Friday, August 21, 2015
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The deadline for submissions is 8:00 am on 8/26/2015. Email events to  [email protected].

Around Your Conference

Allen's Message to You...

Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
                              The words of Joshua in the Book of Joshua 24:15
 
Dear Partners on the Way,
 
               In these words the Hebrew warrior-leader Joshua demands that his people, newly freed from their slavery in Egypt, cease wandering in the wilderness and decide for themselves what their identity will be. This will be their first intentional spiritual act. From this day forth, they will be newly born. In the wilderness, the gods  appear to be relative and many. You can make one out of metal or out of mud. You can ask this one or that one to help you in your time of need, and sometimes they make us winners over others for today. But now, we're no longer being asked to whom we'll address our pleas and questions and complaints, or who we'll bargain with for our advantage. We're being asked whom we will serve. This is a spiritual question that can only be answered by people who are free.
 
               Chapter 24 in this Book of Joshua describes the ancient ritual of covenant, and we who are members of the United Church of Christ may recognize within it some foundational teachings about the kind of people we are or strive to be. We are people who value freedom; we like to know that we can choose, and that our judgments will be respected. But we also know that all the options are not equal, so we are not satisfied until we sort out with one another those choices that provide all of us together what we need. Sometimes we argue over that, because we lack trust or hold an ancient fear of what will happen to us. But we also know, deep within our souls, that it won't do to choose what only benefits some of us still living in our own ancestral dwellings; we are called to serve the Spirit that brings wholeness to us all.
 
               Thank you for all that you do to sustain the covenant among us.

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

eMMAUS hOMES continues community expansion

Ceremony planned as Emmaus congregation partners with Good Shepherd

 

Emmaus Homes 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  

 

Free Chapel Fixtures Available 

 

The former St. Charles campus of Emmaus Homes, Inc. has been sold to Payne Family Homes, and the Chapel will no longer be used as a worship sanctuary after August 23, as noted above.  Many of the Chapel fixtures will be available to any interested churches; these include a pulpit, 1950's Allen organ, and pews.  They will be available at no charge, but you will be responsible for pick up and transport during the week of August 24-28.   

 

If you're interested in any of these Chapel fixtures, please contact Rev. Cindy Bumb, Emmaus Vice President of Spiritual Care, (636) 534-5204 office, (314) 504-5340 cell, [email protected], or Jon Holt, Emmaus Chief Financial Officer, (636) 534-5217 office, [email protected].   

2015 Persons in Ministry (PIM) Retreat

The deadline to receive the discounted hotel rate is August 31 - HURRY - that's only 10 days away!

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!  

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

Ordination of Catherine Dixon

The St. Louis Association of the
Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and First Congregational United Church of Christ of Memphis
invite you to the Ordination of
 
Catherine A. Dixon
 
on Sunday, September 6th, 2015 at 10:30 AM
at First Congregational United Church of Christ
1000 South Cooper Street
Memphis, TN 38104
 
Clergy are invited to wear robes and stoles
Installation of Kimi E. Yokayama

Sunday, September 13, 2:30 pm
Zion United Church of Christ
9th and Faraon Streets
St. Joseph, MO 64501

 Morning worship is at 10:30 o'clock.
We will have covered dish dinner in Fellowship Hall following the worship.
All are invited to come early, worship, eat!  (We'll have cookies after the service).

 Dr. Robert Lee Hill, retired pastor, Community Christian Church, Kansas City, MO to speak  
New Beginnings Opportunities - Register Soon - FREE!

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 

 

To see a brochure of the New Beginnings Assessment Service, click here.  Is it time for a New Beginning?  Come and See!

 

If you are interested in attending this FREE and informative seminar, please call or email Kris at our Conference office to register and save your place: 314-918-2605, [email protected]. 

 

Opening Convocation at Eden Seminary 

Join the community of Eden Theological Seminary for Opening Convocation on Tuesday, September 8 as we begin the 2015-16 academic year. The service begins at 10:30 am in Wehrli Chapel followed by a picnic lunch in Schroer Commons. All are welcome!     
 
The Reverend Dr. David Greenhaw, President of Eden Seminary will welcome the gathered community. The Reverend Geoffrey Black, recently retired General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ and new Visiting Professor at Eden, will deliver the address. The service includes the introduction of the new class of incoming students by the Reverend Tiffany Pittman, Director of Admissions, and Eden logoa faculty update as well as introduction of new faculty by the Reverend Dr. Deborah Krause, Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament.
 
A highlight of Opening Convocation is the Service of Covenant with new and returning students. The Service of Covenant is an expression of support and welcome for incoming students by all members of the Eden community.
 
Please join us at Opening Convocation as Eden Seminary embarks on its 165th academic year, seeking to strengthen the life of the church by educating women and men for ministry, enlivening critical reflection on faith, and supporting bold Christian discipleship.
Confirmation Retreat, September 11-12  confirmation

About 10 slots are still open for the Urban Mission Experience Confirmation retreat for the Eastern Association. Realizing it's hard to get commitments over the summer we will take late registrations on first come first serve until space is full. 

This is a great opportunity to meet students from other churches, serve the community, and experience the love of Christ in action.   The information sheet and registration information is on our Conference website

If you have questions contact Karen Eck ([email protected]) or Alysha Petry ([email protected]) or Audrey Freitag ([email protected])
Friends of the Conference

Did You Know?
...that for more than two years, we have met Conference expenditures with income
...that more churches are participating in the five for five national offerings
...that there is more excitement and participation in our Conference life and ministry
...that there is a $20,000 line item in the new budget for gifts from individuals

With this new vitality and excitement in our Missouri Mid-South Conference, the OCWM Covenanted Ministry and your Conference Council are announcing  the "Friends of the Conference" Fund to meet this $20,000 challenge and extend our ministry into the future.  Already a few of these leaders have pledged $1,800 toward our goal.
 
Help us meet the challenge by making a gift to the Friend of the Conference Fund.
 
The contributions to this Fund will provide programs and tools that benefit our churches:
               Church Vitality
               Sacred Conversations on Race
               Our relationship with the  Center for Progressive Renewal

Your OCWM Covenanted Ministry Team
Conference Annual Planning Event MMS Logo

Save the date!  On November 14 at Columbia UCC we will gather for the Conference Annual Planning Event.
 
Please mark your calendars for this important planning event.   All pastors, church leaders, Association members are invited and NEEDED to help us move forward with the implementation of the Vision Team's recommendations for our Conference. 

We will be determining our priorities for the upcoming year and determining how we can go about achieving the work we are being called to do in our communities.  Your input is vital. We hope you attend - YOU ARE THE CONFERENCE.
The Rott Foundation - Funds Available

The Rott Foundation has been in existence for over 50 years. During that time it has made loans of more than $5 million and grants of over $1.5 million to 74 churches in the Missouri Mid South Conference for new church construction and expansion of existing facilities.

Over the past few years the number of churches requiring funds for these purposes has declined resulting in less demand for Foundation loans and grants. As a result, and in an effort to assist more churches, the Board of Governors has elected to expand the purposes for which Foundation funds may be used. Therefore, in addition to the purposes mentioned above, churches may apply for funds to modify existing facilities to accommodate new or expanding ministries; improve handicapped accessibility; undertake major repair, maintenance or replacement projects; and refinance existing church debt. The Board will monitor the impact of these changes and may modify or revoke them as appropriate.


Churches interested in obtaining more information or making an application for funding should contact the Conference Office at 314-962-8740.  To view the Rott application, click here.

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 was purchased 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 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!     

Employment Opportunities
 
Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.

St. John UCC, Part-time Organist/Pianist, 7/14/15
Position Summary:  St. John UCC is seeking an experienced, team oriented professional with a passion for sacred music and a heart for Christ. This person will be responsible for playing both the organ and piano during all worship services, accompanying the choirs during rehearsal and performance, and offering support to the rest of the music staff. During the program year, our choirs rehearse weekly and perform regularly during Sunday morning services, annual Christmas and Good Friday Cantatas, and for other special events.  To see full job description, click here.
 
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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 used in future eCouriers.