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Ginny's Gems
On Monday, January 18, the Missouri Mid-South Conference office will be closed in honor of Martin Luther King day throughout our country. When I was in high school and this holiday was enacted, I remember my home  pastor, the Rev. Dr. Howard Roberts, getting a bit of flack from my church for closing the church office in honor of MLK day. At the time, I was surprised anyone would question our church honoring this day. But as a more seasoned adult, I realize that although this church celebrated their stances on equality, they still had to wrestle on a daily basis with the disconnect they felt when their church was willing to close its office in the middle of a work week to honor the prophetic leadership of one who advocated civil rights equality for all. More importantly, that the disconnect they felt is a small pittance to the disconnect African Americans, Hispanics, and those of middle eastern heritage daily experienced in a country that told them they were citizens and yet discriminated against them on a daily basis.
A few months ago I was in Atlanta, Georgia, to visit my cousin, Bonnie, and her partner, Sarah. While they were at work, I decided to visit three landmark Civil Rights locations in the heart of Atlanta. Two were historic in its civil rights roots: the King Center, which provides the personal artifacts of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King served. The third site is new but extremely powerful in its message of civil and human rights: the Center for Civil and Human Rights. 
One of the things I learned was that Ebenezer Baptist Church was also the site of a brutal murder in 1974 - the murder of Dr. King's 70-year old mother as she was playing the organ during worship. Somehow I had missed the story that after the unimaginable violence the King family experienced just six years earlier, now this violence pierced their lives in the very place that provided them solace. As Mrs. King played the Lord's Prayer, a 21-year old African American man with mental health concerns jumped up with a pistol in each hand and exclaimed, " You must stop this! I am tired of all this! I'm taking over this morning." [1] The very place that was (and is) the cornerstone of civil rights became, at least for a moment, the place of an unspeakable crime. As I sat in the sanctuary with Dr. King's voice echoing words of justice for all of God's people, I couldn't help but hold the pain of Mrs. King's death with the layers of issues taking place then: what did it feel like for the church and family to experience violence so soon after Dr. King's murder? How did they survive that Good Friday horror with a renewed sense of Easter justice? And then I began to think about the similarities now where gun violence pierced the sanctuary of another African American sanctuary in South Carolina just last year. How do we allow these systems of racism, fear, and violence to perpetuate themselves generation after generation? What do we do with our Good Friday anger toward racism? And how do we turn our angry energy into Easter expressions of love, justice, and wholeness?
I am so proud of our Conference in leading the way through our Sacred Conversations on Race. I  believe the conversations we are having begin to address these difficult questions with intentionality and respect because if we cannot talk about racism within our church, how in the world do we think we are going to talk about racism in our offices, schools, and homes? The national UCC is developing Curriculum regarding Sacred Conversations on Race. They identify 4 realms in which racism exists: personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural. In order to affect change, reconciliation and equality must occur in each of these realms. These various Sacred Conversations on Race reflect our diversity of experience and our commitment to become a just and equal society and church. This is what I will honor on Martin Luther King day. That our Good Friday anger at the systemic issues of racism can never overcome the Easter expressions of sacred conversations on race, justice, and equality throughout God's Beloved Community. Blessings, Ginny
GINNY'S SCHEDULE
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Location
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Date
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Description
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Friday, January 15
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Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
| | Columbia, MO | Saturday, January 16 | Covenanted Ministries Meeting | | Jefferson City, MO |
Sunday, January 17
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Worship at Central UCC; lead the children's message at service
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St. Louis, MO
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Monday, January 18
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Conference office closed - MLK, Jr. Day
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Houston, TX
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January 20-21
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Ginny work from Houston
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Houston, TX
| Friday, January 22 | Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day | |
Kansas City, MO
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Sunday, January 24
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Worship at St. Marks Union UCC
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Ginny's Gems...again  Last Friday several of you were not able to view Ginny's video message in the eCourier, even after a second attempt. So this week we are hoping that the third time is a charm! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht1rABZpbrsConference website 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.
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Local MMS Conference Information & News
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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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IMPORTANT - 2015 OCWM Contribution Deadline!
All OCWM contributions earmarked for 2015 should have arrived at our Conference office and been 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 information 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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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 the week of January 17. For churches without an 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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New Advertising Guidelines - Items for Sale/Free
Beginning this week, items that are offered for free or for sale within the Conference (i.e. robes, pews, hymnals, books, etc.) will now be advertised in our eHappenings eblast. (You are currently reading the eCourier).
As a reminder, the eHappenings is our Conference eblast which shares the upcoming church/organization/agency events occurring within our surrounding area and from our national office in Cleveland. The eHappenings is emailed each month on the 15th and then again on the 30th or 31st.
Please send your future events, as well as any items you care to advertise, to Kris at kris@mmsucc.org. Thank you.
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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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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 mid-February.
- 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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National UCC Information & News
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Installation Services for the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer
UCC General Minister and President
The General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, will be installed in a progression of three installation services throughout the denomination. All are invited to attend these services of celebration!
- April 15 at Riverside Church, New York
- April 16 at Trinity Church, Chicago
- April 17 at Plymouth Church, Seattle
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Health And Human Service Sunday
January 31, 2016
CHHSM
What is Health and Human Service Sunday? 
Each year, the United Church of Christ designates one Sunday - usually the last Sunday in January - as a day to recognize the ministries in health and human services provided by the members of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries as well as those supported by our local churches, ministries which respond to human need with compassion and justice. This Sunday is an opportunity for congregations to lift up our common ministry of healing and service to others in Christ's name. Some local congregations might choose to observe Health and Human Service Sunday on a different date, especially on the anniversary of the founding of a ministry with which they are engaged, but the importance of lifting up these special ministries which call forth the best in UCC members is not lost whenever the observance is held. Feel free to use any of the resources offered here, or create others appropriate to your experience. Continue article/printable version.
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Clergy Health
by Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi
Director, UCC's Center for Analytics, Research and Data (CARD)
How healthy is your pastor? According to the latest Annual Clergy Health Survey from the United Methodist Church, clergy have higher rates of several physical conditions when compared with the general U.S. population.
While clergy's overall health improved slightly in the last few years, the incidence of high cholesterol, borderline hypertension, asthma, borderline diabetes, and obesity were significantly higher than other U.S. adults, including demographically comparable adults. In addition, 5% of clergy suffered from depression, a significantly higher percentage than demographically comparable U.S. adults; and 26% of  all clergy had at least some functional difficulty resulting from depressive symptoms. On the positive side, more clergy are beginning to pay increased attention to their health and well-being, as most percentages decreased from the previous year's survey. UMC clergy responded that they are "doing well" when it came to healthy behaviors such as increased levels of physical activity when compared to demographically similar adults. However, with these percentages still well above the average population, it is clear that both clergy themselves and the people they serve must begin to take a more serious look at how health and wellness can be intentionally nurtured and concretely supported, because I suspect that UCC clergy possess similar statistics around health and well-being.
In actuality, however, a minister's health is a private matter; and pastors can choose to share certain things with the congregation but are not obligated to do so. In addition, a minister's physical appearance should never be a topic of conversation, particularly as it relates to one's health. With that being said, it is important to reflect on these overarching questions: How does your congregation support the health and well-being of your pastor? What role does your congregation play in being a key stressor for your pastor (and lay leaders)?
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Bi-Vocational Ministry Conference
April 15-16, 2016 at Epworth By the Sea on St. Simon's Island, Georgia
MESA and its predecessor bodies have long been a part of Professional Church Leaders (PCL), an annual convening of ecumenical denominational leaders. PCL is pleased to announce that it will host a conference, "Bi-Vocational Ministry in the 21st Century," April 15-16, 2016 at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon's Island, Georgia.
This conference is designed for bi-vocational ministers and for governing body and judicatory executives, with workshops and keynotes at a beautiful location. Registration is now open! Contact Elizabeth Dilley ( dilleye@ucc.org) if you have any questions. http://events.uccpages.org/bivocational2016.html
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Polity Conference - "Mission, Church Polity, and the (Dis)Unity of the Church,"
Sponsored by MESA of the United Church of Christ
April 18-20, 2016 at Princeton Theological Seminar
MESA will make available a limited number of scholarships - up to $250 each - to help support applicants whose papers are accepted to attend the conference: "Mission, Church Polity, and the (Dis)Unity of the Church," 18 - 20 April 2016, at Princeton Theological Seminary. In return, we would ask that you make your paper available to MESA to share with other teachers and learners of UCC History, Polity, and Theology. Please send your request for scholarship assistance once your paper has been accepted. You may send the request directly to Kathy Clark ( clark@ucc.org). Conference information can be found at: https://protestantpolitystudygroup.wordpress.com.
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2016 UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event
April 18-20, 2016 in Carefree, Arizona
The 2016 UCC Clergywomen Leadership will host an event April 18-20. The theme is "Preparing for, Stepping Into, and Sustaining Our Leadership." Keynote presenters are 2015 Antoinette Brown Award winners the Rev. Traci Blackmon, the Rev. Sharon Ellis Davis, and the Rev. Martha Spong.
The event will take place April 18-20, 2016 (noon to noon) at the Carefree Resort and Conference Center in Carefree, Arizona. It is designed for any UCC clergy who identifies as female, and will provide a mix of plenary sessions, smaller group times (for networking, mobilizing, and learning from one another), and free time to refresh and be energized by the beauty of Arizona. The $100 registration for the event includes housing in single rooms and four meals during the event, additional discounts are provided for Antoinette Brown Society Members ( click here to join). Child care will be provided.
The website for the event and the registration portal can be found here: http://events.uccpages.org/clergywomen2016.html.
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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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The next eHappenings will be sent on Friday, January 29th.
The deadline for submissions is 1/27/16. Email future events to kris@mmsucc.org.
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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.
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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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