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Thursday, September 11, 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 Monday, September 15th. Be sure to email your church and organization events to Renee no later than 4:30pm tomorrow.
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Allen's Message To You Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Romans 14:1 Dear Friends and Partners in the Gospel, We in the United Church of Christ love our opinions. In fact it's the reason some of us joined this denomination that gives us permission to say what we think, even when what we think seems to contradict what others may believe. Each of us sees the world from a perspective that is our own, and we enjoy our freedom to express the way we look at things. Sometimes our opinions cross over a critical line, and our conviction that we are right comes to imply for us that someone else is wrong, and occasionally a strongly stated opinion hurts somebody without intending to. Believing someone else is wrong imposes a special obligation upon us to listen carefully to what that other person has to say and what it is in their experience that led them to their conclusions. In part, that's what it means for us to be in covenant with one another: we are obliged to take one another seriously and to value the perspective each of us brings from our own set of learnings and experiences and prayers.  The polity of the United Church of Christ just confuses some people. They don't understand how we can hold so many different viewpoints in the same community of faith. How is it that one part of the church can take such a different position from another? Our response is based in a truth we hold in common that comes from Jesus: where two or three are gathered in my name I am there in the midst of you.
These Jesus gatherings are what we call the "settings" of the church; they come in many forms, like "congregations, clusters, fellowships, youth groups, Associations, Conferences, the General Synod, or Christian families," all differing in many ways, but in one way all alike. What makes them settings of the church is not how large or small they are, or whether they were elected or informally gathered. They are Jesus gatherings when they come together in the name of Christ and prayerfully listen for his truth. Then comes the joining, when all the differing thoughts among us trade our stories and listen again for what Jesus has to say: May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6) God bless your many ministries of grace. Allen Allen Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Deaconess Foundation Announces Grants to Local UCC Churches
In conjunction with International Literacy Day on September 8, Deaconess Foundation announced commitments totaling more than $21,000 to 19 St. Louis-area United Church of Christ congregations in support of literacy work in their neighborhoods.
The grants align with the United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries' Reading Changes Lives initiative focusing on children's literacy. The denomination acknowledges that literacy is a critical component to improving the lives of children living in poverty. The grants, which ranged from $300 to $1,500, are investments to connect the efforts of the national setting, headquartered in Cleveland, with congregations in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
"Deaconess recognizes research making a straight-line connection between third grade reading scores, high levels of poverty and mass incarceration," said Reverend Starsky Wilson, president and CEO. "Literacy for children is a matter of social justice because it impacts the degree of freedom and fullness of life our children will enjoy."
Grants went to ventures such as creating congregational lending libraries, reading rooms, tutoring programs, and after-school enrichment activities. The following congregations received grants:
Bethel UCC, Cahokia, IL;
Calvary UCC, St. Louis, MO;
Christ the King UCC, St. Louis, MO;
Eden UCC, St. Louis, MO;
Epiphany UCC, St. Louis, MO;
Glory to Glory UCC; St. Louis, MO; 
Good Shepherd of Faith UCC, East St. Louis, IL;
Grace UCC, St. Louis, MO;
Immanuel UCC, Edwardsville, IL;
Pilgrim Congregational UCC, St. Louis, MO;
Salem UCC, Alhambra, IL;
St. John UCC, Fairview Heights, IL;
St. John UCC, Granite City, IL;
St. John's UCC, St. Louis, MO;
St. Lucas UCC, St. Louis, MO;
St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL;
St. Peter's UCC, Ferguson, MO;
St. Peter's UCC, Washington, MO;
Deaconess, established in 1889, is celebrating 125 years of service to the St. Louis area and continues its mission - pursuing health and hope for all St. Louis children. A ministry of the United Church of Christ, Deaconess has invested more than $72 million to improve the health of the St. Louis community since 1998. The Foundation believes healthy, hope-filled futures for children benefit the entire region. Deaconess Foundation invests in endeavors that improve the well-being of children, engages our region around the plight of youth, and advocates for change.
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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 sec@stjohnschapel.org
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Persons In Ministry (PIM) Retreat 2014
This year's Persons in Ministry Retreat will be held 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.
Thanks to those who registered and we'll see you on Monday in beautiful Lake of the Ozarks!
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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 robertatkinson@sbcglobal.net 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.
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Eastern Association Fall Business Meeting
The Eastern Association fall business meeting will be held on Sunday, September 28th from 2 pm to 5 pm. Registration begins at 1 pm.
The meeting will be held at Emmaus Homes new facilities located at 3731 Mueller Road, St. Charles, MO 63301.
For details please visit the Conference website for registration and materials.
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Fall Business Meeting of the St. Louis Association
The Fall Business Meeting of the St. Louis Association will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014, at St. Paul's  United Church of Christ (Oakville), 5508 Telegraph Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63129, 314-892-3332. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Members of St. Paul's United Church of Christ will provide lunch for us as well as tasty treats as we gather in the morning. We have scheduled adjournment for 3:30 p.m.
For details please visit the Conference website for registration and materials.
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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!
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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.
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Weekly Prayer Time
Please keep the following churches and clergy in your prayers during this upcoming week:
Prayers for September 14 - September 20, 2014
Churches
Zion UCC - Troy, MO
Hope UCC - St Louis, MO
Congregational Christian Church of Samoa UCC - Independence, MO
Retired Clergy
Rev. Robert Hicks
Rev. Edward Wilson
Rev. Willis Alspach
Rev. John Bracke
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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St. Louis Forum on UCC Marriage Equality Suit - 10/26/14
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 office@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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Clergy Petition in Support of MO LGBTQ Marriage Equality
PROMO, Missouri's leading advocacy group for LGBTQ equality, is seeking clergy in support of marriage equality for LGBTQ people to sign on to a petition. Later this month, court cases will begin in Jackson and St. Louis  Counties concerning issues of marriage equality and the usual religious voices opposed to LGBTQ rights are mobilized and making their voices heard. There is a real need for clergy, laypeople and churches who support LGBTQ people to make their voices heard as well, otherwise the only religious voices heard are ones of exclusion and intolerance. The UCC has been a leading advocate for LGBTQ equality, so it is vital that UCC clergy be a part of this movement within the geographical bounds of our conference. All clergy are asked to take just a moment and sign on to the petition electronically at: https://act.myngp.com/Forms/-3720809629975509248
Laypeople can also add their voices to the effort by visiting: www.showmemarriage.com, a web site developed by PROMO that tells the stories of same gender couples and family members of LGBTQ people. On the web site is a place for people to add their stories to the site.
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Office Manager, St. Peter's UCC, 9/3/2014
Urban Church in North County is seeking to hire a full-time office manager. This position includes receptionist for the office of the church, preparation of all printed materials including a weekly bulletin, a weekly electronic (email) newsletter, and a monthly printed newsletter. There is also required some accounting, management of office calendar and purchase of supplies. Knowledge of Word, Publisher, Adobe Publisher and Excel are necessary. Full benefits provided. To apply send resume to: Rev. Frank Proctor at pastor@stpeterschurch.org.
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.
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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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