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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



I greet you at the Amistad Chapel in Cleveland, Ohio, where I am meeting with a task force of the Untied Church Board. Our assignment is to consider the future of the United Church of Christ in 10 years from now and begin to make recommendations on what we need to do in moving forward to live into GOd's vision for the UCC. This gathering goes hand in hand with our Conference Ministry Theme, "Living Our Change!"

I have invited my task force colleagues to join me in my video greeting today: The Rev. Chris Davies, the Minister of CASA in the national UCC setting and the Rev. Dr. Jeremy Rutledge, the Pastor and Teacher of Circular UCC in Charleston, South Carolina (Also a seminary classmate of mine). I invited them to talk about how they are Living Their Change in their ministry settings within the UCC.
Chris talked about how we are at this wonderful moment as local churches and Christianity where everything is up in the air -- where we worship, how we serve, what we do. And there is dynamic energy as we Live Our Change because these changes invite us to follow the ways of Jesus.

Jeremy talked about his church, which was founded in 1691, and therefore has had to adapt to the change within and beyond their church community. Currently they are Living Their Change as they tackle the systemic issues of racism in the community. Jeremy gives thanks for the wider United Church of Christ and the ways we can change together.

When our task force met, our General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer gave us a charge for our task and ministry together, which he fully supports because he believes in the mission of the Church. At that moment he began to tear up, which reflected his deep love for and belief in the Beloved Community.

May we be inspired by the ways God is calling us to be Living Our Change together as the United Church of Christ! Woohoo!

Blessings, Ginny
Ginny's Schedule
Location 
Date 
Description 

9/9
Out/Sabbath Day
Columbia, MO
9/10
Columbia UCC, Conference Annual Planning Event (CAPE)
Springfield, MO
9/11
Preach at St. Johns Chapel UCC

9/16
Out/Sabbath Day
Maryland
9/17
Memorial Service for the Rev. Dr. John Deckenback
Lebanon, MO
9/18
Worship at First Congregational UCC
Osage Beach, MO
9/19-9/21
Persons in Ministry Retreat
St. Louis, MO
9/22
20-30 Clergy Chat

9/23
Out/Sabbath Day
Chesterfield, MO
Jackson, MO
9/24
St. Johns UCC, St. Louis Assn. Fall Meeting
Emanuel UCC, Eastern Assn. Fall Meeting
Chamois, MO
9/25
Worship at St. Johns UCC

9/26-9/28
Continuing Education
Houston, TX
9/29

9/30
Out/Sabbath Day
Houston, TX
10/1

Tyler's Schedule
Location 
Date 
Description 
Webster Groves, MO
9/9
Eden Seminary Boundary Training
Columbia, MO
9/10
Columbia UCC, Conference Annual Planning Event
Higginsville, MO
9/11
Worship at Salem UCC
Blue Springs, MO
9/13
Blue Springs Terrace Board Meeting
Columbia, MO
9/15
Columbia UCC, Boundary Training Planning Team
St. Louis, MO
9/18
Worship/preach at Pilgrim UCC
Osage Beach, MO
9/19-9/21
Persons in Ministry Retreat
Levasy, MO
9/22
Lafayette Area Women's Fellowship
Chesterfield, MO
9/24
St. Johns UCC, St. Louis Assn. Fall Meeting
Higginsville, MO
9/25
CROP Walk
Raytown, MO
9/29
Southwood UCC Boundary Training
Conference Annual Planning Event (CAPE)
 
September 10 - TOMORROW!!! 
10am-3pm
Columbia UCC 
 
If you have ideas that you feel would make a difference in the collective work God is calling our Conference to do, then please plan on attending the second Conference Annual Planning Event (CAPE).  
  
ALL MEMBERS AND CHURCHES IN THE MISSOURI MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE ARE INVITED - YOU ARE NEEDED AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

Still undecided on whether you should attend CAPE or not?  Please finish this sentence:  "I wish our Conference would ______________." If you were able to complete the sentence with an idea or thought (positive or negative) you need to be at the event tomorrow.  We truly want to hear from you, and this is your chance to make a difference.  
 
THERE IS NO COST FOR LUNCH BUT WE DO NEED YOU TO REGISTER SO WE HAVE A COUNT OF HOW MANY WE WILL BE SERVING. Please click the above link for a simple registration form.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO:
  • TAKE ACTION
  • JOIN THE CONVERSATION
  • BE PART OF THE PLAN
  • LISTEN TO NEW IDEAS
  • HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD
  • MAKE THINGS HAPPEN
  • ESTABLISH OUR FUTURE

WILL YOU SHOW UP AND STAND UP FOR YOUR CONFERENCE? 

 
We will be determining our priorities for the upcoming year and deciding how we move forward with the  Strategic Plan Implementation Team's recommendations utilizing the Five Mission Imperatives

WE HOPE YOU WILL ATTEND - YOU ARE THE CONFERENCE!   
20-30 Clergy WebVideo Chat with Ginny  
 
Thursday, September 22 
Noon-1:00 pm

On Thursday, September 22 at noon Ginny will host a noontime WebVideo chat with all authorized ministers in their 20's and 30's to affirm, support, and empower you in your call to ministry!

This 20-30 Chat affirms the 5 Mission Imperatives of the Missouri Mid-South Conference: Cultivating and Nurturing Authentic Covenantal Relationships, Strengthening Congregations, Supporting Authorized Ministers in All Settings, Improving Communication, and Advancing a Mission of Advocacy for Peace and Justice. Watch for Webvideo information soon!
 2016 UCC Statistical Profile
 
The Fall 2016 UCC Statistical Profile is now available! To view the latest trends and statistics on congregations, members, ministers, and various aspects of ministry, a printable PDF is available at this link:
 
This year's Profile includes three Special Reports-the first on emerging trends in ministerial authorization and leadership, the second on UCC students in theological schools, and the third on highlights from the Faith Communities Today 2015 National Survey of Congregations. As always, this report provides a closer look at overall congregational and ministerial demographics, as well as stewardship and finances, providing reflective questions for church councils and planning committees throughout the resource.
National Voter Registration Day, September 27
 
For people of faith, the public arena we know as "politics" represents much more than the partisan politicking we see on the news. It is a means by which we live out the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.
In 2008, six million Americans didn't vote because they missed a registration deadline or didn't know how to register.

Through the Our Faith Our Vote campaign we are working to ensure that all the people in our pews are empowered to lift their voices this November. Will you commit to making sure that everyone in you congregation is registered and ready to vote?
Learn more:
Read more here about Our Faith, Our Vote.    
Deaconess and Local Churches Help Children Read
 
On the 50th Anniversary of International Literacy Day, September 8, 2016, Deaconess Foundation announced small grants totaling more than $21,000 to 20 United Church of Christ congregations in the St. Louis area, spanning Missouri and Illinois.  International Literacy Day seeks innovative solutions to further boost literacy in the future.  Churches received funding for an array of projects from "Free Little Libraries" to efforts to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.  The 50th anniversary of International Literacy Day is celebrated under the banner "Reading the Past, Writing the Future."

Deaconess Foundation's grants align with the United Church of Christ commitment to children's literacy. The denomination recognizes that literacy is a critical component to improving the lives of children and reducing the number of Americans living in poverty.

 "Literacy levels are notable indicators of the future outcomes for our children," said Reverend Starsky Wilson, president and CEO. "It is of utmost importance that children be provided with the best possible building blocks for success.  We are pleased that these congregations are strengthening our children and community."

Congregations receiving funding include:  Bethany-Peace UCC in St. Louis, MO; Bethel UCC in Cahokia, IL; Eden UCC in Affton, MO; Evangelical UCC in Highland, IL; First Congregational UCC in St. Louis, MO; Friedens UCC in Marissa, IL; Friedens Peace UCC in New Melle, MO; Glory to Glory Christian Church UCC in St. Louis, MO; continue article
Grand Mission Fest Event Follow Up
 
For those who want to listen again or share for discussion with a new group, the presentations held on August 20th are available in video including the power point slides. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_QStrtAP6g  
 
Study guides, visuals and many, many resources on Israel/Palestine are here:
Several videos including the video, "This Holy Place: The Stones Cry Out" on the plight of the Palestinians is here:
World Communion Sunday, October 2, Neighbors in Need Special Offering
 
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries(JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. 

Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. Funding is provided through donations to the Neighbors in Need offering.

Most UCC congregations will receive the NIN offering on October 2, 2016 as part of their World Communion Sunday observance. however, some local churches select another date. NIN contributions can be made on-line at any time here.

The 2016 theme for NIN is "This we believe" and connects the issue of child hunger to the work that UCC congregations are doing to serve their community and address this injustice.

 
Former UCC General Minister and President Retires from Chicago Theological Seminary
 
In August, Rev. John Thomas, former General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, retired from his position at Chicago Theological Seminary. Rev. Thomas reflects on his tenure at CTS: "I've been forced to grow. Forced to grow in my theological experience and understanding. Grow in my abilities as a teacher. Grow in my knowledge of the issues facing theological education. Grow in my awareness of what it means to live in a big, urban context with lots of challenges."

Continue article 
White Privilege: Let's Talk
 
White Privilege: Let's Talk-A Resource for Transformational Dialogue is an adult curriculum from the United Church of Christ that's designed to invite church members to engage in safe, meaningful, substantive, and bold conversations on race.  Download Curriculum

This is a downloadable resource in PDF format that's free of charge and can be used by any church regardless of size or budget.

Divided into four focused parts, each one introduces a different aspect of the dynamic of white privilege:  1. The Spiritual Autobiography Told Through the Lens of Race;  2. Whiteness as the Norm: Five Loci of Insights on the Binary of Light/Dark and Black/White;  3. The Cash Value of Whiteness or Whiteness as a Tax-Exempt Status; and 4. On Becoming an Ally.

In all four parts, each author contributes a different view of the subject matter presented based on their unique personal experiences. The materials include questions for discussion and reflection.  Join the discussion.

Advent Devotional from UCC Resources
 
Not typical or tame-but inspiring just the same.
Wolves and Lambs: Advent 2016 Devotional from the Stillspeaking Writers' Group promises you an Advent journey that will challenge as well as enlighten.

See for yourself. Click here to preview.

Begins Sunday, November 27 and ends on Christmas day, so you get a whole season of unique devotions, with titles such as:
Unexpected Advent
The Someones
Sweat, Mess, and Prep Cooks
Like a Box of Chocolatesand more

Will begin shipping September 23.

5-pack: $16.50 (plus shipping)  Single copy: $6.50 with FREE shipping
Pre-order now>>  
LIFE at Eden Seminary
 
September 16-17
Eden Seminary

The LIFE (Lifelong Learner Institute of Faith Exploration) program will kick off the new academic year with a weekend retreat to be held on Sept. 16-17 on the Eden Campus. The LIFE program welcomes laity and clergy seeking to explore their Christian faith. Participants spend Friday evening and Saturday on campus in fellowship with others, taking either a certificate or an elective course, worshiping and eating together.
 
The certificate course for the September retreat is NT Scriptural Studies with Rev. Dr. Deb Krause.  This class will offer participants an introduction and overview of the New Testament. Deborah is Eden's Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament.

The elective class is Welcoming the LGBTQ Community to Your Church, taught by Dr. Jill Baker, adjunct professor at Eden. This class will provide an overview on formal and informal ways clergy and congregations can be welcoming to the LGBTQ community.   
 
For more information in the LIFE retreats contact: Jill Shantz, [email protected] or call 314-961-3627.  To register, go to: LIFE Program Registration
Seniors Count - And So Does Your Vote in November on Proposition S 
 
Proposition S focuses on the very serious need to increase local funding for senior services in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. Although 52 Missouri counties have passed a Senior Service Fund, the tax has never been proposed in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. A Senior Service Fund in these three jurisdictions would annually generate approximately $20 million for vital services. Revenue raised in each county remains in that county.
 
On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, voters will have the opportunity to demonstrate their support to help provide for the growing needs of seniors in our region. Voters in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County will be asked to approve Proposition S, a senior services property tax ($.05 per $100 assessed valuation). Our organization, Seniors Count want you to be knowledgeable as your faith and advocacy directly improves lives of older adults. Our faith is the pillar of our organization, and with your help, we will have the opportunity to extend services to those in need for years to come.
 
Please inform your congregation of this effort. Speakers are available from Seniors Count who could come to any gathering to discuss this effort and its benefit to seniors in our community by contacting Jamie Opsal at [email protected] or call her at 314-412-1914.
 
Seniors are an important part of our lives and community and we want to help them to meet their needs.

Full letter to share with your congregation.
Calling all Volunteers - MoVal Needs YOU   
 
As you all know, Camp MoVal relies heavily on volunteer help and program staff to supplement its programming in the off camp season. Well, it is that time of year again - we need YOU.  Here's a list of staffing and volunteer needs for the fall operation of Camp MoVal. If you are interested or can be of service on any of the dates, please contact us at MoVal and we can discuss details.  Email [email protected] or call 636-583-2730.

It is also important for us to put together a volunteer team if MoVal-oween is going to happen this year. We need a group of 5-10 people to plan and execute the event. It will take 25-30 volunteers for the actual event to have enough coverage. Marci and I will be able to assist the planning group, but we need more hands to make this event happen. Please let us know if you are interested in helping by September 2 with MoVa-loween.

Thank you for your continued support of Camp MoVal and Outdoor Ministry,

Jeremy Force, Camp MoVal Outdoor Ministries Director
Border Convergence Event with John Dorhauer 
 
October 7-10, 2016
with the Southwest Conference

You are invited to join the Southwest Conference, Oct. 7-10, 2016 in Nogales, AZ/Sonora, Mexico for Border Convergence. This partnership event between the Southwest Conference UCC, School of the Americas Watch, and the UCC national setting will call for the demilitarization of border communities, call out immigration policy injustice, and imagine a future that builds bridges not walls. A flier about the event for you to share with your congregations is attached. The schedule on Saturday, Oct. 8 includes a UCC gathering in the morning and an interfaith prayer vigil that evening; John Dorhauer will be with us that day.
 
We are calling on all settings of the UCC who are unable to travel to the border to send a cross (2'x1') of witness, support and remembrance. We will deliver the crosses to the wall as part of the UCC actions at the event.  Crosses have already begun arriving at our office.
 
Thank you for promoting this important justice action among your congregations!
 
 
 
For more information visit: http://www.soaw.org/border/
 
 
 
Dale's Sabbatical 

Rev. Dale Parson is on Sabbatical from July 1 to 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 - 9/9/2016
Ginny's Journeys
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.

Persons in Ministry Retreat Event
September 19-21, 2016
The Inn at Grand Glaize, Osage Beach, MO

REGISTRATION IS NOW $135

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! 

Registration is now OPEN2016 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.

Questions? Contact Betsy Happel at [email protected].

Boundary Training

Boundary Training is a requirement to maintain mini
sterial 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 dates below:

St. Louis Association:
  • Saturday, October 15, 2016 - Church of the Master - Florissant, MO.  Facilitators: Rev. Ann Wilson and Rev. Mark Robinson
  • Saturday, October 22, 2016- First Congregational UCC- Memphis, TN.  Facilitator: Rev. Joe Pfeiffer
Western Association:
  • Thursday, September 29, 2016 - Southwood UCC - Raytown, MO.  Facilitator(s): Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman
For further information on boundary training, please contact Kris in our Conference office 314-918-2605.    

MMSUCC Fall Association Meetings



The fall Association meetings are quickly approaching: 

The Eastern Association Fall business meeting will be held on Saturday, September 24 and hosted by Emanuel UCC in Jackson, MO. 
11 am lunch and meeting 1-3 pm.  Please visit the EA page of the Conference website for further information and registration. 

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.  Please visit the SLA page of the Conference website for further information and registration. 

The Western Association Fall Gathering will be held on Saturday, October 22 from 10am to 3pm at Southwood UCC in Raytown, MO. 
Come experience and explore new ways to conduct worship. A variety of workshops will be presented after the morning worship service and will be repeated again after lunch
 
Registration begins at 9:30AM and the welcoming will be at 10:00AM followed immediately with the opening worship service.  Please visit the WA page of the Conference website for further information and registration.
Rev. Tyler Connoley at Zion UCC in St. Joseph
Tyler Connoley, our Sabbatical Associate Conference Minister, will speak to the GCF (Gay-Straight Christian Fellowship of Zion Church: an Open and Affirming congregation) in Saint Joseph at 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 21st.

A fellowship dinner will be served. 

The church is located at 816 Faraon St., St. Joseph, MO 64501.

Tyler will speak on Hathach, the transgender hero from the book of
Esther.  GCF is reading "The Children are Free:  Reexamining the Biblical
Evidence on Same-sex Relationships," co-authored by Tyler along with the
Reverend Jeff Miner.

You are invited to attend.
CROP Hunger Walk
The 2016 CROP Hunger Walk will be September 25, held at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO  63119.  Registration/check-in will be at 12:30 pm, and step-off at 1:30 pm.  As in the past, we will have both a one-mile and a three-mile route through the lovely neighborhoods of northeastern Webster Groves.
 
Also, please check our website for updates:  www.crophungerwalk.org/stlouismo  and please see our Facebook page.  On Facebook, search "CROP Hunger Walk St Louis 2016" and please "like" the page to help us spread the word.
 
Church World Service, of which CROP is the division that addresses issues of hunger and poverty, both locally and throughout the world.    25% of funds raised stays in the St. Louis area to benefit many partners.
 
Questions?  Contact Clint McCann at 314-395-5826; or contact Jordan Bles, CROP's Community Engagement Specialist at [email protected]

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.
Employment Opportunities
Future eHappenings

The next eHappenings will be
shared on Thursday, September 15. 
Please send your events and
items to advertise
to Kris by 9/14/16.
Quick Links
MMSUCC Conference Website
National UCC Website
Email Your Conference Office