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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, 
What Camp MoVal Means to Me...




Just a quick word of thanks and gratitude to all of us that make outdoor and camp ministries possible. I hope the video gives you just a glimpse of the life changing experiences that are made possible because of the sacred spaces we have. Each person will have their own experiences at camp, but we also form a community that transcends the space and time. I am grateful to all of you and your generosity that continues to help us thrive and change lives.

For more information, please stay in contact with us at Camp MoVal. We look forward to you being part of our Outdoor Ministry family.

Jeremy Force,
Director of Outdoor Ministries 
Ginny's Schedule
Location 
Date 
Description 

6/24-7/9/16
Vacation to Germany
Augusta, MO
7/10/16
Worship at Ebenezer UCC
Salem, MO
7/17/16
Worship at Shannondale UCC
Houston, TX
7/21/16
Work from Houston

7/22/16
Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
Memphis, TN
7/24/16
Worship at First Congregational UCC
Orlando, FL
7/26-29/16
National Youth Event
While Ginny is Away
Ginny will be using vacation and continuing education time to travel to Germany with her husband, David.  She will be gone on Friday, June 24 and return to the office on Saturday, July 9.

If you have an emergency, please call Renee Cordes at the Conference office at 314-918-2602, or email [email protected].
 
If you or your church has a ministry emergency, please contact the Rev. Tyler Connoley, Sabbatical Associate Conference Minister at 575-956-3316, or email [email protected].
Reintroducing Rev. Tyler Connoley  
As many of you know, our Associate Conference Minister, the Rev. Dale 
Parson, was on vacation June 24 to June 30 and then onto his 4-month sabbatical beginning today, July 1 through October 31. We are so grateful for the opportunities Dale will have to rest, read, and 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, the Rev. Tyler Connoley, who will minister with us.  Tyler's background was shared with you back in April, but we wanted to reintroduce him and also welcome him once again to our Conference!

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 will be working from St. Luke's UCC in Independence, and occasionally  from our Conference office in St. Louis.  Please use the below contact information to reach him over the next 4 months:
Cell Phone: 575-956-3316
USPS Mail:  St. Luke's UCC, 727 N. Main St., Independence, MO 64050
Tyler's Schedule
Location 
Date 
Description 
St. Louis, MO
6/28-7/1/16
Visits in SLA

7/4/16
Holiday-Conference Office Closed
Independence, MO
7/5-8/16
Return to WA
Washington, MO
7/10/16
Meeting: Search & Call

7/11/16
Out/Tyler's Sabbath Day
Independence, MO
7/12-15/16
Visits in WA
Blue Springs, MO
7/12/16
Blue Springs Terrace Board Mtg

7/18/16
Out/Tyler's Sabbath Day
Union, MO
7/22/16
Visit with MoVal Staff

7/25/16
Lafayette Cluster Meeting

7/26/16
Out/Tyler's Sabbath Day
Salem, MO
7/28-29/16
Shannondale Native Craft Workshop
Blue Springs, MO
7/31/16
Blue Springs Terrace Building 305 Dedication
Columbia, MO
8/15/16
UCC/DOC Regional Staff Mtg
Kansas City, MO
8/20/16
Mission Fest Event
Be The Church Contest   
 


 "Be the Church of the Month" is a new, church-wide contest inviting all UCC churches to participate by living out the statements of the UCC's popular "Be the Church" message.

 The contest began June 1, with all churches receiving an email inviting them to participate and announcing the statement "Protect the environment." Churches were given until June 22 to submit information and any photos and video showing what they've been doing to make that statement a reality.

Congratulations to the "Be the Church of the Month" winner for July,
Clackamas United Church of Christ in Milwaukie, Oregon!

This contest is ongoing-on the first of every month, a new "Be the Church" statement will be announced, and submissions will be due by the 22nd of the month. The winning church earns the "Be the Church of the Month" title for the next month. All winning churches and their accomplishments will be featured on UCC social media and ucc.org, and they'll receive a prize from the "Be the Church" collection from UCC Resources.  The "Be the Church" statement for July is: "Care for the poor."

HOW TO ENTER "BE THE CHURCH OF THE MONTH" CONTEST
Please send us information, photos, and video of the amazing things your church is doing to live out this month's "Be the Church" statement: "Care for the poor." Deadline is July 22. Send to:: [email protected] - Thank you!
Persons In Ministry (PIM) Retreat    
 
September 19-21, 2016
The Inn at Grand Glaize, Osage Beach, MO
 
Many Paths, One Mountain
The World's Religions: Primary Perspectives and a Closer Look
Local church pastors, retired clergy, chaplains, youth ministers/directors, Christian educators, and music directors are all invited to this year's PIM! Our 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?

Our presenter will be Brian Carwana, Director of the Encounter World Religions Centre in Toronto. His presentation comes highly recommended by our clergy colleagues, Michael Stephens and Karen Aitkens. Enjoy time for fellowship, rest, and renewal, as well. Spouses/partners are welcome! 

The cost of registration is $125 until 9/8/16; $135 after that date. Registration opportunities will be available next week.  2016 PIM brochure.

All hotel reservations must be made directly with The Inn at Grand Glaize by calling 800-348-4731 or visit their website. Be sure to use the code MMS16 when making your reservation to receive the discounted price of $89 per night for a king bed or $99 per night for two double beds, plus tax.

Questions? Contact Betsy Happel at [email protected].
Boundary Training  
Boundary Training is a requirement to maintain ministerial standing with our associations of the Missouri Mid-South Conference and must be completed every three years. Typically, each association offers several Boundary Training opportunities per year. Please see new dates below:

Eastern Association:
  • Fall Session TBD
St. Louis Association:
  • Saturday, October 15, 2016 - Location TBD.  Facilitators: Rev. Ann Wilson and Rev. Bruce Moeller
Western Association:
  • Thursday, August 18, 2016 - St. John's Chapel UCC - Springfield, MO - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 4344 S Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804. Facilitator(s): Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman
  • Thursday August 25, 2016 - Columbia UCC - Columbia, MO - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 3201 I-70 Dr NW, Columbia, MO 65202. Facilitator(s): Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman
  • Thursday, September 29, 2016 - Southwood UCC - Raytown, MO  - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 7904 Raytown Rd., Raytown, MO 64138. Facilitator(s): Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman
For further information on boundary training, please contact Kris in our Conference office. 
MMS Fall Association Meetings 
While it's difficult to think about the fall during the dog days of summer, now is the time to mark your calendars for the upcoming fall Association meetings:

The Eastern Association Fall business meeting will be held on Saturday, September 24th and hosted by Emanuel UCC in Jackson, MO. 
11 am lunch and meeting 1-3 pm.  More information to follow.

The Fall Business Meeting of the St. Louis Association will be held on Saturday, September 24 beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. at  St. John's United Church of Christ in Chesterfield, Missouri.  More details will be announced later. 

The Western Association Fall Gathering will be held on Saturday, October 22 from 10am to 3pm at Southwood UCC in Raytown, MO.  More to follow.
UCCOSSN Annual Conference - Registration Open 
August 4-6, 2016
Gaithersburg, MD

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)
Membership Dues: $10 per year
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Hotel Information
Hilton Washington D.C. North/Gaithersburg, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877
 
Room Booking Deadline: July 14
Room Rate for Attendees: $89 per night
Group Name: UCCOSSN 2016 Annual Conference 
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The event agenda and workshop information is available. Register NOW!

For further information on the annual conference or the UCCOSSN, please contact Vice chair, Renee Cordes. If anyone from our MMS Conference is planning to attend, please let Renee know in advance! 

National Church Leadership Initiative Event 
August 9-11, 2016
Atlanta, GA
#NCLI2016

We believe your church's best days are ahead.  Make your future now at NCLI2016!

SKILL DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:
Skill Development Tracks are the core of NCLI16. Each attendee will be part of one of these high quality, professionally curated tracks.  NCLI16 will help you develop skills to be the most effective church leader you can be. Whether you are a clergy or lay leader these tracks will provide a top-notch level of instruction, coaching, and take-aways for your leadership growth.  Each Skill Development Track is led by a CPR team member and will connect you with the country's leading church innovators and practitioners. Read More.

NCLIve
NCLIve are talk-show style sessions hosted by Doug Pagitt and will include interviews with top church and non-profit leaders from across the country. These fun and insightful sessions will include music, stories, fun, and inspiration that will  energized and refreshed you for the next stage of your church's journey. Read More.

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
Member In Discernment Event 
August 17-19, 2016
Cleveland, OH

The Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) Ministry Team of the United Church of Christ invites Members in Discernment (MIDs) to gather in the Church House in Cleveland, Ohio for networking, mutual support, sharing resources and information, and inspiring worship. The Gathering is for anyone who is officially a MID with a local association for any form of authorized ministry - licensed, commissioned, and ordained. The purpose of the experience is to introduce MIDs within the UCC to the national setting of the Church and to build a foundation for vital relationships with lifelong partners in ministry. The event begins with worship in the Amistad Chapel at noon on Wednesday and concludes with lunch on Friday.

The majority of the costs of this event are underwritten by contributions to the United Church of Christ. Individual MIDs 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 MIDs per year, an individual MID may only participate in this gathering once during their process of discernment.

Be watching the website (http://www.ucc.org/ministers_considering-ministry) for more information and for the Registration Link, which will be available in Spring 2016.

Questions? Please contact Rev. Kathy Clark, Minister for Members in Discernment at [email protected]Event flyer.
Rev. Dale Parson - Time for Sabbatical     
 
The "blessing for sabbatical" that concluded our 2016 Conference Annual Gathering in Columbia shall always be remembered with abundant gratitude and joy! The words of farewell and sending forth shall be carried with me as I begin this sabbatical time of renewal, reflection and re-creation. The support of our Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel, the Conference Council and indeed the entire Conference are deeply appreciated.
 
My sabbatical focus might be described as "The Third Third of Life." Sabbatical will be a time to ponder, pray and prepare for the future. There will be some travel and study and writing, as well as re-connecting with family and friends. The sabbatical time will begin with a trip to Spain and Italy, experiencing the magnificent art, architecture and culture in these countries. This third-third-of-life sabbatical will provide opportunities for renewal of mind, body and spirit.
 
I already anticipate returning in the fall with new energy, strength and purposefulness for this ministry we share together. As I leave for sabbatical, it is clear that the Missouri Mid-South Conference is healthy and vital. There are amazing leaders across the Conference! Working with Rev. Tyler Connoley (who will be my "sabbatical replacement") is helping to make the transition into sabbatical mode. His leadership and presence are much-appreciated.
 
As the Conference Annual Gathering concluded, all sang with great feeling the old hymn, "I'll Fly Away." Of course, there was the apparent suggestion of literally flying away and leaving for sabbatical. But there was a deeper, underlying truth. In the midst of all our striving and living we are held in the palm of God's hand. Gathered or scattered, we can trust in the presence, love and care of a God who journeys with us. Always.
 
I am honored, humbled and privileged to have journeyed with you for twenty years! During my absence, I shall hold in love and thought and prayer each one of the Missouri Mid-South Conference.

Dale

Dale will be on Sabbatical from July 1 until October 31, 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 - 7/1/2016
2016-17 Worship & Preach Schedule for Ginny
If you are interested in asking our Conference Minister, Ginny Brown Daniel, to visit your church to preach or worship with your congregation, please request dates for 2017 only.  Ginny's 2016 schedule is now fully booked.

To make arrangements, please contact Kris Scott in our Conference office at 314-918-2605 or email [email protected].

Weekly Podcast by the Rev. John Dorhauer


'Into the Mystic' is the Rev. John C. Dorhauer's weekly podcast on UCC.org. The United Church of Christ General Minister and President is creating these weekly messages so that "the art and practice of spiritual reflection is modeled as a priority and not just a part time avocation."

Listen to John's messages.

Stole Project
Our Conference is still seeking handmade stoles from your church's sewing or quilting group.  The stoles will be given to new clergy in the MMSUCC.  If interested in creating a stole for new clergy in our Conference, please contact Ginny
Blue Springs Open House & Re-dedication Event
The Board of Directors of Blue Springs Terrace cordially invite you to their re-dedication and open house event on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at Agape House, 312 SW 19th Terrace from 2-5 pm.  
 
THE RE-DEDICATION OF 305 SW 19TH TERRACE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 PM.
 
COME TOUR THE NEWLY REMODELED HOME AND EXPERIENCE A PART OF OUR HISTORY AS WE STEP INTO THE FUTURE. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.
 
A Global Mission Fest
Between August 15 and 25, seven missionaries from Palestine, Haiti, Morocco and Hong Kong will participate in a first-ever multi-state, multi-Conference ecumenical consultation on global missions. Missionary Judy Chan from Hong Kong, will be in the St Louis Association area; Tyler Reeve from Morocco will be in the Eastern Association; and Minerva Haltech from Palestine, will be in the Western Association of the Conference to share their experiences of their faith, lives and work in global mission.
 
On August 20, a Grand Mission Festival will be held at Colonial UCC, near Kansas City. Festival events will be live-streamed to download sites throughout the Missouri Mid-South Conference, as well as in the Illinois South and Kansas-Oklahoma Conferences.
 
Watch the Weekly eCourier and your local church email for more detailed information as the event draws closer. Questions?  Call Jan Aerie at 216.870.1557. Event flyer

Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society Event
  
You are invited to attend the annual meeting of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The meeting will be held on the campus of the Lancaster Theological Society in Lancaster, PA. The keynote speaker,Rev. Dr. Linden DeBie, will discuss the 1866 Liturgy in his talk, entitled "Unless A Grain of Wheat Fall to the Ground and Die: The Remarkable Liturgical Fecundity of Mercersburg."

If you have thought of traveling to the Northeast in the fall, this event in beautiful Lancaster County would be an interesting addition to your itinerary! For more information, contact Joy Dressel at 314-313-4040.
 
African American Women in Ministry Event
  
"Sisters' Lives Matter: Facing the Fierce Urgency of Now!"
October 13-15, 2016
Franklin Center at Bricks, Whitakers, NC

Beginning in the early 1980s, with approximately 15 African American women, this gathering of the hearts, minds and souls of sisters first occurred in a Catholic retreat center located in the Brookland section of Washington, DC.

This network, African American Women in Ministry (AAWIM) focuses solely on UCC African American women in ministry. The purpose of AAWIM holds firm; that every African American woman would recognize who they are and where they are on this sacred journey. Our hope is that through this network, women will be moved to reach beyond the table, embrace one another and offer a warm welcome to their sisters in ministry.

Having come a long way from the initial gathering of women, AAWIM continues to move onward by faith.  Event flyerRegister on website.
Conference Office Closed

Our Conference office will be closed on Monday, July 4th in honor of Independence Day.  We will reopen on Tuesday morning at 8:30am.

Our entire staff wishes you a safe and Happy 4th of July!!!
Employment Opportunities
Future eHappenings

The next eHappenings will be
shared on Friday, July 15. 
Please send your events and
items to advertise
to Kris by 7/12/16.
Quick Links
MMSUCC Conference Website
National UCC Website
Email Your Conference Office