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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 returns to the Conference Ministry Theme, "Gathering at Our Table," as she speaks from her kitchen table in Texas. She shares that at the spring meetings for the Western and Eastern Associations, Ginny presented a powerpoint entitled, "Gathering at Our Table of Generosity." Too often we don't like to talk about money in church. But if God created us to be generous people, shouldn't we celebrate all the opportunities we have to help our church and conference make a difference in the world by giving generously from what we have been given?

Ginny shares the examples at the Western Association where the host church, Immanuel UCC in New Franklin, MO, shared that the money they received from the association's offering would all be given to an area ministry outside of the UCC or Immanuel Church. Woohoo! The JRD Marshallese Church taught us how to be spontaneous in our generosity by introducing a dance they practice where everyone moves around the sanctuary so that everyone can join together in giving of their money. All of the money from that spontaneous dance was given to Our Church's Wider Mission offering of the United Church of Christ.

The United Church of Christ makes a difference in people's lives through its extravagant hospitality! We have the opportunity to inspire generosity in all of the diverse churches of the Missouri Mid-South Conference! Woohoo! Let us live into who God created us to be as generous people! Amen.
Ginny's Schedule
Location 
Date 
Description 

4/29/16
Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
St. Louis, MO
5/1/16
Worship at Christ Church (Maplewood)
St. Louis, MO
5/5/16
SLA Spring Meeting at Eden Seminary

5/6/16
Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
Jackson, MO
5/8/16
Worship at Emanuel UCC
St. Louis, MO
5/9/16
SLA Ministerium
St. Louis, MO
5/13/16
Speaking at Eden's Baccalaureate

5/14/16
Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
Memphis, TN
5/15/16
Worship at Holy Trinity UCC
Houston, TX
5/16-21/16
Work from Houston

5/20/16
Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
Columbia, MO
5/21/16
Search & Call Steward Training
St. Clair, MO
St. Charles, MO
5/22/16
Worship at St. John UCC
Installation of Rev. Lisa Martin at St. John UCC
Kansas City, MO
5/23-25/16
Meetings

5/26/16
Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
Cleveland, OH
5/27/16
MESA Training
Weldon Springs, MO
5/29/16
Worship at Immanuel UCC

5/30/16
Office Closed;Memorial Day
Dale's Schedule
Location 
Date 
Description 
Troy, MO
5/1/16
Worship at Zion UCC

5/2-3/16
Community of Practice
Raytown, MO
5/15/16
James Fuller Ordination
Higginsville, MO
5/16/16
WA CoM Meeting
Washington, MO
5/17/16
St. Peter's UCC Meeting
Columbia, MO
5/21/16
Search & Call Steward Training

5/23/16
Community of Practice

5/30/15
Office Closed;Memorial Day
2016 Conference Annual Gathering, REGISTER!     
 
Registration for the Conference Annual Gathering is NOW OPEN

Our 2016 theme is
"Gathering at Our Table...For Such a Time as This 3.0!"

Date:  Thursday, June 9 - Saturday, June 11, 2016
Location:   The Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia MO

The 2016 CAG schedule is now available  here.

Please use the below form to register for the event, which may be completed on your computer: 
CAG REGISTRATION FORM (Word)

If you prefer to fill out your registration by hand, please use the below form to print and complete:
As in year's past, we are offering several registration options with various pricing for your convenience.  Everyone attending CAG must register through the MMS Conference office.

To pay for your CAG registration online with a credit card, please visit our secure website partner - Vanco Services.  This same link may also be found on the homepage of our Conference website.  Click the link in the upper right hand corner - "Click here to Donate or Register for an Event."

To make your hotel reservation at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, please  click here. This link is preset with the discounted group code of CJ6 (don't change or remove) and hotel rate of $102.95 per night during CAG.  If you use another website or link to make your reservation, the discounted price cannot be guaranteed. 

If you wish to call the hotel to make your reservation, please use their local number 573-445-8531, and mention UCC.  If you use a toll-free number for the hotel, the discounted rate cannot be guaranteed. 

The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 1st! Please be respectful of this date as meal counts need to be shared with the Holiday Inn.  Registrations received June 2 or later will be charged a late fee, as stated on the form. 

All of the above information may also be found on the  2016 Conference Annual Gathering website page of our Conference website.

See the Clergy of Color event details here.

If you are interested in attending the event as a table vendor, please use the following forms, or contact Renee Cordes:
Letter of invitation
Registration form

We look forward to gathering together in Columbia, MO this June!

Printable flyer to share at your church or at your upcoming Association meetings.   
The Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel Installation   
 

Strengthen the Church Offering, May 15      
 
Strengthen The Church (STC) is a special mission offering to reimagine and build the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard.

As God calls our congregations to be the "church" in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. STC funds will also be used to  award grants to help congregations communicate the "God is still speaking," message. Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2016 

Promotional items for the 2016 offering

2016 Strengthen The Church Poster

2016 Strengthen The Church Promotional Guide

2016 Strengthen The Church Bulletin Inserts

Note: All UCC churches should receive a supply of offering materials and envelopes in their automatic shipment. If you need more items please contact UCC Resources at 1.800.537.3394, order on-line at uccresources.com.
 St. Johns UCC Billingsville - 150th Anniversary   
 
It was a beautiful and spiritual celebration on Sunday, April 25 at St. Johns UCC Billingsville in Boonville, MO - they celebrated their 150th anniversary!  Congratulations to this wonderful church and congregation in our Western Association.  The Rev. Dale Parson and Mr. Ron Wendle attended to represent our Conference and the Western Association.  Thank you to Rev. Jim Elliott for providing the below photos.























International Emergency Relief Fund  
 
UCC Disaster Ministries authorized a $15,000 grant to support the work of our ACT Alliance partners in Ecuador. This is in addition to the $2,500 grant that was sent to FEDICE, a Global Ministries partner, for early response work. Our partners are engaged in early recovery work such as food distribution, WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene), NFI (non-food items), shelter and community based psycho-social support.

Giving to support our response to the Ecuador and/or Japan Earthquakes should be directed towards the International Emergency Relief Fund, please see below.

Natural and Human-Caused Disasters affect millions of people worldwide every year. Millions of others are forcibly displaced either within or beyond their national borders.  UCC Disaster Ministries and UCC Refugee Ministries are well positioned to respond in most parts of the world through our longstanding partnerships and connections. Donations to the International Emergency Relief Fund enable the United Church of Christ to support refugee emergencies as well as disaster relief efforts, long-term rehabilitation, advocacy and sustainability efforts.

If you prefer to donate by mail, make checks payable to International Emergency Relief Fund.   Mail to: United Church of Christ c/o Financial Services office, 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland OH 44115

Undesignated giving allows the United Church of Christ to respond where resources are needed most but if you prefer to designate your gift you may do so by noting the disaster or refugee emergency in the designated box on the online form or in the memo line of the check. Donate online.
eConnection Update - Death of Rev. James Konrad 
 
Yesterday we shared the notice of Rev. James (Jim) Konrad's passing on Monday, April 25, 2016 in Washington, MO due to complications of Parkinson's disease.  He was an authorized minister within the Eastern Association of our Conference. Please see further details below regarding the memorial service: 
 
A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 14, at St. Peter's UCC, 20th E. Fifth St, Washington, MO 63090.  The family will be available at 9:30 am to greet visitors in the Atrium at St. Peter's UCC.  Immediately following the service a light lunch will be served, which will include pie - Jim's very favorite dessert.    
 
Please keep Jim's wife, Ruth, and the entire Konrad family in your prayers during this time.    
Health Updates - Rayla Hogue and Nylin Bathke
 
Our prayers for healing and encouragement continue with Rev. Rayla Hogue and her family as she has been diagnosed with colon cancer.  She will be undergoing continued treatment for managing her recurring chronic illness.  Rayla is pastor of St. John's UCC, Chamois, and Chamois United Methodist Church.  We also hold in prayer her husband, Rev. Jim Hogue, and their son, Jimtu, in these days.

Mr. Nylin Bathke came through heart surgery earlier this week like a champ!  He was taken off the ventilator the very next day and is already up and walking the hospital halls for exercise.  Joyce and Nylin's son, Kevin, was admitted to a different hospital this week for gall bladder removal surgery.  We wish them both healthy and speedy recoveries.  Please keep the entire Bathke family in your prayers. 
UCC Culture of Giving Survey  
 
Greetings! The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback on various items related to giving patterns in the United Church of Christ. In 2015, the UCC Board of Directors formed the Task Force on Giving to review giving across the denomination and to recommend ways to improve and enhance giving throughout the UCC.

To that end, we are seeking your wisdom, ideas, thoughts, and general feedback on giving patterns in the UCC. Your responses to the survey will remain anonymous; however, at the end of the survey, you will have the option to provide your contact information in order to enter a drawing for a chance to win an iPad or to opt-in to participate in this process in other ways. Your contact information will not be used in any other way beyond the purpose(s) you indicate.

Your feedback will be considered carefully by the Task Force in coming months and will contribute to recommendations that will be presented to the UCC Board in the fall.

The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete. Please provide us with your feedback no later than tomorrow - Saturday, April 30, 2016.

If you have questions or additional comments, please contact [email protected].

We greatly appreciate your time and effort in completing this survey!
Take survey NOW
Installation of the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, UCC GMP 
 
When the United Church of Christ gathered to install the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer as General Minister and President, the entire church was able to participate in the services - in person or by live-streaming.  It was a wonderful and spirit-filled three days The first opportunity took place at Riverside UCC, New York, on April 15th; the second at Trinity UCC, Chicago on April 16th; and the third service at Plymouth UCC, Seattle on April 17th.  Each gathering celebrated the covenant relationship with John and others in the United Church of Christ.  The below video captures the spirit and joy of each day.  You may also watch the video from the UCC website homepage.
Watch the Installation services
Several persons from Missouri Mid-South Conference participated in the Saturday service in Chicago.  Rev. David Lyon, Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke's UCC, Independence, led the prayer of invocation.  Rev. Heather Arcovitch, Senior Pastor of First Congregational UCC, St. Louis, was one of three preachers on this day.  Heather spoke of the UCC being a church of "firsts", a people of the comma.  She also encouraged the gathering in our sometimes "messy" and "painful" diversity to be a church of the ampersand, as we continue to engage the church and world in transformation and witness.  Also attending from the Conference:  Mr. Nesa Joseph, President and CEO of Visiting Nurse Association; Rev. Jake DeNap, Associate Pastor of First Congregational UCC, St. Louis ;and Rev. Dale Parson, Associate Conference Minister.

-submitted by Dale Parson
 
l-r, Rev. David Lyon, Rev. Jacob DeNap, Rev. Dale Parson, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, Rev. Heather Arcovitch and Mr. Nesa Joseph.
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:
Rev. Dale Parson's Anniversary/Sabbatical -
Rev. Tyler Connoley's Introduction

 
As many of you know, our Associate Conference Minister, the Rev. Dale 
 Parson, will be celebrating his 20th anniversary of ministry with us this year! Woohoo!

Dale will be going on his 4-month sabbatical beginning July 1 through October 31. We are so grateful for the opportunities Dale will have to rest, read, engage his ministry so that he can return to us refreshed in our ministry together! During Dale's sabbatical, the conference will have a Sabbatical Associate Conference Minister, who will minister with us.

 

At their meeting last week, the MMS Conference Council approved Ginny's recommendation to hire the Rev. Tyler Connoley as the Sabbatical Associate Conference Minister. 

Tyler came from the Southwest Conference where he served on the conference staff with the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer. Tyler will live in the Western Association 4 days out of the week in order to minister with the Western Association. As Dale has been actively involved in the Church Vitality Covenanted Ministry Team, Tyler will also assume those responsibilities, where he brings conference knowledge and personal experience to the areas of churches in transition and decline as well as church starts. 

Tyler attended the WA and EA association spring meetings last weekend to introduce himself to the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and he will be at the SLA meeting on May 5.  Dale will train Tyler beginning Monday, June 13. Congratulations, Dale, to our 20th anniversary of ministry together! And welcome, Tyler as our Sabbatical Associate Conference Minister!
Annual Clergy Information Review Forms   
 
On Friday, April 15th, the annual Information Review 2015 forms were sent to all authorized clergy within our Conference.  The majority received the form via email, which can easily be completed on your computer.  For those without an active email address, the form was mailed to your home/church.  This annual form is required for all clergy, both active and retired, in order to maintain your standing within the Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC.


You may also find your respective Association form below:
Eastern Association IR form
St. Louis Association IR form
Western Association IR form  

The Minister Codes for your review:
Ordained
Licensed
Commissioned

As you are aware, "All Authorized Ministers are expected to participate in....Information Reviews in order to maintain their authorization" (United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry, Section 8, page 9). This instrument is a means for ministers to not only participate in the Information Review process, but to update your personal contact information, and to remain in touch with each of you.

If you have any questions regarding the form or code, please contact your Committee on Ministry.  Your annual Information Review form is due to our Conference office by Monday, May 16, 2016.  

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 - 4/29/2016
Ginny's Journeys
2016 Spring Association Meeting Date
  • Thursday, May 5 - St. Louis Association, Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO.  Registration.
Stole Project
We have been blessed with another handmade stole!  The Prayer Quilters from Zion UCC in St. Joseph decided take on the project as an adventure, and what developed was a beautiful yet practical stole.  The group even placed their church name and year on the back.  Thank you, Zion UCC!  We are grateful for your talent and generosity. 

If your church's sewing or quilting group is interested in creating a stole for new clergy in our Conference, please contact Ginny
Ordination of James Fuller, Jr.
Ordination
Ivanhoe United Church of Christ along with the Western Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC request your prayers and presence for the Ordination of

 James Fuller, Jr.

Sunday, May 15, 2016
at 3:00 pm
Ivanhoe UCC
6512 Woodson Road
Raytown, MO 64133

Sermon by Rev. Dale Parson, Associate Conference Minister

Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles.  Dinner immediately following service.
Installation of
the Rev. Lisa Martin
St. John United Church of Christ 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

Sunday, May 22, 2016
at 3:00 pm
St. John UCC
405 South Fifth St.
Saint Charles MO 63301

Clergy are invited to wear red stoles and join the processional.  Reception to follow.
Retreats This Weekend

If you are headed to Shannondale for the Men's Retreat or Camp MoVal for the Women's Retreat this weekend, we wish you safe travels and a wonderful experience. Our Conference would appreciate any photos or stories of your time at the retreat.  Please email Renee and share your journey. 
2016 MMSUCC Directory
MMS Logo
The 2016 MMSUCC Directory's will be available after our Conference Annual Gathering in June.  Due to the changes that will take place with our Executive Committee and our Conference Council at CAG, it was decided to include these revisions in the upcoming book.  
Camp MoVal Event -
Youth Leaders Turn Youth

Camp MoVal is opening up the gate for all those who work with youth to come have a day of camp May 12, 9am-2pm. We know that you all take time out of your day to plan amazingly fun activities for the youth in your church so, we want to give you a day of fun! This event, Youth Leaders Turned Youth, is going to be fun games, crafts, and activities that will help you see all Camp MoVal has to offer for you and the youth in your church. We will provide lunch and all the activities. All you need to bring is yourself! Come play at camp because we always need to remember camp's not just for kids!
 
Get your Fun Pass to the Youth Leaders Turn Youth Event! We need the information to accurately plan for food (lunch will be included), activities, and staffing.  See you on May 12! 
Boundary Training

A boundary training session has been scheduled in the Eastern Association in May:   
  • Thursday, May 5, 2016
  • 9am to 4pm
  • St. Peter's UCC, 20 E. Fifth St, Washington, MO 63090
  • Facilitators: Rev. Mauri Peaco and Mr. Ken Schlottach
     
A St. Louis Association session is also available in May:   
  • Thursday, May19, 2016
  • 9am to 4pm
  • First Congregational UCC, 10 W. Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
  • Facilitators:  Rev. Ann Wilson and Rev. Bruce Moeller.
A printable schedule and a registration form are also available.  The 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.

As a reminder, boundary training is required for all authorized clergy ev
ery 3 years.  If you are unsure of the last time you attended boundary training, please contact Kris Scott at 314-918-2605 or [email protected].   
Every Child's Hope
Luncheon & Bake Sale
  
ECH Every Child's Hope Ladies Aid Spring Luncheon and Bake Sale
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in the ECH Dining Hall (8240 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Louis, MO 63114).

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.
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:
  • May 7th
  • May 14th
Please contact Mariah at [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!
UCC Volunteers Needed
  
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.  The event will be held from 9am to 2pm at The Matthews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63115.

Approximately 50 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.  Volunteer flyer info.

To sign up, send an email to Alex today at [email protected].  Individuals and church groups welcome!
Emmaus Homes -
Marthasville Update
  
Since the announcement, our staff has met with clients and their families, many of whom are excited about exploring new homes in the local community including Warren and Franklin counties.  While some clients have chosen to move closer to their family, the majority of our clients are choosing to stay in Warren County.  In recent months we opened a new community home in Marthasville and have four other homes in Warren County that we will open within the next 90 days.  By July 1, we anticipate there will be 60 clients remaining on the campus. 
 
Since the May 2015 Board decision, questions have arisen concerning the future use of the property.  The Emmaus Board clarified this issue at their March 2016 meeting stating that the campus is not currently on the market and voted that, 'the Marthasville campus will not be sold until July 2020 or until the last client has transitioned off of the campus.'Continue article.
Free Concert
Earth Walk
  
Pentecost afternoon will be alive with the Spirit as we celebrate the Creator's blessing of Mother Earth. Jazz, storytelling, dance and artistry combine for a unique event as we acknowledge our call to be stewards of God's creation.
 
A FREE concert on Sunday 5/15, 3:00 pm at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Webster Groves.  FlyerPress release.
Employment Opportunities
Future eHappenings

The next eHappenings will be
shared on Friday, May 13. 
Please send your events and
items to advertise
to Kris by 5/11/16.
Quick Links
MMSUCC Conference Website
National UCC Website
Email Your Conference Office