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Wednesday, August 13, 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 Friday, August 15th. Be sure to email your church and organization events to Renee no later than 4:30 pm today!
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Allen's Message To You
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy upon me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-28 Dear Friends and Partners in the Gospel, A Canaanite child is in torment, and none of us noticed. It isn't even something we expected Jesus to attend to. The child is not one of us, not in our field of vision, invisible. This story troubles us, because Jesus himself seems calloused in his response to a foreigner's plea for help. Did he really compare the agonizing woman and her child to dogs? Or was his response intended as a teaching moment for those who were gathered around (we hope it was!)? If so, it is clear that the disciples needed the lesson: "Send her away," they said, not wanting to be distracted from the purpose of their journey by a stranger whose cries had the flavor of accusation. But a  mother's cries in defense of her child have a way of opening eyes. They have a way of equalizing us and helping us see that the abuse of anyone is a sorrow for all of us to share. A young man lost his life this week in Ferguson - very close to where we live. We see on the news that he was a good student with high aspirations. A retired teacher sent me an email today that said, "The young man who was killed by the policeman in Ferguson was one of my students. Good young guy." We wonder, were all of his good qualities invisible that day, so that all you could see in him was something threatening? Children from Central America, who must be terrified of their strange surroundings, are gathered into shelters while their fate is being decided by bureaucrats and politicians. They are labeled as "illegals" without doing anything to deserve the name. We debate the implications of keeping them here or sending them back, and their mothers' cries are too far distant for us to hear. Everyone is sad for the children, but we wonder if it's our problem and if we can afford to share our own children's food with those who have come unwelcomed here. Did the Canaanite woman actually have to convince Jesus to bring healing to her child? I don't know, but I am sure that her story speaks again and again to us about lifting away our prejudices and our fears and our concern for protecting what is ours, so that the new world of the Spirit may be born within us. Thanks to all who are doing this reconciling work. Prayers this week for the people of Ferguson, the family of Michael Brown, and the many homeless children in our land.
Allen
Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Ordination Invitation - Joshua Douglass Privitt
The Pastor, Leaders, and People
of Columbia United Church of Christ
in partnership with the Western Association
of the Missouri Mid-South Conference
invite you to celebrate with us on the occasion of
the Ordination to Ministry of Joshua Douglass Privitt
A Service of Word and Sacrament
will be held at 3:30 pm on Sunday, August 17, 2014
in the sanctuary of Columbia United Church of Christ
3201 I-70 Drive Northwest, Columbia, Missouri.
A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow.
Clergy are invited to join in the processional.
Robes and stoles are optional, at each clergy person's discretion.
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Persons In Ministry (PIM) Retreat 2014
"Who Do You Say That I Am? Really?" is the theme for this year's Persons in Ministry Retreat on September 15-17, 2014, at the Resort at Port Arrowhead in Lake of the Ozarks, MO. The presenters are the Rev. Dani Loving Cartwright, former DOC Regional Minister; and the Rev. Holly MillerShank, Team Leader of Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) with the UCC. Our time together will explore themes of authenticity and vulnerability in ministry.
There are many excellent reasons to attend the Persons in Ministry retreat. Each of the sessions will include 
panelists with DOC and UCC authorized ministers, along with ample time for personal reflection and renewal. We will join with colleagues from the Mid America Region of the Christian Church (DOC).
Another great reason to attend this year's gathering: participants will be able to use this as fulfillment of the required boundary training! If you have completed the "basic course," then this retreat will count toward the every three-year required course.
To read more about PIM, register, and to see the brochure/schedule, please visit our Conference website or our MMS Facebook page (and remember to Like Us!). All room reservations are to be made directly with the Resort by calling 800-532-3575. Please make your room reservation by September 1 to guarantee the reduced rate.
We hope to see all of our MMSUCC clergy at the retreat!
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Pension Boards-UCC | 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1020 | New York | NY | 10115 | 800-642-6543
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Weekly Prayer Time
Please keep the following churches and clergy in your prayers during this upcoming week:
Prayers for August 17 - August 23, 2014
Churches
Mount Tabor UCC - St Louis, MO
Shannondale UCC - Salem, MO
Immanuel UCC - Wright City, MO
Retired Clergy
Rev. Michael O'Neil Jones
Rev. Eugene Ostendorf
Rev. Jean Mueller
Rev. Ronald Williams
We, as a Conference, are finding new ways to be prayerfully mindful of each other. We are also building and deepening our relationships. Each week random congregations 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.
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Emmaus Homes Open House
You're invited to celebrate and tour the new Emmaus Homes corporate offices at our Open House. This will be held from 4 PM - 7 PM on Thursday, September 11 at 3731 Mueller Road, St. Charles MO 63301.
Light refreshments will be served at this come-and-go event. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 4:30. We hope you will join us and check out our new offices featuring larger training space, updated client activity center and so much more!
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Gay Games 9 in Cleveland - Two UCC National Staffers Participating
When Gay Games 9 began on August 9th in downtown Cleveland, two United Church of Christ national staff members are among the 9,000 participants. Sandy Sorensen and the Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer will run, swim and golf in the spirit of competition against other athletes from across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand from Aug. 9 to Aug. 16 - all to demonstrate the UCC commitment to inclusion, diversity, justice and human rights.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to participate in the Gay Games, and just having the opportunity to compete with other members of the LGBT community," said Sorensen, director of the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries office in Washington, D.C. "I don't have particular goals in mind. Being there and participating is exciting for me. It's a chance to celebrate sports and t he LGBT community in Cleveland, where our UCC headquarters are."
The Gay Games, one of the most inclusive sports and cultural festivals in the world, was created in 1982 to promote LGBT inclusion and excellence in sports. The Games include 35 sports (from darts to triathlon, bowling to softball) and 2 cultural events (band and chorus), a festival village, social events, an interfaith worship, and opening and closing ceremonies.
The Gay Games are open to anyone 18 years or older, regardless of their athletic ability, sexual orientation, age, gender or race.
"I never really considered competing before," said Schuenemeyer, the UCC's executive for health and wholeness advocacy, who plans to golf and swim in several events. "I've known about them but hadn't thought about doing it until it came to Cleveland." Click here to finish story
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Ordination & Installation Invitation - Rayla Stewart Hogue
St. Louis Association and Eastern Association
Of Missouri Mid-South Conference
Of The United Church Of Christ,
Along with First Congregational United Church Of Christ of Memphis, Tennessee,
And St. John's United Church Of Christ of Chamois, Missouri
Invite You To
The Ordination and Installation of Rayla Stewart Hogue
Sunday, September 7, 2014, at 3:30 p.m.
407 South Vine Street, Chamois, Missouri
Robes And Stoles at Each Clergy Person's Discretion
A Reception Will Follow
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UCC Church Building & Loan Fund Event
The United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund will be having our Annual Partners in Building Event in Chicago, IL this year. Our event is scheduled for September 26-27, 2014. The PIB Event is held annually and  helps new and renewing churches to learn the process of getting a new loan, refinancing an existing loan or how to start a capital campaign.
Participants take part in presentations and dialogue with CB&LF and Capital Campaign Staff as well as design and construction professionals, attorneys, and current loan recipients. The CB&LF Fund pays for one night hotel accommodations, airfare and three meals and the participants pay a $70 registration fee.
Please see the informational flyer and registration form for further details.
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Amazing Congregations
Are you proud of your church's latest accomplishment? Feel like bragging about your church a little (or maybe a lot)? Well here's your opportunity! The eCourier is your place to share stories and information on what your church has recently accomplished. Let everyone in our Conference know the really cool stuff you are doing. It doesn't have to be earth shattering - it just has to have meaning to you and your church - and that's more than enough. And who knows, you just might inspire another congregation to start a project, begin a group or even join you in your good-will efforts. Send your stories to Renee, along with some pics. Hey, a little braggin' never hurt anybody! And as Muhammed Ali said, "It ain't bragging if you can back it up." Let's hear from YOU! |
Boundary Training at Eden Seminary
On Friday, September 5, Eden Theological Seminary will be hosting a boundary training session from 9 am to 3 pm. Rev. Bruce Moeller and Ms. Jane Porchey will be facilitating. The cost is $50 per person.
To register, please contact Chris Davis at Eden: 
cdavis@eden.edu 314-918-2547
Only 2 MMSUCC boundary training sessions remain for 2014:
Saturday, September 27, 2014 - St. Johns Evangelical UCC - St. Louis, MO - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
11333 St. Johns Church Road, St. Louis, MO 63123
Thursday, October 2, 2014 - St. Peter's UCC - Washington, MO - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
20 E. Fifth St, Washington, MO 63090
Please remember that if you attend a boundary training session not sponsored by our Conference, you must provide a copy of the completion certificate to our office for your file.
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Quotes For Your Week - Anger
When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings.
Then you will forget your anger.  - Epictetus
For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.
- James Thurber
Anger is often more hurtful than the injury that caused it.
- English Proverb
He who angers you conquers you.
- Elizabeth Kenny
No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.
- Robin Williams
my weekly affirmation - I won't let anger overshadow the good things in my life
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Administrative Assistant at St. Peter's UCC, New Haven, 8/13/14
St. Peter's is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant to provide clerical and supportive assistance to the pastor and lay leadership team. The position provides paid annual leave, no holidays or weekends, and on the job training. Salary is negotiable (20 hrs/week). The ideal candidate will have experience with Microsoft Office and Google applications, some bookkeeping and accounting knowledge, and excellent communication skills. The church currently uses PowerChurch for database management, payroll, and accounting. Send resume to
Church Secretary at Church of the Master UCC, 8/6/14
To handle correspondence, mailings, hospitality, publications, member support and other duties 23 hours (negotiable) per week (M-F). Computer (including MS Word) and personal communication skills needed. Send resume by August 18, to Church of the Master United Church of Christ, 1325 Paddock Dr., Florissant, MO 63033 or email to pastor@cotm-ucc.org.
Part Time Director of Music Ministries at Saint Paul's UCC, 7/23/14
Saint Paul's United Church of Christ in Oakville is seeking a part-time Director of Music Ministries to provide inspiring and professional leadership in the ministry of music, both traditional and contemporary. Responsibilities include: leading and directing the Sanctuary Choir, providing for a Bell choir, the development of a children's choir and of ensembles to lead in blended or contemporary worship. A bachelor's degree (or higher) in music and proficiency in pipe organ and piano are desired. Submit resumes and inquiries to spjsc@stpauloakville.org
Kirkwood United Church of Christ Director of Music Ministry, 7/23/14
Under the direction of the Pastor and in collaboration with the Worship and Music team,the Director of Music Ministry is responsible for organizing, directing and implementing a worship and music program/ministry and for planning music for all church services. This individual will be responsible for directing all choral ensembles; directing youth and children 's music ministries, including providing assistance with LOGOS; and leading musical participation in worship by the congregation.
The primary focus is glorifying God in the worship life of our diverse congregants. Expressions of worship should support our goal of being a welcoming, relevant and progressive congregation. This role will require an average of 12 hours per week.
Qualifications:
Experience as a vocal coach /choral director; Music degree desired Proficient in vocal training and developing musical talent within individuals and ensembles Experience directing church choral music and developing a robust music ministry Ability to organize and communicate effectively with leadership and staff Ability to work effectively on a team Background in vocal development a plus Background in other arts programs a plus Ability to play the piano /organ a plus Ability to play guitar a plus Please send all inquires to David Hults (314) 966-3888 or email at david@activ8careers.com
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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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