Header
Wednesday, September 30, 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 Thursday, October 15, 2015   

Deadline for submissions is 8:00 am on 10/12/2015

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

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

  Full issues of eHappenings are posted on our Conference website  

FUTURE EVENTS
September-April, Job Shapers Network, 7am
 
Job Shapers Network" a career development program will be meeting at Kirkwood UCC, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd, 63122, on the first Thursday of each month from September through April. This outreach is for anyone in the workforce wanting to gain insight on how to shape or reshape their job/career. Doors open at 7:00 am, meeting is from 7:30-8:30 am. To register go to activ8careers.com/job-shapers-network. For questions please call David Hults at 314-966-3888.

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 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. 
October 1, Autumn Music Series, 7pm
 
Eden Seminary is hosting the Autumn Music Series - sponsored by Webster Arts!
This Thursday evening we welcome Mark Holland - Autumn's Child Global Chamber Music. A hybrid of world, jazz, classical and folk styles. A new acoustic instrumental fusion featuring the haunting beauty of the Native American flute.  We look forward to seeing you at these free concerts as Wehrli Chapel is filled with music every Thursday evening in October.  Everyone is welcome! 
 
October 3, Fall Festival, 2-8:30pm

Fall Festival - Saturday, October 3, 2015 - St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO. Event is 2:00-8:30 pm, with food, music, country store, free kids activities, snack shack, wine tasting, fireworks and more! Dinners served 2-7 pm Adults $10 / Kids (4-11) $4 -- Fried Chicken or BBQ Ham with sides, dessert, & drink. Carry-outs available. Handicap accessible. Contact the church at 636-274-4797 or 636-274-7078 or [email protected].

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 LetterEvent 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 3, Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30-7pm

The Women's Fellowship of Brentwood Congregational Church, UCC is having an All- You-Can-Eat SPAGHETTI DINNER on Saturday, October 3, 2015. Dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Pronko Youth Hall (entrance from the rear parking lot). Dinner will include salad, bread & butter, spaghetti and your choice of homemade desserts. Adults - $8.00; Children (under 12) - $4.00. The church is located at 2400 S. Brentwood Blvd. Come out and join us for a delicious home made dinner you don't have to cook yourself!
 
October 3, Annual Rummage Sale, 8am-1pm
 
Eden United Church of Christ, 8920 Eden Ave. Affton, MO 63123 -  will be holding their Annual Rummage Sale.  Anyone wishing to donate items please call the Eden church office at 314-631-8930.
 
October 4, Gasconade County CROP Walk, Registration begins 2pm
 
We would love to have you come and walk with us; but if you can't, you can still make a difference by donating.  The link below will take you to Rev. Rick Oberle's personal CROP Walk page, and the Bem Church CROP Walk page.  You can donate online by following the prompts on my CROP Walk page; or you can join "The Bem Bunch" and solicit donations on your own.  Rick's personal goal is to raise $1000; the Bem Church goal is $5000. These funds will go a long way to helping those in need around the world. Your donation of $25, $50, $100 or more can change lives all over the world; including here in the US and in Gasconade County.  25% of the funds we raise go to Helping Hands Outreach Center and the Gerald Area Food Pantry in the Gasconade community.  Won't you help us realize our dream of responding to God's call in this way?
 
 
October 4, 47th Annual Chicken Dinner, Noon-6pm

Immanuels United Church of Christ, 17510 Church Street - Holstein. 636/932-4646.  Take Hwy 47 to Hwy N (halfway between Warrenton and Washington). Go west on Hwy N about 4 miles to Holstein. Turn left on Church Street.  Menu is fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, coleslaw and homemade desserts.  Event flyer.
 
October 4, Pet Blessing Service, 2pm
 
St. Luke's UCC, Independence, will hold a Pet Blessing Service on the front lawn of the church.  All are invited to bring their pets  (not just dogs), and give thanks to God for them.  Milli, the therapy dog at Procter Elementary School in Independence, will be the special guest.  A freewill offering will be taken to support the therapy dog program.
October 4, "Black and Blue" An Original Production, 5pm
 
Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N Ballas Road, Town & Country, MO presents this play which explores the complex issues between African Americans and the police.  This presentation is free to the community. Black and Blue will be performed at 6pm - doors opening at 5pm with seating beginning at 5:30pm.  A panel discussion will follow the play.  Seating is first come/first served.

"Black and Blue" by Lee Patton Chiles is based on a compilation of interviews with police officers and members of the African American community. 

"The events in Ferguson and across the country ruptured widespread denial about the state of race relations and equal justice under the law," said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions.  "This play peels back the presumption of guilt on both sides of the issue so we can begin the healing process."
 
October 4, Franklin County CROP Walk for Hunger, 1pm

Franklin County's walk will begin at Zion UCC in Union, MO and will conclude back at Zion UCC.  The short walk route will be announced that day.  ALL are invited to walk.  There also will be a CROP Rockathon for Hunger on Saturday, October 3, from 10am until 4pm at Frick's Market in Union, and at Walmart in Washington.  All proceeds will go to help hungry people through local agencies and through Church World Service.  Everyone is invited to come 'walk' or 'rock.'  For more information, please call Norma Klemme at 636-583-6477.
October 4, Sausage & Beef Dinner, Noon-6pm
 
Friedens Peace UCC at 3560 Mill Street in New Melle invites you to our dinner.  Our traditional whole hog sausage is made with a 'secret recipe' handed down over many years.  Or you may wish to try our slow roasted top round beef  & gravy.  Enjoy both, with kraut, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, dessert and beverages.  And, it would not be a complete meal without trying homemade apple butter on homemade bread!  Call 636-828-5980 to preorder sausage.
 
October 4, Blessing of the Pets, 2pm-5pm 
 
Please join us at St. Johns Evangelical Church UCC at 11333 St. Johns Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123 for this event which supports the 'Needy Paws Rescue Group'  We are requesting donations of gently used collars, leashes, crates and dog toys for Needy Paws Rescue group.  For each donation you will receive a raffle ticket, to be used for a drawing of a gift basket. Everyone is welcome!  Flyer
 
October 7, Schmiechen Lectures

All are invited to the 28th Annual Schmiechen Lectures will be held on Eden's campus on October 7. Dr. Jason Purnell, Assistant Professor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, will share two lectures: Colorblind and Christblind and A Way Out of No Way.
 
The day begins with worship at 9:30 am in Wehrli Chapel followed by the morning lecture at 10:00 am. Lunch takes place at 11:30 am followed by the afternoon lecture at 1:00 pm. Following the afternoon lecture, there will be a book signing event in Wehrli Chapel to celebrate the release of "Ferguson and Faith" by Dr. Leah Gunning Francis.
 
Register for the Schmiechen Lectures by clicking here. https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1645/index.aspx?sid=1645&gid=1&pgid=572&cid=1514
 
 
October 8, SLA Sacred Conversation on Race Working Group, 7pm
 
Eden Seminary library conference room will be the meeting place for this conversation.  The purpose for the group is to gather like-minded UCC folk to educate and inform ourselves and our communities about race, racism, and privilege, and to serve as a resource and a catalyst for churches and communities in embracing and proclaiming the diversity of God's people as sacred.  We discern together where God is calling us, month to month.
 
October 11, Sausage & Sauerkraut Dinner, 11am-3pm
 
St. John UCC,  920 East Gravois, St. Clair, MO  63077 is hosting this dinner which is an "All You Can Eat"  served "Family Style" Adults - $10/ Children (5-12) $5 / Children 4 & under eat free.  The menu items are sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, homemade pies, cakes and beverages.  636-629-3235.  Be sure to visit the bazaar area with crafts and baked goods!   Flyer 
 October 11, Metro St. Louis CROP Walk, 12:30pm 

2015 Metro St. Louis CROP Hunger Walk: The 2015 Metro St. Louis CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 11 at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119. Registration/check-in begins at 12:30 p. m., and the walk begins at 1:30. To get materials (sponsor envelopes, etc.), please contact Susan Moore at 314-918-2515 or [email protected]. Questions? Contact Susan, or Clint McCann at 314-395-5826 or [email protected]. For more info or to raise money on-line, go to www.crophungerwalk.org 
 
October 11, Fall Picnic, 10am
  
First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Church St. Bonne Terre, MO invites everyone to attend our Fall Church Picnic, under the tent on the church grounds facing Church St. 
  
Come and enjoy worship, fellowship, food, games and fun!  For more information, please contact Pastor Lawrence at 573-358-3590.
October 13, Special Presentation: "The Woman in the Dress" 7pm
  
St. John United Church of Christ, 405 S Fifth, St. Charles, MO invites you to this presentation.  Told by Gloria R. Perry, Ph. D, Genealogy Hobbyist and Story Keeper.  This is the story of a 17-year old girl coming alone to the U.S. from Germany in 1855.  Gloria Perry dresses in period clothing to tell the story.  Held in St. John Hall.
October 14, Healing Invisible Wounds: Moral Injury in War and Life, 7-8:30pm

In this lecture, Rev. Dr. Leslie will explore the concept of moral injury as it affects combat veterans and active troops. She will consider how moral injury can extend beyond veterans into other professions and aspects of society, including race relations. She will suggest healing strategies for family, friends, clergy, and clinicians who love, live, and work with those who suffer with moral injury.
 
Rev. Kristen Leslie, PhD, an ordained United Methodist minister, is the professor of Pastoral Theology and Care at Eden Theological Seminary and has lived in St. Louis since 2010. She is the author of When Violence is No Stranger: Pastoral Counseling with Survivors of Acquaintance RapeFurther information and registration.  
 
October 16, Spaghetti Dinner, 4-7pm
 
Flyer  St. Johns Evangelical UCC, 11333 St. Johns Church Rd,  314-892-0848. Sponsored by Women's Fellowship.  
 October 17, Fall Fun Trivia Night

Fall Fun Trivia Night Please join Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries At Eden Seminary, Schroer Commons, Webster Groves Saturday, October 17th doors open 6pm, Trivia at 7pm $25/person and $200/table of 8 VIP Table with VIP benefits $350 (limited number) (Premiere seating, table service, bottle of wine, light snacks, & extras!) Attendance Prizes, Mulligans, Silent Auction & Games. Cash prize for 1st & 2nd place. Beer & Soda provided; BYOB and snacks Proceeds benefit DFCNM and the Faith Nurses who work throughout the entire STL Metro in improving body, mind, spirit and community. Reserve today! Call 314-918-2621 or email Stephanie at [email protected].
 
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 
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 22, SLAW Fall Gathering,  9am-12:30pm
 
St. Louis Association Women will hold it's fall gathering at Eden Seminary.  It will begin with registration at 9am, and close with a 12:30 lunch in the Schroer Commons.  Highlights will include worship with the students in the chapel, presentations by Eden faculty and administrators and, of course, time for fellowship with UCC women from around the area.  The attached reservation form needs to be received by October 12th.  If you have questions, call Sandy Stevenson at 636-333-2244.  We hope to see you there!  Registration Form
October 24, Trunk-Or-Treat, 5-8pm

Trunk-Or-Treat - Saturday, October 24, 2015  5:00-8:00 pm. - St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO. Free night of fun for kids up to age 12 (must be accompanied by parent / adult). Car decorating contest. Everyone welcome. If you would like to participate with a car, please contact the church office to register. 636-274-4797 or 636-274-7078 or [email protected]

October 24, Trunk-Or-Treat, 5:30pm

Make plans to attend the 2nd Annual Trunk-Or-Treat at Parkway UCC, located at the front parking lot.  Come with a decorated trunk filled with candy for our ghost and goblins.  Games, hot dogs and a pumpkin patch are a few of the fun experiences of the night.  It was a special evening last year and we think we've added so much more for everyone to enjoy.  So, tall or short, young or old, there is something for all to enjoy on Saturday, October 24 for Halloween fun!  Contact Barb Kuhlmann with questions.  [email protected]

October 24, 10th Annual Chili-Soup Dinner, 11am-7pm
 
Held at Blue Springs Terrace, 312 SW 19th Terrace, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Donations Accepted
A fundraiser for fun and fellowship. Bring your family and friends!  Homemade chili, Vegetable soup (no Meat), Homemade chicken noodle soup, Salad bar and all the fixings, Desserts (assorted),
Coffee - tea - lemonade.  Event flyer.
 
October 25, Annual Chicken Dinner and Bazaar, Noon-4pm
 
St. Luke's UCC, 6610 St. Luke's Church Rd., Imperial, MO is hosting this event, which will include apple butter for sale.  Please join us at St. Luke's (2 miles west of I-55 on Hwy. "M", turn right on St. Luke's Church Rd.)  Carry outs available.  Adults - $10  Children $5 (12 and under)
Morning worship is 10am.  Flyer
October 24th & 25th, Two-Day Rummage Sale, 7am-2pm / 11:30am-3pm
 
St. Johns Evangelical UCC will hold a two-day sale with all items reduced to  1/2 price on Sunday.  Saturday, October 24th from 7am-2pm, and Sunday, October 25th from 11:30am-3pm. 
October 25, Trunk-Or-Treat, 4:30-6:30pm
 
You are welcome to decorate your trunk and hand out candy as the kiddos come by in their Halloween finest, or you can simply bring your kiddo for some safe "Trunk or Treating" here in our parking lot.  Cars will park in rows with their trunks (decorated or not) open and the kids will walk from car to car to collect their Halloween goodies.  A vote for best decorations will be done by the trick or treaters.  A prize will be awarded at 6:30pm.  Please plan to stay until the end of the event. There will be fun games for the kiddos to play in between arriving and treating.

Please let us know how many children you will bring and if you are able to set up up a trunk using the sign-up sheet located at the back of the sanctuary, or email: [email protected] or [email protected]     Click here for flyer

October 25, Trunk-Or-Treat, 4pm
 
Ivy Chapel UCC will celebrate Halloween with this safe and fun event.  Ivy Chapel UCC members will be parked in the parking lot providing treats to our young trick-or-treaters.  After the children have finished trunk-or-treating, there will be a hot dog roast at the Pavilion.  Feel free to bring a side dish to share.  We will also be collecting canned foods for Joint Neighborhood Ministries, so any donations would be much appreciated.  We encourage everyone to dress in costume and to decorate your trunk or vehicle.
 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 [email protected]Event flyer.

 
 October 30, Trunk-Or-Treat, 6:30pm
 
St. Johns Evangelical UCC, 11333 St. Johns Church Rd. Hwy 55 & Lindbergh.  Let's circle up the cars and Trick-Or-Treat from trunk to trunk!  Bring Candy to give to the kiddos.  Wear your costume!  Featuring a kid-friendly Haunted House and Hot dogs, Chili, and S'mores.
November 7, Boundary Training

Friday, November 7, 2015 - First Congregational UCC - Webster Groves, MO - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

10 W. Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119.  Facilitators: Ms. Jane Porchey and Rev. Bruce Moeller.
Register

November 7, Trivia Night

Trivia Night - Saturday, November 7th, 2015 - Arrowhead Sales Facility Hwy B, Cedar Hill (next to Windy Hill Supply) Doors open at 6 pm / Games begin at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 per person in advance, $20 at the door. Maximum of 10 per table/ minimum of 8. Popcorn, soda and water provided, bring snacks to share! Coolers welcome with your favorite beverage! Event sponsored by St Martin's UCC, Dittmer. Contact the church office for tickets at 636-274-4797 or 636-274-7078 or [email protected].
 
November 7, Harvest Fest, 6:30pm

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, 620 N Woodsmill Rd. Chesterfield, MO  63017 hosts a vintage evening of wines, cheeses, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, music and more.  Join us for our biggest fundraiser of the year!  $15 per person in advance, $20 at the door.  Questions?  Call  314-434-4991 or go to [email protected]   Registration Form  Please return your reservation/registration form by November 1st. 

November 7, Wurstmarkt Pork Sausage Dinner, 11:30am-7pm

Immanuel United Church Of Christ. Church & Maple Streets, Ferguson.  Sausage, Sauerkraut,
Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Applesauce, Desserts, Fresh Baked Pies.  Carry-outs.  Event flyer.

November 14, Conference Annual Planning Event, 10am-4pm

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.
November 14, Fall Fair, 10am-4pm

Grace United Church of Christ, 8326 Mexico Rd. St. Peters, MO, will be holding a Fall Fair.  They need vendors and donations.  Vendors can have a 6x10 booth at no charge if  members of the church.  We need donations of craft items for the church booth. The funds raised from this fair will go to the Capital Campaign.  We will also need helpers to set up and clean up after the fair.  Donations of hot dogs, buns, sodas, and bags of chips will be welcomed closer to the date of event.  Volunteers please contact Vonda Floyd at 314-229-1609.
November 14, Sugar Plum Bazaar, 9am-1pm
 
Parkway UCC, 2841 N Ballas Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131 will hold this bazaar featuring over 30 vendors who will be selling their creative, interesting and useful wares and goodies.  Invite your friends, neightbors and relatives.  A raffle will be held every hour.  A bountiful 'Cookie Walk' will be featured where your favorite cookies can be selectively chosen and boxed for gifts or your personal consumption.  A food truck will be on the premises vending delicious items for your enjoyment.  Get your holiday shopping accomplished early!  Come shop at booths of local handcrafted and commercial products.  Over 30 vendors will be featured including Lydia's House delicious frozen pot pies, Plowshares, creative holiday bows for gift packages, and more!

 2016

January 20, Annual Chicken Dinner, 11am-5pm

St. Paul's UCC in Marthasville will be having their annual Chicken Dinner, Country Store, and Quilt Raffle on Sunday, January 20, 11am till 5 pm. Also enjoy live music, homemade ice cream, and children's games.

February 20-March 3, 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
 
May 5, St. Louis Association Spring Meeting
 
More details to follow.
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.