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Friday, July 29, 2016

The next eHappenings is scheduled for Monday, August 15, 2016

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

 

 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 2016-2017 Worship Calendar

If your church is interested in inviting Ginny to preach at your church or visit with your congregation in 2017, please contact Kris Scott at the MMSUCC Conference office at 314-918-2605.  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, 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.
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 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 30, Women's Journey: Self Defense, 10am
 
Please join us at St. John's Evangelical United Church of Christ, 11333 St. John's Church Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123 for this important class.  A guest speaker will discuss self defense techniques.
 July 30, The Norton Golf Classic, 8am
 
Carl Norton hosts "Absolutely the Last Norton Scramble" at Raintree Country Club, Hillsboro, MO.  The cost is $50, which includes: Green Fees, Sleeve of Golf Balls, Lunch, and Carl's 90th Birthday, Prizes. The lunch and fellowship will be held at the club following the game.  RSVP to Carl Norton- 636-797-5643, 145 Cotton Blossom Dr., Hillsboro, MO 63050. 
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. Event FlyerNewsletter
July 31, Walking with Guatemala-The Partnership Continues
 
A team of 9 members and friends of Kirkwood United Church of Christ traveled to Guatemala from June 21-28, 2016, to continue our partnership with CEDEPCA, the Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America. CEDEPCA hosted the nine travelers for this study/service trip. During their week in Guatemala, team members learned about the history and culture of the Guatemalan people and the challenges they face today. The team will share highlights of their experiences and learning during the Adult Education hour, 10:45-11:45am. Join us at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Kirkwood, 63122 as we hear the group share what they learned when they visited.
  • CEDEPCA to hear about the Guatemalan history, women's ministry, and disaster ministry
  • Casa del Migrante to learn of the work they do to service migrants from all over the world
  • CALAS to hear about the environmental concerns in Guatemala as a result of mining
  • CEIPA where the working youth of Guatemala are taught by enthusiastic teachers
  • TRAMA, a women's weaving cooperative in Xela & Casa de los Gigantes, a handcraft cooperative in Antigua
  • DESUGA (RED KAT) where they work with returned migrants and give them skills needed to stay in Guatemala
  • Fuente de Luz Presbyterian Church, involved in many ministries around Zela
  • Iximche, a sacred Mayan site
  • EcoFilter factory, where water filters are made.
Childcare is available.
 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.

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 7, 14 & 21, Summer Movie Series

Please join us at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122 for our "Summer Movies" series.  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?
 
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

August 8, Mini-Conference: "What Do We Mean When We Say God?" 7-9pm
 
Join us at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 221 Church St., Ferguson, MO where we will join and discuss in a "mini-conference" setting. Presenters are Dr. Roger Ray of Springfield, MO, Rev. John Churcher, former chair of the Progressive Christian Network in Great Britain, and Rev. Mo Wills (an English pastor educated at Cambridge). This will be a evening addressing the evolution of what religious people think about the nature and character of God from traditional to atheist and all points in between; including agnostic, post-theist, humanist, and panentheist views of God.
    
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 12, Annual Picnic, 5-8pm
  
Bethany United Church of Christ, Highway Z near Berger, MO, will be holding our annual picnic. Join us for Homemade Ice Cream and Pies, Fish Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and live music. Spend the evening in the country with us.
 
  
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!
 
 Event FLYER
August 14, BBQ & Family Fun Day
 
Friedens Peace United Church of Christ, 3560 Mill St. New Melle, MO 63341, is hosting this fun event where there will be games throughout the day available to play with friends and family. In addition there will be scheduled events like a Washer Tournament starting at 1pm, Sack Race at 2pm, an adult and child three legged race at 3pm, balloon toss at 4pm, and a second sack race at 5pm.  There will be delicious BBQ Pork Steaks & Grilled Chicken Dinners as well as Hot Dogs. The dinner price is $10-adult/ $5-child and includes corn on the cob, slaw, baked beans and ice cream. Coffee, tea and lemonade will be provided. Hot dogs are $3 each. Coolers are acceptable. There will be a 50/50 drawing and Quilt Raffle also.
 
What a great way to celebrate the end of summer. Come take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a day with your friends and family where you don't have to cook, just relax, take part in activities or just hang out and watch the fun!
 
August 14, Ordination & Installation Service for Guangyu Lou, 3pm
 
Samuel United Church of Christ, along with the St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC request your prayers and presence for the Ordination & Installation of Guangyu Lou.  Clergy are invited to wear red stoles and join the processional.
Samuel UCC is located at 320 N Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105.
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 16, CIIMS (Collegium for Intentional Interim Ministers) Retreat, 9am-4pm
 
Time is fast approaching for the CIIMS Annual Summer Retreat which will be held at the Mercy Center, 2039 Geyer Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131.  The cost is $30 which includes lunch and snacks. The deadline for registration is July 29! 
 
 
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 18, Boundary Training, 9am-4pm
 
St. John's Chapel United Church of Christ, 4344 Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804 will be host to a Boundary Training session.  The Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman will facilitate.  To register, please call Kris Scott at the conference office, 314-918-2605, or [email protected].  Or register online:
 
    
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 21, Annual Picnic, 12pm-6pm
 
Femme Osage United Church of Christ, 4360 Cappeln Osage Rd., Augusta, MO will host this All-You-Can-Eat Picnic with cafeteria-style dining.  There will be Kettle Cooked Beef, Deep Fried Chicken, Breads, Pie and Drinks.  Stay comfortable and cool in the air conditioned hall, but there will also be an outdoor buffet, carry-outs, live entertainment, a country store, used books for sale, and a "bounce house."  Adults $11, Children (6-12), $5, Children under 6 are FREE. 
August 25, Boundary Training, 9am-4pm
 
Columbia United Church of Christ, 3201 Interstate 70 Dr. NW, Columbia, MO will be host to a Boundary Training session. The Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman will facilitate.  To register, please call Kris Scott at the conference office, 314-918-2605, or [email protected]  Or register online:
 
 Registration FORM
 
August 28, Human Trafficking 101, 10:45-11:45am
 
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.
 
August 28, Free Summer Concert Series: Music & Family Fun, 6-8pm
 
Pilgrim United Church of Christ, along with other agencies and organizations in the St. Louis area present this Family Fun Day at Ivory Perry Park, located at Belt and Cabanne. Yoga instruction for all begins at 5pm, followed by the soulful Cheryl Brown and Band taking the stage at 6pm.  Bring chairs or a blanket and you can picnic or purchase food in the park. Watch the kids jump and play in the "Bounce House" join in activities, or have their face painted by "Ms. Marvalous" the clown!
September 10, Conference Annual Planning Event (CAPE), 10am-3pm
 
SAVE the DATE!
We will be gathering at Columbia United Church of Christ for our second Conference Annual Planning Event.  This is a very important function for the life of our Conference.  Clergy, church leaders, association members, and committee and covenanted ministry chairs/members are invited and NEEDED to help us move forward with the implementation of the Vision Team's recommendations for our Conference.
 
This is your opportunity to-Take action. Join the conversationBe part of the plan. Be part of the vision. Listen to new ideas. Have your voice heard. Establish our future!
 
We will be determining our priorities for the upcoming year and determining how we can go about achieving the work we are being called to do in our communities. Your input is vital. We hope you attend-YOU ARE THE CONFERENCE.
 
More details to follow soon in the eCourier and Conference website!
   
September 12, "Witnessing Whiteness" Discussion Group, 6:30-8:30pm
 
Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Kirkwood, 63122, will be hosting a new 10-session discussion group centering around the book, Witnessing Whiteness: The Need to Talk About Race and How To Do It, by Shelly Tochluk (2nd edition) beginning Monday, September 12th.
September 19-21, Persons In Ministry (PIM) Retreat  
 
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?  Event brochure
 
Registration and further information available on our Conference website.  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.
September 24, Festival of Sharing Traveling Quilt Show, 8:30am-2pm
 
St. Paul's United Church of Christ will be hosting the Festival of Sharing Traveling Quilt Show on September 24, 2016 between 8:30 am and 2 pm.  Admission is free. 
 
September 29, Boundary Training, 9am-4pm
 
Southwood United Church of Christ, 7904 Raytown Rd., Raytown, MO will host a Boundary Training session.  The Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman will facilitate.  To register, please call Kris Scott at the conference office, 314-918-2605, or [email protected]  Or register online:
 
 Registration FORM
 
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.
 
November 3-5, Ecumenical Symposium: Revitalizing Ministry through Jazz
 
SAVE the DATE!
The second National Jazz Symposium is coming soon.  Eden Theological Seminary will host this event featuring Keynote Speaker, Geoffrey Black, visiting Professor of Leadership and Ecumenical Studies at Eden Seminary and retired General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.  You will experience "Jazz for the Journey" - an exciting event exploring the power of jazz in the church's worship and ministry.
 
We will contact you again when registration goes "live" in a few weeks. For questions, or further information contact Cliff Aerie, Symposium Producer @ [email protected]
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 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.