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Friday, April 29, 2016

The next eHappenings is scheduled for Friday, May 13, 2016

Deadline for submissions is 8:00 am on 5/11/16 

 

 Issues will be emailed on the 15th and 30th/31st of each month - or the nearest weekday.  Email your  

church/organization/agency events and any items you wish to advertise to Kris at [email protected].

Full issues of eHappenings 

FUTURE EVENTS
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 [email protected].  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

April 30, Girls Day Out! 8am-1pm
 
Grace United Church of Christ, 8326 Mexico Rd., St. Peters, MO 63376, invites you to our Girls Day Out.  A vendor fundraising event to benefit our youth group going to National Youth Event. Babysitting will be provided by our youth for $5 to allow you to browse. Participating vendors are Advocare, Alphabet Soup, Jamberry, Organic Awakenings, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Paparazzi Jewelry, Poofy Organics, Scentsy, Steeped Tea, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One, TYD Essentials, Usborne Books & more! This will be a great opportunity to find a special something for Mother's Day or just because.  Grace's semi-annual rummage and bake sale will also be going on during this time in the basement. All "treasures" from the rummage sale are a free-will offering. Lunch will be available for purchase.  Questions, call 636-240-7621.
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.
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 who would like to ride with the conference should contact 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/chaperones 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:

May 2 & May 16, 30 Facts about Islam/My Life as an American Muslim, 7pm
 
Please join us at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Rd., Sunset Hills, MO where we will address questions such as: "Islam is constantly in the news, here and abroad, but what is it exactly?"  "What is this faith that traces its roots to Abraham?"  Mufti Asif Umar, of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis will address these questions.  The subject of the second evening "My Life as an American Muslim"  will have a different moderator who has not yet been determined.  St. Lucas is grateful to the Interfaith Partnership, Rev. David Mehl, the Islamic Foundation and the Social Justice group from St. Lucas for making these arrangements.
 
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 [email protected]
  • Facilitators: Rev. Mauri Peaco & Mr. Ken Schlottach
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, Noon-5pm
 
Please join us for a day filled with fun and activities to honor and support the Emmaus Homes, on the Emmaus campus, 11900 Emmaus Dr., Marthasville, MO 63357. Adults- $11 Children (6-12) $4, 5 & under are FREE.  This will be a 
day of special tribute & celebration of 45 years, featuring a Quilt Auction at 3pm, Crafts, Homemade Ice Cream, Green Thumb/Plants, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Books, Outdoor Picnic Food, Entertainment and a large Flea Market!  Accessible parking and shuttle service provided. For quilt info, go to: breheauction.com.  
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 15, Spirit of St. Louis Air Show, 11:15am
 
St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 17842 Wild Horse Creek Rd., Chesterfield, MO will host viewing of the air show which includes the "Blue Angels."  Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.  Food & drink will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the music program and the camp fund.  Questions, call 636-532-3556 or email us at: [email protected]
May 15, Ordination of James Fuller, Jr., 3pm
 
"Called, Anointed, and Sent!" Ivanhoe United Church of Christ, 6512 Woodson Rd., Raytown, MO 64133, along with the Western Association of the Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ, request your prayers and presence for this ordination. Sermon by Associate Conference Minister, Reverend Dale Parson. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red Stoles. Dinner immediately following service.
May 17, Blood Drive, 3pm-7pm
 
Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, 620 N Woods Mill Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017 will be holding a Blood Drive.  If interested in giving blood, please contact Sue Wilson: [email protected]
   
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.
May 19, MMSUCC Boundary Training Session, 9am-4pm
 
The St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid South Conference is offering a boundary training session at First Congregational  United Church of Christ, 10 W Lockwood. Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119.  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 [email protected]
  • Facilitators:  Rev. Ann Wilson and Rev. Bruce Moeller.
The boundary training schedule will  be updated once further sessions have been determined, and the information will be shared on our Conference website and in our weekly eCourier.
 
May 22, Installation of Rev. Lisa Martin, 3pm
 
St. John United Church of Christ, 405 South Fifth St., St. Charles, MO 63301,  along with the Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC, request your prayers and presence for the Installation of The Rev. Lisa Martin.  Clergy are invited to wear red stoles and join the processional.  Reception to follow.
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 [email protected], 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 4, Children at the Center: Fifty for Families
 
Join in the rich history of over 125 years of service! Continue the Deaconess spirit of service to families on Saturday, June 4th at the 'Children at the Center' event. Hundreds of area families will be served and supported by the meals and events provided at no charge.
 
Approximately fifty volunteers are needed from UCC congregations to provide a quality experience for babies, youth and families. Morning, midday and afternoon shifts are available. Lunch and event t-shirt will be provided. Sign up today at [email protected]. Individuals and church groups welcome! Event FLYER
June 5, UCC Church Picnic, 11am-3pm
 
Ebenezer 'Stone' United Church of Christ, 6162 Stone Church Rd., Gerald, MO 63037, will be holding a picnic which will feature a Fried Chicken Dinner, Roast Beef, Hot Dogs and BBQ Ham Sandwiches-Also Homemade Ice Cream and Activities for the kids. Questions?  Call: 573-765-3574. 
 
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.  Visit our website for more info!    
July 24-29, Christianson Native Craft Workshop
 
Join us for a creative experience at Shannondale Community Center Timber Lodge, Highway 19, 24 miles south of Salem, MO.  The Christianson Native Craft Workshop, now in its 42nd year, offers hands-on folk art, craft experiences, and demonstrations in a family oriented setting. The CNCW has been held annually since being founded in 1975 by Frances Christianson and members of the United Methodist Church. The workshop has given hundreds of persons, young and old, a chance to learn talents in an Ozark forest setting and take home beautifully handcrafted items. For more information, call or write: Shelli Kittrell, 1614 Liggett Dr., St. Louis, MO 63126.  314-885-4296. Registration Form
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:
 
Missouri Mid-South: Jan Aerie, 216-870-1557, [email protected]
Illinois South: P. Jerry Bennett, 618-654-2125, [email protected]
Kansas-Oklahoma:  Heather Coates, 785-830-9085, [email protected]
Mid-America Region, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): Larry Colvin, 816-528-4400,
 
ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
New Advertising Guidelines - Items for Sale/Free
Items that are offered for free or for sale within our Conference (i.e. robes, pews, hymnals, books, etc.) will now be advertised in our eHappenings eblast.  Items will be shared for one month, which means the ad will appear twice.  If you would like the item(s) to be shared the following month, please contact Kris with your request.  The maximum time frame is two months.

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 any items you care to advertise, as well as your upcoming events, to Kris at [email protected].  Thank you.
 

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Contact Us
Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ, 314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884,
 
Email [email protected] to submit information for a future issue. Not all submissions may be included.