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Friday, February 12, 2016
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Ginny's Gems
Did you know the UCC has published a hymnal of praise songs that have theological substance and inclusive language?!?! Ginny celebrates "Sing! Prayer and Praise," to the Missouri Mid-South Conference with a praise song that will be our conference praise song each month or period of the Christian year! Our Lenten Praise Song for the Missouri Mid-South Conference is, "You are Welcome Here!"* which is #26 in the book. The song should be our UCC anthem for it says what we celebrate -- No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here! We are THE United Church of Christ! *-copyrighted/licensed, CCLI
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Ginny's Journeys
Check out Ginny's photos highlighting her visits within our Conferenc e. Travel along with Ginny and share her experiences, joys and celebrations each month that make up our Missouri Mid-South Conference!   New photos are added each week!
GINNY'S SCHEDULE
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Location
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Date
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Description
| | 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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Weldon Spring, MO
Imperial, MO
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Sunday, February 14
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Worship at Emmanuel UCC, Weldon Spring
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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St. Louis, MO
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Wednesday, February 17
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Monthly Church Vitality Conversation
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Houston, TX
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Thursday, February 18
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Work from Houston
Eastern Association Committee on Ministry Meeting via Skype
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Houston, TX
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Friday, February 19
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Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
| | Chesterfield, MO |
Sunday, February 21
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Worship at St. John's UCC, Chesterfield
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Springdale, AR
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Wednesday, February 24
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Meet with Marshallese church
| | St. Louis, MO | Friday, February 26 | Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day | | St. Louis, MO | Saturday, February 27 | Gateway ONA Convocation, Parkway UCC, St. Louis | | Owensville, MO | Sunday, February 28 | Worship at St. Johns Bem UCC, Owensville | |
St. Louis, MO
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Monday, February 29
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Western Association Committee on Ministry Meeting via Skype
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 The Stole Project Ginny invited the artists and sewers in our churches to begin making stoles that can be given to those clergy who are ordained and installed as a gift from the Missouri Mid-South Conference! How are you doing? What designs are being created? What prayers are being offered as these stoles are being made? Please let Ginny know if your church is making stoles! Missouri Mid-South Conference Ministry Theme: Gathering at Our Table A few weeks ago, Ginny introduced her Ministry Theme of Gathering at Our Table! In what ways have you gathered together at our table? In worship? In fellowship? In Social Justice? In faith formation? You are invited to take a picture of your table and post it to the Conference Facebook page or send to Ginny at ginny@mmsucc.org so that we can celebrate our tables of ministry throughout the Missouri Mid-South Conference!
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Local MMS Conference Information & News
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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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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
Clergy are invited to gather at 2:30 to process and are asked to wear red stoles.
The Rev. Starsky Wilson, pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ will be preaching and will be joined by the St. John's UCC choir, as well as the choir from Peace UCC. A reception will follow the service.
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Open Door UCC Scholarship Fund
In 2013, the congregation of Church of the Open Door, United Church of Christ in Webster Groves, Missouri agreed that the proceeds from the sale of the church property go to the Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ. It was further agreed the money would be invested and the earnings would be
distributed as follows: one-third to outdoor ministries within the Conference, one-third to theological education (a scholarship for a seminary student from the MMS Conference) and one-third to the Conference operating expenses.
This scholarship was established to utilize the income from this investment. The funds will be disbur sed in accordance with the policies and practices of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ. The number of scholarships and the amount of each scholarship may vary for year to year. The MMS Conference Executive Committee (Joyce Bathke, David Mehl, Ken Ulmer and Linda Stenger) will review the scholarship applications and select the scholarship recipients. The names of those selected will be provided in the conference newsletter or eCourier. The selected recipients will be notified of their selection and the amount of the scholarship awarded to them.
Scholarship applications must be submitted to the Conference office by June 1 for consideration for the upcoming school year. Scholarships will be awarded during the summer so funds can be disbursed at the beginning of the fall semester. A student is eligible for the scholarship for a maximum of three years. The scholarship may be used for tuition, room and board, fees and books. The amount awarded will be paid directly to the seminary where the student is enrolled. Further information and application.
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St. Louis Association Committee on Ministry - Oversight Updates 
The SLA Committee on Ministry - Oversight is delighted to celebrate with the Rev. Mary Albert her retirement this Spring. We want to keep her and Epiphany UCC is our prayers during this time of transition. Best wishes are certainly in order!
The Rev. Jacob (Jake) DeNap was interviewed and his ministerial standing was transferred to the St. Louis Association. Jake is the new Associate Pastor of First Congregational UCC in St. Louis. His installation will be on April 10th at 3 pm. Please join us in welcoming Jake to our Conference!
The Rev. Angela Moore, a hospice chaplain who attends First Congregational Church in Memphis, was granted Privilege of Call and welcomed into the United Church of Christ and the St. Louis Association. Angela comes to us from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Welcome, Angela!
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Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
February 28, 2016
at Zion UCC, Union, MO
The Stewards of Children program will increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child-protective behaviors. This program is for any responsible adult who cares about the welfare of children. It is also appropriate for youth-serving organizations and personnel.
This training is being offered to Zion United Church of Christ in Union, MO and invited guests for NO CHARGE! The event is on Sunday, February 28th from 1-3pm. (Donations will be accepted to cover shipping costs of Interactive Workbooks.) Karen Loesch, Stewards of Children Facilitator will be
Topics Covered:
- Facts about the problem of child sexual abuse
- The types of situations in which child sexual abuse might occur
- Simple, effective strategies for protecting children from sexual abuse
- The importance of talking about the prevention of sexual abuse with children and other adults
- The signs of sexual abuse so that you might intervene and be able to react responsibly
What Outcomes You Can Expect:
- Increased awareness of the prevalence, consequences and circumstances of child sexual abuse
- New skills to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse
- Individual commitment to action via a personal prevention plan
CALL/EMAIL/TEXT TO REGISTER BY February 21, 2016, or confirm your attendance with Alysha Petry, Zion United Church of Christ: apetry@zionunion.org. Event flyer.
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Conference Council Opportunities - Help Identify Prospects
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Leadership Development Committee of the MMSUCC wants you to know we have several leadership opportunities. We ask you, as Conference and Association leaders, to help us identify prospects for the following:
1) Conference Council seats (three year terms) for first term election at June 2016 CAG:
(i) Eastern Association: Two nominees - currently held by
- female Lay member and
- male Lay member
(ii) St. Louis Association: One nominee - currently held by
- male Lay member
(iii) Western Association: Two nominees - currently held by 
- Clergy member and
- female Lay member
The Conference is seeking a highly qualified, diverse pool of potential candidates for the limited number of Conference Council positions. We are gathering names Conference-wide and through the Associations. Prospects are vetted and selected by the Conference Leadership Development Committee as to the best fit for the needs of the Conference. Those ultimately nominated by the committee are carefully chosen so the Council represents diverse population groups and can bring to its deliberations a variety of points of view and life experiences, as well as access to cultural, religious, educational, civic, business and economic resources.
2) Synod Delegates for 2017 (Baltimore) and 2019
Various seats INCLUDING YOUTH / YOUNG ADULT delegates, (youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old and young adults between the ages of 19 and 20)
Please prayerfully consider who might be prospects to serve in these very important roles in the life of our church.
Laura Dierberg Ayers
Leadership Development Committee, Chair
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Emmaus Homes News
In May 2015, the Emmaus Homes Board announced they would be transitioning clients from the Marthasville campus into the community of their choice. We have already experienced great success in the first six months of this process and, in many ways, the transition is moving faster than we anticipated. 
There have been several positive outcomes after the announcement of the Board's decision to transition from the Marthasville campus to the community. We've recently opened our first community home in Marthasville. This beautiful three bedroom, two bathroom home located in a quaint subdivision is now home to three ladies. One client, Mary, transitioned from the Marthasville campus into the home and two other women from the surrounding area joined her. We also have 4 new homes in development: another in Marthasville, one in Wright City, one in Truesdale and the final in Warrenton. Through our surveys we've learned the majority of the 75 clients on the Marthasville campus would like to remain in the Warren/Franklin county area . If any churches or church members have homes they are interested in selling or renting that may meet our criteria, we would love to talk with you! Contact Laura for more information. Continue article.
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Won't You Join Us and Contribute to OCWM in 2016?This 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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TICK-TOCK - It's Church Yearbook Time!
Have you started your church yearbook reports yet? No?! Well you have less than one month to complete your forms and enter your information into the UCC Data Hub. The deadline for churches is Monday, March 7. If you prefer our Conference to enter your information, your reports must in our Conference office no later than Monday, March 14. These deadline dates are set by Cleveland and are not negotiable. The various information/links provided below will give you the tools you need to complete your yearbook reports:
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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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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The Festival of Young (Women) Preachers
April 7, 2016 at Eden Theological Seminary
Join the Alliance for Baptists for an event inspired by the work of the Academy of Preachers (AoP), which has existed since 2009 "to identify, network, support, and inspire young people in their call to Gospel preaching."
We will spend the morning learning from plenary and discussion leaders, as well as from one another, as we  explore the work of preaching and ministry. The afternoon will be spent in preaching sessions during which each young preacher will have the opportunity to share a sermon connecting with the theme of the Alliance's Annual Gathering: Bearing in Courage, Rooted in Hope.
While the focus of the Annual Gathering and our preaching festival will largely be the joys and struggles of the journey for women in ministry, men and women alike (up to age 35; students, church staff members, or new to the work of preaching) are invited to participate.
Young preachers are asked to invite a mentor who will help them to prepare for the event, and will also receive feedback from a preaching coach following the afternoon preaching sessions.
Note: Others who will be in St. Louis for the Alliance's Annual Gathering and who would like to show their support for these young preachers and their mentors are welcome to attend the Festival as well. Please choose the "Guest" option on the registration form.
To learn more about our time together, including accommodations, schedule and preaching texts,
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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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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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UCC Leaders Carry Justice Call for Poultry Workers to Shareholder Meeting
February 05, 2016 Written by Anthony MoujaesJustice leaders from across the United Church of Christ are speaking on behalf of the voiceless in society this week at a corporate shareholder meeting to call attention to what they see as negative working conditions that Tyson Food employees must endure almost daily. 
The Rev. Albon Langbon, who pastors Marshallese UCC, will be one of the voices at a rally Friday morning before the Tyson Foods shareholder meeting in Springdale, Ark. Langbon pastors a church with members who have emigrated from the Marshall Islands. Some of his congregants work in the Tyson facility and he is sensitive to their struggle. He will have the support of UCC national staff, the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and United Church Funds in pressing the food industry giant to adopt a resolution to put together an objective, public report released annually on working conditions in their plant.
Edith Rasell, minister of economic justice for the UCC, is planning to attend the Friday rally in support of the workers prior to the shareholder meeting. "These workers are facing a multi-billion dollar, multi-national firm. All they want are decent, safe working conditions and respect - things that every worker deserves," she said. Continue article. article and photo courtesy of ucc.org
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UCC Volunteer Ministries - Two Young Adult Programs AvailableWider Church Ministries
Volunteer Ministries, part of Wider Church Ministries at the national setting, is trying to promote two young adult programs for which we are currently accepting applications.  Please share this information with your congregation and youth leaders. See the details below:
1). Transform your life and transform our world through the faith-inspired pursuit of justice, collaborative action, and intentional living in a UCC Young Adult Service Community. Work with social agencies and church communities, and engage with questions of meaning and vocational discernment. Applications are due Feb. 15 for the Sept. 2016 - August 2017 cycle. For more information and to apply, visit: www.ucc.org/volunteer_yasc
2). Do you know a young adult who is looking for an internship this summer? Applications are now open for Summer Communities of Service, an ecumenical collaboration between UCC Volunteer Ministries and the Alliance of Baptists. Participants live and serve for 10 weeks in host congregations located around the country. The internship provides the opportunity for participants to engage in community living, leadership development, hands on justice advocacy and service, and faith conversations. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin the online application as soon as possible here: www.ucc.org/volunteer_scos
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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, February 15th in honor of President's Day
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The next eHappenings will be sent on Monday, February 29th.
The deadline for submissions is 2/25/16. 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.
Emmaus Homes, Direct Support Professional - Various Location, 2/5/16
Emmaus Homes is seeking passionate individuals who are looking for a rewarding career that makes a difference in the lives of others! We have current openings throughout Warren County, St. Charles County and St. Louis County. Your role as a Direct Support Professional is critical in the overall success of our mission. You will support the needs of our clients in maximizing their ability to be as independent as possible. Pay starts at $10/hour with a $1/hour weekend differential. No experience required. We offer hands on training, medical and dental insurance, company match retirement, and more. View the full job description here!
Emmaus Homes, Home Manager - Various Locations, 2/5/16
Emmaus Homes is seeking passionate leaders who enjoy working with adults with developmental disabilities and making a difference in the lives of others! We have current openings throughout Warren County, St. Charles County, and St. Louis County. Your role as Home Manager provides support to not only our clients but also our Direct Support Professionals. You will provide supports as described in Individual Support Plans, and advocate for the rights and needs of all persons served. You will also supervise a team of Direct Support Professionals, complete performance appraisals, schedule activities and coordinate staff work schedules. Minimum of 1 year working in Developmental Disabilities field in direct care capacity; or a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 500 hours worked in MR/DD field. View the full job description here!
Emmaus Homes, Recruiting Specialist - St. Charles, MO, 2/5/16
Emmaus Homes is seeking an individual who is passionate about recruiting talent to support our more than 270 clients. Your key responsibilities would include recruiting and selecting employees to fulfill talent needs for the organization through creative sourcing, interviewing, assessing and more. Your role will also manage the applicant tracking system, processing appropriate background checks and new hire on-boarding. View the full job description here!
Emmaus Homes, Employment Branding Specialist - St. Charles, MO, 2/5/16
Are you a branding rock star? Someone who loves to tell stories, engage audience, and simultaneously make a difference in the lives of others? The Employment Branding Specialist would be a key part of bringing Emmaus' employment brand to life. Your primary responsibilities would include leading and implementing an employment branding strategy to support recruitment and retention of employees. We are looking for someone who is creative and wants to help spread our brand message to a multitude of audiences, but most importantly, to our 700+ talented employees. If you're an organized yet out of the box thinker with a passion for branding, apply today! View the full job description here!
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.
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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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