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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 Tuesday, July 15th. Be sure to email your church and organization events to Renee at renee@mmsucc.org.
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Our Conference office will be closed on Friday, July 4th.
Be safe and enjoy the holiday weekend!
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John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon"; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:18-19, 28-30 Dear Companions on the Way, People often ask me to explain the "autonomy" of the congregation in the polity of the United Church of Christ. The question is a good one, because local church autonomy is often lifted up as one of the distinctive characteristics of our community of faith. Only I don't usually describe us that way. The downside of the word "autonomy" for me is that it suggests that we have a right to act with indifference to other members of the body, and I don't think that understanding meets the test of Christian fellowship and mutual care. I myself prefer to describe us as a covenanted fellowship of Christians who are at different places on life's journey and feel called to listen to one another and give thanks for the Spirit of Christ in every setting of our fellowship. Thinking of ourselves as covenantal rather than autonomous enables us to respond to those who differ  from us by giving thanks for their witness to what we cannot see, even as we seek faithfulness to Jesus in the positions we take ourselves. As a song that is popular among us affirms, "we are pilgrims on a journey," and, at every stopping point and way station and meeting place, we look about for what may keep us faithful on the Way. For the most part, new perceptions in our faith community have arisen from our congregational life, but that has not always been the case. Sometimes Christians from many congregations have come together in a meeting, and a new way of seeing things has arisen from their exchange of stories and ideas. No one way is better for God's Spirit to move us than any other. Where two or three are gathered together in honest prayer and discernment in Christ's name, it is a setting of God's presence. That isn't to say that the discernment brings perfect truth; we're often wrong. But even when we are wrong, we open up the community to conversation that can lift the veil that keeps us from God's truth. In the Gospel lesson for this coming Sunday, Jesus talks about a generation that may seem much like our own, where competing selfish interests and narrow views prevent the discovery of a common way and vision. Let's pray for a new generation to be born with us. In our own Christian fellowship, may our love for every setting of the church, the actions we faithfully take, the ideas we freely share, the arguments we faithfully engage, and the care we provide for one another's needs, convince us after all that we are valuable to one another in the pilgrimage of Christ. Allen Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Who is Joshua Gibson?
The Missouri Mid-South Conference is pleased to announce that we will be employing an Eden Seminary student as an intern in our office this school year, beginning in mid-August. His name is Joshua Gibson. Josh will  be entering his third year at Eden in September, taking coursework toward the combined Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work degrees. He completed his undergraduate work at the American Military University, with a major in Middle Eastern Studies.
Josh is a member of Holy Trinity Church of Nashville, Tennessee. His professional experience includes eight years of employment in consumer banking, 10 years in the United States Army, and three years at the Department of Veterans Affairs in the field of human resources. During his first two years at Eden, Josh served as a pastoral intern at Hope UCC and a family chaplain intern at Kingdom House. He currently is fulfilling a continuing obligation as a Commander and Transportation Officer in the US Army Reserves.
We are excited that Josh will be working in the Conference office this year. We anticipate that his primary functions will be to assist in the implementation and coordination of covenanted ministry teams, particularly in the areas of church development and vitality and social concerns. Although not part of his paid internship, Josh may also be available as time permits for preaching or speaking in congregations of the Conference. In such instances, an honorarium should be offered for his services.
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Marilyn Stavenger's Caring Bridge Site
The following information is from Marilyn Stavenger, who is inviting you to visit her Caring Bridge site and keep updated on her health status.
Dear Family and Friends,
To keep you updated on my health journey, I created a CaringBridge Site. Please visit my site often to stay connected and follow my progress.
Visit:
Site Link: www.caringbridge.org/visit/marilynstavenger
Site Name: marilynstavenger
CaringBridge is a nonprofit offering trusted spaces where family and friends can connect and share during any type of health event.
Sincerely,
Marilyn
CaringBridge - the Heart of the Matter
Down deep, more than anything else, people want to stay connected. Especially during a health event.
CaringBridge Sites are personal, protected spaces that help family and friends share encouragement, compassion and love.
We all wish Marilyn well in her journey...
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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 July 6- July 12, 2014
Churches
Salem UCC - Higginsville, MO
St. Marks Union UCC - Kansas City, MO
St. Johns UCC - St Charles, MO
Retired Clergy
Rev. David Beebe
Rev. Thomas Higgins
Rev. Raymond Schultz
Rev. Herbert Stemler
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Health and Wellness - July Tip Sheet
Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. Backyard BBQ and summer outdoor  activities fill our July days. Yet the thrill of fireworks and summer sun can bring pain. At least 200 people a year visit the emergency room on the fourth of July due to fireworks injury. Others seek medical attention for sunburn and dehydration.
Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries. Sunburn and summer heat stroke can be avoided. Here are some summer fun safety tips this month from Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries.
First the safety tips for fireworks include:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because it is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional display and may pose a danger to consumers.
click here to continue the article
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From the Heritage Committee
Do you know about the National Youth Caravans that some of our older members participated in during the postwar era? Herman C. Ahrens, a former staff person involved with the caravans, wrote,
During the 20 years of the National Youth Caravans (1948 - 1968), more than 700 high school and college  volunteers were trained and then traveled nationwide in four-person teams during the summer months doing youth work and service projects in local churches, in summer camps and in community centers. ... Each team of four volunteers, was co-ed, interracial, ecumenical and, when possible, international. ... They were trained to lead, to teach and to serve wherever they went. Their early interracial experiences at public swimming pools and at restaurants preceded later sit-ins and racial demonstrations. Caravanning became a training ground for future adult leaders in the church.
The volunteers started with two weeks of training and were then sent out for a number of week-long experiences in the field. The first four person team was trained at Eden Seminary and then spent ten weeks in the field serving in Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.
The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society, located in Lancaster, PA, has an archive where it is collecting memorabilia and documents related to the Youth Caravans. At their annual meeting on September 27 this year, the society will highlight this program that had a lasting impact on the youth that participated. A significant number of participants were from the area of the current Missouri Mid-South Conference.
A description of the upcoming Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society meeting can be found at www.erhs.info/page7/index.html. For more information about The E&R Historical Society or about the Youth Caravans, contact Joy Dressel at 636-256-1736 or jdressel@charter.net.
-submitted by Joy Dressel
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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 Renee at our Conference office.
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Strength in Numbers
The Good Book says that "a threefold cord is not easily broken.": (Eccles. 4:12) How about a fivefold cord?
For the second year, five of our south St. Louis churches have banded together to carry out a four week  Wednesday evening Vacation Bible School. The churches are: Carondelet, Eden, Epiphany, Grace, and Mount Tabor.
The dates and locations this year are: July 9th (Carondelet), 16th (Epiphany), 23rd (Eden) and 30th (Mt. Tabor). There will be light meals, rotation model classes, and adult classes as well - these led by the pastors.
This has been a great example of the strength these "cooperating churches" have discovered in working together. This year's theme: "God is Still Speaking: Who are we as the UCC?" All are welcome.
-with thanks to Dr. David Beebe
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Invest, Borrow and Learn with Cornerstone
Summer greetings to you from the Cornerstone Fund, a financial ministry of the United Church of Christ. The
Cornerstone Fund is your partner in helping to manage the resources that support the ministries we share in the UCC.
The Cornerstone Fund invites you to:
INVEST - Any member of the UCC, congregation, association, conference, or related ministry m  ay invest in a "term note" with the Cornerstone Fundand receive a competitive fixed rate of return. Investments are available in terms including 6, 12, 18, 30, and 60 months as well as a "demand account" in which your money is available when you need it. The "Church Builder Bonus" on a 60 month note is a creative way for persons to give to their church or other UCC ministry and receive a "bonus" rate of interest.
BORROW - The funds received from investors are then turned around and made available to ministries of the UCC as loans. Adjustable rate, fixed rate, and revolving lines of credit are all types of borrowing available through the
Cornerstone Fund. Loans may be for new construction, remodeling, energy efficiency upgrades, and program or mission initiatives. Loans are secured with real property. The Cornerstone Fund works with congregations and other ministries to insure that financial plans are well-developed when borrowing funds and rates can help a ministry maximize money for mission. Your investments in the Cornerstone Fund have a direct impact on helping UCC ministries grow.
LEARN - The Cornerstone Fund has a variety of workshops and seminars for pastors and lay leaders that help participants understand church financing and management to the end of strengthening the mission of your congregation and all the wider settings of the United Church of Christ.
For further information on the Cornerstone Fund or to learn more about scheduling a workshop, contact Rev. David Moyer, Mission Interpreter for the Upper Mid-West Region or go online at www.cornerstonefund.org. |
Memorial Options for Helen Brandenburg Barks
On Friday an eConnection announcing the passing of Helen was sent, however, the family didn't have a chance to include options for memorials. They suggest any gifts go to Pilgrim UCC Soup Kitchen, where Helen volunteered every Wednesday for many years, or to please donate blood in her memory.
Thank you for your consideration,
The Fred Brandenburg Family
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eHappenings Postponed
The eHappenings was not sent on Monday, June 30th due to a computer glitch. We apologize for any inconvenience and are hopeful the latest version will be sent tomorrow, July 3. Thank you.
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Quotes For Your Week - My Pilgrimage
Not all who wander are lost.  - J. R. R. Tolkien
It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end.
- Ursula K. Le Guin
A pilgrim is a wanderer with purpose.
- Peace Pilgrim
Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.
- Betty Smith
my weekly affirmation - I will take time to wander, but not aimlessly
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Office Coordinator at Friedens Peace UCC-New Melle, 7/2/14
This part-time position (15-20 hours per week) requires skills in MicroSoft office products, including Power Point, and the ability to work independently. Position responsibilities includes general office duties to assist Pastor and church committees. Send resume and inquires to Search Team, PO Box 28, New Melle MO 63365 or email to
friedenspastor@centurytel.net
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
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 employment@parkwayucc.org
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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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