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April 15-16, Bi-Vocational Ministry Conference
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.April 16, Rummage Sale, 8am-Noon
The Annual Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, 620 N Woods Mill Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017 Rummage Sale will be held. Donations may be dropped off at church starting after worship on April 10. Many, many items will be available including housewares, kids' and adult clothing, toys, holiday items, home décor & knick-knacks, furniture and more! Money raised will help fund the Ivy Chapel UCC 2016 Summer Youth Mission Trip, as well as other youth programs.
April 16, Rummage Sale, 8am-1pm
Calvary United Church of Christ, 2501 Hartland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63114, is holding this Spring Sale. Shop early for the best selection. Shop later for the best bargains. Please call 314-429-7464 with questions.
April 16, Celebration of 10 Years of Ministry: Rev. Mary Albert, 5pm
You are invited to join us here at Epiphany United Church of Christ 2911 McNair Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63118. Rev. Mary Albert will be retiring on April 24th. We will gather in the fellowship hall, where there will be a potluck dinner (entrée and beverages provided) beginning at 5:30pm. RSVP's to d-m-g@juno.com for dinner would be helpful so we know how to plan for seating, beverages and the entrée. Starting about 6:30pm we will have the opportunity to share memories of our time together, celebrate Mary's leadership and presence among us, and wish her well as she prepares to retire. Those wishing to share in the remembering who cannot be present are welcome to send cards, letters, photos, etc., to Epiphany UCC, Attention: SCRAPBOOK, 2911 McNair Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118. And if you are so inclined, bring your dancing shoes and come along as the party moves to the Casa Loma Ballroom (3354 Iowa, admission $10) later that evening.
You are also welcome to join us for Mary's final worship service with us on Sunday, April 24, at 10:30am. The Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel, Missouri Mid-South Conference Minister, and The Rev. Ann Asper Wilson from the St. Louis Association Committee on Ministry-Oversight, will be sharing in worship with us on this special day. We have so much to celebrate and we welcome all who are able to come. A "Seeds of Vision" fund has been established in recognition of Mary's ministry among us these last 10 years. It will provide seed monies for collaborative justice ministries we know lay ahead for Epiphany, our partners, and our community. Another opportunity to honor Mary's ministry in the weeks ahead...
April 17, Triumph through Struggle: A Journey of Music and Story, 4pm
Join us at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 10 W. Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119, for this event which features the First Congregational Webster Groves Chancel Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Bach Society Young Artists, and Dr. Ray Landis, Organ. Choral music of J.S. Bach and organ music of Franz Liszt, interwoven with story and poetry. A wine and cheese reception will follow. Offering will be taken to support the work of Magdalene House, St. Louis. Questions, please contact Ray Landis, or Cliff Aerie. 314-962-0475.
April 17, Installation Service for the Rev. Catherine Jurgens, 3pm
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 Immanuel United Church of Christ, 418 W 4th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. Rev. Collette Jones will deliver the message. Clergy are invited to wear red stoles. A reception will follow the service. 
April 18-20, Polity Conference, "Mission, Church Polity, and the (Dis)Unity of the Church"
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:
April 18-20, UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event
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:
April 22, Shrimp Boil Fundraiser, 5pm
Do you look forward to a relaxing, fun evening with the family where you can enjoy a Low country Shrimp Boil and help raise funds for Back Bay misson at the same time? Forget about silverware! We're using our fingers to scoop up the delicious morsels of Shrimp, Corn on the Cob, Sausage, Potatoes, Corn Muffins and Dessert spread out on the tables before you. Oh, and for those who aren't shrimp eaters, there will be hotdogs. Christ called upon us to be "Fishers of Men." We're going to be "Shrimpers of Men," and look forward to seeing you at Friedens United Church of Christ, 1703 S Old Highway 94, St. Charles, MO 63303. We'll be gathering here at 5pm - cooking starts around 5:30pm. WHY? Because it will be a fun dinner in fellowship supporting Back Bay Mission which is almost 100-years old, a community ministry of the United Church of Christ. We want to help Back Bay with financial support. Needs are great there because of the effects of hurricane Katrina, because of ingrained poverty, and because adequate housing is not available. Back Bay helps feed 400 families each month with its client-choice food bank, operates the Micah Day Center for emergency housing, and has been especially focused on house restoration currently restoring 9 homes for veterans, and has a kitchen which has been feeding the hungry since 1983. For more information about the event and about Back Bay Mission, go to the Friedens website: Friedens-ucc.org. Event FLYERApril 23, Wurstmarkt Sausage Supper, 4pm-7pm
Come and enjoy sausage made from an old family recipe at Christ Church UCC, 2200 Bellevue Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143. $10 for Adults, $5 for Kids, Under 4-free. No tax! No tips! The Supper includes: All You Can Eat German Link Sausage, Mashed Potatoes, Sauerkraut, Green Beans, Applesauce, Dessert Selection, Coffee, Tea & Milk. Soda & Schlafly Beer also available at extra cost. Precooked and fresh frozen links and bulk, 1 lb packages available for $3.50 per pound at the dinner or by calling 314-644-3033 or 314-583-9935. Will deliver after event.
April 23, Western Association Spring Meeting,10am-3pm
Hosted by Immanuel United Church of Christ, 110 W. Church St., New Franklin, MO, 65274. Registration begins at 9:30am Event FLYER
April 23 & 24, Rummage & Furniture Sale
St. Johns United Church of Christ, 11333 St. Johns Church Rd. St. Louis, MO 63123, will hold this sale on Saturday, April 23 from 7am-2pm and on Sunday, April 24 from 12:30pm- 3pm. This sale features 2 full buildings for 2 days, 2 times a year! Event FLYERApril 24, Eastern Association Spring Meeting, 2-5pm
Hosted by Faith United Church of Christ, 106 Kent Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385-1310.
April 26, Continuing Education Program, 9am-12:30pm
Managing Conflict, Finding Meaning--Supporting Families at Life's End, will be held at Eden Theological Seminary's Wehrli Chapel. This continuing education program explores the best practices for supporting patients and families at the end of life. Clergy, religious professionals, lay pastoral caregivers, human service providers and students who wish to deepen perspectives and increase skills to help dying persons and their loved ones are welcome to attend. Particular emphasis will be placed on managing sources of conflict that often emerge near life's end, as well as how to help individuals and families find meaning at that stage of life.
This educational session features a recorded webinar, produced by the Hospice Foundation of America as part of the Living with Grief series. The DVD highlights a national panel of professionals, moderated by Dr. JoAnne Reifsnyder, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations of Genesis Healthcare, Inc. After the two-hour DVD, a local St. Louis panel will be moderated by Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, Associate Dean for Contextual Education and Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Eden Seminary. A $10 registration fee includes a complimentary copy of the conference companion book for the first 100 registrants. this book is provided by a generous gift from Gerber Funeral Providers, affiliated with Dignity Memorial Funeral Providers. Registration is required for all attendees.
April 29, The All-In Music Project, 7pm
The All-In Music Project is seeking to use music as a means of inspiring active solidarity with marginalized people, building community, and educating/mobilizing for social transformation. Started by Eric Moeller (a pastor and Member in Discernment of the Eastern Association) and several other students of Eden Seminary, the project is seeking to do a unique tour this summer, as well as complete some unique recording projects. This event at Eden will be an evening of worship, celebration, and learning what the project is up to. It is free to attend, but there will be an offering during the worship service to support the work of the project for those who wish to. So, come on out and praise, dance, and celebrate with Eric and the All-In Band! Contact Eric with any questions at emoeller@eden.edu. For more information about the band or the project visit: www.reverbnation.com/ericandtheallinband or www.facebook.com/allinmusicproject April 29-May 1, Women's Retreat
Come join us for a weekend of spiritual renewal, recreation, crafts, and fellowship at Camp MoVal in Union, Missouri. Scholarships are available. Our speakers, Susan Drake and Julie Jennings, 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.
Look forward to good fellowship, thoughtful discussions, and fun as we learn more about becoming the women God intends us to be. Click HERE for registration brochure.
April 29-May 1, Men's Retreat
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 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? Event FLYER
May 1, All You Can Eat Fried Chicken Dinner, 11am-5:30pm
St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 150 Defiance Rd., Defiance, MO 63341 is hosting this dinner which will feature a Quilt Raffle, Country Store and Attendance Prizes. Adults-$11, Children-$5. Under 5 eat free. Come and enjoy! Call 636-987-2696, for more information.
May 5, MMSUCC Boundary Training Session, 9am-4pm
The Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid South Conference is offering a boundary training session at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 1700 E 5th St., Washington, MO 63090. If you wish to attend, please complete the registration form. Future 2016 boundary training dates will be posted on our website. If you have questions regarding boundary training, please contact Kris at the Conference office at 314-918-2605 or kris@mmsucc.org
May 5, St. Louis Association Spring Meeting, 5pm-9pm
Hosted by Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119.
May 15, Friends of Emmaus 5th Annual Spring Festival
Please join us for a day filled of fun and activities to honor and support the Emmaus homes!
More details to come.
May 15, Earth Walk: A Concert for Mother Earth, 3pm
Please join us at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Webster Groves, where jazz, storytelling, art and dance come together in a creative celebration this Pentecost. The Oikos Ensemble under the direction of Rev. Cliff Aerie will be joined by painter Michael Anderson and the Leverage Dance Theater. Jazz, dance and painting will tell the story our call to be faithful stewards of the earth. Come and witness a jazz eco-procession by dancers and jazz musicians; hear the creation story come alive through the music of Miles Davis' "Blue in Green;" learn more about the reality of climate change; listen to the plaintive blues original, "Mother Earth Won't Last;" learn more about what you can do to care for Mother Earth. A wine and cheese reception will follow with interactive resources provided by the Botanical Garden's EarthWays Center. A free-will offering will be received to benefit the Green Team of First Congregational United Church of Christ, 10 W Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119. Please contact Cliff Aerie or Ray Landis with questions: 314-962-0475. Event FLYER
May 15, Book Discussion, 6:30-8:30pm
Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, by Robert Putnam, is a groundbreaking examination of the growing inequality gap from the bestselling author of Bowling Alone: Why Fewer Americans Today Have the Opportunity for Upward Mobility.
It's the American dream: get a good education, work hard, buy a house, and achieve prosperity and success. This is the America we believe in-a nation of opportunity, constrained only by ability and effort. But during the last twenty-five years we have seen a disturbing "opportunity gap" emerge. Americans have always believed in equality of opportunity, the idea that all kids, regardless of their family background, should have a decent chance to improve their lot in life. Now, this central tenet of the American dream seems no longer true or at the least, much less true than it was.
Join us in the Adult Education room at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122, as we discuss this compelling book. KUCC member Mary Rich will lead our discussion.
May 18, Every Child's Hope Ladies Aid Spring Luncheon, 11:30am
Please join us in the ECH Dining Hall, 8240 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Louis, MO 63114 for this luncheon which will include a bake sale. The bake sale begins at 11:30, lunch is served at noon. Tickets are $10 per person and includes lunch, dessert and entertainment featuring a historical re-enactment by Barbara Kay as Martha Washington. Please RSVP by May 11 to Ashley Hendley: 314-427-3755. Guests are encouraged to bring a homemade item for the bake sale and/or baking mixes for the children at ECH. All are welcome to join us for a fun afternoon of food, fellowship, and supporting the children and families of ECH.
June 2 - 3, Common Ground - A Ministry Retreat, 10am
The Faith Formation Team of the United Church of Christ's Local Church Ministries, in conjunction with Common Grounds at First Churches of Northampton, MA is hosting a Still Speaking Worship event: Common Ground, A Farm-To-Table Dinner Ministry Retreat. These events are designed to network United Church of Christ churches with other UCC churches innovative practices in the area of faith formation. Churches are invited to send people to observe and experience the practice and then reflect on the experience and participate in discussion around bringing this practice back to their own ministry settings. This event in Northampton is an invitation to reimagine church community in the garden and at the table. Click on the link below to see pertinent details as well as registration information.
June 2 - June 14, The Inaugural All-In Tour
Traveling from St. Louis to DC with stops in Nashville, Atlanta, and North Carolina, the All-In Tour will combine elements of an immersion experience with a unique roving worship experience and a Rock n' Roll/Social Justice festival tour. We are seeking to use music and the arts as a means of inspiring active solidarity with marginalized people, building community, and educating/mobilizing for social transformation. Two days will be spent in each city. In each city the participants will engage in the following:
-spend time with local grassroots/service organizations learning about social issues, their work, and connecting with the people they serve
-design and facilitate a unique worship service that will be hosted at a local UCC congregation
-join Eric and the All-In band at shows in local venues that will bring together music, displays and reps from local organizations, and a diverse cross-section of the community to inspire and resource people to get involved in their communities in a positive way
It is sure to be a fun and meaningful experience for all those involved! To register or get more information, contact Eric Moeller at emoeller@eden.edu, or 928-607-6560 (feel free to text!). You must be 18 years or older to participate. Space is limited so don't hesitate! Get in touch and be a part of this powerful, connective, and transformative experience.
June 9-11, MMSUCC Conference Annual Gathering (CAG)
Mark your calendars for this year's Conference Annual Gathering to be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO. More details to follow. Event FLYER.
August 4 - August 6 UCCOSSN 2016 Annual Conference
Hosted by Rockville United Church of Christ, 355 Linthicum St., Rockville, MD 20851. Registration opens in early May - information coming soon
Event FLYER
August 15 - 25, Regional Mission Fest
Save the Dates! Hands Around the World: A Celebration of God's People at Work in the World! This event is sponsored by the following Conferences in the United Church of Christ:
Missouri Mid-South, Illinois South,
Kansas-Oklahoma and by the Mid-America Region, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Event FLYER
There will be local church visits by missionaries serving around the world, along with Sunday guest preaching opportunities. On Saturday, August 20, Mission Festival Worship and Keynote Address (live-streamed to gatherings in various areas of the Conferences/Region)
If your congregation would be interested in having a missionary visit or if you would like to host a guest preacher, please contact:
Mid-America Region, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): Larry Colvin, 816-528-4400,
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