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Wednesday, August 20, 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 29th. Be sure to email your church and organization events to Renee no later than 8/27.
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Allen's Message To You
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds.... Romans 12:2a Grace and Peace to those who share the journey! It takes no small effort to keep myself from pretending that the shocking things that happen on the news belong to the realm of someone else's responsibility. So I just have to say it: The experience of racism and oppression in the City of Ferguson is not measurably greater than it is anywhere else in American society, including all of our back yards. In fact, when compared with other  neighborhoods struggling with similar issues, the people of Ferguson have made notable efforts to be a racially blended community of neighbors in a society that still doesn't do that very well. The fact that events over the past two weeks have publicly revealed some serious fractures in the social fabric of this St Louis suburb should be regarded under the category of "It could also happen here (wherever your "here" may be)." I'm personally praying that the death of the young man in Ferguson and the aftermath of protest will become for all of us a heads up to realize serious systemic change is more urgently required of us than we have often allowed ourselves to believe. If you want to know what it means to be "conformed to this world," you need go no further than to read the opinion polls that appear in the news each week. More than anything else, they confirm that we mostly believe the conventional wisdom of those who share our common culture, and tend to regard our own culture's experience as truth. The effect of this is to tint our beliefs in the direction of the color of our skin or to minimize the harm that befalls those whose culture, faith or orientation differs from our own. Effectively, this conforms us to the world, because that's the way we expect most people to think. I'm far from having any solutions or even significant wisdom about preventing the circumstances that lead to the sad consequences we've experienced over the past two weeks. I am sure, though, that part of what we have to do is allow ourselves to listen to the feelings and thoughts of those who see those events as part of a long, sad pattern of cultural blindness that has allowed us to continue on our daily paths without pausing, until someone's anger, protest and tears required us to stop and take notice. Our faith encourages us at such a time to allow our minds to be transformed by a sudden awareness of our common humanity that has been savagely breached by our failure to listen to the experiences that are told to us by some part of our community. May God call forth the transformation of our minds and gather us in the fellowship of Christ. Allen
Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Repeat of yesterday's eConnection announcing Rev. Black's Ferguson Visit
Dear Friends,
The Reverend Geoffrey Black, President and General Minister of the United Church of Christ will be present tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20, in the City of Ferguson, to give pastoral support to the people of Ferguson and meet with church leaders. You are invited to pray for Geoffrey's visit and for continued healing in the Ferguson community and to share as you are able in the events of the day.
In the morning, at 11:00, Geoffrey will visit the grounds of the Canfield Apartments as a participant in the interfaith clergy ministry of presence in that neighborhood where the sense of grief and the expressions of anger and hurt over the past few days has been most acute.
From 1:00 to 3:00, at St Peter's United Church of Christ, 1425 Stein Road, in Ferguson, Geoffrey will be in conversation with area clergy who are concerned about how our churches will respond to the challenges presented by the events of the past few days and look at the opportunities that this moment presents for a faithful response to the systemic issues that need to be addressed in all of our neighborhoods.
At 3:00, a community interfaith worship service will take place at St Peter's Church to which all are invited. Geoffrey will bring the message.
Finally, from 4:00 to 5:30, Geoffrey will meet in an informal gathering with the clergy and lay leaders of our North St Louis County United Churches of Christ, to listen to the experience of the congregations and converse about their role in bridging racial divides and seeking reconciliation among the people of North St Louis County.
Planning Team for the Visit of Reverend Geoffrey Black
Rev. Dr. Frank Proctor, Coordinator and Rev. Dr. Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Clayton, MO - Tonight, clergy and youth will march together to the St. Louis County Prosecutor's office with plans to deliver a list of demands to bring justice for Mike Brown's family and long-term positive changes to St. Louis. Following the march, the clergy will caravan back to Ferguson, marching down West Florissant in robes and vestments to stand in peaceful solidarity with the men, women and children of Ferguson, pausing to pray for peace at each police staging area (full details below).
Marchers in Ferguson and across the country are seeking an expedited Grand Jury hearing to indict Officer Darren Wilson; the arrest of Wilson; a special prosecutor for the case; and a through investigation into the continued racial profiling reported by the NAACP in St. Louis County in the past year.
WHAT: Interfaith March and Prayer Vigil for Peace & Healing in Ferguson
WHO: Local clergy and young people, Clergy for a Moral Missouri, St Louis area clergy, Missouri Faith Voices, Communities Creating Opportunity, PICO National Network, and clergy from across the country.
TIME: 6:30 PM CDT Clergy and participant arrival; March at 7:00 PM CDT
LOCATIONS: Start Point-Schnuck's at Ladue Crossing at 8867 Ladue Road, marching to County Prosecutor McCullough's Office - 100 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO, 63105. Park as close to Ladue Road as possible. March Route Back to Ferguson-Chambers and West Florissant
"We will all be judged by what we do when the cameras are turned off, and people's rage dissipates and attention returns to our regularly scheduled programming," said Pastor Michael McBride, director of PICO National Network's Live Free Campaign who is on the ground in Ferguson and is director of. "We are standing with the community to demand justice and make sure all of our children are able to live free from violence and from fear of the very people sworn to protect them."
# # #
ABOUT PICO NATIONAL NETWORK: PICO National Network is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. PICO works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 60 local and state federations. PICO and its federations are non-partisan and do not endorse or support candidates for office. PICO urges people of faith to consult their faith traditions for guidance on specific policies and legislation. Learn more at www.piconetwork.org
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The Rev. Geoffrey Black to Retire 
General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Geoffrey Black, has announced that he will be retiring after the next General Synod Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, next June.
Below is Geoffrey's letter to all of us. We give thanks for Geoffrey's leadership and wish him and his family blessings as he prepares for the transition into retirement.
Please click here to read his letter.
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MO Healthcare for All Community Meeting, 8/26
Every Missourian deserves access to quality, affordable health care - no matter where they live or how much money they make. If you are concerned about access to health care in Southwest Missouri, please join us:
Missouri Health Care for All Community Meeting Tuesday, August 26, 6:00-8:00 pm Joplin Public Library 300 S Main Joplin, MO 64801
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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).
There is 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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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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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.
We don't win when we make others lose
One of the observations in the Peacemaker trainings is that problems don't become "conflicts" until we decide we don't know how to resolve them. When we know what to do, it is just a problem we can solve.
We decide we don't know what to do when what we do doesn't work. Indeed there are things we routinely do that don't work. There are things we do that we are taught to do... are told will work that clearly don't. Even though they never work, we keep trying them.
One of these, of course, is that we ignore it, hoping it will go away. This only works with things that will never  happen again, but at least it doesn't require much effort.
There are a handful of things that our society teaches us, even sometimes through the church, that are clearly faulty but which, in the absence of anything else we can think of to do, we try over and over again. You may have heard the saying that crazy is trying the same thing over and over expecting a different result. If this is true, we are all crazy.
Over the next couple of months I will write about some of these cognitive distortions that cause us to believe that some conflicts are intractable...irresolvable. I want to start with the one that is perhaps the most easily seen as a distortion even while it is incredibly common.
We act as though we believe we can create what we need by making others lose.
This is how games are often constructed. There is a winner and a loser so if you aren't the loser you win. You protect yourself from being the loser by making the other lose.
Unfortunately this is also how politics is played. This is how the legal system typically functions. If I am in conflict with you and I do something to make you lose...or if I even do something that you are afraid may make you lose... you will likely respond by trying to make me lose so I will try to make you lose, and, sure enough...we both lose.
In God's economy we win when everyone wins.
For more about the Peacemaker Fellowship go to PeacemakerFellowship.org.
Rev. Dr. Mark Lee Robinson
Minister of Reconciliation and Evangelism, Pilgrim UCC, St. Louis
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Joplin Mission Station Closing Celebration
On August 24, 2014, South Joplin Christian Church extends an invitation to join them in celebrating the closing of The Station Ministry as part of Joplin's tornado recovery. The celebration of this fruitful ministry will begin during  morning worship at 10:45 AM, followed by a Fellowship Luncheon and a closing celebration at The Station at 1:00 PM.
"Welcome to the Station" is the huge red banner hanging above the entrance of The Station that has greeted volunteers upon first arriving at the mission station at South Joplin Christian Church, Joplin, MO for more than 3 years. The Station ministry has been a vital ministry in the Joplin tornado recovery process not only to South Joplin Christian Church, but also the Joplin community as a whole.
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Amazing Congregations
St. John's-Bem - Backpacks of Love
During the month of August, to participate in the Festival of Sharing, the folks at St. John's-Bem are collecting "Backpacks of Love." They are wanting to collect at least 50 backpacks, and are hopeful for more. Perhaps your church can also join in and begin your own collection at your own church. There are several kits that are needed, both locally and internationally. Please visit the Festival of Sharing site to learn more and obtain the appropriate lists.
The third Saturday of October (October 18 this year) is the day that people of faith from many different denominations all over the state, gather at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. These groups and families bring money that has been raised and "kits" that have been assembled during the year. Volunteers help to sack  rice, beans and potatoes for distribution to MO agencies. In the afternoon state agencies bring their trucks and trailers to receive the kits, rice, beans and potatoes to distribute to their clients. Kits assembled for Church World Service are loaded on a semi-truck to continue their journey to other parts of the world. The St. John's UCC-Bem confirmation class and youth make a trip annually to the Festival of Sharing from Owensville, to participate in this work. The Festival generates approximately $1 million in goods and services per year. This interfaith event is an expression of mission support and involvement that has helped improve the lives of countless people in not only Missouri but around the world.
The following checklist is required for the backpacks:
1 small backpack or duffle (NO backpacks with wheels)
1 small stuffed animal
1 t-shirt (child-medium, child-large or adult-small)
1 pkg-3 pair underpants
1 pair socks
1 narrow tooth comb
1 youth toothbrush (soft and in an unopened, original package)
1 tube toothpaste, 6 oz. or larger
These backpacks will be used by children between the ages of 4 to 11 who have experienced a crisis and are being placed in foster care. The backpacks stay in Missouri and are given to children in need.
Way to go St. John's Bem on your collection efforts!
Send your Amazing Congregation story to renee@mmsucc.org.
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Weekly Prayer Time
Please keep the following churches and clergy in your prayers during this upcoming week:
Prayers for August 24 - August 30, 2014
Churches
Zion UCC - Union, MO
St Johns Evangelical UCC - St Louis, MO
Iglesia Cristiana El Dios ViViente - Bridgeton MO
Retired Clergy
Rev. Edward Heininger
Rev. Don Hartman
Rev. Susan Thorne
Rev. Marilyn Stavenger
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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Host the Steffen Peschel Trio
Since 2002, the Steffen Peschel Trio has been exciting audiences with their special blend of American influenced Jazz throughout Germany - from small jazz clubs, to concert halls, to outdoor music festivals.
They are now traveling to the United States for the first time and will be performing in various United Church of Christ congregations in Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. The Trio will arrive in St. Louis on Monday, October 13, 2014 and will be available for performances on: 
- Monday evening, October 13
- Tuesday during the day and/or evening, October 14
- Wednesday during the day and/or evening, October 15
- Thursday during the day, October 16
The Trio will conclude their visit on October 16 with a 7:00 pm performance at St. Johns Evangelical U.C.C. in Mehlville, MO. St. Johns EUCC is providing food & housing, local travel and booking performances for the Trio during their stay.
All performances are free, but we are requesting that host churches take a free-will offering (to be given directly to the Trio) in order to help cover their air travel expenses. If you are interested in hosting the Steffen Peschel Trio for a live performance at your church please contact: Diane Germann, St. Johns EUCC, 314.892.0848 or Diane@stjucc.org. Further information on Trio. Church bulletin insert.
-submitted by Rev. Steve Westbrook
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St. Louis Forum on UCC Marriage Equality Suit - 10/26/14
On April 28, 2014, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina, challenging the Constitutionality of that state's punitive marriage laws. North Carolina law not only limits "legal" marriages to those between a man and a woman, but also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a clergyperson to perform a marriage ceremony for any couple that has not obtained a valid state license, which, of course, will not be issued to same sex couples. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 120 days in jail and/or probation and community service. In addition, North Carolina law authorizes anyone to sue the clergyperson who performs a religious marriage for a couple without a valid state license and sets damages at $200 if they prevail.
Believing these laws to be a clear violation of the US Constitution as well as inconsistent with the General Synod Resolution on "Equal Marriage Rights for All", the national setting of the UCC authorized this unprecedented action. Because of the historic significance of a lawsuit brought by a mainline denomination against a State, the Missouri Mid-South Conference, the Illinois South Conference and The First Congregatio nal Church of St. Louis have invited Mr. Donald C. Clark, Jr., General Counsel of the United Church of Christ, to be in St. Louis on Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2014. Mr. Clark will present additional information, perspective and analysis regarding the lawsuit and answer questions. The forum will take place in the sanctuary of The First Congregational Church of St. Louis, beginning at 3pm and conclude no later than 5pm, with a reception following in the church's fellowship hall. Mark your calendars and plan to attend what promises to be a very interesting, informative and spirit filled discussion relating to this prophetic action. No RSVP is necessary but would be appreciated in order to plan appropriately for the event. You may call the church office at 314-721-5060 or send an e-mail message to Rev. Heather Arcovitch at harcovitch@firstcongregational.org. You may also contact me if you have questions prior to the event. Barnet M. McKee Attorney for the Missouri Mid-South and Illinois South Conferences 314-361-0800 mike.mckee@charter.net
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Financial Administrator at Parkway UCC, 8/20/2014 Faithful, fun, inclusive, energized congregation in West County seeks a part-time Financial Administrator. We need someone to partner with our volunteer Treasurer, Stewardship Committee and Church Council to help us meet our mission and vision. Your primary role would be to record contributions, maintain receivables and payables, and produce financial reports through our Power Church software. Payroll is handled offsite. If you think we could be a good fit, please send a cover letter, knock-knock joke and resume to employment@parkwayucc.org
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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