Friday, July 31, 2015
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Around Your Conference


Allen's Message to You...

We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.

                                                                           Ephesians 4:14

Dear Companions on the Journey,

 

               By the mercy of God, I was born to religiously tolerant but nonbelieving parents, who bestowed upon me at an early age the gift of skepticism about all things religious. As an essentially religious person, this is a value I greatly cherish, as it has protected me from wrongheaded assumptions more times than I can count. Of all things religious, I am most suspicious of doctrine. As soon as someone says to me that something is a belief I must hold, I feel the reflexive urge to question it. Overall, I've found that keeping small the number of doctrines in my head calls forth in me a deeper faith within my heart.

 

               As the author of Ephesians clearly knows, doctrines are essentially human creations - even those that are strongly affirmed by many years of tradition - and consequently subject to human error, or as the epistle author puts it more harshly, trickery, craftiness and deceit. When we look at a doctrine, we really ought to ask if it benefits those of a particular class or status, especially if that class or status is our own. How else do we explain the sad association between Christian tradition and such evil institutions as holy war, patriarchy, slavery, and the exploitation of the earth? Oh, there are good traditions too, of course, that have encouraged our compassion, valued the quest for unity, affirmed justice, and called upon our highest virtues. But how do we distinguish the one from the other? 

                For me, it has always been the personal calling of Jesus that has made all the difference. It has not kept me from being wrong about many things, but it has been the channel that has restored me to the path. Perhaps that's what the author of Ephesians had in mind when he said that "speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

                

              I worry sometimes that Jesus Christ himself may become a doctrine for us, that we will come to think of him only as the Third Person of the Trinity or the Sacrifice of God or the Head of the institutional church, and forget him as the one we follow, trust and commit ourselves to in our daily lives. I hope not, because I am absolutely sure that the personal dimension of Christian compassion is where all true teachings have their source.     

 

               It seems to me that this is one of the insights being lifted up in the emergent church. A younger generation seems less concerned with what we have to believe in order to be Christian, and much more interested in how our lives develop meaning in the experiences we share and the work we do for a more just and peaceful world. At least I hope that's so.

 

Allen
Rev. Dr. Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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

The deadline to receive the discounted hotel rate is August 14!!!  HURRY!

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!  

Installation of Rev. Joe Rowley

Emanuel UCC and the Eastern Association of
the Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
Invite you to celebrate and rejoice at the Installation of

Rev. Joe Rowley
as Pastor of Emanuel United Church of Christ

Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Emanuel UCC, 304 East Adams St, Jackson, MO 63755

Reception with appetizers will follow in the Fellowship Hall 
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

Volunteer with UCC Disaster Ministries

Volunteer needs still exist in several locations where the UCC is partnering and has been sending teams to help repair and rebuild homes.  Please follow the link for the list of sites and contact information for signing up your team(s). http://www.ucc.org/disaster_disaster-volunteers 

 

Additionally I am passing on a specific request from the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries who is seeking volunteers for the week of August 9 at their Colorado site. Please be in touch with Kim Gingerich if you are interested or have questions. 717-586-1874.

 

Zach Wolgemuth, Executive, UCC Disaster Ministries 

410-259-6194  www.ucc.org/disaster

St. Luke's UCC, Independence Block Party Benefit

On Saturday, July 25th, St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Independence, held a Block Party for the McCoy Neighborhood. The event was held as a benefit for Carl & Pam Bryant, neighborhood residents who, in January, 2014, were shot multiple times by a disgruntled neighbor. They have many ongoing medical expenses as a result. Several local businesses helped by donating food and prizes at the event. 

 

Entertainment was provided, hotdogs were grilled, popcorn was popped, raffles were held, and bingo was played. Children played carnival games, explored fire engines, and received bike helmets. Neighbors and church members made monetary donations totaling over $4,600.    

 

Thank you to St. Luke's UCC, Independence for showing their UCC spirit by joining together to help those in need!   

 

 

Jeff and Laurie Fulk Anniversary Celebration Update 

 

Thank you to everyone for the donations that allowed us to buy the Funtime Playground at Shannondale in honor of Jeff and Laurie Fulk. The playground equipment has been purchased and will be delivered and set up on Monday, August 3rd. We are using some "free loan" money until everyone has time to turn in donations and fundraiser money. The location has been prepared and landscape timbers installed for the perimeters. After setup, rubber mulch will be added over the ground cover.  

 

The dedication will be held September 6th during the Sunday morning worship service. Everyone is invited. A free picnic lunch of sloppy joes, chips, cookies, etc. will be available. It would be a big help if those planning to be with us for lunch would let us know in advance so we can know how much food to prepare. Lunch reservations (by church or individuals) can be made by email [email protected] or phone 314-603-9024. Only estimated numbers are needed. And a reminder that all overnights that weekend are free but should be made in advance, please.  

 

Thanks for your wonderful response in providing the Funtime Playground to honor Jeff and Laurie!     

Article in Christian Century Magazine, by Frank Proctor

Aftershock

A church on the front lines in Ferguson

The events that focused na�tional attention on Ferguson, Missouri, a year ago were disruptive and at times confusing for St. Peter's United Church of Christ. Our church, which is about 20 percent African American, is located about one mile away from where an unarmed black man, Michael Brown, was shot to death August 9, 2014, by police officer Darren Wilson. Our building �didn't suffer any damage, but some of the businesses damaged during three nights of violence were only two blocks north of the church.

 

St. Peter's has a long tradition of service. It houses a free medical clinic and opens its gymnasium to the neighborhood each Wednesday afternoon during the school year. It provides space for adult education classes, collects food for a local pantry, and addresses issues of parenting and child abuse. It hosts musical concerts and sponsors a small theater group, and these performances are given free to the community. We are in the process of constructing a community center at a cost of $850,000 to house these ministries and other nonprofit groups.

 

The congregation's commitment to mission was challenged by the demonstrations, however, and it had to recognize diverse opinions among members on how to respond. Some members became so agitated and demoralized by the protests and violence that they sought counseling, with symptoms similar to those of traumatic stress. One leader was so upset by events that he resigned his church position so as to be free to voice his personal opinions.  Continue article 

Books Needed for Auction/Trivia Night

This is an appeal from the worker bees of the Joint Neighborhood Ministry Trivia and Auction Night...

As most of you know the Auction and Trivia Night is the most significant fundraiser for this very important Ministry.  This year we would like to have a basket of books donated by the ministers of the St. Louis area.  This is in  keeping with the UCC Literacy project and in support of the all the Little Free Libraries that are popping up all over town. So please peruse your libraries or go to the book store or use your Amazon Prime and find a book to donate to the basket. It can be a favorite novel, a childhood favorite, poetry, or something brand new on the market.  Not to offend, but a theology book you haven't cracked since seminary probably won't have a lot of appeal.

 

Please send to: Rev. Jan Barnes, Trinity UCC, 5200 Hilda Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119

Or

Bring to Persons In Ministry Retreat

Or

Bring to St. Louis Association Meeting on September 9th 

Or

Drop off in Lorin Cope's office at Eden Seminary 

 

The Auction/Trivia Night is October 3rd at First Congregational Church, Webster Groves.  Get your tickets soon by calling 314-771-1756.  

eMMAUS hOMES continues community expansion

Ceremony planned as Emmaus congregation partners with Good Shepherd

 

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.'

 

Full 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. at Agape House, 312 19th Street Terrace, Blue Springs, MO
  • Saturday, September 19 from 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 

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 further information.  

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].
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