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Thursday, January 15, 2015
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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, January 30th. Please email your church, organization or agency event to Renee. The deadline for submissions is 1/28/15 at 8am.
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Our Conference office will be closed on Monday, January 19 in honor
of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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Allen's Message to You... The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. 1 Samuel 3:1b Dear Friends and Colleagues in the Gospel, The story of the young Samuel is surely one of the most peculiar in the Scriptures. Samuel is a child who was promised to God by his mother, and she diligently keeps her promise by taking him to the temple at an early age to be cared for and supervised by the aged priest Eli, a man who appears to have lost whatever spiritual gifts he once possessed and dramatically bears the symbol of his own lack of spiritual vision by losing his physical eyesight as well. Such is the bleak manner in which the important prophet Samuel is introduced to the reader, presumably in order to demonstrate the dramatic way that God will use him to restore the prophetic faith to Israel in the time of David the King. Samuel would indeed grow up to become a person who was unafraid to speak truth to power. It was he who pronounced God's judgment upon Saul and anointed the new King David to replace him. The more surprising, then, that God must call him out of sleep two times before old dim-visioned and God forsaken Eli finally tells him who it is who is speaking to him. This is a wonderful old tale, filled with lots of amusing detail and drama, and it probably shouldn't be spoiled by trying to find a moral within it, but it does lift up a question that religious people ought to ask: Have we gotten so out of the habit of believing God is speaking, in an age when surely the word of God seems rare and visions are not widespread, that we might not even recognize it if God did? In the UCC, we are fond of saying, of course, that "God is still speaking," but I wonder sometimes if this is just a way we use to glibly affirm the prejudices we already hold about what God is saying. Lacking an elderly Eli to give us the requisite direction, a certain amount of discipline seems necessary. In the theology of the UCC (yes, there is one) "God is still speaking" is a phrase that identifies an  important central teaching of our denomination. We are a people who believe in a "continuing testament." That is to say, we believe that every generation of God's people is called upon to absorb the new discoveries of our age and ask how the ancient teachings that are central to our heritage apply in this new context. Thus, we are not a people who deny the theories of modern science in order to preserve ancient prejudices, but we also are not a people who believe the teachings of faith have no application in a world of new ideas. Indeed, as one of our older hymns from the E&R Hymnal puts it, "new traditions bring new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth." I wonder sometimes how many of our internal disputes in the church could be diminished if we would commit ourselves to this faithful discipline. We live in a world exploding with knowledge yet hungry for vision. Perhaps that could be the voice of God calling. If it is, we ought to be talking about it. Blessings on your essential ministries, and thanks for your witness. Allen Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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It's Church Yearbook Time!
Yesterday morning churches received their yearbook documents via email. If your church does not have an email address, your snail mail documents should arrive early next week. Below are the same instructions and reports which were emailed yesterday:The National office in Cleveland is encouraging all churches to enter their information online into the data hub as opposed to completing paper documents. Our Conference also encourages this, but we will continue to assist you with your yearbook reporting however you choose. Churches have until March 9th to enter yearbook info into the data hub. If you need our Conference to enter your yearbook information online, your reports must arrive at our office no later than February 27th.
We hope to see all of our churches participate in this annual reporting process. The National office uses this data to create a variety of statistical documents which are shared across the entire UCC. Thank you in advance for your cooperation - Renee
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A Seminar on White Privilege
On January 27th at St. Mark Union Church in Kansas City, the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, Conference Minister of  Southwest Conference UCC, will offer two presentations - Whiteness as the Norm and Whiteness as a Cash Value. This seminar is especially for UCC authorized ministers. Framing the conversation of race around the concept of privilege will provide all participants with new language, new frameworks, new insights and new vocabulary with which we can engage ongoing dialogue and justice witness ministries.
The event will begin at 9:30 am and end at 3:00 pm. There is a $10 registration fee for this seminar to cover the cost of lunch and morning refreshments. Participants are asked to e-mail the Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard, Pastor of St. Mark at drhowardjr@yahoo.com with the following information: name, phone number(s), ministry setting, and any particular dietary needs. For more information please contact Dr. Howard at (816) 547-0719 or Dale Parson at (816) 257-9826. Sponsored by the following UCC Conferences: Illinois South, Kansas-Oklahoma and Missouri Mid-South. Event flyer.
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2015 Conference Annual Gathering (CAG)
Dear Conference Friends,
Winter is upon us and June seems far away, but the planning for our Conference Annual Gathering in June is well underway.
We feel we have a very exciting CAG planned and hope you plan to attend from beginning to end. The dates are June 4-6, 2015, and we'll be gathering at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, 2200 I-70 Drive S.W., Columbia, MO 65203.
Our theme for 2015 is "Rebuild, Restore, Renew".
Thursday's emphasis (Rebuild) will have a focus on Church Vitality and Evangelism. Based on feedback from last years CAG, David Schoen will be presenting the "New Beginnings" program offered by our National UCC Church  and a representative from Center for Progressive Renewal will also be presenting a new Church Vitality program we will be engaged in. Opening worship will be hosted by Columbia United Church of Christ after dinner.
Friday's emphasis (Restore) will focus on restoration of our broken world through Sacred Conversations on Race. Yvette Flunder will be our keynoter, and breakout sessions will be lead by many of our conference pastors and lay members who have been the "boots on the ground" during our recent events throughout the community.
"Renew" will be our highlight on Saturday and we'll focus on the future direction of our conference.
The business meetings will be intertwined throughout the weekend. Once we have defined a few other details, a schedule of the entire CAG event will be posted in the weekly eCourier and on our conference website.
January is when many congregations hold their annual meetings and I hope that churches will budget for their pastor, delegates and youth to attend. The room rate at the Holiday Inn is $100 per night and instructions on how to make your reservation directly with the hotel will be available soon. The registration fee has not yet been determined.
Are you ready to Rebuild, Restore, Renew and REJOICE?! We are! I personally am very excited to be a part of the planning team and know we are offering an event you will not want to miss. Of course, we are still very much in the planning stages, but we have a great team and are hopefully you will be inspired to attend.
Yours in Christ,
Joyce Bathke
Conference Moderator
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Health and Wellness - January Tip We will again be offering a health and wellness article each month, thanks to Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN and Executive Director of the Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries. Donna is also a member of our Conference Council.
At the beginning of the New Year, people make resolutions to get fit and well. Exercise and diet are two of the top resolutions to help one get healthy. But what is often overlooked is how one can make a resolution to get  spiritually healthy in the New Year. Spiritual wellness is just as important as physical or mental wellness, if we are to healthy and whole as God intends.
Spiritual wellness is a personal matter involving values and beliefs that provide a purpose and meaning in life. It is generally considered to be the search for meaning, leading one to strive for a greater sense of harmony with oneself, others and God. It is important for everyone to explore what they believe is their sense of meaning and who or how a greater power, God, acts and is in the world.
Just like starting a new exercise routine or committing to healthier way of eating takes effort, so does working to enhance and become more spiritually well. The path to spiritual wellness is unique for each person, as God has made each one of us unique individuals, with different talents and abilities. What works for one person as a means of connecting more fully with oneself, others and God, may not be for others. Click here to see entire article.
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Clergy Care Summit
Ministry changes in times of crisis. The needs of congregations, hospital and community settings are different.  Faith leaders are pulled in different directions as we try to balance our call to work outside their traditional ministry setting with the demands of our "regular" jobs. In longer-term crises, like the one we face here in the St. Louis metro area, our time, talent, treasure and patience can begin to wear thin. You are invited to attend this Clergy Care Summit on January 21st at 9am-2pm, which is for all clergy, parish nurses and faith leaders in the great St. Louis metro area who are interested in information and skills in managing ministry in times of crisis. The featured speaker is Rev. Dr. Willard W.C. Ashley, DMin., with presenter Rev. Donna SmithPupillo, RN. Morning coffee and lunch will be provided. There is no fee for attending this event thanks to the generosity of Eden Theological Seminary and Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries. Registration is required: please contact Rev. Julie Taylor at jtaylor@uuma.org. Event flyer.
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Center for Progressive Renewal HR Seminar
HR 101 for Pastors: Hiring, Firing and Everything In Between 
WEBINAR SERIES: January 29th- March 12th (also available as recordings)
One of the hardest parts of church leadership we never learned in seminary - administration. During this four session crash course, Rev. Felicia Scott (a pastor within our own Conference!) will teach you the tools she learned in the world of business HR adapted for church - from effective hiring practices, to clear job description and review systems, to the critical skill set of firing with love. Sign up for all sessions ($35) or just those you know you need ($9.99 each). REGISTER HERE FOR THE SERIES
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2014 Contributions Deadline
Today, Thursday, January 15, 2015, is the deadline date for 2014 contributions. Any remittances received after today will be considered 2015 donations. Please share this information with your church treasurer or anyone at your church who handles contributions. Thank you.
Please click here for a 2015 Remittance Form. If you have questions please contact Lorraine Brooks, Conference Bookkeeper at 314-918-2606 or email accounting@mmsucc.org.
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Ordination of Matthew D. Frierdich
The St. Louis Association
of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and
St. Lucas United Church of Christ
cordially invite your presence for the ordination of
Matthew D. Frierdich
to the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament
on
Saturday, February 7, 2015, at 2:00 PM
St. Lucas United Church of Christ
11735 Denny Road
Saint Louis, Missouri, 63126
Matthew will serve as chaplain at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Rev. Shelly Tilton from Saguaro Christian Church of Tucson, AZ will offer the sermon.
A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow.
For clergy: robes and stoles are optional, please plan to gather by 1:30 PM for procession.
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Boundary Training at Eden Seminary
Eden Theological Seminary will host a boundary training session on Friday, February 6, 9am-3pm. The cost is  $50. If you wish to participate, please register with Chris Davis at Eden: cdavis@eden.edu or call her directly at 314-918-2547. Please remember that if you attend a boundary training session outside of our Conference, it is your responsibility to send a copy of your certificate to our office so it can be recorded. Boundary training dates have yet to be determined for our Conference. Once the dates, locations and facilitators have been decided, the information will be posted in the eCourier and on our website. We anticipate an announcement by early February.
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Conference Youth Event (CYE) 2015
The CYE will be held February 14-16, 2015 at Camp Moval, and we hope to see many of our youth attend and participate in this great event. The theme is "Telling the Tale!". All youth  will have the opportunity to listen to master storyteller, Rev. Ric Zuch, share timeless Biblical stories and lessons as they apply in today's world. High school youth will become "ear-witnesses" - as they will determine the outcome and how the stories can continue through them! It will be an exciting time for all attending.
Cost is $120 per person for each youth and adult participant. Registrations must be postmarked by Monday, January 26, 2015, to ensure space availability and a t-shirt. If you have any questions prior to the event, please contact Cindy Birkner at 636-946-0961. You may also contact the Camp MoVal office at 636-583-2730.
Please click here to visit our Conference website for registration materials and further information. We hope to see many youth attend this fantastic event!
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"Black Lives Matter" Banners 
We still have banners available. If you would like to obtain a banner to display at your church, please email Renee at the Conference office or call her directly at 314-918-2602. The banners are being shared on a first come, first served basis - one per church, please.
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Quote for your week...Keeping Curiosity Alive
We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and
doing new things, because we're curious and
curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
- Walt Disney
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Chaplain, Cape Albeon, 1/15/2015 For more information, please contact Carol DiSanza, Executive Director at cdisanza@standrews1.com or 636-431-2010.
Administrative Assistant, St. John's UCC, Chesterfield, 1/15/2015
This is a part-time 25-30 hour a week position. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and go-getter who works effectively on their own as well as part of a team. Great typing, filing, written and verbal communication skills,
along with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task, while remaining calm in varied situations. Experience with Microsoft Office, Planning Center Online and Pro Presenter computer experience highly preferred. Past experience in a church environment preferred. Other duties: Prepare weekly church bulletin. Prepare reports, correspondence, fliers, announcements, and other materials. Maintain membership directory and various email lists. Manage office and order office supplies. Coordinate and schedule volunteers for office and Sunday service. Facilitate Vendor and maintenance personnel for property, equipment repairs, installations, and special events (i.e. wedding parties, picnic and course workshops, retreats and special events.) Other duties as needed.
Resumes only, no calls please. Please submit a job specific cover letter and application to:
stjuccccareers@yahoo.com For more information on St. John's U.C.C. visit us at www.stjohnsuccchesterfield.org
Church Music Director, Friedens UCC, 1/5/2015
Friedens United Church of Christ in St. Charles, MO, is seeking a part-time choir director/organist, and/or contemporary worship leader. Candidate should have a varied music background and experience in both traditional/contemporary worship, but job may be split into two positions. Preferable skills include pipe organ, piano, keyboard. Approximately 10-12 hours per week; salary commensurate with experience. If interested, please e-mail resume to churchadministrator@friedens-ucc.org, or mail to 1703 Old Highway 94 South, St. Charles, MO 63303.
Nursery Caregiver, St. John UCC, 12/17/2014
In order to provide a dependable, consistent, safe, secure and nurturing environment for our children ages 0-2 years old, we are currently seeking a paid child care giver for our Nursery. The hours are 8:45 to 11:45 am each Sunday with a salary of $10 per hour.
Qualifications:
1) Must be at least 18 years of age.
2) Must be patient and good with children.
3) Must be currently certified in CPR or willing to be trained.
4) Must be willing to submit to background checks.
5) Experience in early childhood education and child care are preferred but not required.
Basic Responsibilities
1) Greet and receive directions from parents and guardians as children are dropped off.
2) Provide a welcoming, safe and friendly environment for all children during the worship service.
Full job description available upon request.
Send a letter of interest to the church office marked ATTENTION: LINDA REYNOLDS (St. John UCC,
405 S. Fifth Street, St. Charles, MO 63301) or email to lreynolds@stjohnucc.org. Please include three references and prior positions/experience.
Program Director, Camp MoVal, 12/17/2014 Camp MoVal, a ministry of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ is seeking a full-time program director for its outdoor ministry program. Camp MoVal is a summer camp and outdoor ministry site in Eastern Missouri serving 140 Churches and the wider community. We are a seeking a dynamic and inspirational person that will assist in the management of our outdoor ministry (camp) programs, guest services and rental groups. This person will also be responsible to assist in the development of new programs and outreach opportunities for our organization. A bachelor's degree or experience in camp or recreation management is required. Salary is based upon experience and the job includes medical, dental and retirement. Deadline for Resumes is January 31, 2015. Please direct all resume and questions to Mr. Jeremy Force, Director Outdoor Ministries at Camp MoVal to jeremy.moval@mmsucc.org. Job description available upon request. Registered Nurses, Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries, 12/17/2014 Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries has openings for RNs to work as faith community nurses. Please email dpupillo@faithnurses.org for more 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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