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Friday, July 1, 2016

The next eHappenings is scheduled for Friday, July 15, 2016

Deadline for submissions is 8:00 am on 7/12/16 

 

 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
Conference Minister's 2017 Worship Calendar

If your church is interested in inviting Ginny to preach at or visit with your congregation in 2017, please contact Kris Scott at the MMSUCC Conference office at 314-918-2605 or [email protected].  At this time, Ginny's 2016 schedule is filled. Thank You to all of the congregations for their "Extravagant Welcome and Hospitality" in 2016!
2016 Mercy Hospice Summer/Fall Community Grief Support Groups

Groups are open to the community, free of charge.
-Morning Drop-In Group is the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 10-11:30am -New members are welcome to join at any time, no registration required.

OR

-Evening 6-week Closed Group, Monday, June 13th thru July 25th, August 15th thru September 26th, and October 10th thru November 21st. These groups close to new members after the 2nd meeting of the 6-week session. Pre-Registration is required. Please call the Mercy Hospice Bereavement Program at, 314-729-4419. Mercy Hospice is located at, 1000 Des Peres Rd., Des Peres, MO 63131.
 
Speaker Series: "Is Your House of Worship Ready For an Emergency?"
 
A Free Red Cross Presentation to Pastors and Church Leaders (minimum of 10-20) can be held at YOUR church.  Lunch is provided. For more information contact:  Bill Engfehr at [email protected] or 314-516-2753.

Second Saturday of Each Month, "Friendship Plate" 4:30pm
 
The Friendship Plate is a new community organization providing free meals to anyone who would like to enjoy good food and fellowship. On the second Saturday of each month, you are invited to join us for a free meal and table fellowship. The church doors open at 4:30pm and the meal is served from 5-6pm. Volunteers are also welcome to come and help us serve the community. St. Peter's UCC is located at 607 Maupin Ave., New Haven, MO. For more information about the Friendship Plate organization, checkout their page on our website at www.nhucc.org
July Newsletter, Blue Springs Terrace
 
 Click Newsletter
   
"Summer Movies" July & August, 10:45-11:45am
 
How do we hear God still speaking to us, especially in the everyday activities of our lives? Is it ever through contemporary media messages? The movies? Or is it in conversation with others? Or could it be in conversation with others about the messages we see and hear around us? This summer, the Sunday morning Adult education classes will be held in the Kirkwood United Church of Christ theater, and we continue in July on July 10, 17, 24, and 31 with the movie "Spotlight." While you may have seen the movie already, did you think about what message it may have had for you about your faith? Your daily life? And how does your faith reflect on the contemporary issues brought up in the film? We will explore these and other questions, and what we may "hear" being spoken to us. Childcare is available.
 
For August, we will watch "Bridge of Spies," starring Tom Hanks: During Cold War, American lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court. The Soviet Union then captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane.  Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers' only hope is James Donovan, who is recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate Powers' release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man's freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court. Please join us on August 7, 14, and 21 for this movie. Childcare is available.
 
 Event FLYER
   
July 2,  Annual Church Summer Picnic, 3:30pm
 
St. James United Church of Christ, 690 Hwy 100, Morrison, MO is hosting this picnic which will include a Fried Chicken Dinner, German Potato Salad, Vegetables, Homemade Bread and Pie. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 5, and children under 5 eat free. Music by "Misty Mountain Blue Grass" from Jefferson City. In addition to great food and music there will be a Raffle with a quilt donated by St. James Quilters and over 50 other items, a Bazaar and Bake Sale sponsored by the Women's Fellowship, and a Basket Raffle sponsored by Sunday School for Church Camp Scholarships. Handicap accessible ramp. Directions: St. James is located on Hwy 100 approx. 15 miles southwest of Hermann and 8 miles east of Chamois.
 
   
July 7, Book Discussion, 7pm
 
Hope United Church of Christ, along with Gethsemane Lutheran and St. Mark's Episcopal will hold this book discussion specifically chosen for this election year. The book, "Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit" by Parker Palmer encourages people of faith to carry out the vocation of their civic life by developing what he calls the five "habits of the heart." The July 7 gathering will be held at St. Mark's, 4712 Clifton Ave., at 7pm and the group will discuss chapters 1-4.  The August 21 gathering will be held at Hope UCC, 6273 Eichelberger at 12:30pm.  Please call the church office at Hope UCC if you would like to attend so we may plan accordingly.  314-353-2288
July 8, Christian Educator's Networking Group-"SAUCE"
 
SAUCE (pronounced saucy) is a new Christian Educator's networking group and we want you to join! SAUCE is the St. Louis local chapter of the Association of United Christian Educators, an organization dedicated to lay and ordained, paid and volunteer pastors, educators, and youth workers, which has been providing advocacy and support for church education and educators in the United Church of Christ since 1971. This group is designed to provide support through networking, collaboration, and resource sharing. This group is open to all individuals who are passionate about Christian education or maybe just want to learn more. We share best practices, favorite resources, and current challenges and successes and we would love to have you as a member. SAUCE meets on the second Friday of every month at Eden Theological Seminary. For more information contact Emily Stokes at [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/stlauce/
July 9, Anti-Racism Workshop, 9am-4pm
 
This workshop will be held at Columbia College, 1001 Rogers St., Columbia, MO 65216. The event will be led by the Christian Church (DOC) of Mid-America Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Team and is designed for clergy and lay leaders. Continuing Education Units for clergy are available through our sponsoring partner, Mid-America Center for Ministry. Here is a link to the information and registration materials: http://www.center4ministry.org/prar.html
If you have questions, or need more information, please contact, Martha Jolly at 573-999-6356.
 
 July 10, 15th Annual Polka Sunday, 10:45am
 
St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Independence, will host the 15th Annual Polka Sunday during worship. This year, the 'Polka Dot German Band' will be making a return engagement to St. Luke's. This will be a hand clapping, toe tapping service that you won't want to miss!
July 10, Bar-B-Que, 11am-3:30pm
 
Calvary United Church of Christ, 2501 Hartland Ave., Overland, MO will host this barbecue. Cost is $10 in advance, (by July 3) for adults and $11 at the door, $5 for children 4-12 in advance, and $5.50 at the door. Children under 3 eat free. Menu includes a Pork Steak or Chicken entr�e, German Potato Salad or Mustard Potato Salad, Baked Beans or Corn, Bread, Dessert, and a Drink. Carry outs are available. Calvary's mission is to love God by serving our neighbors. We look forward to greeting our neighbors at this event. To reserve tickets or for questions, call, 314-429-7464.
July 11-15, Vacation Bible School, 9am-Noon
 
Hope United Church of Christ, 6273 Eichelberger, will hold Vacation Bible School this summer for ages 3yrs to 5th grade. The theme this year is "Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love." Cost is $45 per child with a $70 maximum per family. For more information and to register online, go to:
 
July 11-15, Vacation Bible School, 5:30-8:30pm
 
St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 607 Maupin Ave., New Haven, MO 63068 will hold VBS which features the theme, "Catching the Wave of God's Amazing Love."  A meal will be served each evening.  All attending will receive a t-shirt.  On Friday, there will be a Pool Party held at the New Haven City Pool. Registration is free. For more information and to register online, go to:  http://2016.cokesburyvbs.com/stpetersucc
July 15, 16 & 17 "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
 
St. John United Church of Christ Performing Arts Camp will hold this performance over 3-evenings; 7pm Friday night, 7pm Saturday night, and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets: Adults, $9, Students' $7. For more information or to order tickets call, 636-946-0961, www.stjohnuccorg.  Performances will be held at the St. John United Church of Christ gymnasium, 405 S. 5th St. St. Charles, MO 63301.
 
July 16, Free Concert, 7:30pm
 
Peace United Church of Christ, 204 E Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves will host this free concert featuring, "The Ripple Effect-A Vocal Visionary Project" from South Bend, Indiana. Not just a group of singers in a choir, The Ripple Effect is a collective truth-speaking voice in the community, by way of the enormous power of music. Please join us for a moving evening of music and community. All are welcome! A free-will offering will be received. Event FLYER
July 18-22, Vacation Bible School, 9am-Noon
 
Join us at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ for VBS this summer, which features -"Surf Shack-Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love."  For more information see the event flyer and registration form.  If you have questions, contact Linda Lowry, [email protected] or Erin Winship, [email protected]
 
July 18-22, Vacation Bible School, 9am-Noon
 
Vacation Bible School will be hosted by St. Paul United Church of Christ, 903 Meier Rd, Old Monroe, MO 63369. VBS is for children ages 3 thru those who have completed 6th grade. The theme this year is "Road to Emmaus."  An offering will be taken daily which will support Heifer Project. On Friday, July 22nd, we will have a picnic from noon to 1pm. Parents and siblings are welcome to attend. Please let us know how many will be attending. Thank you.
 
All crew leaders, station leaders, and helpers need to have finished the 7th grade. Anyone over 16 must have the Safe Church training. Training will be provided on July 6th at 1pm and 7pm. You will need to attend one of these sessions, if you are a NEW volunteer. Please RSVP to church office at 636-665-5329. All helpers, crew leaders and station leaders need to fill out a registration form.
 
Please contact Joyce Thomas at 636-668-1030 or the church office at 636-665-5329 if you can help or if you have any questions. Event FLYER
   
July 20, Annual Church Picnic, 6pm-9pm
 
This picnic will be held at St. Luke United Church of Christ in Grand Pass, MO.  We're serving Grilled Hamburgers, Pork Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sloppy Joes, Homemade Pies, Cakes and Ice Cream. There are games for everyone, and once again for almost 90 years, The Marshall Municipal Band will entertain with a wonderful summer concert. We will be giving away our annual picnic quilt, "Remembering Our Past", which this year, uses blocks pieced by our long-time members, Frieda Utlaut and embroidered by Esther Fizer. Both of these women were treasured quilters back in the days of "hand" quilting. Hope to see you there!
 
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
July 30, Car Show, 11am-4pm
 
St. John United Church of Christ, 405 S 5th St., St. Charles, MO 63301, is hosting this show.  Admission to the show is non-perishable canned goods. Refreshments available. Car Show will be held in the parking lot of St. John UCC.  For more information, 636-946-0961 or www.stjohnucc.org
 
July 30, Ice Cream Social, 11:30am-6pm
 
Mark your calendars and join us at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 607 Maupin Ave., New Haven, MO 63068,  for Homemade Ice Cream, Sandwiches, Sides, Full-Plate meals (Pulled Pork, Chicken, or Beef). Homemade Ice Cream available by the pint. Carry-out orders.
July 31, Re-Dedication and Open House, 2pm-5pm
 
The Board of Directors of Blue Springs Terrace cordially invite you to this event located at Agape House, 312 SW 19th Terrace.  The re-dedication will take place at 3pm.  Come tour the newly remodeled home and experience a part of our history as we step into the future. Light refreshments will be served.
 August 1-5, Vacation Bible School-M.A.D. Camp, 9am-12:30pm
 
Please join us at Parkway United Church of Christ, 2941 N Ballas Rd., Town & Country, MO for VBS and for M.A.D. (Music, Art & Drama). Help put on a play with songs, scenery, and costumes. "Barbeque for Ben", The Prodigal Son.   There are 2 programs, 9am to 12:30pm and 12:30pm to 3pm.  The Morning Program cost is: $25 for First child, $15 for additional siblings.  The Afternoon Program will cost $20 for each afternoon session.  Finale Performance: Friday, August 5 at 7pm - refreshments will follow the performance.
 
All participants age 3 years old-to entering 5th grade are welcome! 6th graders and above may apply to be counselors.  For more information, check out parkwayucc.org for registration form or contact [email protected]; or [email protected]
  
August 4-6, UCCOSSN 2016 Annual Conference
 
Hosted by Rockville United Church of Christ, 355 Linthicum St., Rockville, MD 20851. 

You are invited to the 2016 UCC Office Support Staff Network Annual Conference which kicks-off on Thursday, Aug. 4 with a welcome dinner at the Hilton Gaithersburg. The event continues on Friday at Rockville United Church in Rockville, Md. with breakfast, fellowship, break-out workshops, lunch, the keynote presentation and interactive workshop. The event concludes Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Hilton Gaithersburg with breakfast, fellowship, the UCCOSSN business meeting, a peer group workshop and lunch.

Our theme this year is  Balance - Work & Life... something we all strive for, and hopefully something this conference will help you reach. Workshops at the event include Body Balance and Finding your Spiritual Geography, and keynote, Marchae Grair, who is newly UCC and loving it.  She is the Social Media Associate for the national setting of the United Church of Christ in Cleveland.
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Registration Details
Location: Hilton Washington D.C. North/Gaithersburg & Rockville United Church Maryland
Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum Street, Rockville, MD 20851 
Registration Deadline: July 14   
Regular Registration Fee (by July 14): $135
Late Registration Fee (after July 14): $150
($5 from each registration fee goes to the UCCOSSN Scholarship Fund)

Registration and further details available.  If you have questions about the UCCOSSN or this event, please contact vice chair, Renee Cordes.   
 
Event FLYER
August 9-11, NCLI 2016
 
We believe your church's best days are ahead. Make your future now at NCLI 2016!
The CPR faculty is excited to connect with you and build an exciting learning community! Come hear Carol Howard-Merritt, Doug Pagitt, Cameron Trimble, Gregg Carlson, Chris Davies, and more!  And, there is a limited scholarship fund for UCCer's only (members and clergy) which makes registration only $100!
 
Sign up here:
 
Register NOW:
 
August 14, Ice Cream Social, 3-7pm
 
Ebenezer Stone Church United Church of Christ, 6162 Stone Church Rd., Gerald, MO, will be hosting this event which will feature, Homemade Ice Cream, Fish Sandwiches, Roast Beef Sandwiches and Hot Dogs. Please join us for a great time!
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,
August 17-19, Member in Discernment Event
 
The Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) Ministry Team of the UCC invites MID's to gather in the Church House in Cleveland, Ohio for networking, mutual support, sharing resources and information, and inspiring worship.
 
The majority of the costs of this event are underwritten by contributions to the UCC. Individual MID's and their Associations are asked to contribute $100 each (for a total of $200) toward the cost of the event. since space is limited to 50 MID's per year, an individual MID may only participate in this gathering once during their process of discernment.
 
Questions? Please contact Rev. Kathy Clark, Minister for Members in Discernment at [email protected]   
 
August 21, Installation Service for Rev. Laura Mignerone, 3pm
 
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. Laura Mignerone, Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 3:00pm, St. John United Church of Christ, 920 E Gravois, St. Clair, MO 63077.
August 21, Book Discussion, 12:30pm
 
Hope United Church of Christ along with Gethsemane Lutheran and St. Mark's Episcopal will hold a book discussion specifically chosen for this election year. The book "Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit" by Parker Palmer encourages people of faith to carry out the vocation of their civic life by developing what he calls the five "habits of the heart." Please call the church office at Hope UCC if you would like to attend so that we may plan accordingly. 314-353-2288
August 28, Human Trafficking 101
 
Join us at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Kirkwood, 63122.  We will start our fall series of KUCC Adult Education presentations in late August, when KUCC is pleased to welcome Amanda Mohl (niece of our member Mary Mohl), as our presenter and discussion leader as we strive to understand the international issue of human trafficking in a 3-part series. She will focus on August 28 on the basic dynamics and definitions, including who are the victims and the perpetrators, and what puts one at risk for trafficking. On September 11, we will look at the recruitment and control of victims, including what industries are often involved, and the difference between smuggling and trafficking. On September 18, we will learn about victim identification and services, including how to report a tip or potential trafficking situation.
 
September 19-21, Persons In Ministry Retreat (PIM) 
 
SAVE the DATE!
Join us at the Inn at Grand Glaize, Lake Ozark, MO for this retreat which will focus on "Many Paths, One Mountain" a closer look at the World's Religions.  The journey will begin with an overview that groups religions into three families with similar traits and vastly different ways of approaching the central questions of faith. Then we will spend time exploring Islam, Daoism, and Hinduism in more detail. How can we better understand our neighbors? How can really seeing them help us better understand ourselves and our own faith?
 
Registration will be available soon.  The cost is $125 until 9/8/16, AFTER 9/8/16 the cost of registration will be $135.
 
September 24, Eastern Association Fall Meeting, 11am-3pm
 
Emanuel UCC, Jackson, MO will host the Fall Business Session of the EA. More details to be announced later.  Mark your calendar!
September 24, St. Louis Association Fall Meeting, 9am
 
Save the Date!  St. John's United Church of Christ will host the Fall Business Session of the SLA. More details to be announced later.  The Planning Team begins work on this meeting starting June 3.
October 22, Western Association Fall Meeting, 10am-3pm
 
Mark your calendar for the Fall Business Session of the WA.  Southwood United Church of Christ in Raytown, MO will be host. More details to follow.
   
April 28-30, 2017,  Women's Retreat
 
SAVE the DATE!
The 2017 Women's Retreat will be held at Camp MoVal on April 28-30, 2017. More details available closer to the event!
ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
St. John's United Church of Christ, 405 S Fifth St., St. Charles, MO,  has an altar they are no longer using.  The altar is free.  Please contact Dave Kinzel at 636-946-0961 if interested.
  
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.