Friday, July 24, 2015
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Around Your Conference


Allen's Message to You...

I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

                                                            Ephesians 3:18-19

 

Dear Friends and Partners in the Gospel,

 

            Over and over, the Scriptures seem to say that when our efforts end in a failure to thrive, our first suspicion should be that we have underestimated the power of love. This is the power that the saints comprehend, and many others do not. Indeed, even striving saints are sometimes found wanting, and need to be reminded of this deeper truth that surpasses all that we can know.

 

            People struggle to understand the story of the feeding of 5,000 in the Gospel story for this Sunday. They want to know how it was done, or even if the story really happened. There are supernatural explanations and natural ones. Was Jesus a magical miracle maker, or did everybody really have something tucked away to eat when they needed it, or did the little boy who shared his lunch provoke a greater generosity within the crowd? The greatness of the story is that it doesn't surrender its mystery to such questions: Jesus felt compassion for the crowd; he called upon the twelve, who represent the church, to feed the people with what they had. A little boy came forward and gave a gift of love, a small gift, impossibly so, a gift of all he had. And in the spiritual moment there established, the crowd was fed, and no one understood it, but all were filled with wonder. It was love. Not just ordinary love, but love that surpasses knowledge, the kind of love that the saints comprehend.

 

            How can we apply such a teaching to our lives, our world, our churches?   We live in a mental universe of prideful accomplishment and embarrassing failure, convinced that every success is from hard and skillful work and every defeat is caused by lazy or deficient practice. We think we have to try harder, do more work, get more money, add more members, spend more hours, solve more problems, discover more answers, seek more training, hire more experts, develop a better vision, a more accountable structure, a clearer image, a more efficient marketing plan. In the street language of our day's most common question, "How's that working for you?" I think I know, and it leads me to ask how it might be if we took Scripture at its word, that the first thing needed is to comprehend with all the saints the breadth and length and height and depth, and genuinely devote ourselves to trusting the mystery of God's love?

 

            May your faith be incomprehensible and your works be beyond what you can do. Blessings of grace.

 

Allen
Rev. Dr. Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
Ordination of Paul Porter

First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, UCC
10 W. Lockwood Ave

Webster Groves, MO 63119

August, 30, 2015

3:00 pm

 

reception to follow

A Weekend of Vision and Reflection with UCC General Minister & President-elect, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer - On the year anniversary of the death of Michael Brown

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8  

The St. Louis Association Council invites you to two opportunities for reflection with our General Minister and President-elect, the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer.  There will be two opportunities to hear and meet John on Saturday, and one to worship with John on Sunday.  Please share this information in your upcoming church bulletins

 

At 10 a.m., "What Is the UCC Called to Be in This Time and Place?"

at Christ the King UCC, 11370 Old Halls Ferry Rd. Florissant 63033  

 

At 2 p.m., "Our Possessive Investment in Whiteness" 

at Immanuel UCC, 221 Church St., Ferguson, 63135.

John will share his passion and much needed expertise in the work that European American church members need to do to be faithful and humble partners in bringing God's justice to our communities.  John's doctoral work focused on white privilege. On this anniversary weekend, John invites the United Church of Christ into a deep, nuanced, and honest examination of, and meaningful dialogue about, what George Lipsitz calls 'our possessive investment in whiteness.' Wherever you find yourself in the conversation about race in the church today, this conversation will be rich.

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, the one year anniversary of Michael Brown's killing

At 11 a.m.,  "A Day of Remembrance, Recognition, Repentance" 

John will preach the Sunday worship service at Christ the King.  Event Flyer. 

 

Each of these events are rich opportunities to glimpse into our church's future and continue the work of healing and building the body of Christ in this time and place, thanking God for one another and calling on the Spirit to give us courage and lead us into God's future.  We hope to see you there!

2015 Persons in Ministry (PIM) Retreat

September 14-16 are the days. . .The Inn at Grand Glaize is the new location. . .the time to register is now. 

 

The theme for the 2015 Persons in Ministry Retreat is "Church: Who Needs It? Really?!" Sponsored jointly by the Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC and the Mid America Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this annual event provides a time to be enriched, enjoy fellowship with colleagues and retreat in the Lake of the Ozarks.

 

Co-facilitators for the retreat are Rev. Mark Robinson and Rev. Dr. Cathie McCallie.  Please visit our Conference website for further information on our new venue, how to reserve your hotel room and register for the event, in addition to a full color brochure.   

 

We hope to see you there!  

eMMAUS hOMES continues community expansion

Ceremony planned as Emmaus congregation partners with Good Shepherd

 

ST. CHARLES, Mo, July 23, 2015 - Emmaus Homes today announced plans for the final worship service to be held on Sunday, August 23 at 3 pm in the chapel located on the former St. Charles campus, 2200 W. Randolph St., St. Charles Mo. The ceremony will also include a parade, led by Emmaus clients, to Good Shepherd United Church of Christ located at 3115 Elm St., St. Charles Mo. with a reception to follow immediately. Built in 1952 the Chapel has long served Emmaus clients, staff, volunteers and family members with weekly worship services and bible study. Emmaus has partnered with Good Shepherd to provide community worship services and bible study for Emmaus clients and is open to the broader community. Emmaus-led services at Good Shepherd are slated to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 30. 'This is a full circle moment for our congregation,' said Reverend Mauri Peaco, 'Good Shepherd began our worship services at the Emmaus chapel more than 50 years ago. We embrace the Emmaus clients with an extravagant welcome.'

 

This move is part of Emmaus' continued expansion into the community. More than a year ago the organization relocated its corporate offices off of the campus to their new headquarters on Mueller Road. Of the 275 clients served by the organization, more than 80% live in homes in the local community. Emmaus still operates a campus in Marthasville, however a recent decision by the agency's Board of Directors was made to transition the remaining clients into the community within 5 years.

 

The 88 acre St. Charles campus is under contract by Payne Family Homes, LLC who plans to develop a subdivision with more than 400 new homes. Three other builders would also be involved - McKelvey Homes, Consort Homes and Fischer and Frichtel. The development also includes the extension of Duchesne Drive to the North Fifth Street extension, also known as the Mel Wetter Parkway.

Press release 

New Beginnings Opportunities

We are still riding a high from the uplifting presentations we had at the Annual Gathering from both Doug Pagitt of the Center for Progressive Renewal and David Schoen from our denominational office of Congregational Life. Going forward there are a several equally uplifting events you are encouraged to attend:

 

NEW BEGINNINGS COME AND SEE days are set for September 19-20.  Dates and locations are:

  • Saturday, September 19 from 9 -11 a.m. in the Kansas City area-TBD, and 1:30-3:30 pm at Columbia UCC
  • Sunday, September 20 from 2 - 4 pm at Grace UCC, O'Fallon, MO

These events will be a presentation about the New Beginning assessment process. This event is free, so bring a  team from your church.  New Beginnings might be for you if your congregation can answer "yes" to three or more of the following -  

 

*Less than 70 in worship, or more than 70 in worship but significant decline for a decade *Wrestling with future vision for the church *Significant building issues *Aging membership *Changing neighborhood *Trouble paying bills and/or paying off a loan * Currently in interim time of transition 

 

Is it time for a New Beginning?  Come and See!

 

ALSO - we have assembled a large and diverse team from our Conference who will be attending the National Church Leaders Institute in Boston in August.  The delegation from MMSUCC invites you to tune in on your computer, device or phone to a conversation about this important gathering and what we are learning live from the Institute on Wednesday, August 12 at 12:30 pm. Join the meeting online by going to the following link:  https://gotomeeting.com/join/501887165 or you can also dial in using your phone. 872-240-3312 access code: 501-887-165.

 

New Things are Happening

All around us new things are happening - a new President and General Minister of the United Church of Christ, a new vision for the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and soon a new Conference Minister will be called. There is a new vitality surrounding us and the challenge to make it happen. 

 

Your Conference Leaders know it will take more than our enthusiasm, it will take additional dollars as well. For more than two years, and for the first time in years, Missouri Mid-South giving matches our expenditures. But to meet the future that pulls us, our Conference Leaders are challenging us to make a gift for that future. They are ready to put their money where their mouth is.  

 

They want to fund newness: the Sacred Conversations on Race, Church Vitality and our work with the Center for Progressive Renewal. And who knows what other exciting and vital ministries will emerge along with new leadership?  

 

Soon we will be sharing more about "Friends of the Conference," a fund to make that tomorrow happen for all of us.

 

Your OCWM Covenanted Ministry Team 

St. Bernard Mission Project
 

"Whatever you do for the least of these..."  On August 29, 2005,  Hurricane Katrina struck the New Orleans area.  Now, ten years later, an estimated 6,000 families who owned homes before it struck still do not have the funds or resources necessary to rebuild. These people will be our clients.

 

A group of folks from Parkway UCC are going to New Orleans to work with the St. Bernard Project the week of Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9, 2015 and we hope you will join us.  All skill levels are welcome and needed.  Come learn and teach, or enjoy both.  Come be God's hands in this world. 

 

For more information please contact Tom McKenzie, Parkway UCC, at [email protected].

Annual Meeting of the E&R Historical Society

The 2015 Annual Meeting of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, on the campus of the Lancaster Theological Society, Lancaster, PA. Please join  us!

     

Our keynote speaker will be Margaret (Peggy) Bendroth, Executive Director of the Congregational Library & Archives in Boston, http://www.congregationallibrary.org/. Author or editor of several books, her most recent book, The Spiritual Practice of Remembering, summons readers to remember and honor the past. Advance registration is not necessary for attendance at this meeting.

 

Note: ERHS has ordered several copies of the book directly from the publisher (Eerdmans) and is able to offer a special price:

 

$10 plus $2 shipping for members,

$16 plus $2 shipping for nonmembers.  

 

Please contact Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society if you would like a copy!  [email protected] or 717-290-8734. Contact Joy Dressel at 636-256-1736 for more information.

 
Quote for your week... 

Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance. 
- Epicurus 
 
 
  
Employment Opportunities
 
Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified. 
 
Chaplain, 7/3/2015 

Emmaus Homes is searching for a Chaplain to serve on its campus in Marthasville and in surrounding areas.  Responsibilities include worship, sacrament, pastoral care, and community outreach.  Must hold UCC ordained minister standing or licensure.  This is a half-time position with benefits.  Emmaus Homes is related to the UCC through membership in the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries.  The organization provides around the clock services to more than 275 adults with developmental disabilities in four Missouri counties.  Send profile or resume by July 24 to Rev. Cindy Bumb, Vice President of Spiritual Care, Emmaus Homes, 3731 Mueller Road, St. Charles, MO  63301. [email protected]   


Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministries, 7/3/2015 

St. Lucas United Church of Christ is seeking a part time Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministries, approximately 20 hours per week. Duties include working with the Lead Coordinator of Youth Ministries, providing leadership for our Middle and assisting with High School youth programs. The ideal candidate will have a College degree in Education or equivalent work experience with 2 years of leadership experience in Christian youth programming; an enthusiasm and passion for leading youth. 

Please send resume and letter of interest to; St. Lucas UCC, 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis MO 63126, c/o Sue Simmons, Church and Ministry Chairperson. Complete job adJob description www.stlucasucc.org

 

Part-time Music Director, 7/3/2015 

St. Philip's United Church of Christ is seeking a permanent, part-time Music Director.  Primary responsibilities are providing music for our worship service and directing our vocal and bell choirs.  We are a very friendly church located in south/southwest county, and will begin scheduling interviews after July 17th. You may view the full job description and application information on our website... please visit www.stphilipsucc.com and click on "Employment Opportunities" on the red toolbar.

 

Organist/Musician, 7/3/2015  
St. Jordan's UCC-Beaufort, a small rural congregation, is currently seeking a musician (organist/keyboardist) or two who are willing to share the position and alternate Sundays. We are competitive in pay and will reimburse for mileage. The congregation loves traditional, familiar hymns, yet has welcomed more contemporary and inclusive praise & worship music into our service. This position will not be responsible for the choir, except for possibly on holidays or special occasions.  Our need is immediate. All skill levels welcome to inquire. Contact Pastor Felicia: (314) 239-9314 or [email protected].
   
Executive Director, 6/24/2015

Full-time contract beginning January 1, 2016 to serve as Executive Director for the Mid-America Center for Ministry (MCM). The primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to lead in the fulfillment of the school's mission to Equip congregational leaders for Christian ministry. To that end, the Executive Director serves as the primary advancement officer and is responsible for increasing student enrollment, providing effective and efficient administration, and ensuring vision attainment for the Mid-America Center for Ministry.

Qualifications:

  • An active, demonstrable Christian faith
  • Passion for equipping congregational leaders
  • Proven advancement and fundraising skills
  • Proven administrative and team building skills
  • Effective and inspiring speaker
  • Strategic thinker, planner, and implementer
  • Person of high integrity (background check will be conducted)
  • Congregational leadership experience preferred
  • Strong ecumenical orientation

Complete job description available here. Compensation: Renewable annual contract up to $60,000 (plus benefits package) depending on education and experience, plus potential annual performance bonus.

Send r�sum� and letter of interest by September 1, 2015 to Mid-America Center for Ministry, P.O. Box 104685, Jefferson City, MO 65110-4685. Phone: 573-635-1187 Email: [email protected] 
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Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ  314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884  
 
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