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Thursday, September 17, 2015
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Thank you - This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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The next eHappenings will be sent on Wednesday, September 30.
The deadline for submissions is 9/28/15. Email events to kris@mmsucc.org.
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Allen's Message To You...
But they did not understand what he said and they were afraid to ask.
Mark 9:32
Dear Friends and Partners in the Gospel,
Does this scene sound familiar? A sage teacher offers his thoughts on an important subject, but those who are gathered are not able to follow the drift of what he's saying. Perhaps it is because it is so profound. We may just not be smart enough to get it. Some of us are beginning to think it would be better if we had a pastor who wasn't educated quite so much.
It took me more years of maturing as a pastor than I like to admit to arrive at the correct response to those polite euphemisms that people offer preachers as they shake hands at the door. "You really made us think this morning, Pastor," or "That was kind of deep today. I'll have to go home and think about it." In other words, my sermon was incomprehensible. The only correct response to that is, "I'm sorry. My sermon was confusing. The teachings of the Gospel are always simple and straightforward, so if you had a hard time understanding, I'm the one who wasn't clear."
This is more than false humility on my part. It is a hermeneutical principal: I just don't think any God worth believing in would lack the capacity to speak the truth clearly to those who have come to receive it. God is honest and direct; it's the rest of us who beat around the bush.
Something else is going on, however, in the story being told in Mark's Gospel. It isn't that Jesus is being unclear - more like he was telling the truth with a clarity his followers had never seen. Two truths in  fact: that he was going to be killed and that personal success or greatness was not in the future for those who followed him. This illustrates another principle to use in understanding Scripture: Nobody was ever saved by a pious platitude. If it doesn't surprise you, fill you with wonder, or cause you to say "Ouch!" it's probably not God who is speaking to you. The disciples themselves did not understand, when Jesus called into question their view of the world in direct and simple terms.
The greatest single hope I have for the church and all followers of Jesus is that we continue to listen for the still speaking God we talk so much about in the UCC. To me, that means being ready at all times to be surprised, awakened, even angered, by what God may be saying to us. It means being ready to say "thank you, God" for the divine disturbances in our lives. We'll have many opportunities for this, because we are in an era of great transformation. The church itself is blossoming into many different forms. Those who are truly in love with God will welcome this, because the promise of the Spirit is that we shall all be changed. Thanks be to God.
Allen
Rev. Dr. Allen M. Fluent
Acting Conference Minister
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A Time of Challenge and Opportunity
Sincere appreciation to The Rev. Starsky Wilson, co-chair of the Ferguson Commission, and to The Rev. Traci Blackmon, who served as a member, for their service on behalf of our community over the past year, and for the substance of the report which documents root causes of the racial polarization in the St Louis metropolitan area and offers the beginning of an agenda for progressive change.  Thanks also to the many people who engaged in peaceful protest, ministered to people on the street, advocated for change, and planned performances, educational forums and conversations throughout this past extraordinary year. Whatever role or position any of us took during the heat of controversy over the death of Michael Brown a year ago, no one can question the reality that the horrific conditions of discrimination in housing, education, criminal justice and employment opportunity that have been brought to light during this season of protest are a cancer within our community that has gone too long neglected until the streets were filled with anger.
People are cynical about commission reports. Before the Ferguson Commission report had even been made public, there were those who had predicted it would be placed on a shelf to gather dust, along with many  others that came before it. But the report is honest, and deserves our respect and our commitment to the changes it proposes. The voice and actions of the religious community are important at this time, to advocate for reform in the public sector and to examine ourselves and our own institutions for practices of intentional and unintended bias and exclusion. One important lesson of Ferguson is that euro Americans and Americans of color look at the world through the lenses of different social realities. The Scriptures offer guidance for how to work on that with one another. It is required of us that we make such work a matter of priority. In the days to come, I have no doubt that some of us will continue in the work of active protest for governmental reform. Others will search for a personal way to relate to the needs of young people in our communities. Some will dedicate time and resources to agencies of community service and education. Some will form sacred conversations, discussions of privilege, or dismantling racism groups. Each of us will find our own way. As churches, let it be our calling to name the challenges we face, including our own unintended biases of belief and action. It is an important time for us to search ourselves and discover the contributions each of us can make to a community of reconciliation grounded in just actions. Let's work at this, keeping one another in our prayers.
Allen M. Fluent,
Acting Conference Minister
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NEW BEGINNINGS EVENT - This Weekend!
There's still space for you and a team from your church to attend New Beginnings. This event is FREE, so please join us at the most convenient location/date for you:
- 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 Beginnings assessment process.
To see a brochure of the New Beginnings Assessment Service, click here.
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, kris@mmsucc.org.
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Ordination of Jeffrey M. Mueller
St. Paul UCC and the Eastern Association of
The Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
Invite you to the ordination celebration of
Jeffrey Michael Mueller
on Sunday, September 20, 2015
at 2:00 pm
at St. Paul UCC, 136 W. 1st St., Hermann MO 65041
A reception will follow.
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Installation of Rev. A. Rushan Sinnaduray
Central United Church of Christ and The Western Association of
The Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ
Invite you to celebrate and rejoice at the Installation of
Rev. A. Rushan Sinnaduray as Senior Pastor
of
Central United Church of Christ, Jefferson City
on Sunday, September 20, 2015
at 3:00 pm
at Central UCC, 118 W. Ashley Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
All Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles.
A reception will follow.
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Standing Rules for 2016 Conference Annual Gathering
The below letter from Joyce Bathke was recently mailed to all churches within our Conference, which included the two following documents:
Please read and share this information as it pertains to bringing forth new business at our 2016 Conference Annual Gathering. You may also find these documents on our website. Thank you.
Dear Pastor:
The summer is fading away and fall is in the air. Churches are planning their Rally Days, Fall Festivals, Sausage Suppers, etc. And our Conference is also in the planning stage for 2015-16.
The 2016 Conference Annual Gathering (CAG) will once again be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Ce nter in Columbia, MO, June 9-11. Enclosed are the Standing Rules and Rules for the Introduction of New Business that have been approved by the MMS Conference Council. Please reference these if you have any new business that you would like us to consider next year.
At our most recent CAG this past June, the Vision Team Strategic Plan with recommendations was reviewed with all of those attending. To help us in the implementation of these recommendations, the Conference will be hosting the "Conference Annual Planning Event" on November 14 at Columbia UCC from 10 am - 4 pm. We hope you will plan on attending to share your input on what we should be focusing on this year.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. See you in November!
Joyce Bathke
MMSUCC Conference Moderator
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Two Fall MMSUCC Boundary Sessions Available
There are two upcoming MMSUCC boundary training sessions in October and November:
EASTERN - Thursday, October 1, 2015 - St. Peter's UCC - Washington, MO - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
20 E. Fifth St, Washington, MO 63090
Facilitators: Mrs. Francie Turnure and Rev. Mauri Peaco
ST. LOUIS - 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
Please visit our Conference website for further information and to register, or contact Kris Scott at 314-918-2605 or kris@mmsucc.org.
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YOUTH - Conference Middle School Event
You could not, would not, want to miss a Middle School event quite like this! This year's Dr. Seuss themed retreat  will be held November 20 th - 21 st. The Conference Middle School Event (CMSE) is a tool for enhancing Middle School youth ministry in local congregations by helping youth connect with their peers from around the Missouri Mid-South Conference. The retreat will be full of all the great camp activities we love at MoVal, discussion groups, games, mission opportunities, and some Dr. Seuss fun. Check in will start at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 20 th and the event will end at approximately 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 21 st. Youth currently in grades 6 th, 7 thth, & 8 and their adult advisors are all invited to attend this life changing event. The cost is $60 per youth or adult. Scholarships are available. Please visit our Conference website for details and registration information.
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Fall Association Meetings
Please click on each association link below, which will take you to our Conference website for further information, forms and meeting materials.
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Our 2015 Friends of the Conference Fund Challenge - Week 3
Welcome to our third week of the "Friends of the Conference Fund Challenge" for 2015. Our goal is to  reach $20,000 before the end of this year and we have already generously received $4,250, which is up $600 from last week. We will track the donation progress each week in our eCourier. Thank you for supporting your Missouri Mid-South Conference!
Dear Friend of the Conference,
"I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will
make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19
Over the past two years our Missouri Mid-South Conference (MMSC) has weathered a challenging period of change. Our leadership continues the search for our new Conference Minister, while we continue to give thanks for the sustained presence of our current Acting Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Allen Fluent. Thank you to all who have worked so diligently and generated a new vitality for MMSC.
As we prepare to receive new leadership, our MMSC Conference Council and OCWM Covenanted Ministry have announced an appeal to signal our support and to provide financial vitality through the "Friends of the Conference Fund". Continue letter Pledge card
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Installation of Austin McCandless
Faith UCC and the Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
Invite you to the installation service of
Austin McCandless
at
Faith UCC, 106 Kent Dr, Wentzville, MO 63385
on Sunday, October 11, 2015
at 3:00 pm
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Installation of Rev. Dr. James Hogue
The Eastern Association of the
Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and Ebenezer "Stone Church" United Church of Christ
invite you to a worship service to install
Rev. Dr. James Hogue as pastor
on Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 pm
Ebenezer "Stone Church" UCC, 6162 Stone Church Road, Gerald, MO 63037
Clergy are invited to robe with red stoles and join in the procession.
A reception and meal will follow in the Church Hall.
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Habitat for Humanity - Meet Candice
Candice is working at the Tiffany build site as part of her 350 hours of "sweat equity" volunteer service, which is  required of all HFHSL home buyers. She has cheerfully embraced the work as part of her commitment to creating a better life for herself and her three children. Later in the year, she will also be helping rehab her own home, which is located in St. Louis County.
When she's not working on the build site, Candice loves taking care of children, and she has made it her life's work to nurture the next generation. With her associate's degree in Early Child Care Education, she hopes to continue her education and work towards her bachelor's degree in Social Work, with an emphasis on helping kids. She currently works at a crisis nursery and a local child care center for at-risk youth. She is very active in her church, singing in the choir and acting as supervisor for two youth groups.
Candice also enjoys spending time with her own children, ages 13 - 20. With her eldest in college and two youngest on the same path towards success, the promise of a home to call their own is an opportunity for Candice and her kids to continue building on the strong foundation of love and hope that has taken them to this new and bright chapter in their lives.
Candice exemplifies the spirit of commitment and hard work which is the hallmark of a HFHSL home buyer. Please join us in wishing Candice and her family continuing success on their path to home ownership!
-submitted by Rev. Keith Karau
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Rev. Phiwa Langeni Receives Award
The Beatitudes Society has announced that Nokuphiwa "Phiwa" Langeni, Chicago Theological Seminary '15,  Eden Theological Seminary '11, has been awarded a $5,000 Beatitudes Fellowship. Nokuphiwa "Phiwa" Langeni is one of twelve emerging faith leaders from across the United States selected for the annual award.
The Beatitudes Fellowship identifies and equips a select group of young entrepreneurial faith leaders with the resources and relationships that empower them to create new models for church and social justice, and grow vital communities of faith in a pluralistic world. Continue press release.
Phiwa holds standing in our St. Louis Association and is currently serving as Pastor at Zion UCC in Florissant. CONGRATULATIONS, Phiwa! Our Missouri Mid-South Conference is so proud!!!
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UCC Calls for More U.S. Response to Syrian Refugee Crisis
September 10, 2015
Written by Anthony Moujaes
The United Church of Christ and Global Ministries, in solidarity with several religious groups in the United States, is urging the White House to act in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, which has escalated in the last few weeks with hundreds of thousands of people risking their lives to reach Europe. 
So far, the American government has allowed just 1,500 Syrians to resettle here - a fraction of the millions that have fled the country - but this week the White House is considering new options for refugee resettlement. The UCC/Global Ministries is asking members to voice their support to allow more refugees into the U.S. by signing a petition calling on the government to make space for Syrians in the next year.
The petition, organized by Church World Service, calls for a pledge to resettle 65,000 Syrians by 2016. Continue articleArticle and photos courtesy of ucc.org
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Free Church Pews Available 
Kirkwood UCC, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Road is offering church pews (twenty-eight 9'8" and one pew 8'2"). The pews are free, transporting them will be up to the person or organization that is interested.
Please contact Vi Hennen at 314-650-1284 for further information.
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Free UCC Choir Robes Available
A church in Joplin, MO discovered several UCC choir robes in their basement and they are offering them to any congregation willing to pick them up. The robes have the UCC logo embroidered on the collar. If your church is interested, please contact Stacey Sarakinif at 417.434.6392
If there is no interest in the robes by Friday, September 18, the robes will be donated to a local charity like Goodwill, so please call Stacey today.
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Free Risograph Printer Available
FREE RISOGRAPH PRINTER Model RN 2030 with Manual. The machine is 20 years old, last used in 2011 and it worked well. You must be able to pickup the printer on your own.
Call for specs and details: Linda Zappe at Immanuel UCC, 221 Church St.,Ferguson, MO 63135, 314-521-7324
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Free Church Organ Available
Rev. Mary Ann Lawrence, previous Pastor of St. Matthew UCC and current Chaplain of Brooking Park SNF, knows a resident with a church organ they would like to donate. The resident who owns the organ is going into hospice and more space is needed for a hospital bed and other equipment.
The organ is not a small spinet, and it originally retailed for $18,000. It would be perfect for a church - might be too large for someone's home. If anyone is interested, please contact Mary Ann at 314-680-2796.
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Parkway UCC, Part-time Music Director, 9/17/15
Parkway United Church of Christ, a faithful and progressive, warm and inclusive congregation at Ballas & I-64 seeks a part-time (approx 10 hours/week) Music Director for our Informal Worship Service. We invite you to visit our website, parkwayucc.org and the national website, ucc.org to find out more about us. If you feel that we could be a good fit for you and your gifts, please send a cover letter and resume to employment@parkwayucc.org. This is a great opportunity!
St. John UCC, Part-time Organist/Pianist, 9/4/15 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
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Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ 314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884 Email renee@mmsucc.org to submit information for a future issue. Not all submissions may be used in future eCouriers. |
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