September 5-7, Fulk's Shannondale Anniversary Celebration
Thanking everyone for all the donations for Funtime Playground at Shannondale in honor of Jeff and Laurie Fulk.
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 cjkramme@att.net or phone (314-603-9024). Only estimated numbers are needed (not names of individuals). A reminder that all overnights that weekend are free but should be made in advance. Thanks to everyone for your wonderful response in providing Funtime Playground to honor Jeff and Laurie.
St. Peter's United Church of Christ of Kansas City is having a Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, September 6. There will be a special worship service at 10 am followed by a (free, but free-will offering
accepted) picnic after worship. The service will be an "old-fashioned"worship service with old-time hymns. Those who would like to do so can dress in the fashion of any of our 150 years, from 1865 on . . . The picnic will include hot dogs, brats, Italian sausage, with sides and fixings! There will be live music performed by the Bluegrass Missourians! Please RSVP to the church office at 816-942-1155, or by email to stpucckc150@gmail.com if you would like to attend the celebration! 
September 8, Eden Theological Seminary Opening Convocation, 10:30am
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 a faculty update as well as introduction of new faculty by the Reverend Dr. Deborah Krause, Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament.
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. September 12, Fall Festival, 2-6pm
St. Johns United Church of Christ, 11333 St. Johns Church Road (Highway 55 and S. Lindbergh Blvd.), St. Louis, MO 63123. KIDS ZONE, FREE B-I-N-G-O, FOOD FARE, BASKET AUCTION,
September 12, Trivia Night, 6pm
September 12, 6:00 p.m, Country Club Congregational UCC Social Hall, 205 W. 65th St. Kansas City, MO 64113. Questions: 816-523-4813 RSVP. Dinner and trivia is $20/per person . Event flyer.
September 12-13, The Art of Chiura Obata
The First Congregational Church of Webster Groves will open the celebration of its 150th anniversary with "The Art of Chiura Obata" an exhibit of watercolors and sumi-e by this Japanese American instructor and professor of the University of California - Berkeley. Examples of his work will be on display at 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12. A program will follow at 7 p.m. The church is located at 10 W. Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves, Mo. Sunday, Sept. 13, will include events about Mr. Obata for young people. At 11:30AM, Sunday School students and registered guests may participate in a free interactive event (includes lunch; please register in advance at www.FirstChurchWG.org) to introduce them to sumi-e and to hear from Ms. Hill. At 1:30PM, Ms. Hill will re-present her past evening's talk in a free event especially for students ages 12 to 18. Press release.
September 12-13, Team UCC Bike Ride-MS 150
Interested in biking? Know others who enjoy the sport? Spread the word among your church members that a TEAM UCC has been formed to participate in the MS 150 this September 12-13 in nearby Godfrey, Illinois. The route accommodates riders who choose 20, 50, 75 or 100 miles. Minimum age is 12 years. To sign up, go to the link below, click on "join a team" and choose St. Louis UCC. For more information, call Bill Biedenstein at 636-677-3055 or email WmBiedenstein@SBCGlobal.net. http://bikemos.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/MOSBikeEvents?pg=entry&fr_id=25028
September 13, Homecoming Sunday
St. Luke's UCC, Independence, will celebrate Homecoming Sunday on September 13th. A new year of Sunday School classes for all ages will begin at 9:30 AM. The theme will be "Sunday School...We're Lovin' It!" Worship begins at 10:45 with a potluck dinner following. All are invited.
September 14-16, Persons in Ministry Retreat (PIM)
Theme - "Church: Who Needs It - REALLY?" This retreat is for all who seek to renew, reconnect, and reclaim faith. Research indicates that the Church is not dying-only transitioning along with the culture we serve. Are we in midst of another "great awakening?" (Diana Butler Bass) or are we experiencing another "re-formation?" Rooted in scripture, prayer and community, we will explore together in creative and faithful ways what it means to "Be the Church" in our time. Visit our Conference website for information on our new venue, brochure and registration details. Deadline to make hotel reservations is TODAY - AUGUST 31 - HURRY! September 15 thru November 10, Financial Peace Seminars, 6:30-8PM
Register now for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University (FPU), offered at St. John's United Church of Christ, 15370 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Seminars begin starting September 15, 2015 and ending November 10, 2015. Classes will meet each Tuesday 6:30-8:00 PM. Childcare will be provided. 9 week class: Through video teaching, class discussions and small group interactions individuals and couples will learn practical Biblical based money management strategies to get out of debt, make wise financial decisions and save for the future. The purchase of a financial planning kit is recommended to fully benefit from the program. Contact the church office for more information 636-532-0540 or register on-line at: tinyurl.com/stjohnsfpu September 19, Blessing of the Animals, 1-3pm
Ivy Chapel's annual Blessing of the Animals will be held on Saturday, September 19, from 1-3 pm. Stop by, bring your pet(s) and have a great time! Pastor Dan will bless all pets - from fish to horses. This year's blessing will benefit the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry. Any monetary donations or pet food and supplies would be greatly appreciated. Be sure to invite your friends who have pets as well. Refreshments for all God's creatures including the humans will be provided. Ivy Chapel, 620 N Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017
September 19, Trivia Night, 6pm
Mt. Tabor UCC. 6520 Arsenal St. St. Louis, MO, will be hosting a Trivia Night. Doors open at 6 pm, Trivia starts at 7 pm. $20 per person or $150 for a table of 8. Door prizes, raffles, 50/50 drawings, and silent auction. Beer, soda, pretzels, and popcorn provided. Feel free to bring additional snacks or drinks for your table. For more information, call 314-645-9025. September 19 & 20, New Beginnings
NEW BEGINNINGS COME AND SEE days are set for September 19-20. Dates and locations are:
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Saturday, September 19 from 9 -11 a.m. at Agape House, 312 19 Street Terrace, Blue Springs, MO
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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! Brochure. September 20, Family Concert, 4pm
Peace United Church of Christ invites families and seekers of all ages to a start-of-the-school year family concert Sunday, September 20, at 4 p.m. The concert will feature folk singer and liturgical theologian Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, who weaves a community-building spirit that engages listeners of all ages. It will be held at Peace Church, 204 East Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO. The concert will be followed by a healthy finger-food supper. Cost for the concert and meal is only $5 per person or $10 maximum family cap.
Richard Bruxvoort Colligan is a musician and liturgical theologian currently residing in Strawberry Point, Iowa. He is known nationally as a featured worship leader for youth events, and is active as a composer for both traditional liturgical and contemporary worship music. He is currently serving as Minister of Worship Life at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and will be spending the week in September as Artist in Residence at Eden Theological Seminary. His participatory concerts range from original compositions based on Psalms and other spiritual sources, to songs about eating bugs and even early Beatles.
Call the church office (314-968-1727) for inquiries or reservations. Tickets will be available at the door as well.
September 20, Historian/Archivist Discussion, 2-4pm Please join Scott Holl, archivist at Eden Theological Seminary and manager of the St. Louis County Library History & Genealogy Department, at Christ Church, UCC, 2200 Bellevue Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143.
Topic: "The Legacy of the German Evangelical Synod of North America in St. Louis" Most St. Louis-area UCC congregations can trace their roots directly to The German Evangelical Synod of North America (1840-1934) or through its successor, the Evangelical and Reformed Church. This presentation will focus on the history and ethos of the Evangelical Synod and its lasting influence in the United Church of Christ. Brief attention will be given to other 19th-century German Protestant traditions active in St. Louis and their relationship to the Evangelical Synod.
September 23-November 4, Computer Classes, 6-7pm
Come to the classes that interest you! Starting Wednesday, September 23. 6-7 pm in Sunday School Computer Lab. Led by Marilyn Barton, 314-894-2046. Held at St. Johns Evangelical 11333 St. Johns Church Road, I-55 & Lindbergh. See flyer for specific class descriptions.
September 24-26, Widening the Welcome Conference
Click here for further information.
September 26, Autumn Jam, 1pm
Calling all musicians! Living Well of Bethel and Bethel UCC in Cahokia present Autumn Jam 2015. Bring your instruments! Bring your voices! Be prepared to learn new worship songs and network with fellow musicians.
This one day workshop begins on Saturday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m. Richard Bruxvoort Colligan will lead us in a jam session while teaching new songs and sharing his musical expertise. We will end the workshop at 4:00 p.m. and share a meal together (meal provided with workshop). Richard will perform a free concert at 6:00 p.m. and workshop attendees will have an opportunity to play with Richard during the concert.
Workshop fee is $25 for individuals or $100 per band (max. 6 members per band). The 6:00 p.m. concert is free. A love offering will be taken. Come, jam with us! For tickets call 773-234-5709 on register on the web at www.TheWellUCC.org/Jam. Event flyer.
September 26, Mary Martha Tea, 1pm
St. Peter's United Church of Christ Kansas City, Mary Martha Tea, Saturday, September 26 at 1 pm. The ladies of Mary Martha are reviving their Fall Tea tradition which began in 1926 and included a program on quilts as well as tea, tea cookies and finger sandwiches. Please join as we carry on this tradition with a speaker from the Quilt Society who will present a bed "turn down," explaining layers of antique quilts. To RSVP to the Tea, please call the church office at 816-942-1155, or respond to September 26, St. Louis Association Fall Business Meeting
The St. Louis Association Fall Business Meeting, Saturday, September 26 at Church of the Master, United Church of Christ, 1325 Paddock Drive, Florissant, Missouri 63033--2238. More information will be available soon.
September 26, Evangelical & Reformed Historical Society Annual Meeting
The 2015 meeting will be held at the Lancaster Theological Society, Lancaster, PA.
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 of $10 plus $2 shipping for members; $16 plus $2 shipping for non-members.
Contact Joy Dressel at 636-256-1736 for more information.
September 27, Eastern Association Fall Meeting
Save the date: Eastern Association Fall Meeting, Sunday September 27, 2015 2:00 PM at Zion/St. Paul at Bay. Watch for more information coming in August.
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 Peaco. Visit our Conference website for a registration form.
October 3, Western Association Fall Fellowship Gathering
In an effort to build a more collegial relationship and to share resources, a subcommittee from the Western Association Council began conversation earlier this year with a group from the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference about the possibility of doing more things together. The outcome of these talks was that our fall gathering will be held on October 3, 2015 in conjunction with the K-O Conference's annual gathering at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park, KS.
The theme for this joint meeting is "Becoming God's Beloved Community". The keynote speaker will be Rev. Da Vita McCallister, Associate Conference Minister for the Connecticut Conference, and she will speak on "entering into and exploring the sacred conversations on race". Many of the ladies of the Western Association will recognize her name because Rev. McCallister has been the guest speaker at the "Women's Retreat". Invitation Letter. Event flyer.
October 3, Trivia Night, 6pm
First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, United Church of Christ, 10 West Lockwood Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63119. Doors open at 6pm. Cost is $20.00 per person. For more information and to make reservations call Joint Neighborhood Ministry at 314-771-1756.
October 5-9, Mission Trip, St. Bernard Project, New Orleans, LA
Where can you stay for 6 nights, 5 days, room and board, for $29.00 / day? In a recently renovated house? Three meals a day. That's only $174!
On the fall 2015 New Orleans Mission Trip, that's where. A group of folks will be heading to New Orleans to work with the St. Bernard Project, www.stbernardproject.org the week of Mon, Oct 5 thru Fri, Oct 9, 2015 and we hope you will join us! All skill levels are welcome and needed, still cleaning up after Katrina. Come learn or teach, or probably both. Come be God's hands in this world. For more information, please contact Tom McKenzie at: mckenzie1947@att.net
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.
October 21, Fall Market & Luncheon, 11am
Parkway UCC, 2841 N Ballas Rd. will be holding this event. Market opens at 11am, lunch served at Noon. We'll have a variety of vendors, so get a head start on your Christmas shopping! We will also have a raffle with special items you won't want to miss! Tickets are $10 and includes lunch and dessert. Gluten-free and sugar-free options will be available. Please call Ashley at 314-427-3755 with any questions, or to donate a raffle item.
 October 30, Camp MoValoween, 5-9pm
Join in the Halloween fun at Camp MoVal - bobbing for apples, hayrides, crafts, haunted hike, worship, silent auction, candy and more. Prices: children=$5, adults (18+)=$10, price cap for families of $35. Please RSVP at campmoval.app.rsvpify.com. For further details, contact Mariah Newell, 636-583-2730 or mariah.moval@mmsucc.org. Event flyer.
November 7, Harvest Fest, 7pm
Ivy Chapel, 620 N. Woods Mill Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63017. 314-434-4991.
November 14, Conference Annual Planning Event
Save the date--November 14, Columbia UCC - 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.
2016
February 20-March 3, 2016, St. Lucas Trip to Israel & Jordan
Visiting the land of the Bible is an important pilgrimage to make. It's a complicated land where great and tragic events have occurred - some of which are described in the Bible itself, others have occurred across the ages, and more recently in the on-going struggle between Israelis and Palestinians over the same small patch of land. This trip is designed to offer a first-hand look at this multi-layered story, visiting sites where the historical events of the Bible and beyond occurred. We will visit both Jewish and Palestinian villages and cities. The land is rich with story and the connections are made that intersect our lives and our faith. If interested, contact St. Lucas UCC office for a fact sheet giving a detailed description of the trip including cost. Call: 314-843-2100
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