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Ginny's Gems
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Ginny's Ministry Theme with the
Missouri Mid-South Conference
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 GINNY'S SCHEDULE
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Location
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Date
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Description
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St. Louis, MO
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Friday, January 29
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Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
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Columbia, MO
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Saturday, January 30
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Conference Council Meeting
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St. Louis, MO
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Sunday, January 31
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Worship at First Congregational UCC, Webster Groves
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Houston, TX
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Thursday, February 4
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Work from Houston
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Friday, February 5
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Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
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Saturday, February 6
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St. Louis, MO
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Sunday, February 7
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Worship at Christ the King UCC, Florissant
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St. Louis, MO
| Monday, February 8 | Clergy Breakfast, Christ the King UCC, Florissant | | St. Louis, MO | Wednesday, February 10 | Every Child's Hope Luncheon | | St. Louis, MO | Friday, February 12 | Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day | |
Union, MO
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Saturday, February 13
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MMS Youth Event, Camp MoVal
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Imperial, MO
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Sunday, February 14
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Installation of Rev. Vicki Hampton, St. Luke's UCC
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St. Louis, MO
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Monday, February 15
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Conference Office closed - President's Day
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Local MMS Conference Information & News
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Ginny's Pics
What an uplifting worship service I experienced on Sunday, January 24 at St. Marks Union UCC in Kansas City, MO with Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard, Jr. and their congregation! How blessed we are to have such an inspiring church in our Conference!
 
On behalf of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC and the United Church of Christ , I had the honor of bringing greetings to our Disciples of Christ brothers and sisters as they installed their Regional Minister for the Greater Kansas City Region, the Rev. Bill Rose-Heim on Sunday, January 24! The Lafayette Cluster group warmly welcomed me at Ebenezer, UCC, in Levasy, MO! The Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC was rocking on Monday, January 25!  
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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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Installation of the Rev. Victoria Hampton
The St. Louis Association of the
Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and St. Luke's United Church of Christ
invite you to a worship service to install
the Rev. Victoria Hampton
on Sunday, February 14 at 3:00 pm
St. Luke's UCC, 6610 St. Luke's Church Rd., Imperial, MO 63052
Preacher for the service is Joe Rowley, Pastor at Emanuel UCC, Jackson, MO
Clergy are invited to robe with red stoles and join in the procession, please arrive by 2:30 (you will be directed to the correct room upon arrival). A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
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Conference Youth Event Reminder
February 13-15, 2016 at Camp MoVal
Registration Deadline - Expired
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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Installation of the Rev. Wendy Bruner
The St. Louis Association of the
Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and Peace UCC
invite you to a worship service to install
the Rev. Wendy Bruner
on Sunday, February 28 at 3:00 pm
Peace UCC, 204 E. Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119
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2016 Basic Support/OCWM ForecastingThis is an appeal for your assistance with monitoring and forecasting the 2016 Basic Support (also called Our  Church's Wider Mission or OCWM) gifts for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. The Finance & Administrative Committee is seeking information on your church's 2015 budgeted amount for Basic Support/OCWM gifts. Below are two 2016 Commitment to Basic Support Forms for this purpose. The Missouri Mid-South Conference appreciates the contributions from your church to Basic Support/Our Church's Wider Mission. The strength of the United Church of Christ locally, nationally, and globally is based upon the sustaining gifts of our member churches to Basic Support/Our Church's Wider Mission. We thank you for the discipline, diligence, and devotion expressed in your mission dollars that provide the ministries which change the lives of people and give hope to people across the United Church and around the world as well as in the communities served by Missouri Mid-South Conference congregations. Complete letterOCWM Form - to be completed on your computer
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Reviving Justice
February 7-8, 2016
St. John's Church UCC, St. Louis and Christ the King UCC, Florissant
Sunday, February 7
10:30am - Rev. Jim Wallis, Guest Preacher @ Saint John's Church (The Beloved Community)
11:00am - Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Guest Preacher @ Christ the King UCC
2:00pm - America's Original Sin: A Conversation About Racism with Jim Wallis @ Saint John's Church (The Beloved Community)
Monday, February 8
7:00pm - Black History Lecture with Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes @ Christ the King UCC
Meet the Speakers:
Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. is the Senior Minister Emeritus of the Riverside Church, an interdenominational (American Baptist and United Church of Christ) church on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City. He was the first African American minister to lead this multicultural congregation, and served it for 18 years. He currently serves as the CEO of the Drum Major Institute.
Rev. Jim Wallisis a Christian writer and political activist. He is best known as the founder and editor of Sojourners magazine and as the founder of the Washington, D.C. - based Christian community of the same name. Wallis is well known for his advocacy on issues of peace and social justice.
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Monthly Church Vitality Conversation - Conflict ManagementFebruary 17, 1pmsponsored by Center for Progressive RenewalSix individuals signed into our recent monthly Conference Church Vitality Webinar on the subject of "Change and Transformation." One of the things you missed if you were not in on the conversation was a video about becoming a "Change Manager" which our Conference coach, Sara Wilcox from the Center for Progressive Renewal, shared with the participants. Here is a link to that video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmoDpj1jtyA
 For the month of February, our Church Vitality webinar will be on the subject of Conflict Management. What if conflict were an inevitable and even transformative part of our plan to become a more vital church? This aspect of the topic is well illustrated in the following excerpt from a sermon which Sara Wilcox wrote about the passage from Gen. 32 about Jacob wrestling: But let us not run from the struggle. Let us not turn our backs. Let us believe with all of our hearts that God meets us there and here. And while we yearn for the blessing at all turns it may be good to remember that as the great prophet and theologian Bono reminds us, "Stop asking God to bless what you are doing. And get involved in what God is doing-because it is already blessed." I believe with all of my heart God is at work in our midst... in the challenges and struggles of our living and being community together and in the dreaming and imagining. If it gets uncomfortable at times, don't run. Hold on, like Jacob. Hold on for the blessing.
You are encouraged to join the Church Vitality Conversation. Our next webinar will be Wednesday, February 17 at 1 p.m. Please use the following link to enter the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
You can also dial in using your phone:
United States: 224-501-3312
Access Code: 945-136-925.
Please contact Scott Lohse, revlohse@gmail.com or Rayla Hogue raykayh@gmail.com with any questions or inquiries.
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2016 Spring Association Meeting Dates and Locations
- Saturday, April 23 - Western Association - Immanuel UCC in New Franklin, MO
- Sunday, April 24 - Eastern Association - Faith UCC in Wentzville, MO
- Thursday, May 5 - St. Louis Association - Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO
Please mark these dates on your calendar now. Further information regarding the meetings will be shared in our eCourier and on our Conference website soon!
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Annual Women's and Men's Retreats
April 29-May 1, 2016
Camp MoVal and Shannondale
The Annual Women's Retreat will be at Camp MoVal in Union, MO on April 29-May 1, 2016. Enjoy a weekend of spiritual renewal, recreation, crafts and fellowship. This year's event is one you will not want to miss! The retreat is open to all women,  chronologically young and young in spirit. It is an inter-generational event where we have the opportunity to make new friends and share where we are in our faith journey with others.
Our musical entertainment of previous retreats has been provided by Susan Drake and Julie Jennings. They moved to Alabama this past year but are coming back as our keynoters. They will share their thoughts on "Finding Freedom in Forgiveness", the what, why and how--as we delve into how giving and receiving forgiveness impacts our daily lives.
Many women have attended for several years and many are first-timers. We encourage you to bring a friend or family member and we look forward to seeing you at Camp MoVal! Brochure and registration.
The Annual Men's Retreat will be at Shanondale in Salem, MO on April 29-May 1, 2016. I personally invest a great deal of my ministry specially reaching out to men in the church and in the community beyond - whom I believe can be the largest neglected minority in the church. Beyond serving on building and grounds committees and civic group style breakfasts, I challenge you to ask yourself how men are included at your church in spiritually transforming 
ways. Statistics bear out that a man's personal engagement in the church impacts his entire family.
This weekend pulls together men from many walks of life for a weekend on sacred ground called Shannondale. Men are reached from several approaches that can touch core aspects of his being: through service, rugged recreation, contemplative communal with nature, sharing around bonfires, table (kitchen and grill) fellowship, heart-felt worship, and many one-on-one deep encounters. Aside from the incredible experience, we hope to jump-start communal faith back home at your church. I make it to a point to round-up and wrangle as many men from my community to attend and I make sure my batteries are recharged by attending myself. Will you strive to encourage at least one man to attend? Brochure.
- Pastor Paul Koch, Regional Minister Team
The Christian Church in Mid-America
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2015 Friends of the Conference Fund Wrap-up
Since the end of August, The Friends of the Conference Fund - a $20,000 Challenge - is just short of $15,000. Many of you have responded, not just once, but 2 or 3 times. Your gifts have ranged from $5 to $1,000. The Conference  Council and Covenanted Ministry for OCWM met the challenge to lead the way. 57 clergy, 1 congregation and numerous individuals responded. We thank you all! The challenge is meant to signal a new beginning and lead the way into new ministries. As we begin the year, there is still time to show your confidence in the new spirit moving among us. Simply send a check to the Conference marked Friends of the Conference, or visit the Conference website. Show your support with a gift and challenge your congregation to increase their giving to OCWM in 2016. -Rev. Keith Karau, Chair
Covenanted Ministry for OCWM
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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!!!
Thank you in advance for you cooperation and participation in this very important statistical gathering process of the UCC.
Renee
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Christian Music Festival
April 16, 2016 at Camp MoVal 
Camp MoVal is hosting another community event! On April 16 th join us for the Christian Music Festival. The concerts will be held across the road at TAMBO. We will have food, fun, and hope to raise funds to help remake TAMBO! There are many exciting things being talked about for the future of this space. Please, come spend the day out at camp and have fun with us in Christian community! All ages and all people are welcome. Please contact Mariah at mariah.moval@mmsucc.org, find our event on Facebook titled MoFestiVal, or give the camp a call for any additional questions or information at 636-583-2730. Event flyer.
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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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New Advertising Guidelines - Items for Sale/Free
Beginning last week, items that are offered for free or for sale within the Conference (i.e. robes, pews, hymnals, books, etc.) are now being 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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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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UCC, Disciples Partner to Bring Clean Water, Justice to Flint, MI
As the potable water crisis in Flint, Mich., deepens, two Christian denominations are partnering to provide solutions.
The Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ, the Disciples' Week of Compassion, and the Michigan Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) announced Jan. 18 the launch of "The Gospel in Action -- Flint," a joint effort to help provide water to the more than 50,000 households in Flint who have not had clean water for almost two years.
The partnership includes providing water to Vermont Christian Church in Flint, which has been designated a water distribution point. "We have a history of working closely with the Disciples," said the Rev. S. C. Campbell Lovett, UCC conference minister in Michigan. With this joint effort, "we are living out that partnership in a powerful way." The conference staff delivered water to Vermont Christian Church Jan. 19, and also stopped by Woodside UCC in Flint to deliver much needed funds for that church's water filter distribution program. Additionally, UCC Disaster Ministries has provided a $3,000 Solidarity Grant to Woodside.
The water problems began in Flint in 2014, when the governor-designated emergency manager of the city approved drawing water from the Flint River instead of purchasing water from Lake Huron via Detroit, an effort to save the city money. According to Kathleen Reid, a member of Woodside UCC's Water Accessibility Committee, Flint's filtration plant was not equipped to treat the warmer river water, resulting in toxic water streaming through the city's pipes. Continue article-article and photo courtesy of ucc.org
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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 has expired. Email future events and
items to advertise to kris@mmsucc.org.
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Employment postings will run for one month, unless otherwise specified.
St. John UCC, St. Charles, MO - Part-time Organist/Pianist, 1/21/16
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. To apply, contact Sarah Price, Director of Music and Worship Arts: sprice@stjohnucc.org.
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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