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Wednesday, May 7, 2014
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Around Your Conference

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.

Allen's Message To You   

 

In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

                                                            Acts 2:17

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

 

Until I became a relatively old man, I don't think I fully appreciated how hard it is for old men to dream dreams.  I remember when I was younger, serving as a pastor to churches that had a lot of old men and women in them.  I have to say I tried my best to persuade them, though with notable lack of success.  Looking back, I'm for the most part thankful about that.  It isn't really healthy to try to give someone else your dreams, even if you think your dreams come from God, which most religious people do.  God have mercy!  I've come to believe that we all have to have our own dreams, and somewhere in the mix of them, as they bump up against one another, God sorts them all out in an urging of understanding and compassion, and sometimes helps us find the value that is there for all of us together.  And then our dreams fall silent before the emergent truth of God.

 

Still, we do need dreams to surprise us and ignite our sense of what is possible.  After a while in a human life, as the golden future we once dreamed of becomes the wistful remembrance we once knew, we begin to feel comfort in the expectedness of things, and we do not greet surprises with the same exuberance we once felt. Right then is the time when those of us who have reached what we assume is our maturity should begin to listen for the laughter of children and the impulsiveness youth, and put aside the certainties that we have cultivated for so long.  A little foolish questioning does wonders for the blossoming of the soul.

 

Of course our daughters and our sons will prophesy, and think of future things; who else has such a stake in it!  The Godly miracle in Acts is when the old began to share it.  Blessed is that community of God's people where the shape of our common practices of faith find a setting for our forward journey that links us all with one another in hope that this uncharted future of ours is kept in the hands of God.  

 

May our companionship on the journey be filled with faith and hope.

   

Allen

Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister 

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.  Registration deadline is Friday, May 30th, which is 23 days away!  Prices increase after the 30th and the absolute last day to register is Monday, June 2.  Please be respectful of these dates as we need to share information with the hotel.

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.

 

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 [email protected].   Thank you, and we will see you at this year's Conference Annual Gathering!  
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Youth Group Recognition at CAG!

 

Calling all pastors and youth leaders!  We would like to highlight the activities of youth groups around our Conference at the Conference Annual Gathering Banquet this year.  In order to do so, we need to contribute news regarding your church's youth activities!  Please submit 5-6 pictures of your youth group in action, along with a 2-3 paragraph narration of their work.  These items can be sent to Jeff Mignerone at [email protected] for inclusion in our banquet program.  Any questions can be addressed to Jeff or to Rev. Laura Mignerone at [email protected] or by phone: 636-528-7550.  See you at CAG!

Prayer Time
 

We, as a Conference, are finding new ways to be prayerfully mindful of each other. We are also building and deepening our relationships. This new feature which will appear in the eCourier weekly, is one way of attaining this goal.  Each week three (in random order) congregations, their pastors and other clergy, will be named, inviting your prayers during the week. We will rotate through the entire list of churches and clergy in one year. Please join us and share with others in the power of collective prayer.

 

Prayers for May 11 - May 17, 2014 

Churches & Pastors

Faith UCC in Wentzville, MO - Pastor Sue Leary

Bethel Heights Marshallese UCC in Springdale, AR - Pastor Albon Langbon

St Mark UCC in Arnold, MO - Pastor Kim Brinkmann

 

Retired Clergy

Rev Glenn Davis, Rev Karl Kindt, Rev. Gayle Engle and Rev. Keith Karau

Travel the World Before Breakfast - Or - Why Global Connections are Vital for My Church 

Do you try your best to purchase products made in the USA? Perhaps you heard the recent commentary about the 22,000 mile tee shirt, which was labeled, "Made in the USA". Actually it wasn't just one t-shirt, it is most of our t-shirts that travel that far before we purchase them. So do our pants, socks, shoes and jackets. It is impossible these days to limit our day-to-day life and world to only one country. The cotton, the thread from the cotton, the fabric from the thread, the dye to color the fabric, the pieces cut from the fabric, the shirt sewn from the pieces, usually each are handled in a different country. Moving the item from place to place is another story. One piece of clothing may come from ten or twelve different countries!

 

Our churches can no more shut out the world than our daily lives can. Why would we want to? We expect to know through media sources, what is happening anywhere in the world within moments of its occurrence. We may have heard the news about how the churches of China are multiplying so fast that their buildings are outgrown almost immediately, and that churches in Chile are led by a youth movement sweeping the country. We may wish to have standing room only and great numbers of enthused youth in our church. Yet, our UCC Global Ministries is a part of these stories. Therefore, we are a part of global church movements which are growing exponentially.  

 

A church connected to the world is a vital church. It is a church propelled out of its doors into new activities and places, a church giving selflessly of itself to others. It is a church afire in mission. What aspects of global involvement excite you? In what ways is your congregation connecting with the world through mission?  

 

(Watch for news about a time to meet and share about mission at the Conference Annual Gathering.)

 

Jan Aerie,  

[email protected] 314-918-2601 

Health and Wellness - May Tip Sheet 
 

May brings May flowers, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and for us at Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministry - Nurse's Week. Nurse's week - a celebration of all that good about nursing - is the week of May 5th.

 

Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries celebrates Nurse's Week all month by promoting the work of faith community nurses in the Greater St. Louis area.  Faith community nursing is a specialized practice of nursing, which integrates the science of nursing with intentional care of the spirit. There are scope and standards of the practice, which the nurses adhere to in their daily work.  All faith community nurses are professional registered nurses who have experience in nursing. Some come from community health settings, others from acute hospital care, but all of them bring a wealth of wisdom in assessing and caring for individuals and communities.  Please click here to read the complete article.   

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: [email protected]   

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Future Present with Technology     

  

Zion UCC in Troy, Missouri, celebrated 125 years of service in 2012 to their community. The congregation of about 100 members runs the Zion Kids Wednesday (ZKW) program, which meets once a month, on the third Wednesday of the month, from September through May. Boys and girls from Kindergarten through Grade Five (and often even Middle Schoolers) are picked up after school and brought to the church for Bible Study, free play and games, snacks (of course!) and service activities, all under the umbrella of being Christ's disciples here and now.  Each Wednesday ends with a supper for the whole family-plus a few other adults join too! ZKW offers an extra opportunity for Christian Education in addition to weekly Sunday School. A few hours each month, the children have some intentional time with their pastor, and an inter-generational meal with their church family.

  

The church had some memorial funds with which four shiny new laptop computers were purchased last summer.  Although available to all ages and groups, the laptops have appealed especially to the younger members of Zion's congregation.  Used in Sunday School and also in Zion Kids Wednesdays, they are gradually being seen as another tool in their Christian Education tool box. Because of the addition of these laptops, and Zion's overall commitment to moving forward in the technological arena, many congregants, old and young alike, have had the opportunity to learn more computer skills together, bridging generations and offering opportunities to build up the community.

 

Zion United Church of Christ is looking toward the future and keeping an eye close to the present.  As their utilization of technology increases and expands, the congregation is continuing to be intentional about building real relationships.

 

If you would like to learn more or try using laptops in a program like Zion's with your congregation, email [email protected] or phone 636-528-7550.

 

(With thanks to Mary Anne Kemper)

2013 Clergy Information Review Forms SENT

 

The 2013 Clergy Information Review forms were emailed last week to all authorized clergy, both active and retired, along with the Minister codes.  If your email address bounced back or you do not currently have an email address, the form and code were snail mailed so please be on the lookout for this information. 

If you believe you should have received a form/code and did not, please contact me at the Conference office, [email protected] or 314-918-2602.

All completed forms are due back to our Conference by Friday, May 30, 2014, via email, fax or snail mail.  
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, vision 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

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.  

Miracles of Faith   

  

Our faith and giving come easier in good times, than in difficult moments. Yet the faith of others, and our seeking and finding faith again, continue the momentum of miracles each and every day. With your giving these faith-filled moments occurred this week: null

 

Our Conference's Women's and Men's Retreats had ideal weather last weekend, and hosted about 75 participants. Their work projects, prayer and sharing boost our faith communities immeasurably.

 

Recent Midwest tornados were devastating. Now, the UCC is there providing financial and volunteer workers in affected communities. Also, a number of UCC Conference disaster coordinators are monitoring the impact.

 

The UCC's national executives joined a group of 50 leaders from religious communities and faith-based organizations in a letter urging D.C. lawmakers to help the country of Colombia, by "encouraging the peace process to reach the finish line," and end a conflict that dates back to the 1960s.

 

Our Church Works Miracles!

OCWM: creating miracles every Day.

PET Devices to India

 

Back in January, Columbia UCC invited our Conference, as well as our Disciples partners, to help fund a shipment of PET devices (Personal Energy Transportation carts, built in the U.S. by volunteers - please visit  http://petinternational.org/) to Drs. Anil & Teresa Henry at Mungeli Hospital in India.  

 

PET International is prepared to fill an ocean-going shipping container; Dr. Henry has land transportation in India taken care of.  We asked for contributions totaling $4,407.00 to fund the sea-transport of the container from the U.S. to a port in India.

 

To date, contributions and commitments have been received for $2,800.00 - thank you!  Gifts have come from churches, Sunday schools, women's groups, clergy clusters, and individuals.

 

Anil and Teresa recently concluded another visit to our Conference.  To date we've received $2,750.00 and still need to raise $1,650.00.  Gifts are being held in a designated account (PET Project) at Columbia UCC.  Please make checks payable to Columbia UCC and mail to our church at 3201 I-70 Dr. NW, Columbia, MO 65202 with PET Project written on the memo line. 

 

Thank you for your partnership!

 

-submitted by Rev. Steve Swope, Columbia UCC

UCC Files Suit in North Carolina

 

The United Church of Christ Board, acting as General Synod ad interim filed suit in the US District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina, alleging that the North Carolina constitution and other marriage laws of the state limit ministers' choices to perform religious acts, thereby restricting the freedom of religious expression guaranteed in the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

 

State laws in North Carolina prohibit a clergy person from performing a marriage without a license issued by the county in which the ceremony is to be performed.  The laws make performing such ceremonies a crime and impose potential fines and a jail sentence of up to 120 days or community service upon those who conduct such services.  The direct impact of these laws is to restrict the religious freedom of clergy who desire to conduct the religious rite of marriage for couples who seek spiritual or sacramental union but do not wish to have their marriages regulated by the state.  Examples of such unions in the context of the legal system in North Carolina might include elderly couples who do not want to affect their financial or legal status, persons seeking immediate spiritual affirmation of their commitment when one partner is nearing death, same-gender couples for whom a license cannot be obtained in the county where the ceremony is to be performed, or persons who simply believe in marriage as a spiritual relationship that needs no governmental sanction.

 

For us, as one of the founding religious traditions of this nation, the principle of free exercise of religion is of paramount value.   We affirm the freedom of all clergy persons to conduct the rites and sacraments of their faith according to the dictates of their conscience and teachings of their own faith tradition.  It is central to our ethos to defend the free exercise of religion - anyone's religion.

 

If you desire more information about this action, or interpretive or liturgical materials that you can use, you may find such materials on the "I DO support religious freedom" website  www.ucc.org/ido.

   

Allen

Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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: [email protected] for more information.

Christianson 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 [email protected].  Visit the craft website for even more info!  Brochure 1, Brochure 2Registration form.    

Quotes For Your Week - DREAMS

Whatever you can do, or dream you can begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. 
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A dream you dream alone is only a dream.  A dream you dream together becomes reality.  
- John Lennon   


Dreams pass into the reality of action.  From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.
- Anais Nin


Don't Wait!  Start on your dreams, your impulses, your longings, your special occasions today.  Because this is your moment.
- Mary Anne Radmacher 

Weekly Affirmation:  I won't allow fear to stand in the way of my dreams.  I can do it, I can live it, I can be it - all through my Almighty God.   
Employment Opportunities
 
Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
 

Faith Community Nurse at St Peters Evangelical UCC, 5/7/2014

St. Peters Evangelical UCC, a church in North County, is seeking someone to work with the congregation and clinic every other Saturday. 3 years of experience as registered nurse in either home health, public health or community health preferred. 22 hours per week.  Send resume to [email protected].

 

Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries, Development Associate, 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 [email protected]. Application deadline is May 31, 2014. No phone calls please.

   

Pilgrim UCC, Coordinator of Christian Ed/Outreach Ministry, 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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Contact Us

Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ  314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884  
 
Email [email protected] to submit information for a future issue.  Not all submissions may be used in future eCouriers.