirational words from our staff, job opportunities, spiritual and wellness tips, and other special announcements from our Conference and our National office.
- eHappenings - sent twice per month, normally on the 15th and 30th. Mainly consisting of local church and organization events within and surrounding our Conference.
- eConnections - used for time-sensitive information within and surrounding our Conference, such as death notices, and other special events/announcements which deserve special attention and need to be highlighted.
At times the eCourier may be delayed until Thursday or Friday and normally this is due to workload or if information which needs to be added is not yet available or complete. Past editions of the eCourier may always be found on our website, and please feel free to share the eCourier link on your church's website, too. It's a great way to reach more people. The eHappenings may be delayed for various reasons as well, and you can also find this information archived on our website. I hope this helps to clarify our electronic communications efforts, and if you have any other questions just send me an email. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful events, announcements and projects. Remember, this is YOUR eCourier and your opinions and thoughts are highly important to us. Let us know how we're doing. Renee
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CONFERENCE ANNUAL GATHERING REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
Our 2014 Conference Annual Gathering (CAG) will be held on June 12-14 at the Truman Hotel & Conference Center in Jefferson City. The CAG Planning Team has been busily preparing this event and we are ready to offer you a meeting that is fresh and exciting for 2014!
There are two ways to register for CAG: 
1). Fillable pdf - Please note that some of you may have difficulty with this form depending upon your computer and which version of Adobe you have downloaded. If you are not able to use the fillable form, please use registration option #2.
2). Printable form - This form (in Word) may be printed and filled out by hand which should then be returned to our Conference office.
You may also find the above documents on the 2014 CAG page of our website.
We are also sharing the CAG schedule, which highlights the main portions of the gathering and business sessions. More information regarding the faith sharing lunches, workshops, conversations and other programming highlights will be available in the eCourier and on our website over the next several weeks. Keep watching!
We certainly look forward to seeing many of you in June!
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Youth Stewards at CAG:
The Missouri Mid-South Conference Annual Gathering Planning Team and the Conference Youth Ministry Covenanted Ministry are presenting another opportunity this year for high school Youth to be Stewards at this year's Conference Annual Gathering.
The event, which will take place in Jefferson City June 12-14, is the annual "family reunion" for this Conference. This is the time when we come together to do the work of the church, and also to celebrate the ways we are a united family. Youth are an integral part of this event.
There are five leadership positions available for Conference Youth to serve at the event. These Youth Stewards will be expected to arrive by noon on Thursday, to help with hospitality and registration duties, and to serve in many designated capacities throughout the event; including worship opportunities. They will be working closely with our Conference staff and the CAG Planning Team to be stewards of the resources and relationships we will be celebrating this weekend.
Registration and meal fees for Youth Stewards will be paid using funds made possible by church contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission. Youth Stewards and/or their local congregation will be responsible for their own hotel fees. These Youth Stewards will be voting delegates from their local congregation; supervision of these youth will be the responsibility of their host church delegates/pastors.
Nominations for Youth Stewards can be made using the Youth Stewards Nomination Form . Nominations must be made by May 14; and please, before nominating a Youth Steward, ensure that they are willing to serve, and available to be in attendance the entirety of the event.
Questions regarding the Youth Stewards may be directed to Rev. Laura Mignerone at 636-528-7550 or zion.pastor.laura@gmail.com. Thank you, and we will see you at this year's Conference Annual Gathering!
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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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Health and Care for All
St. Peter's UCC in St Louis has a long history of supporting social justice, and health and wellness ministries. In 2009 the congregation hired Debbie Flaugher, a Deaconess Faith Community Health Nurse, to care for the  congregation and health and wellbeing in the community. Debbie has provided many programs to the congregation as well as the community. Many were covered by grants so cost to the church was minimal. By utilizing the services of other organizations, and collaborating together, free programs have been offered to the community, such as flu shots, blood drives, support for newborns, counseling, etc.
In 2012, Debbie Flaugher evaluated the health needs of lower-income people in the North St. Louis County, and noted there was a lack of free or affordable clinics in the area. She went to St Peter's consistory requesting a free walk-in clinic be started. The consistory gave tremendous support and backing for the project. In collaboration with physicians from the Muslim Community of St. Louis, an interfaith partnership was formed. The clinic opened in January, 2013, and St. Peter's members help by volunteering each Saturday at the Salam Clinic.
With thanks to Debbie Flaugher RN BSN, FCN
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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 - please see the below article for dates, locations and times. 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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Vision Team Sharing/Listening Sessions
We'd Like to Hear Your Vision for Our Conference!
Join Vision Team Members at 1 of 4 Sharing Sessions across the Conference!
1). Saturday, May 10 - 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at St Luke's UCC, 727 N. Main, Independence, MO 64050.
Phone: 816.461.5928 (WA)
Ula Sao of Congregational Christian Church of Samoa UCC in Independence, Lead host.
2). Friday, May 16 - 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Christ the King UCC, 11370 Old Halls Ferry Rd, Florissant, MO 63033.
Phone: 314.741.6808 (SLA)
Rev. Traci Blackmon, Lead host. Lunch is provided. RSVP's are appreciated.
3). Friday, May 16 - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Central UCC, 118 West Ashley Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Phone: 573.635.1512 (WA/EA)
Rev. David Poe of St. Peter's UCC in New Haven, Lead host. Brown bag lunches are welcomed. (If you can only visit during your lunch hour, you are more than welcome.)
4). Saturday May 17 - 10 am to Noon at Faith UCC, 106 Kent Drive, Wentzville, MO 63385.
Phone: 636.327.4795 (EA)
Joyce Bathke & Stephanie Beckmann, Lead hosts.
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This Miraculous Eastertide
How do we continue our sense of joy and wonder in the miraculous story of Easter morning? We are the Easter people in this Eastertide when we continue our giving week after week, so that miracles are made every day. Like these: 
Explore personal devotional time each day through links and tips in the courier and on the ucc.org website free of charge.
One UCC preacher advocates for learning to be less busy and less rushed by lingering with the Easter story. One way to do that is to join the Women's Retreat at Camp MoVal or Men's Retreat at Shannondale. Both are on the weekend of May 2-4. They are a spiritual time apart from hectic lives.
Christianity has grown so fast in China, our Global Ministries partner churches there are overflowing every Sunday.
Our Church Works Miracles!
OCWM: creating miracles every Day.
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Engaging in Spiritual Practices - to refresh and ground you
Take a peek at a myriad of ways to practice spirituality. Try them out. Watch for a monthly tip starting today.
Spiritual practice can take many directions including a practice that one engages in every day at the same time, perhaps throughout the day, while walking or doing daily tasks, in silence, or meditation. There is not a 'one size fits all' for the what, when or how of spiritual practice in one's life.
 Acknowledging another as a spiritual practice... We are called to love one another. This is the sign that we are Christians. It is the message of the Gospel. We know that we are all a part of the body of Christ and that each person is connected to each other person through the love of God for us all. Acknowledging someone can make a difference. Many people go through life feeling alone. Interpersonal contact is one way to connect to the sacred. Each day make it a practice to pay attention to those around you. Make eye contact, smile, or offer a simple greeting. After this encounter pray for that person. Thank God for allowing you to see another person for who they are - a child of God.
Reflect on the encounters at the end of the day.
How did praying for these people change me? How did the Spirit move in me as I made these simple connections? Devoree Crist, Spiritual Director |
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Quotes For Your Week - Wonder
"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom."  - Socrates
"Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory."
- Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."
- Albert Einstein
"I think us here to wonder, myself. To wonder. To ask. And that in wondering bout the big things and asking bout the big things, you learn about the little ones, almost by accident. But you never know nothing more about the big things than you start out with. The more I wonder, the more I love."
- Alice Walker, The Color Purple
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries, Development Associate, part time, 4/23/2014 The Development Associate will be responsible for the conceptualization of culture of philanthropy, goal setting for fund development and direct oversight of a multi-faceted development program including building, growing and sustaining fundraising efforts that capture the interest and stimulate the philanthropic intent of prospective donors. Click here to see the full job description. All qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter via email to Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo at dpupillo@faithnurses.org. Application deadline is May 31, 2014. No phone calls please. Parkway United Nursery School (PUNS), ISO Office Finance Admin., part time, 4/23/2014 2841 N Ballas Rd; St Louis , MO 63131 40+yo Preschool ISO Office/Finance Administrator! We are a warm environment with wonderful kids, great teachers and a super facility! We are seeking a team player who has a sense of humor (especially for PUNS) as well as financial, organizational and relational gifts. We envision this job as a great one for someone who likes long weekends as you would be in the office on Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday from 8:30-12:30pm. If you feel that we could be a good fit for you and your gifts, please send a cover letter and resume to employment@parkwayucc.org by Wednesday, April 30 and we will send you a job summary. This is a great opportunity! Pilgrim UCC, Coordinator of Christian Ed/Outreach Ministry, part time, 4/23/2014 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. 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.
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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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