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Friday, September 25, 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...
...confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
James 5:16
Dear friends and partners in the Gospel,
This wonderful advice from James spotlights for us the extraordinary sense of shared community within the early church. Many of us today enjoy the idea that our fellow members pray for us, but how many of us feel warmed by the knowledge that we have a community where we can confess our sins to one another? James gives us a strong motivation for such behavior: he says it's so that we may be healed.
If we want our physician to heal our bodies, we have to tell her what the symptoms are. Why would we think it any different in our spiritual community? Still, many if not most of us want to stop short of telling each other our spiritual sorrows, our emptiness in times of grief, our unseen actions of dismissal and forgetfulness toward people we should love - our sin. We subscribe to the theology that affirms we are all sinners, but at the testing place, when it comes to sharing the reality of the dark side of our being, we take the lonely road of self-analysis or denial.
When did we start thinking about our churches as places of judgment and secrecy instead of places of mutual confession and shared redemption? Whenever it was, that was the day when we lost the gift of salvation through a community of grace. I pray that wherever we can we will form supportive groups within our  congregations where honest feelings and experiences can be shared, and where we can confess the realities of our lives, because we share a confidential covenant and forbid destructive gossip. It's a simple matter, really, as we gather for a personal support group or a group designed for sharing our feelings and understandings about issues of justice and community, to ask at the beginning for everyone to agree that we have come together for honest, personal sharing that will be received with understanding and shared with no one outside of the circle of those gathered.
May our congregations experience once more the wholeness of mutual confession and prayer that is needed to confront a divided world with the messages of justice and reconciliation in the emergent Realm of God.
AllenRev. Dr. Allen M. Fluent Acting Conference Minister
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Fall Association Meetings
Note: additional materials have been shared for each of the the fall meetings - check your specific Association page on our Conference website for newly posted documents.
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Installation of Rev. Mike Roth and Rev. Erica Roth
The St. Louis Association
of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and
St. Paul's United Church of Christ
cordially invite your presence for the installation of
Rev. Mike Roth
and
Rev. Erica Roth
as pastors and teachers
on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.
St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5508 Telegraph Road, Saint Louis, MO 63129
Rev. Keith Karau will offer the sermon
For clergy: Robes and red stoles are requested, please plan to gather by 2:30 p.m. for the procession.
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Installation of Rev. Patrick Chandler
St. Peter's United Church of Christ and the St. Louis Association of the
Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
Invite you to celebrate and rejoice at the installation of
Rev. Patrick D. Chandler
as Senior Pastor
on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at 3:00 pm
at St. Peter's UCC,1425 Stein Road, Ferguson, MO 63135
Guest Preacher - The Rev. Dr. Timothy Downs, Southeast Conference Minister (retired)
All clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. A reception will follow.
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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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Justice Witness Ministry Team Message
To The Congregations of the Missouri Mid-South Conference: ANNUAL GATHERING RESOLUTION FOR DEATH PENALTY MORATORIUM Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen One.
At the Missouri Mid-South Conference Annual Gathering in June, the focus was deeply and powerfully on facing  the reality and sin of racism in our culture. The speakers were moving and workshops meaningful. As the Gathering neared conclusion, a Resolution was submitted to and approved by a high number of the delegates advocating for a Moratorium in Missouri on the Death Penalty. The state of Missouri has executed 16 individuals from 2014 to this time in 2015. In the context of our pain about the depth and breadth of racism in our society, this resolution had particular impact as persons recent and approaching executions were of African American men sentenced by all white juries. But our concern for the death penalty has many more layers beyond racial bias (which of itself is telling)---the factually demonstrated lack of deterrence; the high number of proven innocent persons executed or on death row; the use of cruel means; the removal of opportunities for redemption, forgiveness and transformation; and the fact that the death penalty makes all citizens of our state the ones taking the life of another. Continue reading 
Also from Justice Witness -
UCC Black Lives Matters buttons are available for free from the national UCC Justice
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Local UCC Churches Participate in the Faith in Action Weekend
On September 19th and 20th, nearly 75 members from local United Church of Christ congregations donned bright orange t-shirts for the ninth annual Faith in Action weekend of service. Members formed teams and spent the weekend doing service projects throughout the Southwestern St. Charles County and Southeastern Warren County area. Volunteers of all ages spread throughout the area to provide helping hands and smiles to area residents by participating in these projects:
- The Hymn Sing Team made a little joyful noise. They sang old time hymns and played kazoos with residents at three nursing care facilities in Washington, MO.
- The Odd Jobbers Team helped with various tasks at Our Lady's Inn located in Defiance, MO. The volunteers spread mulch, weeded and watered their vegetable garden, cleaned toys, prepared and served lunch as well as enjoyed entertaining the kids living at the facility.
- The Assembly Team assembled 100 food boxes and 50 health kits. The food boxes will be distributed to local food banks throughout Missouri and the health kits will be distributed through various service agencies around the globe.
- The Helping Hands Team worked at the Emmaus Homes Marthasville campus. They trimmed trees, did other yard work and helped move furniture for one of the residents.
- The Meal Delivery Team hit the road to deliver 39 chicken dinners to area homebound neighbors and friends.
These UCC churches are part of the Heritage Cluster. Participating churches included Ebenezer UCC, Augusta; Faith UCC, Wentzville; Femme Osage UCC, Femme Osage; Friedens Peace UCC, New Melle; Immanuels UCC, Holstein; St. John's UCC, Cappeln; St. Paul's UCC, Defiance and St. Paul's UCC, Marthasville. If you'd like more information on any of these churches, or have a service project you'd like them to consider, contact the Friedens Peace UCC church office at 636-828-5980 or email friedenspeace@gmail.com.
Submitted by - Julie Loika
Faith in Action Coordinator for the Heritage Cluster of UCC Churches
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Sacred Conversation on Race Ongoing - St. Louis Association
To be held at 7:00 pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Eden Seminary library conference room. Next Meeting: October 8th.
This work group is an organically-formed body, called for by members of our association churches. Churches, members, clergy, students, and institutions in the St. Louis metropolitan area that choose to affiliate with and  support the mission of this group as it evolves are invited. 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. Witnessing that racism and white privilege are alive, deeply rooted, sinful, and harming God's children throughout the Saint Louis area and country, the group will strive to engage a sacred conversation on race, racism, and the call of the church to stand up as a continuing testament of God's inclusive love, justice, healing, and wholeness for all. It will share resources and challenge our Association to become more widely active in combating race bias and harm.
We believe the extravagant welcome of the United Church of Christ requires this, and our historic orientation toward abolition, education, and racial justice and inclusion, informs this. The monthly agenda and scope of the group reflect the interests and capacities of those that gather We discern together where God is calling us, month to month.Let's talk, pray, weep, rage, lament, listen, learn, own our complicity, hope, plan, and do together.
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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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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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Eden Seminary Bookstore - New Hours 
Bookstore hours have been changed temporarily until the appointment of a new Bookstore Director.
The Bookstore's new hours are:
Monday - Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Our 2015 Friends of the Conference Fund Challenge - Week 4
Welcome to our fourth week of the "Friends of the Conference Fund Challenge" for 2015. Please see the new letter below, which explains our common objective to make our Conference stronger than ever. The goal is to  reach $20,000 before the end of this year and 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,
Thank you to all who have worked so diligently toward a new vitality for our Missouri Mid-South Conference.
The proof of this vitality begins with numbers! Financially the Conference is in better shape now than it has been in several years. Our participation at Conference events such as the Conference Annual Gathering has increased, not only in numbers, but in energy and excitement.
Congregational giving is up, as is the number of churches who are Five for Five. Five for Five churches provide intentional donations not only to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM), but also to our four special UCC funds, which include Strengthen the Church, the Christmas Fund, Neighbors in Need, and One Great Hour of Sharing. This is a sign of commitment and vitality - THANK YOU!
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Conference Annual Planning Event, November 14, 10am-4pm
Save the date! On November 14 at Columbia UCC, we will gather for our first Conference Annual Planning Event.
Please mark your calendars for this important planning event. All clergy, church leaders, association members, and committee and covenanted ministry chairs/members are invited and NEEDED to help us move forward with the implementation of the Vision Team's recommendations for our Conference.
This is your opportunity to - Join the conversation. Be part of the plan. Be part of the vision. Listen to new ideas. Have your voice heard. Establish our future!
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.
Since a lunch is being planned for this day, please RSVP no later than Friday, November 6 to Joyce Bathke, Conference Moderator, at joyce.bathke@yahoo.com or to Renee Cordes at the Conference office, renee@mmsucc.org.
Thank you for your commitment to our Conference, and we look forward to seeing you on November 14!
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Free Church Pew Cushions Available 
St. John UCC in Manchester has the following free cushions: 30 (120x15), 7 (100x15), 2 (81x15), 2 (40x15) and 1 (71x15). They are made of a soft velvet.
Whoever would like the cushions will need to pick them up. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Kevin Gregory at 636-391-6655 or kevin@stjohnmanchester.org.
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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 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 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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