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 cla  im 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,
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Ginny's Schedule
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Location
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Date
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Description
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Houston, TX
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8/6-7/16
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Work from Houston
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Atlanta, GA
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8/9-11/16
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National Church Leadership Initiative 2016 Conference
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| 8/12/16
| Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
| St. Louis, MO
| 8/14/16
| Worship at Mt. Tabor UCC
Ordination Service for Guangyou Lou at Samuel UCC
| Columbia, MO
| 8/15/16
| UCC/Disciples of Christ Regional Staff Mtg.
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| 8/19/16
| Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
| St. Louis, MO
St. Clair, MO
| 8/21/16
| Preach/Worship at Parkway UCC
Installation Service for Rev. Laura Mignerone at St. John UCC
| Houston, TX
| 8/22-24/16
| Work from Houston
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| 8/25/16
| Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
| Union, MO
| 8/26-27/16
| Conference Council Leadership Retreat
| Kansas City, MO
| 8/28/16
| Worship at Country Club Congregational UCC
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9/2/16
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Out/Ginny's Sabbath Day
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Tyler's Schedule
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Location
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Date
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Description
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Troy, MO
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8/7/16
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Worship at Zion UCC
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| 8/8/16
| Out/Tyler's Sabbath Day
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| 8/9/16
| Prayer Vigil by phone
| Lexington, MO
| 8/13/16
| Trinity UCC Fundraiser breakfast
| Mt. Vernon, MO
Springfield, MO
| 8/14/16
| Worship at Zion UCC
Dedication of Building Project at St. John's Chapel
| Columbia, MO
| 8/15/16
| UCC/Disciples of Christ Regional Staff Mtg
| Levasy, MO
| 8/17/16
| Host Missionary, Minerva Halteh
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Springfield, MO
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8/18/16
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Boundary Training
Ozark Cluster Meeting
| Kansas City, MO
| 8/20/16
| Hands Around the World Mission Festival
| Kansas City, MO
| 8/21/16
| Worship at Country Club Congregational w/Missionary Minerva Halteh
| Columbia, MO
| 8/25/16
| Boundary Training
| Union, MO
| 8/26-27/16
| Conference Council Leadership Retreat
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| 8/29/16
| Out/Tyler's Sabbath Day
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MMSUCC Staff Schedules/Updates
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Renee Cordes will be out of the office attending the UCCOSSN Annual Gathering in Maryland from 8/3 and return to the office on 8/9. She will bring a laptop, so emails will be checked/answered periodically.
Jeremy Force, Director of Outdoor Ministries-Camp MoVal, will be on vacation from 8/19 until 9/5. Enjoy!
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Pray for Japan, Sunday, August 7th
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God, your love surpasses all understanding. As Jesus encouraged his disciples saying; "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Help us also to know your abiding presence in our lives as we stand firm for the purpose of your kingdom here on earth. May peace and justice prevail for all. 
We pray for your little flock of Christians in Japan who face trials on account of their faith in you. We pray for Christian educational institutions, that they may resist being hijacked by neo-capitalist forces in society. We pray for all minorities who are vulnerable to public displays of hatred on the streets. We pray for mothers and their families in Fukushima, 50% of whom do not think it safe for their children to be living there. We pray for the people of Okinawa who consistently find themselves marginalized. We pray for a society where freedom of speech, human rights, and democratic principles will be honored. We pray for the people who stand up to protect Japan's peace constitution; a constitution which has prohibited politicians from waging war for more than seven decades.
God, your love surpasses all understanding. Help us to know your abiding presence in our lives. Help us, your little flock, to trust in your Word. Encourage us, and all of your little ones around the world, in the ways of your love. Amen.
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Justice Witness Ministry - Prayer Vigil by Phone
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August 9
Noon-1:00pm
Yesterday, members of the Kansas City community commemorated the three-year anniversary of the killing of Ryan Stokes. On August 9th, members of the St. Louis community will commemorate the two-year anniversary of the killing of Michael Brown. People from the United Church of Christ will be part of both these events. 
In the past three years, we've found ourselves in ever-spiraling cycles of violence, particularly between our siblings who work in law enforcement and our siblings who are black.
Our hearts cry out in fear and anguish at the bloodshed, wondering where the violence will erupt next, and who among our family will be killed. In the midst of this fear and anguish, the JWM of the MMSC invites us to fast and pray for racial justice and for peace, that we might receive a spirit of power, love, and sound judgement.
You are invited to join together in Prayer Vigil and Mid-Day Fast by calling into the prayer line number listed below from Noon to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 9th. Prayers and liturgy will be led by MMS clergy and lay members.
We come together to bear prophetic witness, to grieve, and to connect to God's heart in prayer. We fast to acknowledge the suffering of the victims of violence and their loved ones, and in the hopes that we can end the cycles of violence in our communities.
Dial: 1-605-475-4000
Enter 765125# at the prompt
For information on related, continuing efforts in the KC area contact the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at 816.547.0719 or St. Mark Union UCC at 816.842.5454
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Hands Around the World Mission Festival Event
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Grand Mission Festival
August 20
9:30am-3pm at a location near you
Join us for our Grand Mission Festival to receive and share the Good News of Jesus Christ by joining with global and local partners.
Be the first to learn about inside information and new resources from Global Ministries. Become  familiar with the range of church partners and the issues they face in the context in which they face them. Find out how we as church members can become active in
supporting the programs and witness of our partners in the region.
Our Festival will be live-streamed from Colonial UCC in Prairie Village, Kansas to several church download sites. A missionary or mission advocate will be present as facilitator with the group at each site. Join your friends and bring your youth group or class to one of the sites near you.
Our keynoter for all is Dr. Peter E. Makari, who is Global Ministries' Executive for the Middle East and Europe. An Egyptian-American, Peter has lived and served in Egypt and Cyprus on many interfaith and ecumenical committees. Peter earned his M.A and Ph.D. in Politics and Middle East Studies and is the author of Conflict and Cooperation: Christian-Muslim Relations in Contemporary Egypt
Two Palestinian Christian women will also be presenting that day. They are serving as Missionary-in-Residence Peace Interns this summer in US church camps and conferences.
Minerva Halteh is from Jericho, Palestine and has served on the national YWCA Palestine Peace and Justice Task Force traveling to Norway and New York. Since graduating from college, Minerva wishes to apply her study to benefit people in need.
Rachel Shomali is from the West Bank and is a student at Birzeit University. She enjoys sports and uses sports to teach about social justice and women's empowerment. Last summer, she worked in South Africa in a sports ministry internship with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
All three have a profound and powerful message to share. There will be plenty of time for discussion and dialogue with them.
Choose the location nearest to you:
Colonial UCC Prairie Village KS (live streaming)
or download sites:
- Webster Groves Christian Church in Webster Groves
- St. Paul's UCC in Marthasville, MO
- Community Christian Church in Camdenton, MO
- Salem UCC in Higginsville, MO
RSVP by contacting the MMS Conference office: 877.877.5884 or kris@mmsucc.org
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Second Communications Mailing
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In an effort to be more inclusive and expansive in our communications activity as a Conference, the Communications Covenanted Ministry will be instituting an occasional hard-copy mailing to some of the following groups: churches, Pastors and Association/Conference leadership. This mailing will be assembled by a volunteer team coordinated by the Communications Covenanted Ministry and distributed 2-3 times/year. Our second mailing will be sent later this month at the end of August. 
We are again inviting Conference and Association settings to send flyers for inclusion. Examples of the material to be included are Association Fall Meeting flyers and registration information; planned activities by Conference Covenanted Ministries or Association Ministry Teams; information from our ministry partners (Eden Seminary, ECH, Emmaus Homes, etc.); Upcoming Conference/Association Youth Activities, and so on. (Information for inclusion will be limited to Conference/Association events, not local church dinners, trivia nights, etc.)
We will duplicate black and white flyers, and these can be emailed to Rev. Rick Oberle (rick@bemchurch.com) or Renee Cordes (renee@mmsucc.org ). If you would like to include a color flyer, please deliver them to the Conference office. Quantity = 225. ALL MATERIAL FOR INCLUSION IN THIS SECOND MAILING MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 26. Any questions about suitable materials for inclusion should be directed to Rick or Renee at the above email addresses.
This is just one aspect of a multi-faceted plan by the Communications Covenanted Ministry to enhance Conference Communications. Watch the eCourier for more announcements and initiatives as we work towards being ever more inclusive and expansive in our Communications Activity!
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Missouri Mid-South Conference ROCKS at National Youth Event in Florida!
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Did you know the Missouri Mid-South Conference was represented by TWELVE churches at the National Youth Event? Pretty awesome! Below are the churches that attended:
- Christ the King UCC, St. Louis, MO
- Evangelical UCC, Boonville, MO
- First Congregational UCC of Webster Groves, MO
- Friedens UCC, St. Charles, MO
- Grace UCC, O'Fallon, MO
- Parkway UCC, St. Louis, MO
- Peace UCC Hartsburg, MO
- St. John's UCC, Chesterfield, MO
- St. John UCC, St. Clair, MO
- St. Peters UCC, Washington, MO
- St. Phillips UCC, St. Louis, MO
- Zion UCC, Union, MO
courtesy of Gina Pona and Alysha Petry.
Below are just a few quotes from the youth at Parkway UCC, St. Louis who attended NYE:
I'm all about NYE's liberation theology.
NYE is an energetic, exciting, loud, and powerful gathering of amazing and inspiring people.
I appreciate being in an attitude of progressive Christianity.
Amongst the organized chaos of NYE, I met youth who love the earth, God, and each other.
NYE is reminding me in very meaningful and memorable ways that to be a Christian means to be tender, tough minded and tenacious.
NYE is a great place to meet new people and push you to new heights.
Thank you to all the adults and youth who attended, participated, planned and helped with NYE!
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Persons In Ministry (PIM) Retreat - Register Now
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September 19-21, 2016
The Inn at Grand Glaize, Osage Beach, MO 
Theme: 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 is now OPEN. 2016 PIM brochure. Contact Kris at the Conference office with any questions about registration. 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.
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Communications Consultant Position
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The Missouri Mid-South Conference, upon recommendation of the Communications Covenanted Ministry of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, is soliciting candidates for a part time Communications Consultant. This Consultant would work with the  Communications Covenanted Ministry to develop an infrastructure for communications in the Missouri Mid-South Conference, including but not limited to digital media and social networking. This Consultant would report directly to the Conference Minister of the Missouri Mid-South Conference.
The focus of this position is to plan, develop and produce a variety of materials and publications including print, visual, web-based, multimedia and video materials to convey information about the Missouri Mid-South Conference to a variety of stakeholders. This consultant would help to further develop and enhance the Missouri Mid-South Conference's internet and social media accounts. This Consultant would coordinate with the Conference Minister and the Communications Covenanted Ministry to determine styles of communications and interactions for various stakeholders. This Consultant would conceptualize and implement, administer and monitor a variety of projects using images, graphics, layout, design and devices to disseminate information and materials. One aspect of the job will be to continually experiment with new efforts to increase ease of navigation for the user, maximizing usefulness of information and revising sites based on external and internal feedback. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, salary requirements to
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Conference Annual Planning Event (CAPE)
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September 10
10am-3pm
Columbia UCC
Save the date! On September 10 at Columbia UCC, we will gather for our second Conference Annual Planning Event (CAPE). 
Please mark your calendars for this important planning event. All 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 conversation. Be part of the plan. Be part of the vision. Listen to new ideas. Have your voice heard. Make things happen. 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!
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Ginny's Top 5 Suggestions for Celebrating Generosity in Our Churches!!!
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- Say Thank You!!!
- When it's time to pass out the quarterly statements - celebrate it, say thank you, and tell folks what 3 things the church has been able to do because of their generosity!
- Have a Generosity Moment every Sunday and invite diverse people to say why they want to give to your church and/or thank them for their financial generosity which allowed a certain ministry to happen!
- Stop posting the income and budgeted income because many churches don't make their budgeted income until December. We should be transparent and share our information
 in appropriate ways in the church office and at congregational meetings but celebrate and invite people to continue to give! - Show pictures of your ministries!!! Non-profits never send letters saying they aren't going to pay the bills without our money. They show pictures of how our money has made a difference in people's lives!
Ginny offered a Generosity Ministry presentation at the Western and Eastern Association Spring meetings. Many asked Ginny for a copy of her information, and here is a link containing her presentation outline. As our local churches prepare for their Generosity Campaign this fall, Ginny hopes this information will inspire you to celebrate the generosity of your church and the Missouri Mid-South Conference!
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What is a Narrative Budget?
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Everyone loves a good story. Telling your church's will actually inspire giving.
Looking for fresh ways to motivate members to be generous with their pledges? Have you considered creating a narrative budget to tell your church's story? The Cornerstone Fund shares some suggestions for why you should. . . 
Telling your church's story with pictures and text (in addition to presenting the necessary page-of-numbers documents) hits home for church members and inspires generosity.
As stated above, presenting your church with financial information is a necessity, but it doesn't have to be the only way to communicate the budget.
This type of budget divides costs across ministry areas, which ultimately reflects the true cost of ministry more accurately.
A narrative budget allows your church to celebrate and highlight a special outreach program or ministry, with photos and words, to inspire giving.
Learn more about narrative budgets >>
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Rev. Dale Parson is on Sabbatical from July 1 to October 31, 2016 |
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Contact Us
|  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.
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Ordination & Installation for Guangyou Lou
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Installation for the Rev. Laura Mignerone
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2016-17 Worship & Preach Schedule for Ginny
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Weekly Podcast by the Rev. John Dorhauer
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MMSUCC Fall Association Meetings
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Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society Event
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African American Women in Ministry Event
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