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Welcome to our weekly eblast, the Missouri Mid-South Conference eCourier.  We are a collection of 140+ local congregations in the United Church of Christ denomination covering the geographic region of Missouri, Arkansas, and Memphis, TN.   

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. 
We believe in extravagant welcome.  This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable.  We advocate justice for all.  Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love.  We teach that evangelism - offering bread to those in search of it - is God's mission.  Our perspective is global, not provincial.  We work with - not against - people of other faiths.  Why? Because God is still speaking, 
Ginny's Gems


Ginny Gems will return next week.  The staff of the Missouri Mid-South Conference wishes you a joyous and Happy Easter!
Ginny's Schedule
Location 
Date 
Description 
Houston, TX
3/21-3/25/16
Ginny Vacation

3/25/16
Good Friday, Office Closed
St. Louis, MO
3/29/16
MMS Conference Open House
Eden Seminary Convocation
Orlando, FL
3/30-4/1/16
Stepping into Stewardship Conference
Kansas City, MO
4/3/16
Worship at St. Peters UCC
St. Louis, MO
4/6/16
Children's Advocacy Day w/Deaconess Foundation
St. Louis, MO
4/7/16
Young Women Preachers Festival
St. Louis, MO
4/8/16
Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
St. Louis, MO
4/9/16
Alliance of Baptists Convocation
Owensville, MO
4/10/16
St. Johns (Bem) UCC
Houston, TX
4/11-13/16
Work from home
Riverside, NY
4/14-16/16
Attend Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer Installation
St. Louis, MO
4/17/16
Worship at Calvary UCC
As Holy Week Approaches, "A Word to the Church"
 The leadership of the United Church of Christ, concerned with the political rhetoric aimed at the marginalized people of society in this election cycle, spoke out in support for and solidarity with a Holy Week statement released by The Episcopal Church. The UCC national officers and  Council of Conference Ministers, in testimony to the ecumenical relationship between the two churches, expressed gratitude to The Episcopal Church  for "the courage to speak, and for granting us the kindness of joining them in this statement."

Here is the text of "A Word to the Church" from The Episcopal Church House of Bishops for Holy Week 2016.

"We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others."

On Good Friday the ruling political forces of the day tortured and executed an innocent man. They sacrificed the weak and the blameless to protect their own status and power. On the third day Jesus was raised from the dead, revealing not only their injustice but also unmasking the lie that might makes right.

In a country still living under the shadow of the lynching tree, we are troubled by the violent forces being released by this season's political rhetoric. Americans are turning against their neighbors, particularly those on the margins of society. They seek to secure their own safety and security at the expense of others. There is legitimate reason to fear where this rhetoric and the actions arising from it might take us.

In this moment, we resemble God's children wandering in the wilderness. We, like they, are struggling to find our way. They turned from following God and worshiped a golden calf constructed from their own wealth. The current rhetoric is leading us to construct a modern false idol out of power and privilege. We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else.

We call for prayer for our country that a spirit of reconciliation will prevail and we will not betray our true selves. 

continue article 
MMS Conference Office Open House, 3/29/16
The Missouri Mid-South Conference will once again be hosting an Open House on Tuesday, March 29, from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm.  If you will be on campus that day attending Spring Convocation at Eden Seminary, we encourage you stop by and say hello!  Our office is located at 483 E. Lockwood Avenue, Suite 15, St. Louis, MO 63119 - we are in Schultz Hall - Door A.  It's been 5 years since our move from The White House, so if you've never visited us before now is the perfect time.

Of course we will have lots of yummy snacks and beverages (what, you thought we wouldn't have food?!) and several of our staffers will also be present, including Jeremy from Camp MoVal and Jeff Fulk from Shannondale, who will be visiting in the morning.  So bring your questions, your smiles and yourselves to our Open House!  We look forward to seeing you! 
FINAL UCC Yearbook Update
Thank you to the following 107 churches which provided yearbook statistics to be shared on the national level.  The final breakout by Association is:

 Eastern Association - 39 churches
 St. Louis Association - 37 churches
 Western Association - 31 churches

City
Name
State
Assn
Little Rock
Faith United Church of Christ
AR
440
Arnold
Saint Mark UCC
MO
440
Hermann
Zion Saint Paul UCC
MO
436
Owensville
Saint John's UCC
MO
436
Berger
Bethany UCC
MO
436
Augusta
Ebenezer UCC
MO
436
Hermann
Zion Saint Paul UCC
MO
436
Billings
Saint Peter's Evangelical UCC
MO
444
Blackburn
Saint Paul's Church UCC
MO
444
Owensville
Saint John's (Bem)
MO
436
Bonne Terre
First Congregational United Church of Christ
MO
440
Boonville
Saint Johns United Church of Christ of Billingsville
MO
444
Mc Girk
Salem United Church of Christ
MO
444
California
United Church of Christ
MO
444
Chamois
Saint John UCC
MO
436
Chesterfield
Ivy Chapel UCC
MO
440
Chesterfield
Saint John's UCC
MO
440
Chesterfield
Saint Thomas UCC
MO
440
Columbia
United Church of Christ
MO
444
Cosby
Hope United Church of Christ
MO
444
Deepwater
Valley Center UCC
MO
444
Defiance
Saint Paul's UCC
MO
436
DeSoto
Hope United Church of Christ
MO
440
Emma
Saint John UCC
MO
444
Florence
Saint John UCC
MO
444
Florissant
Church of the Master UCC
MO
440
Florissant
Christ the King United Church of Christ
MO
440
Foristell
Saint John's/Cappeln UCC
MO
436
Fulton
Fulton United Church of Christ
MO
444
Gerald
Saint Paul UCC
MO
436
Grandin
First Congregational UCC Grandin
MO
436
Grand Pass
Saint Luke UCC
MO
444
Hartsburg
Peace United Church of Christ
MO
444
Hermann
Saint Paul UCC
MO
436
Higginsville
Salem United Church of Christ
MO
444
High Hill
Saint John's UCC
MO
436
High Ridge
Saint Martin UCC
MO
440
Imperial
Saint Luke's UCC
MO
440
Marthasville
Immanuels UCC
MO
436
Independence
Saint Luke's UCC
MO
444
Jackson
Emanuel United Church of Christ
MO
436
Jefferson City
Central United Church of Christ
MO
444
Kansas City
Bethel United Church of Christ
MO
444
Kansas City
Country Club Congregational UCC
MO
444
Kansas City
Peace Christian Church
MO
444
Kansas City
Saint Peter's UCC
MO
444
Labadie
Pilgrim United Church of Christ
MO
436
Lebanon
First Congregational UCC
MO
444
Lexington
Trinity United Church of Christ
MO
444
Levasy
Ebenezer UCC
MO
444
Lexington
Trinity UCC
MO
444
Manchester
Saint John UCC
MO
440
Marthasville
Saint Paul's UCC
MO
436
Mayview
Zion United Church of Christ
MO
444
Morrison
Saint James UCC
MO
436
New Cambria
United Church of New Cambria
MO
444
New Franklin
Immanuel UCC
MO
444
New Haven
Saint Peter's UCC
MO
436
New Melle
Friedens Peace UCC
MO
436
Saint Peters
Grace United Church of Christ
MO
436
Old Monroe
Saint Paul UCC
MO
436
Owensville
Saint James/Charlotte UCC
MO
436
Owensville
Saint Peter's UCC
MO
436
Pershing
Zion-Saint Peter UCC
MO
436
Pinckney
Saint John's UCC
MO
436
Poplar Bluff
New Life Christian United Church of Christ
MO
436
Raytown
Southwood UCC
MO
444
Ryors
Ebenezer Ryors UCC
MO
436
Saint Charles
Friedens UCC
MO
436
Saint Charles
Good Shepherd UCC
MO
436
Saint Charles
Saint John UCC
MO
436
Saint Clair
Saint John UCC
MO
436
Saint Joseph
Zion UCC
MO
444
Saint Louis
Bethany-Peace UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Brentwood Congregational Church
MO
440
Saint Louis
Calvary UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Carondelet UCC
MO
440
Maplewood
Christ Church, UCC (Maplewood)
MO
440
Affton
Eden United Church of Christ
MO
440
Saint Louis
Epiphany UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
First Congregational Church of Saint Louis UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
First Congregational Church of Webster Groves
MO
440
Saint Louis
Grace United Church of Christ
MO
440
Saint Louis
Glory to Glory Christian Church
MO
440
Saint Louis
Hope United Church of Christ
MO
440
Ferguson
Immanuel/Ferguson UCC
MO
440
Kirkwood
Kirkwood UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Mount Tabor UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Parkway United Church of Christ
MO
440
Saint Louis
Saint John's Evangelical UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Saint Lucas UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Saint Paul UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Peace United Church of Christ
MO
440
Saint Louis
Prince of Peace United Church of Christ
MO
440
Ferguson
Saint Peter's Evangelical UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Saint Philips UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Saint John's Church (North Grand) UCC
MO
440
Saint Louis
Samuel UCC
MO
440
Sedalia
Immanuel UCC
MO
444
Springfield
Saint John's Chapel UCC
MO
444
Troy
Zion United Church of Christ
MO
436
Union
Zion United Church of Christ
MO
436
Warrenton
Friedens UCC
MO
436
Washington
Saint Peter's UCC
MO
436
Weldon Spring
Emmanuel United Church of Christ
MO
436
Weldon Spring
St. John United Church of Christ
MO
436
Wentzville
Faith United Church of Christ
MO
436

*as of 3/21/16.  Printable list

Thank you to all of the MMSUCC churches listed above.  The National office is grateful for your data, as is our Conference!  Let's shoot for 100% participation next year!

Renee   
Initial Communications Conference Mailing
In an effort to be more inclusive and  expansive in our communications activity as a Conference, the newly-formed Communications Covenanted Ministry will be instituting an occasional hard-copy mailing to churches, Pastors and Association/Conference leadership.  This mailing will be assembled by a volunteer team coordinated by the Communications Covenanted Ministry and distributed 3-4 times/year.  The current plan is for future mailings
to be sent in late August and mid-November, 2016. 

Your church should have received the first mailing this week, so please look for the envelope at your church.  Enclosed you will find many event flyers and information to be shared with your congregation.  Please read and distribute widely.     
This is just one aspect of a multi-faceted plan by the Communications Covenanted Ministry to enhance Conference Communications.  Other new initiatives are being developed this spring for roll-out at the Conference Annual Gathering, and possibly at our Association meetings this spring and fall.  Watch the eCourier for more announcements and initiatives as we work towards being ever more inclusive and expansive in our Communications Activity!  
CIIMs Meeting, 4/5/16
 
Collegium for Intentional Interim Ministers (CIIMs) 
 
Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 5th
Place: First Congregational-Webster Groves
Time:  1:00pm  (we do gather a little earlier to share lunch)
 
There will be a special topic presentation by Rev. Frank Proctor. Please plan to join us.  If there are any questions, please call any member of the Steering Committee:     
Rodger Kiepe, 573-619-9692
Mark Strothmann, 314-779-6940
Felicia Scott, 314-239-9314
 
Come. All are welcome here.
MoVal Counselor Training
 
Are you thinking about summer 2016 yet? It is coming up quick! We are looking for male and female counselors for all age ranges of campers. Our camp sessions that need counselors start May 31st through August 6th, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to come serve at MoVal!  The training dates for NEW counselors:
  • April 2nd
  • May 7th
  • May 14th
On April 9th and April 23rd, refresher courses will be held for counselors who served in 2015.

Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in counseling and to sign up for a training date. You must attend a training date in order to volunteer with MoVal campers.  We look forward to seeing you this summer at Camp MoVal!
Festival of Young (Women) Preachers Event
 
You are invited to join the Alliance of Baptists 
on April 7, 2016 in St. Louis, at Eden Theological Seminary!  
Registration: $50 for preachers & mentors, $25 for guests
 
The event is 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, click here
 
Mission Funds Available from Outreach SLA 
It is pleasure to serve you in supporting your work in caring for those in our null community. The Outreach Committee in dialogue with the St. Louis Association Council is working to provide support to mission agencies and new multi- church outreach projects. We are giving preference to existing mission agencies that are closely aligned with the St. Louis Association and new multi-congregational UCC mission projects through one time grants.

Please review the criteria before submitting an application, which is due April 15, 2016.

Click here to read entire letter/criteria and here for application 
2016 National Youth Event Transportation
The Missouri Mid-South Conference has chartered a bus for the National Youth Event (NYE) 2016, which will be held at Walt Disney World in Florida.  NYE participants that would like to ride with the conference should email Alysha Petry at [email protected] by May 27 to ensure your space is saved.  Even if you have already rented vehicles for transportation, please consider this option. 

There are several benefits to riding down as a group, including getting to know one another as a conference.   If we have less than 40 riders, vans may be substituted for the charter bus.  Youth and their adult leaders/chaperons will have first priority as riders.  The bus departs on Monday, July 25 and will return to the St. Louis area on Sunday, July 31.  At this time we expect the price per person to be $200.  We are seeking monetary support from our associations and individuals in the conference to help lower the price.  Please contact one of the following for questions or more information:
Standing Rules for 2016 CAG
The 2016 Conference Annual Gathering (CAG) will once again be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO, June 9-11.  Below are the Standing Rules and Rules for the Introduction of New Business that have been approved by the MMS Conference Council.  Please reference these if you have any new business that you would like us to consider in June.  This same information was mailed to all churches back in September along with a letter from Joyce Bathke, Conference Moderator.  Another letter was recently mailed to all churches again, along with the two below documents.

Please review the documents explaining the procedures and deadline dates: 
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 disbursed 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.  Further information and application.

Contact Us
MMS Logo Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ
483 E. Lockwood Avenue, Suite 15, St. Louis, MO 63119-3168

877-877-5884  /  314-962-8740  /  314-918-2160 fax

www.missourimidsouth.org

Email Renee Cordes for future submissions.  Not all submissions may be shared in future eCouriers, eConnections or eHappenings.
In This Issue - 3/24/2016
Eden Seminary
Spring Convocation,
March 29-30
2016 Spring Convocation Brueggemann Kulenkamp Lectures will take place at Eden Seminary March 29-30. This year's theme, Forward from Ferguson: Prophetic & Pastoral Visions, will focus on empowering the ministry of pastors and communities in responding to God's call for social justice from Ferguson and beyond. 

Join us for the biblical and pastoral theological scholarship of Walter Brueggemann, Gregory Ellison II, and Iva Carruthers in responding to the challenge of racial justice in the church and its mission. Watch for more information about these scholars on www.eden.edu in the days and weeks ahead. Registration. Event flyer.

Spring Convocation is an opportunity for pastors and lay people to listen to and interact with outstanding biblical and theological scholars. We hope to see you on campus!
The Rev. Jimmy Watson Installation Service
The St. Louis Association of
the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ and Immanuel (Ferguson)  United Church of Christ invite you to a worship service to install
The Rev. Dr. Jimmy Watson
Sunday, April 4 at 3pm 

Immanuel (Ferguson) UCC
126 Church St,  
St. Louis, MO 63135

A reception in Fellowship Hall will follow the service.  Clergy are invited to join the processional.  Please RSVP to the church office by calling 314-521-7324 or email [email protected].   
The Rev. Jacob DeNap Installation Service
The St. Louis Association of
the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ
and First Congregational United Church of Christ invite you to a worship service to install
The Rev. Jacob (Jake) DeNap
Sunday, April 10 at 3pm 

First Congregational UCC
6501 Wydown   
St. Louis, MO 63105 
The Rev. Catherine Jurgens Installation Service
To the Clergy and Laity of the Western Association
 
The Western Association,
Missouri Mid-South Conference,
United Church of Christ
And Immanuel United Church of Christ invite you to attend the
 
Service of Installation for
The Rev. Catherine Jurgens
 
to be held at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
 
Immanuel United Church of Christ
418 W 4th St
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 826-3553
 
Rev. Collette Jones will deliver the message. Clergy are invited to wear red stoles. A reception will follow the service.
2016 Spring Association Meeting Dates
  • 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! 
Annual Women's & Men's Retreats
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 those young in spirit. It is an intergenerational 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.  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
MoVal Christian Music Festival
Camp MoVal is hosting another community event! On April 16 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; admission is $10.

Please contact Mariah at [email protected], 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.
UCC Shares Open Invitation to Three  Installation Services for the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer
Three locations. Three preachers at each service. An extravagant welcome to all who would like to attend.

The Rev. John C. Dorhauer will be formally installed as the United Church of Christ's ninth general minister and president during a three-city worship service in mid-April. The three events, scheduled on April 15 in New York City, April 16 in Chicago and April 17 in Seattle, will include a trio of UCC pastors and leaders who have been invited to offer three brief "vision statements" at each worship location.

But as organizers point out, these three services are not just about the installation of one person; (continue article)
Conference Closed
Our Conference office will be closed on Friday, March 25.  We will reopen on Monday, March 28 at 8:00 am.  Happy Easter!
Employment Opportunities
Future eHappenings
The next eHappenings will be shared on Thursday, March 31.  Please send your events and items to advertise to Kris by 3/29/16.
Conference Staff Birthdays
April
4/3 - Lorraine Brooks
Quick Links
MMSUCC Conference Website
National UCC Website
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