April 2, Maundy Thursday Service, 10:15am

 

April 3, Good Friday Service, 7pm

Please join St. Luke's UCC, Independence for a Good Friday Service of Shadows.

This solemn service of darkness will be sure to touch your soul. Confirmands will also partake in their first Holy Communion. We invite all to worship with us on this Holy Day as we prepare for His coming.  St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023  

April 3, Good Friday Service, 10:15am

Service at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 3510 Giles Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri  63116; 314-772-4772; stpauluccsec@att.net.
   

April 4, Easter Egg Hunt, 11am  

April 5th, St. Luke's UCC, Independence would like to invite you to our Easter activities. The day begins at 9:00 am with a Son Rise Service on our front lawn. You are then invited to Easter Breakfast at 9:30 am in our Fellowship Hall followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for children at 10:15. Easter Worship begins at 10:45 am with Communion and special music. He has Risen! He has Risen indeed!

April 5, Easter Services, 6:30am and 10am

Services at Ivy Chapel, 620 N. Woods Mill Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017, 314-434-4991.

April 5, Easter Services

April 7, MMSUCC Conference Open House, 8:30-4

If you plan to attend Eden's Spring Convocation (see below) please stop by our Conference office for an Open House.  We'll have snacks, soft drinks and smiles!  We look forward to seeing you!

April 7-8, Eden Theological Seminary Spring Convocation

Eden Theological Seminary's Spring Convocation will take place April 7-8, 2015 on Eden's campus at 475 East Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119. Christian faith and practice are centered on the table. This year's convocation speakers and events focus on various dimensions of how growing, eating, and sharing food engage with important theological traditions and issues of social justice.

 

Eden's annual Spring Convocation is an opportunity for pastors and laypeople to listen to and interact with outstanding biblical and theological scholars. We encourage you to attend and reconnect with friends and colleagues while sharing in the community life of Eden Seminary.

 

When we focus on food we attend to God's creation, ecology, the equitable distribution of resources, our relationships with one another, the diversity of human culture, and the gamut of human experience from great banquets to famine. Food grounds us in what it means to be God's creatures and reminds us of God's earth and God's provision for us. Food connects us with how we create community, in either just or unjust ways.

 

To go directly to registration www.eden.edu/springconvocation15 Convocation speakers will be featured on Eden's website www.eden.edu.in the days and weeks to come. Click here for a bulletin insert.   

 

We look forward to seeing you on Eden's campus this spring!

 

April 8-16, IPM Columbia Trip 

Join IPM on our first ever Immersion Experience to Columbia, April 8-16, 2015!  Don't miss out on a week with Joseph Cistone building cross-cultural relationships with IPM's Project Partners, and experiencing Columbian culture.  This immersion is open to all! For additional information please contact Melanie Strout at mstrout@ipmconnect.org or 207.801.9020.  

April 9-11, 2015, UCCOSSN Annual Gathering  

Registration is NOW OPEN!  Support Staff Network Gathering To Be Held In Ft. Wayne In 2015.  Support staff members (administrative assistants, secretaries, office managers, bookkeepers, etc.) from all settings of the United Church of Christ are strongly encouraged to join the United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network (UCCOSSN) at their 2015 Annual Conference to be held in Ft. Wayne, Ind. April 9-11, 2015. "Rediscovering the Joy of Play" will be the theme for this time of networking, fellowship, professional growth and retreat for those who keep our offices running. Acclaimed storyteller Valerie Tutson will be the keynote speaker. For more information, contact Lettie Eagar at lme@plymouthfw.org.   Or Renee at our Conference.  

April 12, Free Community Concert, 2pm

Everyone is invited to share in the joy of Easter at the Heritage Cluster performance of "If the Grave Could Shout" by Jason Cox. The performance will feature singers from seven area United Church of Christ churches. "If the Grave Could Shout" is a contemporary Easter musical featuring new worship songs and arrangements of some familiar Easter hymns. The concert will also include some traditional hymns sung by the audience. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the choral presentation. The concert will be held at be held at Friedens Peace UCC 3560 Mill St., New Melle MO. For more information contact the church office at 636-828-5980.

April 12, Women's Sunday, 10am

Immanuels UCC- Holstein, 10 am-Sunday, April 12.  Guest Speaker Cathie Schoppenhorst.
Celebrating the 120th Anniversary of Women's Fellowship.  Event flyer.

April 12, Camp Sunday, 9:45am

We will kick off Camp Registrations with a fun filled service dedicated to camp.  Offerings will be designated to help with camp scholarships.  A Pancake & Sausage Free-Will Offering Breakfast will follow service. Proceeds will go to the Camp Fund.  St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023

 

April 14, 21 & 28, Lutheran School of Theology Course

"MANY NEW FACES OF CHRIST TODAY:  Jesus Seen Through Third World Eyes"

The Rev. Dr. Warren Crews, adjunct faculty, Eden Seminary, will explore new thinking about Jesus that is arising among Latin American, Asian and African Christians as they seek to move beyond the images of Jesus that they have inherited from European and American missionaries to new ones that express their own people's deepest desires for new life in Christ. The Lutheran School of Theology course will be three Tuesdays, April 14-28, 7:00- 9:30 P. M. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 105 E. D St., Belleville, IL 62220.  Tuition is $48.  Register online at lststl.org/courses/ or by phone at 314-918-2556 or by email to registrar@lststl.org or by mail to LST c/o Eden Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood, St. Louis, MO, 63119.

April 14-May 19, Lutheran School of Theology Course

"UNDERSTANDING THE PLOT OF THE BIBLE:  A People Who Look Like God" 

This Lutheran School of Theology course will explore questions such as:  What really was Abraham's test?  What function did the Ten Commandments serve?  What purpose did Jesus' miracles and parables serve?  How do all the stories of the Bible fit together?  Does the Church's "first confession" hold the key?  What is the Bible's answer to "apotropaic" religion?  It is taught by  Rev. Richard Mueller,Pastor, Atonement Lutheran Church, Florissant, Mo.  It is six Tuesday afternoons, April 14-May 19, from 3:15 to 5:15 P. M. at Christ Lutheran Church, 1 Selma Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119.  Tuition is $77 (please disregard some publicity showing a $96 fee).  Register online at lststl.org/courses/ or by phone at 314-918-2556 or by email to registrar@lststl.org or by mail to LST c/o Eden Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood, St. Louis, MO, 63119.

April 17-18, LIFE at Eden

The April 17-18 LIFE retreat will provide opportunities to learn in a community of life-long learners on the beautiful campus of Eden Seminary as spring bursts into bloom.

Choose between two courses:

• "Caring in Community Pastoral Care" - taught by Rev. Dr. Kristen Leslie, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care at Eden
• "Augustine's Confessions, A Classic of Christian Spirituality" - taught by Dr. Adam Ployd, Assistant Professor of Church History and Church Theology

To register for LIFE, go to www.eden.edu/liferegistation. For additional information contact LIFE Coordinator, Jill Schantz at jschantz@eden.edu.

 

April 18, Annual Rummage Sale, 8am-Noon

Ivy Chapel, 620 North Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield 63017, is hosting their Annual Rummage Sale, sponsored by the Youth of Ivy Chapel UCC. There will be lots of great stuff donated by multiple families including children's clothes and toys, adult clothes, household items, linens, kitchen accessories, craft supplies, sporting equipment and many other bargains

April 18, Trivia Night & Chili Supper, 6pm

St. Peter's Evangelical U.C.C. at Stein & West Florissant. $20 a Player - 10 Players to a Team
(Includes chili dinner, soda and snacks during the game).  No alcohol allowed at this event.
A silent auction will also be held.  Call Amy at (314) 275-8039 for information and to make reservations. All proceeds go to St. John's Community Services Ministry. Event flyer/registration.

April 18, EA Quilt Show

 

To be held at St. Paul's in Gerald. Registration begins at 9:30am.  The program begins at 10:15am, featuring Dr. John Oldani.  Dr. Oldani is passionate about the art of quilting by: conducting interviews, serving as a judge at quilt shows, producing quilt shows, and most importantly establishing a research archive for scholars and collectors to investigate the lore of the American quilter.    Event flyer and registration.

April 19, Education Forum about Alzheimer's Disease, 2pm

 

Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia affect many people and families in our communities. If you would like more information about memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease please come to our education forum. An Alzheimer's Association community educator will share information on diagnosis, treatment and resources that may be helpful. We will take time to answer your questions and hear your stories. The forum is free and is sponsored by the Heritage Cluster of UCC churches. It will be held at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 5543 Walnut Street Augusta MO.   For more information please contact 636-228-4822 or 636-828-5980. 

April 19, 6th Annual Holy Humor Sunday

We continue celebrating Easter at Immanuels UCC-Holstein with Holy Humor Sunday (also known as Bright Sunday, Holy Fools Sunday, or Laughter Sunday). Early church theologians like Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa and John Chrysostom reasoned that God had played a tremendous practical joke on death by raising Jesus. They called it Risus Paschalis - the Easter laugh!  Dress in bright colors - wear a funny hat!  Come with your favorite (appropriate) jokes and stories!  Get ready by practicing smiling (a lot). Invite someone who likes to laugh, Invite someone who needs to laugh.  Begin rejoicing in God now (no need to wait).  Event flyer.
April 25, Wurstmarkt, 4-8pm

Come to Christ Church, UCC in Maplewood, 2200 Bellevue, Ave., St. Louis, MO  63119 where the Wurstmarkt is a tradition that spans over 60 years.  Sausage, with its 100 year old Koelling family recipe will be the star of our sausage supper.  If you'd like to take home some extra, it will be sold for $3.50/lb., both bulk and links as long as it is available.

April 25, Neighborhood Houses 5th Annual Trivia Night, 6pm

Grab your smartest friends and sign up today knowing you'll have a great time while supporting a great cause! Raffles, auction, door prizes, games, prizes for the top 3 teams, and more! Soda, beer, and water provided. Bring your own snacks!

Location: Sunset Hills Community Center | 3915 S. Lindbergh Boulevard | St. Louis, MO 63127

VIP Table of 10 - $300, Table of 10 - $250, Sponsor a Round - $150.  To Register:

• Online 
• By Mail: Fill out flyer and send credit card information or check made payable to Neighborhood Houses to 326 S. 21st Street, Suite 301, St. Louis, MO 63103.
• By phone: Call Kathy McCadden at 314.561.3337.

April 25, For Ladies Only Luncheon

St. Luke's UCC, Independence would like to invite all ladies to our For Ladies Only luncheon and program titled "The History of the White Wedding Gown" Come and see beautiful vintage gowns that take us through the history of the white wedding gown and the stories that are behind them, presented by Carolyn Miller. Call the church office, 816-461-0302 for tickets or more details.  

April 25, Western Association Spring Meeting

Will be held at Peace UCC in Hartsburg.  Theme:  Sacred Conversations on Race - A Family Talk.  Please visit our Conference website for further materials

April 26, Eastern Association Spring Meeting, 2pm

Eastern Association Spring meeting Sunday April 26th 2015 at 2 pm.  Zion United Church of Christ in Union will host the event this year.  More details coming soon.

April 28, Alzheimer's Educational Session, 8:45am

Eden Seminary is hosting "The Longest Loss: Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia" on April 28. This educational session features a recorded webinar moderated by Frank Sesno, Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University as well as a local panel discussion moderated by Dr. Kristen Leslie, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care at Eden. This program is produced by Hospice Foundation of America and in cooperation with Dignity Memorial Funeral Providers.   

  

The April 28 program at Eden begins with registration at 8:45 am and concludes at 12:30 pm. Lunch will be available. Eden Seminary is located at 475 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119.

To register go to www.eden.edu/longestloss. Questions? Contact Thuy Do at 314-918-2557 or tdo@eden.edu.

 
May 1-3, Annual Women's Retreat

Save the date! The Annual Women's Retreat will be held on May 1-3, 2015, at our own Camp MoVal. This year's theme is "Under the Shelter of God's Wings", with the leaders of Sue Ulmer and Devoree Crist.  Click here to view the brochure and registration form.  Send checks to:  MMS-UCC Women's Retreat, Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries, 483 East Lockwood Ave, Suite 106, St. Louis, MO 63119.  Make checks payable to MMS-UCC.  

May 1-3, Annual Men's Retreat

The Annual Men's Retreat will be held on May 1-3 at our own Shannondale Community Center.  Please click here to view the brochure and registration form.

May 3, IL South Gateway Grizzlies Game, 3-8pm
 

Help us celebrate the ministries of Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ. Join others from Illinois South Conference & DuBois Center on May 3rd from 3 pm - 8 pm at the Gateway Grizzlies Stadium for a day of celebration filled with fun!  There will be lots of games, such as Homerun Derby, Kickball Tournament, Bag Toss, Horseshoes, Washers, Bocce Ball and MORE!

Advanced ticket cost is $5 per individual or $10 per family (regardless of size).  At the Door ticket cost is $10 per individual or $15 per family (regardless of size).  Food and drink will be available for purchase.  Contact:  Shirley Hoy at 618-281-7375 or lahsjh21@gmail.com /Carol Faust at 618-281-4891 or cjfaust@htc.net.   

Event flyer.  Register. 

May 7, St. Louis Association Spring Meeting

The evening of Thursday, May 7, 2015.  First Congregational Church of St. Louis, United Church of Christ. Hold the date. More details to follow.   

 
May 24, 150 Days of Mission

150th Celebration at St. Peter's Church at 110th Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64131.  Ph# 816 942 1155. Starting on Pentecost May 24, 2015 we  will have the beginning of our kickoff of 150 days of Missions.

May 31, Annual Picnic

Annual Picnic - Ebenezer "Stone Church" UCC, 6162 Stone Church Road, Gerald, MO. Fried chicken and roast beef dinner, homemade ice cream.

June 4-6, Conference Annual Gathering (CAG)

The CAG will be held in Columbia, MO - more details to follow as we get closer to this great event!  Schedule.

June 23-27, Mission Trip

At Shannondale, Floating on June 26th.  7th grade and older (unless accompanied by a parent). Cost: $125 per person.  Come hear all about this trip at the informational meeting
on Sun., March 29th at 5:30 pm in the Youth Room at St. Johns Mehlville.  For more information and to register, contact Pastor Debby: debby@stjucc.org.  Event flyer.

June 26-30, Thirtieth General Synod, Cleveland, OH

Visit the UCC national website for further information.  Click here for a printable poster to display at your church.

July 13-18, Mission Trip

Urban Mission Experience - (Working at Lydia's House, Joint Neighborhood Ministry, Breakfast at Epiphany, St. Louis Area Food Bank, East Side Health District, Community Gardens, Caroline Mission, Neighborhood Houses and more).  July 13th-July 18th.  (Along with our friends from Germany). 9th grade and older.  Cost $ 150 per person. Come hear all about this trip at the informational meeting on Sun., April 12th at 5:30 pm in the Youth Room at St. Johns Mehlville.  Event flyer.  For more information and to register, contact Pastor Debby: debby@stjucc.org

June 23-28, Association of Disciple Musicians

United Church of Christ musicians and ministers are cordially invited to attend the Association of Disciple Musicians conference this summer, June 23-28, at William-Jewell. Our organ clinician is Jan Kraybill. Our choral clinician is Mark Hayes. Several other great local talents will lead a variety of workshops, including jazz, contemporary, gospel, women hymnists, recorder consort, handbells, and MUCH more! Jan will lead master classes at both the Temple and Auditorium at Community of Christ. We will also have representatives from Reuter, Quimby and Temple lead organ crawls. If you can't attend the full 6-day event, special pricing is available for one-day and three-day registrants. Spread the word! www.adm-doc.org 

 
September 12, EA Confirmation Retreat

More details to follow.

September 24-26, Widening the Welcome Conference

Click here for further information. 

October 20-22, Christian Education Opportunities

Christian Education/Spiritual Formation Opportunity!  Plan ahead now for a great Conference 

hosted by the Great Lakes Association of United Church Educators (GLAUCE) partnering with the Great Lakes Association of Presbyterian Educators (GLAPCE).

Festival Gathering of Christian Educators 2015 in the Great Lakes Region WRITE IT ON YOUR HEARTS and take it on the road!

As we write the great commandment on our hearts, we are inspired to take in on the road, integrating our faith into our lives, our homes, our work and our greater community.  Keynoters include:  Ivy Beckwith (Creating Community), David Loleng (The Missional Church), Rev. Dr. Thom Bower (Experiential Learning), and Deborah Payden (Worship)  October 20-22, 2015 at Potawatomi Inn in Angola, IN.

For more information and to register go to  

http://bit.ly/1yAl2CR  or call Linda Reynolds at 507-254-7630 (Illinois South Conference Rep to GLAUCE).  Event flyer