But who can detect their own errors? Clear me from hidden faults.

                                                            Psalm 19:12

Dear friends and companions on the Way,

               I like to think of the Lenten season as a time for self-examination that is deeper than confessing the sins we readily acknowledge. It is the parts of us hidden even from ourselves that do the greatest damage to the loving relationships we want to embrace. We mistake a prejudice we've learned for knowledge. We pull a Bible verse from its context and use it to proof text an opinion we've formulated to justify our cultural biases. We base our judgments on the way we respond internally to whatever in the world we may witness, without considering the validity of other perspectives on the same event.

               It takes extraordinary courage for us to step outside our worldview and our inner voice of culture, race and social location, to listen to other voices, trained and nurtured in different ways; but this is the only way anyone has ever found to discern the voice of God, who speaks in every human language. A common comment from people involved in dialogue with those who differ from them is, "I would never have believed this until I heard you tell your story." Soon afterwards, our inner voice begins to speak to us the words of genuine confession: "I'm so sorry for what I said or did when I didn't know."  

               Churches all over our Conference are engaged in conversations seeking mutual understanding. Such conversations need to be shared and expanded among us. The best of them are not discussions designed to convert one of us to another's point of view, though often a wider truth is opened up as people from different walks of life speak openly with one another. Some of the conversations are called "sacred conversations on race." Some are called "conversations about open and affirming." In some congregations, mission trips are taken to other lands to foster deeper personal understanding of cultures other than our own. The truth is that this is something we cannot do for ourselves. We need the help of others to participate in the wholeness of our common humanity.

               We give thanks for every congregation that is engaged in this holy work. May you know the abundant blessings of being one in the family of God.

Bethel UCC Goes GREEN 

Bethel United Church of Christ in Kansas City North, announces they have gone SOLAR!  Located at 4900 NE

L to R:  Karen Aitkens, Pastor; Marquita Pace, Office Admin.; Randy Pace, Chair of Administration Commission.

Parvin, Bethel Church's new $70,000 photovoltaic roof-mounted array or "solar system" sold by SunSmart Technologies LLC, of Gladstone, MO has just been installed. Pastor Karen Aitkens gives credit to the Administration Commission for their hard work in pursuing grants and low interest loans to fund this project.   Included in funding requests was a grant and low interest loan from the MMSUCC Rott Foundation that helped make this a reality.   Pastor Karen said, "The goal was to look forward from today and try to provide something for future generations. It is a visible message that here at Bethel we live out our stewardship of God's beautiful earth by conserving energy." The Commission had the vision to seize the opportunity and run with it late last fall. Now, just into 2015, it has happened! It is expected the system will provide 90-95% of Bethel's electrical needs for 35-40 years into the future. Over that time, nearly a quarter of a million dollars will be saved - just in electricity!

A Visioning Process was completed in 2014 and presented to the congregation in January, 2015. It became obvious our congregation wanted to look at ways to leave a greener footprint on the environment as a church facility. As it happened, Administration was already looking into solar options so the two ideas dovetailed perfectly and everyone was delighted!

 

Pastor Karen said, "We are the first church in the Western Association, possibly the first church in the MMSUCC, to incorporate this particular green technology into our daily church life. It truly fits the stewardship theme for this last year, 'Blessed to be a blessing.' " Learn more atbethelucckc.com

There are only a couple of parts of our body that we don't like to think about or talk about to anyone. One is our colon. Who likes to talk about how their bowel movements are or if they have had a colonoscopy? Not too many people.  

But not talking about or getting the proper screenings lead to disease and death. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and a leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects people of all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and older.

The good news? If everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Faith Communities, faith community nurses, health professionals and families can work together to encourage people to get screened.

Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries uses this month to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and take action toward prevention. Good colon health begins with an awareness that each of us can make a difference. All it takes is spreading the word and putting into practice a few simple health routines.

Here are some easy changes to make for good colon health:

1. Encourage eating five fruits and vegetables a day. The fiber contained in naturally occurring fruits and vegetables is key to good colon health.
2. Drinking at least 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Keeping one hydrated, decreases constipation and bowel irritability.
3. Encourage activity - exercise may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
4. Talk to others about the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.

Good overall health makes colon health easier. Staying active, drinking fluids and eating a healthy diet are keys to prevent colorectal cancer. Screening is essential - so have your colonoscopy done! Your colon will thank you.

Spring Convocation at Eden Theological Seminary

Come and join us for our Spring Work Days at Camp MoVal. The first day scheduled is March 14 and the second day is on April 4 from 8am to 2pm.  Work projects on March 14th will include general site cleanup, raking and burning leaves, trail maintenance, burning the dam, opening waterfront and much more. Projects on April 4 will include cleaning pool, recharge sand filters, putting up tents, opening and cleaning Arts & Crafts and Rustic areas, stocking firewood and much more.  

All are welcome to come and participate, please make sure that anyone under 18 comes with an adult chaperone (at least 1 adult per 7 youth). We also ask that you please let the MoVal office know in advance of your attendance to make sure we have enough food for all of our volunteers and so we can plan an effective and efficient work day.

Thank you in advance for your support of Camp MoVal and our Outdoor Ministry programs. It is your support that makes our ministry possible. To confirm your presence at either work day, please email Jeremy Force or call the Camp Office at 636-583-2730.

Rebuild. Restore. Renew at The 2015 Conference Annual Gathering

June 4-6 in Columbia, MO

"They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." Isaiah 61:4 TNIV    

According to Luke's Gospel, when Jesus began his ministry, he read from Isaiah 61 a passage that many interpreters have called his "mission statement." Jesus read, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." (Luke 4:17-18 TNIV) This year at our Conference Annual Gathering we will take our lead from Jesus and turn to Isaiah 61 and hear its promises that God stands ready to

Rebuild, Restore and Renew God's people.  

Thursday June 4 - "Rebuild Our Churches"