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Ginny's Gems 
Ginny celebrates her 17th ordination anniversary as well as introduces the "Stole Project" for the Missouri Mid-South Conference.
All churches are invited to create stoles, which will then be given to every minister, who is ordained or installed at a church in the Missouri Mid-South Conference.
Click here for Ginny's video message
Ginny's Schedule:
1/8/2016 - Rev. Ginny to Preach Near San Antonio - Before accepting the position as the Missouri Mid-South Conference Minister, Ginny was asked to preach the installation service sermon for the Revs. Sonja and Dave Phillips, Co-Pastors of Friedens Church, UCC, in Sequin, Texas. Ginny was seminary classmates of the co-pastors, and is excited to celebrate their ministry with Friedens, UCC. Ginny will fly to San Antonio on Friday (her day off) and will return to the conference on Saturday, January 9. If you need her, please call her on her cell phone at 832-326-3582.
1/10/2016 - Worship at Calvary UCC, 2501 Hartland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63114
1/15/2016 - Ginny's Sabbath Day
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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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Our Conference office will be closed on Monday, January 18 in
honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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The next eHappenings will be sent on Friday, January 15th.
The deadline for submissions is 1/13/16. Email future events to kris@mmsucc.org.
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IMPORTANT - 2015 OCWM Contribution Deadline!
All OCWM contributions earmarked for 2015 must arrive at our Conference office and be postmarked by Monday, January 11, 2016. This date applies to online contributions as well. Due to Cleveland's time frame, this date is not negotiable and no exceptions can or will be made. If your church's contribution is postmarked after 1/11/2016, it will be  counted toward your 2016 OCWM total. Please share this date with your church treasurer, council president, church administrator or anyone who is responsible for sending contributions to our Conference. Please mail OCWM checks to: MMSUCC 483 E. Lockwood Avenue, Suite 15 St. Louis, MO 63119 If your church wishes to contribute online, please visit our website. 2016 Conference Remittance formThank you for supporting the UCC and your Conference!
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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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Installation of Rev. Todd Bean
The Eastern Association of the
Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and St. Johns United Church of Christ
invite you to a worship service to install
Rev. Todd Bean
on Sunday, January 24 at 3:00 pm
St. Johns UCC, 945 Wolfrum Rd, Weldon Spring, MO 63304
Clergy are invited to robe, join in the procession and the laying on of hands.
A reception will follow.
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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.
While the event is free and open to the public, registration is required.
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Disaster Relief Update
I want to thank all involved for your prayers and support during the recent flooding from these past few weeks. I was extremely impressed with the conference response to this emergency situation. Here are a few things I learned: - All who have been affected by a disaster need to contact FEMA to begin the financial assistance for the LONG-TERM!
- All financial assistance given immediately after a disaster needs to be only for the immediate clean-up, i.e., getting water and muck out of a basement after a flood. If money is used to purchase appliances, FEMA will deduct that from their financial assistance, which hurts the flooding victims.
- Rev. Stephen Redman, the MMS Disaster Relief Coordinator, has served as the conference liaison for
- There is a strong ecumenical Disciples/UCC relationship that allowed quick and responsive information amongst each other, which speaks to our covenant with one another.
- The Rev. Zach Wolgemuth with the UCC Disaster Relief Ministries is committed to providing the conference knowledge, advice, and support during this time and the long-term recovery.
- The UCC focuses national disaster relief efforts on the long-term recovery in the area of biological and chemical clean-up.
- The Missouri Mid-South Conference has a disaster relief fund for churches assisting members and their extended community in the midst of a disaster. St. Peter's Church, Ferguson, applied for and received a Conference Solidarity Grant to support members and the community affected by the flood.
The following is an update from the Rev. Stephen Redman, MMS Disaster Relief Coordinator:
Through a combined effort between the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and Lutheran Family and Children's Services we have collected tentative information for Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) in partnership with county emergency management officials and Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) in the following locations:
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Jurisdiction
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Date(s)
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Hours of Operation
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Location
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Additional Information
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Southeast Missouri (Cape Girardeau)
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Friday, January 8th
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9 AM - 4 PM
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The Salvation Army
701 Good Hope Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
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Limited Wi-Fi available; Salvation Army will be providing food.
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Jefferson County
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Saturday, January 9th and Sunday, January 10th
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10 AM - 6 PM
1 PM - 6 PM
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To be determined
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Franklin County
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Monday, January 11th and
Tuesday, January 12th
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To be determined
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To be determinedPacific, MO
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St. Louis City/County
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Wednesday, January 13th and Thursday, January 14th
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To be determined
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Manchester United Methodist Church
129 Woods Mill Road
Manchester, MO 63011
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May God's love continue to guide those affected by the floods throughout our conference. Printable version. Blessings,
Ginny
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Monthly Church Renewal Conversations
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Each month in the coming year you are encouraged to be a part of the conversation about Church Renewal. On the second Wednesday of the month, beginning January 13 at 1:00 pm, you can attend a webinar curated by our new Conference Vitality Covenanted Ministry and hosted by Sara Wilcox (our Conference coach from Center for Progressive Renewal). The topic for January is "Change and Transformation."
Change. It is everywhere. Change it is the rule, not the exception. Change... it is the central promise of our faith--that we can change and that it is never too late. If this is true, how do we operate in systems with people that can't accept and manage change? What do we we need to do to create change-makers? Instit utions are created to conserve. So what needs to be done to create institutions that are open to change and willing to let go and move into the opportunity of new things?
When we gather in January, our conversation will focus on the materials and the following questions:
- In your personal and professional life, how do you receive and manage change?
- What is at stake if change doesn't happen in your context?
- What is standing in the way of change?
- How can you cultivate a context where change is received and managed in healthy ways?
Please join our Vitality coaching meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone here.
You can also dial in using your phone: 1 (408) 650-3123. Access Code: 378-062-757
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It's Church Yearbook Time!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen - it's that time of year once again. I can feel the excitement (and hear the groaning) as you read this announcement regarding the annual UCC yearbook process! The UCC Data Hub opened on  Monday, January 4 and will remain open until Monday, March 7 for churches to enter information directly. If you prefer our Conference to enter your information, you must submit reports to us no later than Monday, February 29. The various information/links provided below will provide you the tools you need to complete your yearbook reports:
I can't encourage you enough to begin this process NOW, which will give you plenty of time to gather your church statistics and ask questions, if needed. For assistance on this project, contact our Administrative Assistant, Kris Scott at 314-918-2605 or kris@mmsucc.org. Please DO NOT call or email Cleveland with your yearbook questions - contact our Conference office first!!!
This same information will be emailed directly to your church next week. For churches without email address, your information will arrive via snail mail.
Thank you in advance for you cooperation and participation in this very important statistical gathering process of the UCC.
Renee
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Save the Date - 4th Annual Bracke Lecture - Eden Seminary
When: February 12 - 10:30 am 
Where: Eden Seminary - Wehrli Chapel
Speaker: Rahiel Tesfamariam
Ms. Tesfamariam is a social activist, public theologian, writer and international speaker. She is the founder and publisher of Urban Cusp, a cutting-edge online lifestyle magazine highlighting progressive urban culture, faith, social change and global awareness as well as a former columnist for the Washington Post.
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MoVal Winter Camp Retreat
January 16-18, 2016
REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016 - HURRY!
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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Back Bay Mission - Shari Prestemon Internship
The application process for Back Bay Mission's Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship is open! 
This internship provides a unique opportunity to members of the United Church of Christ between the ages of 19 and 35. During this 10-week summer internship, participants will:
- Work directly with Mission staff in each of our program areas. This includes our emergency assistance, housing rehabilitation, volunteer, and supportive housing programs, as well as the Micah Day Center.
- Meet with leaders in the Biloxi community, including staff at other nonprofit organizations in Biloxi, Mississippi, and the surrounding area.
- Have the opportunity to focus on specific ministry areas of special interest to them.
This internship will nurture participants' passion for social justice and develop their appreciation for the church's role in seeking social justice.
We recognize the value of our interns and the financial burdens that can come with taking on an internship. The Mission covers the cost of travel to and from Biloxi and interns stay in Mission housing (the Cottage) with other long-term volunteers. In addition, we provide a generous stipend of $250 per week.
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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 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. - Eden Theological Seminary will host a boundary training session on Friday, February 5, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Cost is $50, and the facilitator is Rev. Bruce Moeller. To register for this event, please contact Ms. Chris Davis at Eden Seminary, cdavis@eden.edu or 314-918-2547.
As a reminder to all authorized clergy in our Conference - if you choose to attend one of the above boundary training sessions, it is your responsibility to provide a copy of your completion certificate to our MMS Conference office so your record can be updated. Proof of boundary training attendance every 3 years is required to maintain your standing.
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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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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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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
Zion UCC, Florissant, MO - Part-time Communications Director, 1/8/16
Zion UCC is seeking a salaried Part Time Communications Director (average 7 hours a week) to manage all aspects of communication at Zion and Peace Tree Spirituality Center. This includes all forms of physical, digital, and analog communications. Some of the duties include: updating and managing the websites and social media; basic graphic/meme creation; maintaining online calendars; editing/producing monthly newsletter and weekly bulletins. Ability to communicate well over multiple media is an absolute must. Extensive experience with social media and web-based programs required. Skills in web design/management strongly desired. Please see full job description and how to apply.
Zion UCC - Florissant, MO - Part-time Property Manager, 1/8/16
Zion UCC is seeking a salaried Part Time Property Manager (average 7 hours a week) to manage all aspects of the physical buildings and grounds located in association with Zion and Peace Tree Spirituality Center. This person will be responsible to ensure all buildings are maintained for immediate usage to include arranging for the rental of the facilities. Some of the duties include: working with the custodian to ensure the spaces are clean and ready for use; upkeep properties and grounds; open and lock buildings for guests; coordinate with contractors, inspectors, etc. for work needed. Reliable and independent persons can succeed in this position. Please see full job description and how to apply.
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.
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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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