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Thursday, June 19, 2014
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Around Your Conference

Allen's Message To You   

What then are we to say?  Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?  By no means!  How can we who died to sin go on living in it?  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

                                                            Romans 6:1-4

Dear friends and partners in the Gospel,

 

            Gifted pastors of local congregations are often required to give priority to public relations when it comes to religious ceremonies.  Imagine a pastor counseling a young couple about their baby's baptism.  Is this a passage she would share?  If she did, we can sense the probable reaction.  "Baptism into death" (anybody's death, even Jesus' death) isn't something most church people want to think about when bringing loved ones at a tender age to be welcomed into the church.

 

            For that matter, being buried with Christ is an unsettling image even for adult believers who have normal   survival instincts and a strong preference for breathing.  Still, Paul bravely and earnestly makes his case:  there is something we desire and hope so dearly to hang onto that we call it "life itself," and we have to let it go if we want to "walk in newness of life." That something is "life," understood as individual survival.

 

            The troublesome thing about survival is that when it's your primary goal, it's all you get; and for almost no one is survival really enough.  I think that may be why some people amass such huge fortunes that cause the rest of us to wonder how much enjoyment there can be in owning a second or third mansion or having so much money invested that it could never be spent in a lifetime.  In some ways sadder still are those church congregations whose investment in the property of their buildings and grounds has crippled their capacity to carry out the ministry of Christ in the mission field of their neighborhood (churches too think of life as survival).

 

            It is a truth that is hard to grasp in our individualistic culture that life experience does not happen inside our skins.  Likewise, congregational life does not happen inside our walls.  Life is a shared experience.  It requires relationship, needs love, takes a community.  In Paul's language, not recognizing this is "sin." Discovering it is grace.  Experiencing it is salvation, life and peace.

 

            May all of our congregations find newness of life in the worldly fellowship of Christ.

 

Allen

Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister 

A Peacemaking Practice

There are times each day which seem to call for a peace-filled expression, word, prayer or touch. In tense moments it is a challenge to seek peace. Watch for tips, guidance and tools each third week of the month right here.

   

A New Mood at the Conference Annual Gathering

 

There are three issues that I recall from CAG 2013 that were sources of great discord.  We fought about the by-laws, deeply slashed the budget, and we observed the vision team resign.  And these were only the things I witnessed. 

 

By contrast CAG 2014 was a love fest.  The mood could hardly have been more different.  Our parliamentarian made a couple of asides to the moderator but never had to address the assembly.  Most of the time we were ahead of schedule. 

 

Something happened over the past year that seems to me to be very positive.  What I believe happened was that we listened to the discord, allowed ourselves to deepen into it, to hear what it was teaching us and to be transformed by it.

 

With regard to the budget: we already knew that we had to change from repeatedly passing deficit budgets and the decisions last year helped to support a balanced budget but there was some very hard work done to get to the place where Ken Ulmer could tell us that we know where every dollar is.

 

With regard to the by-laws: the fight last year was, at the core, a question of trust.  In the ensuing year Jan Aerie has conducted conversations with about 600 people (individually and in groups) in which she listened to what fears, and hopes, and dreams members of the Conference hold in their hearts. 

 

With regard to the vision team:  When it became clear that the team was not a reflection of the Conference as a whole and especially not of those who hold the vision we want to discern, those nominated resigned with a commitment to start over and construct a process that is more representative and inclusive.

 

So we have some very good evidence that when we allow ourselves to be present to the discord and be transformed by it, very good things happen.  Let us not rest here.  Let us not presume that we have done our work.  And let us especially not presume that we have named, addressed, and resolved all of the conflict. 

 

We do not yet have a clear vision.  We do not have a Designated Conference Minister.  We have more work to do.  But we have confidence that we have the competence to address these core issues well and by doing so, discern and then more fully embody the Will of God.

 

It is just this confidence that the Peacemaker Training is intended to develop.  Our tendency is to flinch.  Despite so many admonitions to "not be afraid," we pull back from discord.  There are very specific things we can do to use the energy in conflict to bring ourselves into line with-to reconcile ourselves to-the Realm of God.

 

If you want more information about the Peacemaker Fellowship and the training that it offers you may go to PeacemakerFellowship.org.  Be sure to Sign Up for the e-newsletter for information about trainings and other events. 

 

Mark Robinson

[email protected]

www.CreativeConflictResolution.org.

Team Sports - OR - Why My Church Needs Other Churches

High school sports programs are booming. Yet, how many young people would be interested in sports if there were no other teams playing the same sport? No other teams to compete with? No fans to cheer on the players? Teams practice and practice, preparing to meet other teams in order to test their personal and team's learning and skills. Each player is challenged to stretch, grow and expand their ability. Each player is taught to function not independently, but as part of a team. There are different playing positions, and different abilities for each, but, the entire team must work together in order to be successful.  

 

Scrimmages are an important part of practicing. It is a time to notice errors and weak spots so that they can be named and corrected before the actual game - thereby ensuring a better chance at winning. The strategy of the game is honed for winning, but much of winning is impacted by the "personal bests" of the players.  

 

My church may be functioning like a highly-practiced team. We may be well aware of all of our individual parts and positions, and each of our "scrimmage" moves. Yet when we meet other churches to  learn where they are skilled and to let them challenge us, we are adding an essential component to being Church. No matter how close a team becomes to each other, they are enriched by being with others. Vital, growing church communities embrace the diverse interests, skills and abilities not only of their own church members, but seek out others to practice widening their diversity.  

 

In practicing engaging together, our congregations expand and become greater than they were separately. An entire new game plan may emerge, or a new style that is more effective may be implemented. Personal bests by members and congregations rise up and come to light. And God is cheering.  

 

How does your church seek out neighborhood congregations to hone skills, develop new strategies, and to be challenged to grow? 

 

Jan Aerie,  

[email protected] 314-918-2601 

Ordination Service for Dana Schindler

 

The St. Louis Association

of the Missouri Mid-South Conference

of the United Church of Christ

and Eden United Church of Christ

cordially invite your presence to the ordination of

Dana L. Schindler

to the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament

on

Sunday, June 22, 2014, at 3:00 p.m.

 

Eden United Church of Christ

8920 Eden Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63123

 

All clergy are asked to arrive by 2:30to assemble for the processional

and are invited to robe and or wear red.

 

A reception will follow the service

Illinois South Conference Clergy Day   

All Missouri Mid-South clergy are encouraged to attend the Illinois South Conference Clergy Day - A Gathering of Authorized Ministers.  Open to all Ordained, Licensed, Retired, Active clergy.  The event will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Zion UCC, New Baden, IL.

Topics will include:  Constructing a 21st Century Theology with Professor Damayanthi Niles, Professor of Constructive Theology from Eden Theological Seminary; and Ministry Matters, Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Team (MESA) Information about The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers and the New Ministerial Profile.

Please see the event flyer to register and other details.

Local/Global Miracles

 

Sometimes we forget that the connections we make locally have a global effect. It is amazing - miraculous, really - how our giving can stretch so far when we reach to put our offering in the plate or basket on Sunday morning. These miracles for instance:

 

Missionaries who grew up here, or have a relationship to a congregation in the Conference spend ten days or two null weeks of their time every four years, visiting churches in our region. They tell their stories and offer prayers of hope for faith which is growing in the world.

 

Children who regularly come to church, and some who have never been to church, will be attending Vacation Bible School in our churches, or going to a week of church camp this summer. Most often it is these summer experiences which shape a lifetime of faith.

 

Attendees at our Conference's Annual Gathering this past weekend committed to revitalizing mission and social justice efforts while strengthening our congregations' ties to evangelism and outreach.

 

Our Church Works Miracles! 

 

OCWM: creating miracles every day.
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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Sharing Loving Care

 

St. Johns UCC in Weldon Spring, MO is a Prayer Shawl Church!   This ministry knits or crochets shawls and has been for 5 years. The stitches created are in combinations of to signify the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.   About one dozen hand workers knit and crochet at home and bring their projects to a monthly meeting. All shawls are given a tiny label from the Church with a message of God's love, comfort and strength.  These shawls are meant for those in need for warmth, love, comfort and healing.   About 300 have been given so far. It is a quiet craft for a lively, fun-filled and caring group.   Shawls are blessed - each one touched by as many hands as possible while a prayer is offered. Learners have been welcomed and taught, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry is open to all, young and old to come and share an ancient craft to give comfort to a modern world.

 

Word about this project has traveled all across the United States from church to church. If you would like to learn more for your church, contact [email protected] .

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 June 22 - 28, 2014

Churches

St. Johns Chapel, Springfield, MO

St Peters, St Louis, MO

St Johns, Mantels, MO

 

Retired Clergy

Rev. David Brune

Rev. Bob Dohm

Rev. Ruth Hotle

Rev. Doris Judy

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.    

Employment Opportunities
 
Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
  
Communications Coordinator at St. John's, 6/19/14
Part time person needed at St. John's, see full job description here.  Resumes may be mailed to St. John's UCC, Attn: Vision Team, 945 Wolfrum Rd., Weldon Spring, MO 63304  
or emailed to:   [email protected]
 

Director of Admissions at Eden Seminary, 6/4/14

The Director will oversee the student recruitment and admissions process for all degree programs. The Director of Admissions will be responsible for developing a pool of prospective students, assisting prospective students through the discernment process leading to an application and helping admitted students make the transition to enrollment. Preference will be given to candidates who have a theological education and experience in admissions. The search will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

 

A r�sum�, a cover letter expressing interest in the position and detailing relevant professional experience should be sent to: Office of the President, Eden Theological Seminary, 475 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63119. Electronic submissions will be accepted. Email to: [email protected]  

 

Part-time Child Care Provider at Parkway UCC, 6/4/14  

Parkway United Church of Christ seeks part-time childcare provider for infants to two years of age during Sunday services 8:45am to 12:15pm and Wednesday evenings for choir practice. Other special holiday events and meetings may be included in job description. Applicant should be a mature, responsible, and caring individual and certified in Infant CPR training, or agree to take the training for certification at the expense of Parkway UCC within two months of employment. Applicant must agree to submit to a background check and complete Personal Disclosure Form. If interested, please submit resume to Carol Cobb, CE Convener @ Parkway UCC 2841 N. Ballas, Town and Country, Missouri 63131 or [email protected]

 

Administrative Assistant at Eden Seminary, 6/4/14 

Eden Theological Seminary is seeking an Administrative Assistant for its Advancement Office. This position reports to the Vice President for Advancement and serves the Advancement Office as a whole.  Duties include processing donations, preparing correspondence, maintaining files, updating database records, coordinating production of mailings, managing office activities, processing travel and purchasing paperwork, and serving as a receptionist for the office. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in an administrative position, preferably in a not-for-profit fundraising office, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and database software.   Please send resume and cover letter to: Advancement Office, Eden Theological Seminary, 475 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119. Electronic submissions will be accepted. Email to [email protected] 

     

Chaplain at Cape Albeon, 5/21/14

Cape Albeon is seeking a part time chaplain, 20 hours per week.  For further information and to apply, please contact Carol DiSanza at [email protected].
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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.