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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Around Your Conference

Allen's Message To You    
  

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

                                                                           Romans 12:9-13

Dear Friends and Colleagues in the Gospel,

 

The tragic death of a young man and subsequent neighborhood unrest in the north St. Louis County City of Ferguson over the past two weeks has called upon people to stretch themselves in ways that many were unprepared for. We have reason to be proud of the interfaith community that came together quickly to respond to the immediate needs of people in the area and seek justice and reconciliation wherever possible. We are especially thankful for a significant number of pastors and lay members of the United Church of Christ who took time to engage in ministries of various kinds, on the streets of Ferguson, in the Canfield Apartments, the Dellwood Community Center, and the neighborhood schools. UCC pastors alongside pastors, priests, Imams and Rabbis of all backgrounds, provided spiritual guidance, pastoral presence, care and visible witness in times when those resources were greatly needed. People from our churches contributed infant formula, baby food and paper towels (the commodities we were assigned to bring) for people unable to get to the grocery stores for a time because of street barriers. The Faith Community Nurse Association along with several pastors provided health services, counseling and personal support to persons at the community center. Others were engaged in welcoming students to their neighborhood schools, providing activities for children, and simply making sure that people had food to eat. Marches and protest demonstrations in Ferguson and in other St Louis locations were for the most part orderly and peaceful, a mood that was in no small measure supported by the religious community's participation. Vigils and worship services were held in several churches, including some located in other parts of the metropolitan area, other parts of our Conference and conferences far away. Thanks to all of you who helped in any of these ways. Your witness did not go unnoticed.

 

This week, as Michael Brown is laid to rest, we express our grief, not only for Michael, but for all the young men of color over many years who have died as the result of confrontations with law enforcement authorities. Until the judicial system runs its course, we cannot know the details that may shed some light on the actual  circumstances of Michael's death. We cannot pre-judge the guilt or motivations of the officer who committed the act of shooting him, though the extreme severity of the act and the multiple wounds cause us to have grave concern. We affirm, however, that Michael's death takes its place in a pattern of similar incidents that have been documented with evidence over a very long time: Namely, young black men who are stopped by the police in America are far more likely to die in the encounter than young white men who have been stopped for similar reasons. The statistics are extreme; something must be done.

 

At the same time, we recognize that this is only one chapter in the difficult history that Americans have had with race. Wage disparity, educational failures, housing discrimination, and the utterly dreadful incarceration rate for young, black men are just a few of the ongoing problems that we have never adequately addressed as a society.

 

We in the United Church of Christ are heirs to a tradition that has stood strong in the defense of justice. There are those of us who will find motivation in these recent events to become re-engaged in conscious social reform around issues of race. At the same time, some of us are recognizing how differently each of us sees the circumstances of Michael Brown's death, based on our own experiences with people of different races and the preconceptions we bring. Last Thursday, in a gathering with Geoffrey Black at St Peter's Church in Ferguson, a number of clergy expressed themselves on such matters. On Sunday afternoon, members of the Conference Council and the St Louis Association Council conferred about ways to plan responsibly for a future that bears the witness of the whole people of God. There is still much to be decided, but some first steps seem clear to us:

  1. We need to renew the commitment of our congregations to formally engage in sacred conversations on race.
  2. We are called as people of God to recognize the evidence that severe inequities exist in our crime prevention and criminal justice systems and place an emphasis upon these issues as moral imperatives to change.
  3. We are called to strive for work and worship in our churches and our Conference that points to a genuinely multi-cultural understanding of the Gospel.
  4. We need to apply human and financial resources as we are able to move forward in these essential areas of our common ministry. 

As people of faith and followers of Jesus, you and I believe in the power of unmerited suffering. "May the suffering of this present time be unworthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)

  

Allen

Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister      

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!   

Social Justice Focus

Metropolitan Congregations United - The Agenda 4 Righteousness: The Intersection of Love and Justice

MCU's Public Action Meeting!!!

 

Join Metropolitan Congregations United as we call on our public officials for accountability around the issues most impacting our region today.  Racial Justice for #Ferguson; Education Reform through the adoption of Community Learning Centers as a strategy and establishment of community action councils; Medicaid Expansion in the state of Missouri; and Voter Rights and Engagement.  Celebrate the success of the "Ban the Ban" campaign!

Thursday, August 28, 2014 7:00-8:30PM at St. Alphonsus Liguori (Rock) Catholic Church, 1118 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO.

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

Engaging in Spiritual Practices - to refresh and ground you

 

Spiritual practice can take many directions including a practice that one engages in every day at the same time, perhaps throughout the day, while walking or doing daily tasks, in silence, or meditation.  There is not a 'one size fits all' for the what, when or how of spiritual practice in one's life.

Moving With the Spirit 

 

When one considers the wonder of the human body it is nothing short of miraculous. Brain, muscle, tendon, skeleton, nerves and blood supply all working together to allow motion. God created our bodies to move. One way to connect with the Holy is through movement.

 

Stand, sit or lie down. Allow your body to relax. Think about God's presence in your life. What thoughts and feelings arise? Feel your chest move as you breathe. Let your body move to express the emotions that fill you. It may be as simple as moving your fingers and hands or as complex as a dance. Blinking your eyes or moving your mouth may be your expression today. Do it with your eyes open or close them (if safe to do so) to focus energy on the motion. Don't be afraid to let go and let the Spirit move you.

 

One might feel compelled to reach out. Another might experience the warmth of a caress. Allow the spirit to guide. Reflect on the experience.  Try it outdoors.

 

Devoree Crist, Spiritual Director

Weekly Prayer Time
 

Please keep the following churches and clergy in your prayers during this upcoming week: 

 

Prayers for August 31 - September 6, 2014

 

Churches

St Lukes UCC - Independence, MO

Immanuels UCC - Marthasville, MO

St John UCC - Emma, MO

 

Retired Clergy

Rev. Russell Viehmann

Rev. Gerald Bock

Rev, David Arndt

Rev. David Lyon


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.   
Western Association Fall Fellowship Rally

Western Association Fall Fellowship Rally is Saturday, September 27, at Valley Center UCC in Deepwater, MO from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The theme is "Many Gifts, One Spirit: Each of Us is Called to Ministry" and Rev. Dr. Allen Fluent, Missouri Mid-South Conference Minister, will be the Keynote Speaker.  

 

There will also be Workshops on "Wider Church 101" "What's This Thing Called Covenant?", and "Church in Mission: Beyond the Walls". Registration is $25.00 which includes refreshments and lunch. Please send in the registration form by Sept. 22, or contact Rev. Bob Atkinson, Secretary at [email protected] or 816-237-9222 by Tuesday, Sept. 23, so we have a count for lunch. We hope to see you at Valley Center UCC. 

Please visit our Conference website for the registration form and further materials.  

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! 

Technology Assistance 

 

Projectors, screens, monitors - oh, my!

 

Parkway UCC is doing some research and making some site visits as they move forward with technology for their narthex and sanctuary. Do you have any wisdom, suggestions, warnings from your experience at your church? Photos? Questions to ask? Resources? Articles? They would appreciate any help you can send their way.  Please share your knowledge with Kevin Cameron at [email protected].  Thank you!  

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 [email protected]Further information on TrioChurch bulletin insert

 

-submitted by Rev. Steve Westbrook

Free Items from Salem UCC 

 

Salem United Church of Christ has 7 aluminum communion bread trays with 1 aluminum lid with a Maltese Cross as the handle on top. They also have 3 aluminum communion wine trays with 2 aluminum lids with a Roman Cross as the handle on the top. These items are free. If you are interested please call Sarah Berry, Salem United Church of Christ Secretary, at 660-584-3603 or email her at [email protected].   

Installation Invitation - Rev. Sue Williams 

 Come and Celebrate! 

St. John's Chapel United Church of Christ

Invites you to the Installation of

Reverend Sue Williams

    Join us as we affirm the covenant between our church and recently called pastor

 

On Sunday, September 14th, 2014 - At 3:00 p.m.

 

4344 S. Fremont Avenue, Springfield, MO 65804

Reception to Follow

Clergy are invited to robe

 

Questions: Contact Beth at 417-881-5175 or [email protected]

Camp MoVal Annual Golf Tournament
        
Camp MoVal's annual Golf Tournament and Fund Raiser is on Saturday, October 4, with a 1:30 pm shotgun start. The funds raised from this annual event allow Camp MoVal to continually provide scholarships to anyone interested in participating at the camp and its programs. This event also allows us to invest in making several improvements to our facilities at MoVal.

Your continued support of Camp MoVal and Outdoor Ministries is allowing us to be successful in reaching out, providing outdoor opportunities, creating a safe space where all are welcome to participate and providing dynamic and life-changing programs. Please come out on October 4, 2014 and support your outdoor ministries program! You may find the registration information on MoVal's website or click here for event flyer and registration form.  You may also call the camp office at 636-583-2730. Thank you for your support!
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 Congregational 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 [email protected].

 

            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

[email protected]

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. 

Employment Opportunities
 
Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.

Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at Neighborhood Houses, 8/27/2014 

Assists the Director of Early Childhood Education in maintaining all applicable licensing, accreditation and grant related requirements and standards. Orients and supervises the members of teaching teams in accordance with Neighborhood House's policies and procedures. Coordinates schedules and routines with staff and volunteers, maintains communication with families and help to assure full enrollment. Fulfills the responsibilities of the Director of Early Childhood Education in his/her absence and substitutes in center/program positions as may be needed to maintain staff child ratios and assure the efficient operation of the program.  See entire job description here. Please contact Denise Carter, Director of Caroline Mission. 314-773-1107 for further information.

 

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 [email protected]     
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