Header
Monday, June 15, 2015

Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to

Our Church's Wider Mission.  Group or individual donations welcomed! 
Click here to donate today.

eHappenings!  Your MMSUCC Event News Source!

The next issue is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2015   

Deadline for submissions is 8:00 am on 6/26/2015

 (Issues will be emailed on the 15th and 30th of each month - or the nearest weekday.  Email your  

church/organization/agency event to Renee at [email protected].)  

  Full issues of eHappenings are posted on our Conference website  

FUTURE EVENTS

Faith-based Disaster Preparedness Workshops - Available to June 24 

 

The Governor's Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership for Disaster Recovery invites faith organization leaders, emergency management directors, local public health agency (LPHA) representatives and Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) members to attend one of the nine regional workshops in May and June. 

 

Because faith-based organizations face unique challenges in helping their communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, The Partnership, along with the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program has put together a program that will provide insightful and practical advice to help with that mission. We hope you can participate.

 

THERE ARE ONLY 3 SESSIONS AVAILABLE IN JUNE:  Please see revised flyer which now lists all dates and locations.  Registration is recommended and may be completed using the following link:  http://training.dps.mo.gov/sematraining.nsf/TrainingSchedule.    

 

These events are provided free of cost to participants. All events are from 1-5 p.m. The dates and locations of each regional workshop are listed on the above flyer.  Please feel free to distribute this information widely.

Book Club Invite

Anyone interested in participating in a book club to read Doug Pagitt's new book together?  If yes,  please contact Rev. Scott Lohse, Conference Vitality Team, [email protected]. The book is titled "Flipped: The Provocative Truth That Changes Everything We Know About God."

 

June 19, Concert on the Lawn, 6-8:30pm

St. Johns Evangelical UCC, 11333 St. Johns Church Road, St. Louis, MO 63123, (I-55 and Lindbergh),314-892.0848.  Bring your lawn chairs - food available for purchase.  "Roger & Bill"
Food Trucks 5:30 until sold out, Que Sazon, Ray-Ray's Kettle Corn, Smokin' MonkeyEvent flyer.

June 21, 28, Living the Questions, 10:45am


VICTORY & PEACE OR JUSTICE & PEACE?  This DVD-based study, part of the "Living the Questions" curriculum that Kirkwood UCC so often uses, features John Dominic Crossan and explores the juxtaposition of Roman Imperial Theology and the Kingdom of God. Contents include:

� Justice & the World: What is the Character of Your God?

� History & Jesus: What is the Content of Your Faith?

� Worship & Violence: What is the Purpose of Your Prayer?

Resurrection & Community: What is the Function of Your Church?

John Dominic Crossan is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at De Paul University and generally acknowledged to be the premier historical Jesus scholar in the world. He has written twenty books and is a former co-chair of the Jesus Seminar and chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature.  Starting on May 31 and proceeding for 8 weeks through June and July, we will view this compelling series of Crossan's teachings and follow with discussion. Class will be held in the theatre.

    
 June 23-28, Association of Disciple Musicians Conference

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 

Home | Association of Disciple Musicians - Disciples of Christ 


June 24-25, National ONA Gathering in Cleveland


Your invitation to the National Open and Affirming Gathering!  There's still time for early-bird registration for the biggest and best National ONA Gathering in the 30-year history of our the Open and Affirming movement, June 24-25 in Cleveland, Ohio! 


This Gathering marks two milestones: the historic Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage (due shortly before or during the Gathering) and the 30th anniversary of the General Synod resolution that launched the ONA movement--today the largest and fastest-growing network of LGBT-affirming churches in the world! Join our growing ONA family throughout the United Church of Christ for the biggest and most-exciting National ONA Gathering ever!

Sponsored by the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition, Gathering 2015 will include:

inspiring preaching, worship, music, keynotes!  Workshops to feed your mind and spirit! 

Fellowship, fun, food!


National ONA Gathering is a unique opportunity to see the big picture of the ONA movement--the largest and fastest-growing LGBT-affirming church movement in the world! If your church is already ONA, you'll learn new ways your congregation can have an impact in your community. If your church is beginning to explore the possibility of an ONA covenant, our workshops will help you design an ONA process that builds consensus and reduces conflict.

 

We can't wait to welcome you to Cleveland! For more information, and to register, please visit the Coalition's website at www.openandaffirming.org/ona-gathering, or contact Rod Mundy at [email protected]  . Discounted early-bird registration continues until May 30.  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.

June 27-28, St. Louis Pride Fest Festival  

 

June is Pride Month for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, and during the last weekend of the month, the community comes together for Pride Fest, a festival held downtown at Soldier's Memorial, and a parade on Sunday. Open and Affirming Congregations of the United Church of Christ are participating and you can be a part of it! Here's how:

1. Staff the Gateway ONA Booth at Pride Fest! First Congregational, Wydown will have information about UCC ONA organizations, where members of the LGBT community can find a welcoming environment. We need volunteers for shifts on Saturday and Sunday. If you are interested, please contact Ronald Hill for the available shifts. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]


2. Walk in the Parade! Show your pride and join fellow members from other ONA churches in the area who will be marching in the Parade on Sunday, June 28th.  Jim Goodwin will be the primary point of contact at 314.504.3594 or via e-mail at [email protected].

If you can, please wear any rainbow colors. We will have two convertibles at the parade, so people can march or ride. A group will be waiting for you on Market and 7th. Marchers should be in line by 11:30am.  This is an event for all ages. We've had tremendous support in the past. Show your Pride in 2015!

 

June 27, Vacation Bible School, 9am-2pm 


Jungle Safari VBS at St. Luke's UCC, Independence, June 27th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Preschool through 6th grade will have fun while learning about God. Lunch is provided. Call the church office to register at 816-461-0302.  

 

July 4, Annual Church Picnic, 3:30pm

St. James UCC in Morrison hosting annual fried chicken dinner with music, raffle, bazaar, bake sale and basket raffle.  Event flyer.

July 5-9, Christian Adventure Canoe Camp at Shannondale

 

Sponsored by St Martin's UCC, Dittmer.  Cost is $200 per camper and open to youth who have completed 6th grade - high school.  Plan to arrive at Shannondale between 3-4 pm on Sunday, and pick up is on Thursday, July 9th by 11 am. Registration deadline is June 26th. A full letter with health forms, waivers, packing list, etc. will be sent closer to the event. Camp Counselors and organizers, Terri Green and Jeff Argurieo, are seasoned counselors at Shannondale and love to share the Current River and area culture with the kids! We hope you can join us -- space is limited, so please register soon!   Please contact the church office with any questions - M-F 8:30-3 636-285-4797  /   636-274-7078 or email: [email protected].


July 6-10, Vacation Bible School, 9am-Noon

At. St. Luke's, Imperial, G-Force VBS, kids will explore how to put their faith into action. In this mission-focused VBS, kids experience God's unstoppable love and discover how to fuel up and move in and through life with God. Watch as our church comes alive with movement and images of all sorts of kid-friendly transportation, such as skateboards, running shoes, roller blades, and more! Watch the G-Force meter climb illustrating how God is at work around the world and how God's people are on the move.  Registration form.

July 12 & August 9, Summer Fun Series, 9:30am

Summer Fun Series titled EPCOT - Experimental Prototype Church of Tomorrow. Join us at at St. Luke's UCC, Independence, at 9:30 am on July 12th and August 9th. There will be special lessons and activities for all ages! Adults, led by Pastor Paul Emily, will study Intentionality, Imagination & Implementation. The children and youth will have lessons & activities with leaders from the Board of Christian Education, will study Spaceship Earth, The Land, & The Seas. 


July 12, 125th Anniversary Celebration, 10am

Christ Church, UCC will celebrate its 125thanniversary!  Thanking God for our ministry and mission, we are honored that the President of Eden Seminary, the Rev. Dr. David M. Greenhaw will preach.  We'd be delighted for you to be with us.  The service begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Bellevue and Bruno (2200 Bellevue Ave., Maplewood, MO  63143).  A reception will follow the service. 

July 12, August 9, Sunday Funday Program

Zion United Church of Christ, 9 and Faraon, St. Joseph, MO is working with Christ Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church and Francis Street First United Methodist Church on a "Sunday Funday" program.  The summer schedule is June 14, July 12 and August 9. Activities for the children will include Bible stories, singing, crafts, games, science experiments, and lunch.  "Food 4 Kids" has been selected for the mission project.  Information contacts:  816-288-5594, 816-284-1155.


July 12, Polka Sunday, 10:45am

 

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Polka Sunday at St. Luke's UCC, Independence is July 12th. Get ready to hear a toe tapping Irish Polka Band providing the music during worship at 10:45 am. There will be special music and a lot of laughter. Join us for this much anticipated annual event at St. Luke's.

July 13-17, Vacation Bible School, 8:25-11:30am

Camp Discovery VBS at Immanuels UCC in Holstein, July 13-17 - Daily from 8:25-11:30am, with program and picnic on Friday at 11am.  Classes for children 3 yrs through 8thgrade.  Come join us for a week of Bible stories, crafts, music, and FUN!

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: [email protected]

July 17, Concert on the Lawn, 6-8:30pm

St. Johns Evangelical UCC, 11333 St. Johns Church Road, St. Louis, MO 63123, (I-55 and Lindbergh),314-892.0848.  Bring your lawn chairs - food available for purchase. "Scott Laytham & Karl Holmes Duo", Food Trucks 5:30 until sold out, Lion's Club BBQ, Ray-Ray's Kettle Corn,
Sweet Divine.  Event flyer.

July 17-19, Godspell Performances

St. John Performing Arts Camp presents, Godspell, July 17 & July 18, 7:00 p.m. and July 19, 3:00 p.m. Shows will be performed at St. John United Church of Christ, 405 S. Fifth Street, St. Charles. For more information or to order tickets, call the church office, 636-946-0961,

www.stjohnucc.org . Ticket prices are $9.00 for Adults, $7.00 for Students.


July 24-August 3, The Inaugural All In Tour

 

From July 24-August 3, 2015, the inaugural All In Tour will travel from St Louis to Washington, DC with stops in Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh, and YOU could be a part of it, along with pastor Eric Moeller! The All In Tour will combine elements of an immersion experience, with a choir tour, and a Rock n Roll festival tour, seeking to use music as a way of building community and educating and mobilizing for social transformation. The travelers will spend time with local grassroots organizations in each city to learn more deeply about contemporary issues, and connect with the people they serve. The travelers will also comprise a choir that will perform faith-based music with themes of liberation, social justice, and the transformation of the world in local congregations. They then will also be a part of the public, more festive, shows the accompanying band will be performing in local common spaces with the intent of drawing a diverse cross-section of the community together. At these public shows there will be music, food and beverage vendors, as well as local activist and service organizations to give people the resources to get involved in improving their local communities, our country, and the world. It is sure to be a fun and meaningful experience for all those involved! If you are between the ages of 18-35 and would like to register or get more information contact Eric Moeller at [email protected], or 928.607.6560 (feel free to text!). Space is limited so don't hesitate! Get in touch and be a part of this powerful, connective, and transformative experience!  

 

July 24-August 3, Summer Travel Course

 

For those who maybe interested in participating in the summer travel course entitled Living Liberation (Latin American) Theology in the US: Action, Reflection, and Rock n Roll, we will be having an informational session Thursday, April 2, at 1 pm in Room 100.  The class description is as follows:

 

"It's a dangerous thing, this business of building idols, but at least Rock n' Roll is not, at its best, about worshiping sacred cows; it's about the thousands of voices gathered in one great unwashed congregation, like tonight. For a lot of us here, Rock n' Roll just means one word: 'Liberation'. Political, sexual, spiritual - liberation, that's what it is."  Bono spoke these words at U2's performance during the 25 Anniversary Celebration of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, and they lend them selves quite nicely for describing this course.  The course is partially an exploration of liberation, or Latin American, theology.  It is also an exploration of how Latin American theology is, or can be, lived out in the United States through traveling to several US cities and engaging with the impoverished, the immigrant, the trafficked, those who work with them, and the advocates in Washington, DC.  Lastly, it is an exploration of how music can be a tool for liberation.  Every student will need to be prepared to be a part of a choir that will perform in churches in each city, and be present for public rock 'n' roll and justice festivals in each city featuring the accompanying band. 

 

So if you are or think you may be interested in learning more about the specifics of this journey, which will take place from July 24-Aug 3, please come to the session.  If you are unable to attend but want more information or have questions please be in touch with Eric Moeller at [email protected] 

 

July 25, MMSUCC Boundary Training, 9am-4pm

 

To be held at Glory to Glory Christian Church UCC, 1919 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63104.  Facilitators:  Rev. Bruce Moeller.  Visit our Conference website for a registration form.  

 

July 27-31, Vacation Bible School, 9am-Noon

 

"Everest" program offered at St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023  For children ages 3-11. This is a FREE program filled with music, games, crafts, Bible lesson, and of course snacks!  Please contact the church office with any questions, or would like to register - M-F 8:30-3 636-285-4797  /   636-274-7078 or email: [email protected].


July 27-31, Vacation Bible School, 9am-Noon

Join us this summer for Ivy Chapel UCC's Vacation Bible School. "Everest - Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power".  Join us in Base Camp Sing & Play, Bible Expeditions, Imagination Station, Glacier Games, KidVid Cinema and Summit Celebration as we learn:

 

God has the power to provide.  God has the power to comfort.  God has the power to heal.  God has the power to forgive.  God has the power to love us forever.

 

REGISTRATION FORMS NOW AVAILABLE.  Invite your Friends!  All are welcome.  Ages 3 through completed Grade 5.   www.ivychapel.org.  314-434-4991.  Event flyer.

 

August 1, Women's Fellowship sponsored Chicken Dinner, 3-8pm

 

St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023 --- carry outs, a/c dining, and handicap accessible.  Dinners served from 3-8 pm -- adults $10 / kids 4-11 - $4 3 and under free.  The is the BEST chicken in town served with homemade sides - German potato salad and slaw, and choice of corn or green beans. Top it off with one of our ladies delicious desserts. Ladies will also have their Quilt Raffle and craft sale.  Please contact the church office with any questions - M-F 8:30-3 636-285-4797  /   636-274-7078 or email: [email protected].


August 3-7, Vacation Bible School, 9am-Noon

Samuel UCC's program is SonSpark Labs, a week of laboratory adventures and fun! We'll learn that when God created the world, He made all kinds of scientific laws that we can explore with experiments.  We will have a great time with lively songs, hilarious skits, creative crafts, exciting games, Bible stories, tasty snacks.  On top of that, we will be helping children learn that God's plan for everyone is Jesus!   SonSpark Labs can be an inspirational and exciting adventure for your entire family!

Children ages 3 to 12, $40 first child; $30 siblings; Aftercare available for $25 per day until 3pm.

For registration information:contact Anna Muhm at[email protected] or 314-727-9540


August 7-9, Rainbow Camp at DuBois Center

This August, Rainbow Camp will be coming to DuBois Center, the camping ministry facility of the Illinois South Conference UCC. The camp is designed for LGBTQ families, with a focus on being a safe space centered around faith. All kinds of families are welcome, be they gay parents with straight kids, gay kids with straight parents, single parents, or couples with no kids. The camp is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7 at 7pm through Sunday, Aug. 9 at 1pm.  Activities will include boating, swimming, horseback riding, bonfires, crafts, worship and much more. The facility is about an hour east of the St. Louis area, just south of I-64. Registration is open on the DuBois Center website by visiting www.Duboiscenter.org and clicking the Register for Camp button.  Event flyer.
 
September 5-6, Celebrating Jeff and Laurie Fulk's 20 Years at Shannondale

We plan to hold a dedication and celebration at Shannondale on Labor Day weekend on behalf of Jeff and Laurie with a "memory campfire" on Saturday evening (Sept. 5th) and dedication at Sunday worship (Sept. 6th) followed by a free picnic lunch of sloppy joe, beans, chips, etc.  There will be no charge for overnight(s) stays that weekend but all will be responsible for their own food and their own cleanup of the facility they use.  Reservations will be accepted as received.

 

Also in their honor we are purchasing and installing a "Funtime Playground" to be located near the church and the rock house.  Playground equipment is manufactured in America (made of 100% redwood) and will include a penthouse, slides (including spiral enclosed), ladder, climbing wall, tire swing, etc. with a free standing swing with two regular swings and one small child bucket seat.  Ground cover will be black sheeting covered with pea gravel and bordered for containing gravel.  We will go ahead with the purchase and installation as soon as we have monies to cover the project (estimate of $11,000).   

 

Donations of any amount are welcomed and should be sent to: Attn: Jeannie Kramme, c/o St. Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Road, Dittmer, MO 63023.  Checks need to be made out to St. Martin's UCC with the memo line reading Shannondale Funtime Playground.  All donor names will be recorded.

 

September 12, EA Confirmation Retreat


The Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ invites all Confirmation students and their adult leaders to a Confirmation Retreat at the Urban Mission Experience (UME) on September 11 and 12. 

 

UME is a partnership of mission agencies and urban churches founded by a group of experienced mission trip leaders in the United Church of Christ.  We are excited to offer the opportunity for youth and leaders to see urban mission work in action. 

 

Registration - Registration forms and additional information is available on our Conference websiteGroup Registrations are due by July 19th.


September 24-26, Widening the Welcome Conference

Click here for further information. 

September 26, St. Louis Association Fall Business Meeting

Hold the date - Saturday, September 26 at Church of the Master in Florissant.  More details to follow.
 
October 1, MMSUCC Boundary Training, 9am-4pm

 

To be held at St. Peter's UCC, 20 E. Fifth St, Washington, MO 63090.  Facilitators:  Mrs. Francie Turnure and Rev. Mauri PeacoVisit our Conference website for a registration form.

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 

Contact Us
Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ, 314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884,
 
Email [email protected] to submit information for a future issue. Not all submissions may be included.