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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 Friday, October 30.
The deadline for submissions is 10/28/15. Email events to kris@mmsucc.org.
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Allen's Message To You...
Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly...
Mark 10:48
Dear Friends and Colleagues in the Gospel,
One of the worst habits of religious people is wanting to silence the voices of distress. It isn't that we wish people ill. We'd just rather not deal with all the world's problems when we've come to get our sense of spiritual well-being restored for the week. Why do they want to bring that issue to church? We ask. We didn't come here to listen to that. 
It's usually ok, of course, to hear someone's troubles at church, and we don't mind being asked to pray for a moment when one of our friends has experienced an unspeakable misfortune or injury. After all, they'd pray for us as well if the situation were reversed, and that gives us a feeling of wellbeing.
But then there is also another kind of voice that cries out from the edge of the road we are following. Such a voice is the topic of the story in Mark's Gospel about a man named Bartimaeus ( a person so disregarded that he really has no name at all, since "Bartimaeus" means simply "the son of Timaeus"). To listen to the voice of a Bartimaeus requires that we stop traveling for a moment to pay attention and ask what it is about the walk that we are taking that has left them behind. Is it our language, our dress code, the barriers our buildings create, our failure to perceive the obstacles we erect, the implications of judgment, the formality of worship, the language of obligation, or just our inability to understand the life situations of others?
We church folk are notably reluctant to embrace the customs of others, so this is the moment we commonly bring out our arsenal of "why can't they" questions that we maintain to keep ourselves in our own comfort zone (Why can't they just learn to speak English? Why can't they just go around to the handicapped entrance on the other side? Why can't they just not hold hands in church? Why can't they use the same restrooms the rest of us do? Why can't they leave our hymns alone? Why can't they give their fair share? Why can't they get used to our music?).
Sometimes, we'd rather just move on than be caught up in the needs of others, like the Jesus followers who wanted so much to stay close to him on the road and hear every word, that they were ready to leave Bartimaeus where he sat on the roadside. But Jesus made them stop, and Jesus makes us stop, so that the voice of one who feels distress is drawn into the very center of our concern.
People say they can't "do" evangelism, because they don't know what to say, but the truth is that most efforts at evangelism talk too much. Most of us humans are already inclined to be religious. We don't need much convincing. What we do need, however, is for our diverse life situations to be recognized and understood by a people of faith who are willing to take away the barriers.
Thank you for everything you do to proclaim the Gospel of welcoming love.
AllenRev. Dr. Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister
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Call to a Special Meeting and CAPE
Call to a Special Meeting of the Missouri Mid-South Conference -
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Below is an invitation to attend a Special Meeting of the Conference/CAPE on November 14 at Columbia UCC. To attend this event you MUST complete a registration form, and there are three reasons why: - A quorum must be in place in order to vote for our new Conference Minister. The following verbiage is taken directly from our MMSUCC bylaws (page 2) - "Quorum. One fifth (1/5) of the persons entitled to vote and one third (1/3) of the member churches of the Conference (as defined in these bylaws) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at an Annual or Special Meeting of the Conference. Absentee voting and voting by proxy are not permitted." If you are eligible to vote at the morning meeting, you must register and indicate you are to receive a voting card at registration - just like CAG.
- Seating arrangements - even if you are not eligible to vote and only plan to participate in the CAPE portion of the event, we need to know how many people are planning to attend so proper seating/table arrangements can be made. This is for everyone's comfort, so please register.
- A catered lunch (free of charge) is being ordered, therefore, a head count is needed and we can only gather an attendee total through registrations.
The registration deadline is Friday, November 6, which is 15 days from now.
Below is a schedule for the November 14th event:
9:15 am Registration
9:30 am Conference Minister Search Team Candidate Presentation and Vote
11:45 am "Setting The Sights" (plenary)
Noon Lunch - catered, no charge
12:45 pm Small Planning Groups begin meeting (bio breaks as needed)
2:45 pm Plenary gathering to share key ideas so far
3:00 pm Small Planning Groups reconvene for further planning
3:45 pm Closing worship and dismissal
4:00 pm Departure
Registration form (complete on your computer)
Registration form (complete by hand)
Grace and Peace to our sisters and brothers in Christ! 
The Conference Council Executive Committee, at the request of the Conference Minister Search Team, is delighted to call a Special Conference Meeting of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ, to be held at Columbia United Church of Christ, in Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Registration will begin at 9:15 a.m. The Special Meeting will convene promptly at 9:30 a.m. The purpose of this Meeting will be to consider extending a call to the position of Conference Minister, based upon the Search Team's unanimous recommendation of a candidate for Conference Minister of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. This Meeting is called pending the Conference Council's consideration and approval of the recommendation. Conference Council will meet at Camp Mo Val on Friday-Saturday, October 30-31, and will consider the recommendation and will announce its decision via an all-Conference mailing during the first week in November.
This Special Conference Meeting will precede the already-scheduled Conference Annual Planning Event (CAPE)... continue article
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A Special Message from Allen
Dear Friends,
The arson attacks on seven Christian Churches in north St Louis have saddened all people of good will throughout our region. They are a reminder to us that the evil of extreme racial hatred continues to exist among us. While the perpetrators of these crimes are not yet known to us by name, we pray that they will soon be apprehended, so that those who feel exposed to danger because of their acts may see this immediate threat removed.
And still, we know that the threat is never entirely removed until all of us engage in a committed effort to rebuild a community of trust, which needs to include intentional and honest conversations on race, support for one another in the struggle, and serious public advocacy to address the discriminatory systems that have divided us racially for much too long.  We commend those individuals and churches who have begun to engage in the conversations needed in various parts of our Conference. We are thankful as well for those in our churches who have begun to engage the issues of structural racism in our society in study and in action. We are at different places in our lives in our ability to respond, but everyone's contribution is necessary.
Right now, we are aware of the urgent need of those churches in north St Louis that are feeling the immediate trauma of being targeted by racial hatred. This is something all of us are able to see and feel, and know that we want to respond. A coalition of organizations in St Louis, initiated by the Faith and Labor Coalition, has created a website for those wanting to send contributions to help repair the churches affected by arson. We encourage you to send a contribution through this link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-for-st-louis-churches#/storyFor those who prefer to make a contribution through our Conference office, we will also accept your gift sent to the Missouri Mid-South Conference and marked clearly for "churches damaged by fire." You may also print this poster to share with your pastor and/or church. Thank you for prayers, acts of kindness, constructive conversation and advocacy, and for all you do for the work of reconciliation.
Allen
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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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Rev. Traci Blackmon to Lead UCC Justice and Witness Ministries
October 21, 2015 Written by Connie Larkman
A prominent community leader, a gifted preacher and a much-loved pastor and teacher has been appointed as the acting executive of UCC Justice and Witness Ministries.  The Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor of Christ The King UCC, in Florissant, Mo., called by the United Church of Christ General Minister and President and the UCC Board chair and vice-chair, and appointed to the position by an enthusiastic and unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, looks forward to beginning her work with the national offices.
"I am extremely excited, a little overwhelmed, and honored by this new opportunity for ministry," said Blackmon. "I have chosen to accept the challenge of Acting Executive Minister of Justice and Witness at this time because I believe the United Church of Christ is uniquely positioned to reimagine the welcoming table of Christ in ways that create space for all voices to be heard." continue articleArticle and photo courtesy of ucc.org
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Our Friends of the Conference Challenge 2015 - Week 9
Welcome to our 9th week of the "Friends of the Conference Fund Challenge" for 2015. Please see the most recent letter below. The goal is to reach $20,000 before the end of this year, and our current donation total is $7,120. We will continue to 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
The Conference Council, the OCWM Covenanted Ministry and others are so excited about the future of our work in the Missouri Mid-South Conference that they have already personally pledged $1,600 toward our "Friends of the Conference 2015 Challenge." Our $20,000 challenge is to assure additional ministry growth as a new Conference Minister comes to guide and work among us.
We are excited to look toward the future and the new ideas that have been growing in the last two years: Church Vitality, Sacred Conversations on Race, and the new relationship with The Center for Progressive Renewal. Continue letter Pledge card
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Ordination of Caitie Smith
The Western Association in the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the
United Church of Christ
and
Peace Christian Church United Church of Christ
cordially invite you to the ordination of
Caitie Smith
to the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament
Sunday, November 1, 2015
at 5:00 PM
1801 McGee Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
All clergy are encouraged to wear a stole.
A reception will follow the service.
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Installation of Rev. Donald G. Wester
The St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference
and Faith United Church of Christ
Invite you to join in the celebration of the installation of
Rev. Donald G. Wester
as pastor and teacher
On Sunday, November 1, 2015
at 11:00 a.m.
at Faith United Church of Christ, 3 Lakeshore Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Rev. Allen Fluent will offer the sermon
All Clergy are invited to attend and robes and red stoles are requested
Note: If you are not able to attend this service, please remember Rev. Wester and Faith UCC in your prayers on November 1.
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Camp MoVal 2016 Schedule
Camp MoVal is excited to present you with the dates for our Camp Schedule for the year of 2016. Make sure to  mark your calendars because you won't want to miss all of the fun we will be having exploring "FEARLESS FAITH, courage in community". Contact our office to register early and be on the lookout for our new website! Also, be sure to notice, MoVal is bringing you a new Winter Camp Retreat over Martin Luther King Day weekend for 5th- 8th graders. You will not want to miss this exciting retreat. The camp brochure will be coming out at the beginning of the year and all pricing information will be included.
See you soon!
Sincerely, Jeremy Force and Mariah Newell
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Ordination of Victoria Hampton
The Saint Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference
and Kirkwood United Church of Christ
Invite you to join in the celebration of the ordination of
Victoria (Vicki) Hampton
On Sunday, November 8, 2015
at 3:00 p.m.
at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63122
A reception will follow.
Rev. Betsy Happel will offer the sermon
Clergy are invited to gather at 2:30 p.m.; robes and red stoles are requested
Vicki has accepted a call to St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Imperial, Missouri and will begin
serving that congregation on November 15, 2015.
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Installation of Rev. Paul A. Porter
The St. Louis Association & Missouri Mid-South Conference & Eden United Church of Christ
Invites you to join in the celebration of the installation of
Rev. Paul A. Porter
as pastor and teacher
On Sunday, November 8, 2015
at 3:00 pm (a reception will follow)
Eden United Church of Christ, 8920 Eden Ave., Affton, MO 63123
Rev. Jack Spratte will offer the sermon
Clergy are invited to gather at 2:30 pm, robes and red stoles are requested
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YOUTH - Conference Middle School Event, Registration Deadline November 4th
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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One 2015 MMSUCC Boundary Session Remaining
There is one upcoming MMSUCC boundary training session in November:
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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2016 Minimum Clergy Compensation Guidelines
We recommend to you the Mis souri Mi d-South "Minimum Clergy Compensation Guidelines" for 2016. The  guidelines are available below, or you may contact the Conference office and ask for a hard copy through the regular mail.
They will be helpful to church leaders considering pastoral salary and benefits, as well as to pastoral search teams and authorized clergy considering a call.
This document was prepared by the Conference Committees on the Ministry Covenanted Ministry.
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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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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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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
St. John UCC, Part-time Organist/Pianist, 10/14/15
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.
Christ Church UCC Maplewood, Part-time Administrator, 10/2/15
This person will work during times of absence/vacation of our current Administrator. The successful candidate would possess a working knowledge and experience with the Powerchurch software program. Hours can be flexible, during the periods of need, but are typically 9am to noon, Monday through Friday. Please contact Ron at
rgaus15496@gmail.com
for more information.
Union Communion Ministries, Part-time Executive Director, 10/2/15
A church-related, neighborhood-based outreach agency. Average time commitment is 20 hours per week. Requirements: Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years administrative experience in human services, skill with diverse populations. Resumes to Union Communion Ministries Search, 826 Union Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63108, FAX (314) 367-8174, or markleerobinson@gmail.com. Application review will begin on September 8, 2015.
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!
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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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