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Thursday, December 17, 2015
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Ginny's Gems
If ever there were a time that a Christmas sermon should preach itself, this is the year. The events of our world and now, sadly, our nation have reflected so many remnants of the nativity story that it feels eerily similar at moments. No longer can we ministers and UCC churches tell the story of a young couple fleeing danger with sparkles in our eyes of the magic of God's love for this Christmas story. Now we must wrestle with how the power of that story intersects and instructs our own story of violence, refugees, racial discrimination, and fear. We especially see the similar markings of a narcissistic political leader, who is so afraid of losing his power that he wants to banish all who seem to threaten his power - whether it be a newborn baby boy or an entire people of Muslim faith.
We are living in difficult days, where it would be tempting to blast our Christmas carols and wrap ourselves with so much Christmas tinsel that we numb ourselves to the knock on the door asking us to give shelter at such a time as this. I know because I've tried.
I currently don't have a TV, so I have been disconnected from all the news of the past few weeks. And I will confess that there have been moments where it was wonderful to be blissfully unaware of the terrorism at the Colorado Planned Parenthood office and the San Bernadino center or the mosque defacings or the rantings of political leaders. But after a while, I know that I am supposed to do more - we, as the United Church of Christ, are supposed to do more.
Love. We are to love. We are to act, speak, defend, and embody Love. And our Love cannot be superficial or easy. Our Love must stand hand in hand with our Muslim brothers and sisters. Our Love must advocate for comparable regulations on guns as we currently have to drive a car, vote in an election, or receive medical attention as a woman.
The good news this Advent season is that our entire nativity story reminds us that God creates new life and new opportunities to boldly Love in the very places that are most dangerous. But first we must be willing to stretch out our arms and...Love.
A few weeks ago, students and faculty at my alma mater, Auburn University, received this very gift to Love. The Auburn Muslim Association decided to blindfold a Muslim Auburn student and have him stand on the concourse at the busiest time of the day with a sign that read, "I am Muslim, and I trust you. Do you trust me enough for a hug?"
The creators of this project thought the college student would receive a few hugs, but they were also preparing themselves for angry comments directed at this young man as well. They were pleasantly surprised. Here is a 6-minute video of their Blind Trust project: https://youtu.be/rI0FzKO6eY0
This young man stood in the same place for 1½ hours with his arms outstretched (sound familiar to another of our holy stories?). And all types of people came to him: sorority girls and hippie students; African Americans and Asians; college students and faculty; a physically challenged woman and a muscular African American man; a Muslim woman who shook his hand because of her religious beliefs; and a little boy whose father held him up to the student.
I have to say I haven't been prouder of Auburn in a long, long time. Here is a young man, in a deeply conservative area of the country, who looks like everything the news has told us is evil and dangerous. And yet, when he opens his arms and invites people to love him, they do - at Auburn University - in Alabama. Love. As we prepare for the fourth Sunday of Advent, we light a pink candle of Love. Not the easy love we will feel in a few days on Christmas morning. But the Love we have to dig up from the crevices of our being in order to live out. That Love that is dangerous and requires immense courage to live out. I think that's what we, as the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC, mean when we say, "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."
In these holy days as you approach Christmas, may the story of ordinary people inspire you. Ordinary people, who were courageously wiling to outstretch their arms in order to bring new life and God's Love into this world. And may you outstretch your arms and receive the Love of those who are different than yourself while embodying a Love that is courageous and transcends everything in order to live into God's new creation of Love.
Advent blessings of Love to you all,
Ginny
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This communication is made possible by your contributions to OCWM - Our Church's Wider Mission. Individual or group donations welcomed!
Click here to donate today.
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MMSUCC eCourier Holiday Schedule
Week of December 20 - the eCourier will be sent on Wednesday, December 23.
Week of December 27 - no eCourier will be shared.
Week of January 3 - the eCourier will return.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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The next eHappenings will be sent on Monday, January 4th.
The deadline for submissions is 12/30/15. Email future events to kris@mmsucc.org.
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Conference Office Holiday Schedule 
With Christmas and New Year's fast approaching, we are sharing the days our Conference office will be closed for the holidays: December 24, 25, 28 31 and January 1
Beginning December 21 a few staff members will be working from home until January 4, but will have full access to email and phone messages. You may find contact information for all Conference staff on our website.
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Ginny's Updated Contact Information 
We are now able to share Ginny's cell number: Cell Phone: 832-326-3582 Direct Office Phone: 314-918-2604 Email: ginny@mmsucc.org
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Installation of Rev. Robert Walker
The St. Louis Association of the
Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and Prince of Peace United Church of Christ
invite you to a worship service to install
Rev. Robert Walker
on Sunday, January 24 at 3:00 pm
Prince of Peace UCC, 4966 Towne South Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128
Preacher for the service is Don Frandsen, Pastor at St. Pauls UCC, Defiance, MO
Clergy are invited to robe with red stoles and join in the procession, please arrive by 2:30 and meet in the Education Wing. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
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Is Your Church's Website Ready to Welcome Christmas Eve Visitors???
From Rev. Ginny
Here are some suggestions for church websites in preparations for your Christmas Eve services: 
- On the home page - post the time of your Christmas eve services
- Post the address of the church
- If you have a nursery, share that on your website
- Share if your worship service is welcoming to children
- Offer any words of welcome from the pastor and/or ministry staff!
Post similar information on your church's Facebook page (perhaps a video greeting from the pastor)
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BEYOND RESISTANCE: AN AFTERNOON WITH JOHN DORHAUER 
Sunday, January 31, 3pm
General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, will address the topic of the Church and the 21st Century in a special event in the Memorial Hall of the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, 10 W. Lockwood Ave. 63119, on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at 3:00 in the afternoon.
During this two-hour event, Rev. Dorhauer will discuss his book, Beyond Resistance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World (Chicago: Exploration Press, 2015); field questions from audience members; and sign copies of the book, which will also be on sale.
This free event is open to the public, a gift from the First Congregational Church to our community in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of First Church, January 31, 1866.
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UCC Christmas Fund Offering
Since 1902, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund -- today one of four UCC Special  Mission Offerings -- has provided assistance to clergy and lay employees who, after years of service to others, now find themselves facing unexpected needs. In addition to pension supplementation, Christmas "thank you" gift checks and emergency grants, the Pension Boards-administered program also grants quarterly health premium supplementation to individuals and families in need.
"The theme of the 2015 Christmas Fund Offering is 'Love Shines Through,' with a giving goal of $1.7 million," said Brian R. Bodager, president and CEO of The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ. "In the spirit of love, I invite and encourage you to prayerfully consider and support this year's appeal, and to spread the word so that others will join in this essential ministry."
In 2014, more than $1.4 million was provided in pension supplementation, almost $496,000 in health premium supplementation, $203,000 in "thank you" gift checks, and about $91,000 in emergency grants.
Donate to the UCC Christmas Fund and download promotional resources.
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Boundary Training 2016
The Mid-America Center for Ministry has announced three the below boundary training sessions for 2016. Our Conference will determine dates for 2016 in early January.
- Olivet Christian Church, Columbia, MO, Saturday, April 30, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- First Christian Church, Sedalia, MO, Saturday, September 24, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Both sessions will be facilitated by Rev. Donna Rose-Heim. Donna is an ordained Disciple minister and has  served both in congregations and on regional staffs. She has been an installed pastor and has served as a transitional interim in several settings. She now serves as a consultant, speaker, trainer and writer. She serves as lead instructor for the Mid-America Region in providing Boundary Training for clergy. 
- Fellowship Christian Church, Kansas City, KS, Saturday, October 1, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This session will be facilitated by Rev. Bruce Moeller. Bruce is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with authorized standing in the Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. He has served on the Committee of Ministry, the authorizing body for ministry, of the Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC.
Cost is $70 per session. Registration form and flyer.
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MoVal Winter Camp Retreat
January 16-18, 2016
This is going to be a weekend exploring how our faith helps us to build community and understanding when discussing race. Drop off will be Saturday January 16th at 4pm and pick up will be Monday January 18th at 9am over Martin Luther King Day weekend. Winter Camp Retreat will be a mixture of fun and serious and all around, a wonderful adventure!
Winter Camp Retreat is open to 5th-8th graders. To register please contact Mariah Newell at mariah.moval@mmsucc.org
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Stepping into Stewardship
March 30-April 1, 2016 
The United Church of Christ Office of Philanthropy and Stewardship and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Center for Faith and Giving are pleased to announce "Stepping into Stewardship." This event represents a developing partnership with the UCC and DOC in areas of stewardship education and generosity. The event takes place on March 30, 31 and April 1, 2016 at the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Sea World in Orlando, FL. Speakers will include Dr. Clif Christopher, CEO, Horizons Stewardship Company; Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister/President, UCC; Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister/President, DOC; and Dr. William Enright, Senior Fellow, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Indiana U Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. For more details, including workshop leaders, housing and meal arrangements visit the UCC website. Event brochure.
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Conference Youth Event
February 13-15, 2016
Calling all Youth! Are you attending CYE? If you are currently in the 9th-12th grade, you need to witness  "The Power of Presence" as presented by keynote speaker, Marcus Engel. "Best-selling author and speaker Marcus Engel inspires and empowers audiences nationwide. His extraordinary story of recovery after being blinded and catastrophically injured by a drunk driver challenges individuals to achieve success by making intelligent choices." Marcus Engel is a speaker with a message, a story, you will never forget!
DATE: February 13th-15th, 2016LOCATION: Camp MoVal - Union, MOARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: Check-In: Saturday, February 13th, 9:30-10:30am. Departure: Monday, February 15th at noon
COST: The registration fee is $120 per person for each youth and adult participant. You are not registered until ALL of your forms and complete payment is submitted. Registrations must be in the MoVal office by Wednesday, January 27th to ensure space availability and t-shirt. We cannot guarantee a t-shirt if you register after the deadline. Further info on our Conference website.
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Annual UCCOSSN Fundraiser
The Annual UCCOSSN Fundraiser (United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network) is up and running - all you need is a shopping list and a keyboard and you're ready to go! The dollars you spend assist the UCCOSSN in a variety of ways... everything from providing scholarships to those who can't afford to attend the yearly meeting to helping pay for our keynote speakers, meals, goody bags, workshop leaders, etc. All money raised remains within the UCCOSSN.
Here's how it works - for every purchase you make from the available items, a percentage of the sale  is then donated back to the UCCOSSN. The percentages range from 20% to 60% - so the more you buy, the more you support the network. Also the percentage made on each sale is the amount that you can take as a personal tax deduction, so it's a win-win for everyone!
And you do not need to be a member of the UCC or UCCOSSN to take advantage of the fabulous items offered, so please share this information with your friends, family, co-workers and church members. The more the merrier! Would you like to learn more about the UCCOSSN? Please contact Renee, visit/like/follow our Facebook page and sign up for our newsletters via our website. Thank you in advance for supporting our network and the women and men who keep the UCC functioning on a daily basis. Renee G. CordesUCCOSSN Vice Chair
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Gift to LeMoyne-Owen College
We are still collecting donations on behalf of Allen Fluent's service to our Conference the past two years. All  monies collected will be presented to LeMoyne-Owen College in Allen's name. If you wish to contribute, please send a check to MMSUCC, 483 E. Lockwood Ave, #15, St. Louis, MO 63119, and write "gift for Allen" on memo line. Or you may contribute online via our website. Please use the Special Offering field and indicate the donation is for Allen or Lemoyne-Owen. The deadline for contributions is Thursday, December 31, 2015. Thank you. We are immensely grateful for Allen and his continued service to our entire Conference!
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Ginny's Pics
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| | Zion UCC in Florissant - Ginny attended worship on 12/13/15 |
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| | Zion UCC in Florissant - Ginny attended worship on 12/13/15 |
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| | Zion UCC in Florissant - Ginny attended worship on 12/13/15 |
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| | First Congregational UCC in Webster Groves - Ginny attended the Jazz to the World concert. |
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Clergy Robes/Stole - FREE 
A retired clergy person (male) is donating 2 robes (one white/one blue) as well as a stole. Please contact Rev. Todd Bean or Julie at St. John's UCC, Weldon Spring for further information, 636-926-8995.
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Two Stoves - FREE 
2 - 36 inch "commercial grade" flat top stoves available from St. Lucas UCC in St. Louis! Stoves are in working condition despite their age (35 + years). Stoves are 208 Volt, 3-phase electric and will be available for pick up sometime in early January 2016. Please contact John Weber, St. Lucas UCC Church Council at 314-504-1150 if you are interested in the re-purposing of one or both of these ranges, or would like more information.
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eHappenings Correction
January 30, Free Choral Music, 9am-3pm
St John UCC St Charles at 401 S. Fifth Street in St Charles needs your help! After many years of collecting numerous choral arrangements, our space has become limited. But our problem is your benefit. Join us on Saturday, Jan 30 at 9am for a music give away. Come and look through arrangements for SATB, small ensembles, large groups, contemporary works, and classical pieces. All music is will be available at NO CHARGE! For more information, contact Sarah Price, Director of Music and Worship Arts at 636-724-1015 or sprice@stjohnucc.org.
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Zion UCC, Florissant, MO - Part-time Bookkeeper, 12/17/15
Zion is seeking a salaried part-time Bookkeeper (average 5 hours a week) to process and maintain all the financial obligations and accounts of Zion UCC (inclusive of Peace Tree Spirituality Center). Some of the duties include: payments to vendors; payroll; processing tax, pensions, and insurance obligations; preparing financial budgets and reports; track online transactions. Familiarity with QuickBooks and/or other accounting software highly recommended. Ability to navigate web-based software desired. Full job description and information on how to apply.
Joint Neighborhood Ministry, St. Louis - Transitional Executive Director, 11/24/15
Joint Neighborhood Ministry seeks a Transitional Executive Director for a term of three to five years. The position requires a person who has a demonstrated ability to bring about organizational change within non-profit organizations. The person will lead the Board, staff, volunteers and neighbors in the following transitional tasks:
- Create a new setting of extravagant hospitality and respect for the dignity of each individual. Welcoming neighbors and offering assistance that assures each person a safe place for them to find the help they need.
- Expand our services to go beyond charity to create programs that empower people and change lives.
- Expand our utilization of all forms of technology for office operation, fund raising and providing resources needed by our neighbors
- Address the issue of space and location of JNM - so the space enhances the ministry and does not restrict or limit JNM's ability to provide assistance
For complete job description and how to apply, click here.
Samuel UCC, St. Louis - Temporary Office Administrator, 11/24/15
Samuel UCC's Office Administrator, Anna Muhm and her husband, Jason, will be welcoming their first child in March 2016. Samuel UCC is looking for someone to work as an office assistant while Anna is on her maternity leave. This will be approximately a 6 week, 20 hr/wk, paid position; Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm. Estimated start date will be around the week of March 16; however this is variable due to the baby's arrival. If you know someone whose experience makes them a good candidate and who would be interested in a temporary position, please ask them to call Samuel Church at 314-727-9540 or email secretary@samuelucc.org.
St. Peter's UCC, Washington - Part-time Youth/Children's and Family Ministry Coordinator, 11/13/15
Needs to be pro-active, upbeat and a committed Christian to help develop programs, train volunteers and work directly with youth. This is a part time position with an estimated 20 hours per week expectation. It's a great church with wonderful volunteers and children and youth. Call the church office for a job description and an application. 636-239-6176. If you have questions, contact Rev. Sue Leary, Interim Pastor at that same number.
Immanuel UCC, Ferguson - Full-time Director of Music, 11/13/15
Seeking a dedicated and creative individual for the position of Director of Music. Full-time preferred. The position oversees and provides leadership for the total music ministry of a 450-member church with a new senior pastor. Current responsibilities include playing the Wicks pipe organ and/or the piano for two Sunday services, directing a volunteer adult choir and an adult handbell choir, overseeing a children's choir, preparing music for seasonal services, etc. Previous church music experience is required, and a degree in music is preferred. Previous experience requirements will be reviewed on an individual basis. Salary is competitive and commensurate with the experience.
All interested individuals please submit a resume, salary requirements and references to info@immanuelucc.org The church office can be reached at 314-521-7324 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
To view the job description go to our website: www.immanuelucc.org the home page, go to the About Us tab and Overview drop down tab.
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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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