E-Connections

January 2009

 1.  Jamaican Partnership Auction Results

January 5, 2009

The Jamaica Missouri Partnership Group thanks all who made bids on their auction in December. The results were that the voucher for one night’s stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Independence Missouri went for $100. And the one 8 ounce bag of Jamaica Mountain Choice medium roasted ground coffee went for $25. All proceeds go to the Jamaica Missouri Partnership account. Our thanks also go to Chuck Adams ca6853@fidnet.com  who managed this auction.
 

 2.  Passion Play auditions at Friedens, New Melle

January 5, 2009

Frieden’s United Church of Christ in New Melle has begun planning the 2009 production of the New Melle Community Passion Play. They are inviting volunteers. Performance dates for this year are: Saturday and Sunday March 28th and 29th, Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th. The first cast and choir meeting will be on Monday, January 26th – 7:30 p.m. at the Frieden’s United Church of Christ. Casting for speaking roles will be assigned at this time. Rehearsal for actors will then continue each following Monday at 7:30 pm through March 16th. Tech Week will be nightly March 23rd through the 27th. Choir will rehearse at Frieden’s United Church of Christ in New Melle on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. beginning February 20th. Paul Mittler and Marge Huber will be directing the play with help from Donna Curdt who will be coordinating the choir schedule. Please mark these dates on your calendar now, and invite your friends to come and join in making this production a success. In order to complete some pre-planning, please contact one of the numbers/individuals below and indicate whether you will be able to participate in the production this year.

Paul Mittler                             Donna Curdt                                      Marge Huber
Pmittler@mittlerbros.com         semopest@centurytel.net             mhuber@mittlerbros.com 
636-828-5130                        636-236-3251                                   636-639-1232
 

 3.  Class offered on Handling Conflict

January 5, 2009

How to Handle Conflict in the Congregation

Led by a pastor and counselor who works daily with congregational leaders in conflict, Lutheran School of Theology of St. Louis offers a class for clergy and laity interested in learning how to keep congregations healthy and what to do when leadership goes wrong. The class teaches how to analyze and handle congregational conflict in the early, mid and late stages.

The teacher is Rev. Dale Kuhn, Executive Director of Care and Counseling agency. Rev. Kuhn is a Lutheran clergyman who has extensive experience in the field. He is the current national president of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. The class will be split over two Saturdays, January 17 and 31, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Care and Counseling, 12141 Ladue Rd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141 (1/10 mile west of I-270 at Ladue Road, or see website for directions: www.careandcounseling.org ). Tuition is $33 per person.

Register online at lststl.org, call (314)725-9710, or send name, address, phone number and payment to LST, 6325 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63117.
 

 4.  Emmaus Homes Red Carpet Gala

January 6, 2009

Emmaus Hosts Red Carpet Gala for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Emmaus Homes is hosting its 21st Annual Open Your Heart Dinner on February 6, 2009, at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis. This year’s event will be a Hollywood-themed Red Carpet Gala, complete with celebrity impersonators and a chance to face the paparazzi on the red carpet. As part of the celebration, Emmaus will honor 21 employees who have served the organization for 25 or more years.

Emmaus provides residential, recreational and senior services to nearly 300 men and women with developmental disabilities throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area. The Open Your Heart Dinner is its premier fundraising event, raising over $2 million over its 21-year history.

The 2009 Red Carpet Gala will be held in the Renaissance Grand’s historic Landmark Ballroom and will include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, dancing to the Galaxy Band and a silent auction of items ranging from gift baskets to vacation packages to sports memorabilia. Tickets are $150 or $1,500 for a table of ten. Reservations may be made by calling the Emmaus Homes Development Office at 636.534.5214. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available.

The 2009 Open Your Heart Dinner is sponsored by Bank of Washington, Clemco Industries, Schroeder Drug, Inc., Bank of Sullivan, The Chest, Missourian Publishing Company and USBank.

The 20th Anniversary Open Your Heart Dinner committee is led by Lynne Unnerstall, committee chair, and includes Gerry and Linda Frankenfeld, Jessica Ilert, Nancy Litzinger, Marilyn Rufkahr, Paula Reagan, Sue Schlueter, Linda Statler, Carol Stelmach, Bob and Francine Turnure, Tammy Voyles, Warren Werner, Lynda Wiens and Patty Wood.

For ticket information, visit www.emmaushomes.org/events.html
 

 5.  Can you help find a celebrity?

January 6, 2009

A message from the Community Relations Specialist at Steppingstone in the Kansas City area: “The staff at our transitional living center for teens and young adults hosts a Trivia Night for fun and as a fundraiser. This year’s event is scheduled for March. I’ll send more information later as we have more details. We’re looking for an emcee for the event and need your help. It would be great to have a local celebrity, if possible. These might include, but would not be limited to, a local television news anchor or reporter, talk-show host, sports figure, etc. In fact, if there’s a local celebrity who’s also a UCC member, they would be an especially wonderful fit! Please ask your congregations, perhaps even print this notice in your church bulletin, and let us know if anyone comes to mind. Thank you for your help.
Debbie Topi, Community Relations Specialist, Steppingstone
Contact info: (816) 356-0187 or DTopi@echmail.org 
 

 6.  Installation of Randy Orwig at Immanuel, Ferguson

January 6, 2009

You are all invited to the Installation of Rev. Randy Orwig as Associate Pastor of Immanuel UCC in Ferguson, Missouri. The service will take place Sunday, January 25, beginning at 3pm. The special preacher of the day is the Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte, Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries and member of the Collegium of Officers of the United Church of Christ. Immanuel UCC is additionally honored to have her speak at their regular services of worship that day as well, 8:30 and 10am. Rev. Rogers-Witte will be preaching on their Global Missions efforts. All pastors and lay persons are welcome to come greet and speak with Rev. Rogers-Witte from 2:15pm till installation service time. Immanuel UCC is further honored to have their adult choir singing under the direction of Ms. Carolyn Rock, Minister of Music. Immanuel youth will be involved as well with a presentation from the “Raised Hands” Puppet Ministry at the church. There will be a reception following the service sponsored by Immanuel’s Women’s Fellowship.

Please make every effort to attend this celebrative day with the Immanuel congregation. Rev. Randy Orwig comes to Immanuel from Virginia, where he spent 16 years planting and establishing Tidewater UCC in Virginia Beach. Rev. Orwig received the call to Immanuel in June 2008 and began duties on August 16 of last year. He joins Senior Pastor Rev. Tom Higgins who is completing his 28th year of ministry at Immanuel.

Immanuel UCC looks forward to seeing all who are able to attend as they celebrate ministry transitions, the missions of the Church, and their covenant together.

For directions to the church, go to www.immanuelucc.org or feel free to call (314) 521-7324.
 

 7.  Death of Dave Wilson

January 6, 2009

Pastor Dan Wilson's father, Dave Wilson (who was visiting the family for the holidays), passed away Monday, January 5, around 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. Dan Wilson is a pastor at Ivy Chapel UCC in Chesterfield.
The visitation (Friday) and funeral (Saturday, Jan 10) will be in Madison, WI, :
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison, Wisconsin*.
Mark donations *Dave Wilson memorial.
Lake Edge United Church of Christ
4200 Buckeye Rd
Madison, WI 53716

Thoughts and prayers can be sent to Dan Wilson and his family at 620 N. Woods Mill Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017-3219
 

 8.  Special study opportunity at Eden Seminary

January 7, 2009

This spring Eden Theological Seminary will host a visiting scholar from Bangalore India, Rev. Dr. O.V. Jathanna, who will offer an intensive theology elective entitled “The Gospel in Context: Indian Religio-cultural and Socio-Political Realities.” The course will meet on Fridays from 9-4 PM (with a two hour break for lunch) on Fridays 3/13-5/8 (excepting reading week). Dr. Jathanna is an extremely well regarded scholar and teacher, and the course promises to be an excellent opportunity to study theology contextually and to reflect on interfaith and intercultural experience in context.
Clergy or laity with a bachelor’s degree may register for this class credit non-degree or audit. Credit non-degree and audit applications can be found on the Eden Seminary website www.eden.edu  under the prospective student page. If you have questions, contact Rev. Carol Shanks, Director of Admissions 314-918-2501 or cshanks@eden.edu 
 

 9.  St. Louis Ministerium meets January 14th

January 7, 2009

The January meeting of the St Louis Ministerium will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at 10 am at St Thomas UCC, in Chesterfield at 17842 Wild Horse Creek Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005-3610. Dwayne Dollgener, Interim Pastor is the host for this meeting. For directions call the church at 636.532.3556 or check their website http://stthomasucc.org  All members of the clergy in St. Louis Association are invited to attend.
 

10. Martin Luther King Jr commemoration at Pilgrim Congregational UCC

January 7, 2009

All are invited to the Union Council activities commemorating the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Union Council is composed of 3 churches in the Union-Delmar neighborhood of St. Louis: Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Union Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).

Pilgrim Congregational UCC is hosting the Martin Luther King commemoration activities on Sunday, January 18, 2009. Pilgrim Church is located at 826 Union Boulevard in the City of St. Louis. The schedule for the day is:

9 AM "What's Your Story? Storytelling as a Tool for Interfaith Dialogue" An educational program for youth and adults led by Jenan Mohajir, Program Associate for Outreach Education and Training, Interfaith Youth Core in Chicago** Held in the library at Pilgrim Church

10:30 AM Worship service in the Pilgrim Church sanctuary; Jenan Mohajir will preach, and a joint choir from the 3 churches will sing

Noon Buffet lunch in Pilgrim Church fellowship hall, $10 adults, $5 children ages 5-11, free for children under 5
Reservations needed by Wed., Jan. 14; call (314) 367-8173 or e-mail pilgrim826@sbcglobal.net 

**For those who attended the National Youth Event in 2008, Jenan Mohajir is from the Interfaith Youth Core of Chicago, which is the same organization that NYE keynote speaker Eboo Patel founded.
 

11. Position Openings at the National Level

January 8, 2009

In an effort to broaden their recruitment, please find below a list of job openings at the National Setting. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for an open position, please send a cover letter and resume/profile to:
Alisa Lewis, United Church of Christ, Human Resources, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, lewisam@ucc.org  The UCC extends employment opportunities to multicultural, multiracial communities, LGBT communities, and persons with disabilities. The UCC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Position Openings as of January 8, 2009
{see full listings and details of positions @ www.ucc.org/classifieds }

JWM/NCC– Washington-Based Team: Washington Advocacy Officer

LCM – Church Building & Loan Fund: Capital Fundraising Executive

OGM – Financial Services: LCM Controller Treasurer

United Church of Christ Insurance Board (UCCIB): Claims Analyst – new
 

11. Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA)

January 8, 2009

Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA)
Learn about Reporting & Other Related Requirements via Live Web-Based Training VIA THE INTERNET Wednesday – February 18, 2009 (1:30p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time) The web-based training will provide an overview of all the EPCRA programs.

The course will cover the following:
EPCRA 304 & CERCLA 103 – Chemical Release Notification
Clean Air Act 112(r) – Risk Management Plans & General Duty Clause
EPCRA 311 & 312 – Hazardous Chemical Storage Reporting
EPCRA 313 – Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting
Register: Send contact information including name, company, address, phone number and email address to: epatraining@saic.com  or for more information contact Stephanie A. Hulsey, Secretary, Franklin Co. Local Emergency Planning Committee, 401 East Springfield Avenue, Union, MO 63084. Phone: 636-583-1679; Fax: 636-583-4146; shulsey@franklinmo.net 
 

12. IRS 2009 Standard Mileage Rates

January 8, 2009

IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rates

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2009 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
• 55 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
The new rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than rates for the second half of 2008 that were raised by a special adjustment mid-year in response to a spike in gasoline prices. The rate for charitable purposes is set by law and is unchanged from 2008.
The business mileage rate was 50.5 cents in the first half of 2008 and 58.5 cents in the second half. The medical and moving rate was 19 cents in the first half and 27 cents in the second half.
The mileage rates for 2009 reflect generally higher transportation costs compared to a year ago, but the rates also factor in the recent reversal of rising gasoline prices. While gasoline is a significant factor in the mileage rate, other fixed and variable costs, such as depreciation, enter the calculation.
The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.
A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.
Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.
Revenue Procedure 2008-72 contains additional information on these standard mileage rates.
 

13. Blood Drive at St. Johns Mehlville

January 9, 2009

St. Johns Evangelical United Church of Christ (Lindbergh and I-55) will host a Red Cross Blood Drive, on Friday, January 23 from 2-6 p.m., in the church gym. Come and help replenish low supplies of donor blood in the St. Louis metro area. Call 314-892-6769 to register as a donor.
 

14. Trivia Night at First Congregational, Bonne Terre

January 9, 2009

Trivia night at Heritage Hall on January 10. Register at 6:30pm, and game begins at 7pm. Tickets are $10 /person, 8 people per table. This event is sponsored by First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) Bonne Terre.
Snacks are provided and beverages will be for sale. Jeff Cauley will be the Trivia Master. For more information contact First Congregational UCC at 573-358-3590.
 

15. PBUCC Tax-Sheltered Annuity and Long-Term Care Insurance Conference Call 01/14/09

January 12, 2009

UCC employees can save additional money for retirement while enjoying immediate tax advantages through a PBUCC Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA). For clergy, the TSA has a distinct advantage over an IRA or other 403(b) plan since TSA benefits paid in retirement are eligible for the housing allowance tax exclusion. Employees can open a TSA account for as little as $25, and the money saved now can help provide for a more secure retirement in the future.

Discounted Long-Term Care Insurance is now available to active and retired UCC employees and their family members directly from John Hancock and Prudential. A relaxed screening process will be offered from January 15 through April 14.

To learn more about the benefits of a TSA, and for additional information about Long-Term Care Insurance, please join in a Member Education Conference Call on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at Noon (EST). Following a brief presentation, you will have an opportunity to have your questions answered by knowledgeable PBUCC staff.

To participate:
• Dial the toll-free Conference Call number: 1.888.635.9299
• At the prompt, enter the Access Code: 905128
• TTY callers, dial: 1.800.855.2881
If you are unable to participate, a recording of each conference is available for one month following the call at: 1.800.475.6701, Access Code: 905128. Please note that after one month, the telephone recording is automatically updated to the most recent Conference Call. Recordings of all past calls are always available on the Member Education section of the Pension Boards' web site at www.pbucc.org

For more information on PBUCC’s Member Education program, call 1.800.642.6543, ext. 2712.

We look forward to your participation on January 14.
 

16. January issue of the Parish Paper

January 12, 2009

Attached is the January issue of The Parish Paper, a two page newsletter edited by Herb Miller, Lyle Schaller, and Cynthia Woolever. Each edition will discuss issues, share ideas, or offer insights on an area of parish ministry. The January issue discusses: “How to Identify Our Church's Unstated Assumptions”

Didn’t get the previous issues? Don’t know what The Parish Paper is? A statement from Jeff Whitman, Conference Minister can be found at www.mmsucc.org/resources/parishpaper.asp  as well as past issues.

How you will receive the Parish Paper: The January issue is attached to this email as a PDF. The Parish Paper is also available for you at the link to Resources, and the drop down menu will offer Parish Paper as an option. We will post future editions of the Parish Paper on the website as we get them.

Below are some additional instructions on the use of The Parish Paper:

Our organization's purchase of photocopy rights for The Parish Paper INCLUDES:
1. Permission to provide copies to our staff and the congregations within our constituency in any of the following ways: E-mail, U.S. Mail, newspaper, meetings, training events, and our Website.

2. Permission for each congregation within our constituency to (a) photocopy or electronically distribute for local use as many copies as it needs, (b) post them on its Website, and (c) quote sentences and paragraphs.

Your Congregation does NOT have permission (a) to delete the copyright notice on page 2; (b) to re-write, paraphrase, or change the wording of sentences and paragraphs; or (c) to give ANY THIRD PARTY - other than your staff and constituents - permission to photocopy or reprint (in any quantity, no matter how small, whether for free distribution or for sale).

If your congregation uses a U.S. Post Office Nonprofit Mailing Permit to distribute photocopies with its newsletter or other mailings, most local Post Offices require that every item carry your congregation's name and address. Above The Parish Paper masthead, type your congregation's name, address, and "Photocopied by Permission."
 

17. St. Louis Ministerium Reminder

January 13, 2009

St. Louis Association Ministerium

As we enter a New Year of ministry together in the St. Louis Area, let us help each other honor our UCC commitment to Covenant Ministry by joining together for conversation, refreshment and in mutual support of one another.

Please join us this Wednesday, January 14, at St. Thomas UCC in Chesterfield, at 10:00 AM as Rev Adrian Mc Lean will help us take a look at how UCC/Disciples are making a difference on a Global level and lead us in a Peace and Prosperity Prayer Session starting with the demanding issues confronting the USA and the new president, then onto other places worldwide, Africa (Zimbabwe), Asia (Mumbai), Middle East (Gaza), Caribbean (Haiti) etc.
 

18. Global Ministries Update: January 13, 2009

January 13, 2009

Your Global Ministries Update: January 13, 2009

Disciples and UCC… together in God’s global mission - Visit us at: www.GlobalMinistries.org 

Please download the MONTHLY MISSION STORY for your church bulletin or newsletter:
January 2009: pdf   February 2009: text

To download the WEEKLY PRAYER for Sunday Worship, click here: Hungary

January 16th is the last day to Sign the letter to President-Elect Obama. Have you added your name to the letter yet? Holy Land Peace Priority

To respond to the crisis in Gaza through Special Giving Opportunities:
Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza
Department of Service for Palestinian Refugees of the MECC


Updates on the Crisis in Gaza
Peter Makari, Global Ministries area executive for the Middle East and Europe, is receiving regular updates from our partners in Palestine. We are posting those updates in one place and you can get to it from the homepage of the GM website by clicking on the “Crisis in Gaza” photo. On this page you will find information on:
• Humanitarian relief: WOC and OGHS Gaza Appeals
• Advocacy: Call for a cease-fire and humanitarian relief for Gaza
• Resources: Study resources to better understand the situation
• News: Updates and statements from partners and ecumenical bodies
To visit the Crisis in Gaza page, click here: Gaza Response

Plans for New Pediatric Wing of Bolenge Hospital Posted on the GM Website
Drawings of the new pediatric wing of Bolenge Hospital, which was largely destroyed by fire on June 13, 2006, are posted. This is the first section to be rebuilt thanks in great part to gifts from Disciple and UCC churches and households. The dedication ceremony and the laying of the first stone was held in late May 2008 during a Global Ministries visit to Bolenge with Reverend Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a group from the Christian Church in Indiana. Reverend Sandra Gourdet reports that construction was delayed because of a generalized scarcity of cement in the entire country. However, the cement is on its way by boat and building will begin the week of January 12. The projected completion date for the pediatric wing is June 2009. To see the plans, click here: Plans for Bolenge Hospital Pediatric Wing

Please contact us, if you want any further information:

For Disciples:                                         For the UCC:
Bob Shebeck                                         Jan Aerie
bshebeck@dom.disciples.org                   aeriej@ucc.org 
317-713-2571                                       216-736-3204

Upcoming Ministries and Mission Interpreters (MMI) Training Events:

Kansas City, Missouri: February 28, 2009 from 8:30am to 4:30pm at Country Club Christian Church – 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO, cost: $12, to register contact Greater Kansas City Region office at 913-432-1414 or Karen Yount at 816-322-0576

Find a Missionary Visit in your State:

MO: January 5 – March 31, 2009, Jim and Jayanthi Wilson (Botswana) Contact: Danny Stewart danny-ccma@socket.net 
MO: July 19-26, 2009, Anil Henry (India) Contact: Danny Stewart danny-ccma@socket.net 
 

19. Church Leaders Winter Workshop Reminder

January 13, 2009

Just a reminder to St. Louis Association Church Moderators, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Treasurers, Financial Secretaries, and newly installed Clergy that the CHURCH LEADERS WINTER WORKSHOP will be held on SUNDAY, February 22, 2009, at PARKWAY UCC, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

The purpose of the Workshop is to exchange information, resources, and advice that may be pertinent to your role as a church leader. You will have a chance to ask questions of and share ideas with church leaders in similar positions. You will have the opportunity to meet our Interim Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Jack Seville.

As a part of this event, the St. Louis Association Committee on Ministry will hold a clergy orientation for those clergy new to the area or new to their position.

To register, call Stephanie DeLong in the Conference Office at 314-918-2602 or e-mail stephanie@mmsucc.org
 

20. Workshop for Youth Leaders registration deadline

January 13, 2009

Mark Yaconelli, the author of Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus will be giving a workshop for youth leaders on February 5-7, 2009 at Broadway Christian Church (DOC) in Columbia, MO. The registration deadline is January 16, 2009.

Details and registration forms can be found on the Missouri Mid-South Conference website (www.mmsucc.org) (go to "Youth and Young Adults"/"Youth Leader Resources.") Or contact Brad Bpyd-Kennedy at cucc.brad@gmail.com 
 

21. Prayers Needed for Diane Windler

January 15, 2009

News has come to us that Diane Windler has contracted Malaria while on the Eden Seminary Ghana travel seminar. She is being treated now with medication and is feeling somewhat better. Diane is returning home early on her doctor’s recommendation. Rev. Windler’s ministry is at Eden Seminary and she holds standing in the St. Louis Association. We ask that you keep Diane in your prayers. Well wishes can be sent to her at 16461 Birch Forest Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011-1825.
 

22. Youth Director Needed

January 15, 2009

Job Listing for Youth Minister:

St. Philip’s UCC, Saint Louis is looking for a 15 hours per week Youth Director. We are a warm, caring congregation with an active youth program. Salary is negotiable. Please call Shirley at 314-843-5100 or email her at snottelmann@stphilipsucc.com  for more information.
 

23. Global Ministries Training Event at Country Club UCC, Kansas City

January 15, 2009

Disciples and UCC…You are invited!

• Do you have a passion for global mission?
• Are you a member of your congregation’s mission and outreach committee looking for new ideas?
• Are you a pastor interested in energizing your congregation through global mission involvement?
• Have you had or would you like to have an experience serving overseas?
• Do you want to learn more about what Disciples and the UCC are doing in mission around the world so that you can connect and tell the story?

If you said yes to any of the above, this event is for you!

Ministries and Mission Interpreters (MMI) Training Event sponsored by Global Ministries and hosted by Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway. Kansas City, MO 64113-1353 on Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Cost: $12 which includes lunch, training notebook, Global Ministries tote bag and name badge, Global Ministries display board, and a supply of GM resources.

To register, contact the Greater Kansas City Regional Office 913-432-1414. Check should be written to the Christian Church of Greater Kansas City and mailed to:

Christian Church of Greater Kansas City
5700 Broadmoor, Suite 902
Mission, KS 66202

For more information contact the event coordinator, Karen Yount at 816-322-0576 or the training leader, Bob Shebeck at 317-713-2571 bshebeck@dom.disciples.org
 

24. Installation of Denise McGary at Calvary UCC, St. Louis

January 15, 2009

CALVARY UCC WILL INSTALL NEW MINISTER

Calvary United Church of Christ, 2501 Hartland in Sycamore Hills, invites the community to the installation of Rev. Denise C. McGary on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. Please join us in this celebration and worship.
 

25. A Message from Jeff Whitman

January 15, 2009

A Message from Jeff Whitman, Conference Minister:

Dear Friends:

Last November I sent you an e-connection inviting you to consider with me the possibility of establishing a second partnership with the church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I received a number of positive responses and am pleased to announce that we are ready to take the next step in the process.

I would like to invite you and other interested people from your church to join us for an upcoming meeting on January 24 at Columbia UCC from 10:00 am– 2:00 pm to begin a conversation about a possible partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We will be joined by two people from our national church on the 24th. Jan Aerie the Executive for Mission Education and Interpretation and Sandra Gourdet Area Executive for Africa. I spoke with Jan this morning about the day and here is how things are shaping up. We will begin with a general discussion and presentation about Global Ministries in the UCC and then about partnerships in general – what is the nature of partnerships, what are the benefits of partnerships for our global partners and for us as a conference and as local churches, what are some of the “best practices” of partnerships around the UCC. From there we will move into a conversation about the Congo and the steps we should take to establish a partnership there. I also hope to establish a partnership committee to guide and direct our efforts. There will be ample time for questions and conversation so if you have other ideas about things to be covered please bring your questions.

We will plan to begin at 10:00 and end by 2:00. Please bring a lunch and I will provide beverages for us.

Could you please send me an e-mail (jeff@mmsucc.org) and let me know if you can join us on the 24th. Also if you are bringing others with you from your mission committees or people in your church who would have an interest in exploring this please let me know how many will be coming with you.

I hope you are as excited as I am about the possibilities this partnership could provide for enriching our ministry as a conference and as local churches. I look forward to hearing from you.

Peace
Jeffrey A. Whitman, Conference Minister
Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
314-962-8740
 

26. Project Cope seeks Executive Director

January 16, 2009

Project COPE Seeks Executive Director

Project COPE is an interfaith organization that engages congregation-based teams of volunteers in providing holistic care and support for ex-offenders as they return from prison to the St. Louis metropolitan area. Transitional Housing is provided for a temporary period of 8 month. For a job description please contact Mary Ann McGivern [office@projcope.org] or mail resume to Project COPE, 3529 Marcus Avenue , Saint Louis, MO 63115 No later than February 15, 2009.
 

27. Maxine Seifert Named CFO/Treasurer of the Pension Boards

January 16, 2009

Maxine Seifert Named CFO/Treasurer of the Pension Boards

Maxine Seifert, a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in the for-profit sector, has joined the staff of the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ (PBUCC) as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. In this role, she has direct oversight of PBUCC’s Accounting, Treasury and Information Technology departments.

Seifert, who received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Georgetown University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, began her career in 1977 as an auditor for Deloitte & Touche (formerly Haskins & Sells) in New York City. >From 1982-1984, she served as Director-Corporate Reporting for The Penn Central Corporation, where her responsibilities included overseeing the preparation of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.

From 1984-1997, Seifert held six financial management positions in Colgate-Palmolive Company’s corporate headquarters, research and development laboratories, and North American business unit. Her roles included Vice President/Controller-North America and Vice President-Financial Business Development. In 1998, Seifert became Chief Financial Officer of Biomatrix, Inc., a New Jersey-based publicly-traded biomedical company.

After the sale of the company in December 2000, Seifert began investigating new business possibilities that culminated with her becoming a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of a supplier of ingredients for skin care products.

Commenting on her career transition from the for-profit sector to the church, Seifert, a Roman Catholic, said, “While my work in the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors has been challenging and rewarding, my current priority is to use my background and God-given talents to help improve the quality of human life experiences. It is my privilege to serve those who serve the church by assisting PBUCC in the achievement of its mission.”

“Maxine Seifert has extraordinary academic and professional credentials, serving with distinction at the most senior levels of corporate life,” said Pension Boards President and CEO Michael A. Downs. “She is already making an impact in the areas she oversees and generating positive outcomes.”

Seifert and her husband live in New Jersey, and enjoy travel, theater, cooking and walking their two dogs. She also volunteers her skills to the Finance Committee of the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service, Inc. in New York City.
 

28. Visitor Registration now open for General Synod 27

January 16, 2009

Registration for General Synod 27 is now open to VISITORS. Join us June 26-30, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan for General Synod 27! Find a link to register, and read a letter from Edith Guffey with much information to share about this exciting General Synod, at the UCC Website: www.ucc.org/synod/ 

This Missouri Mid-South Conference Delegation will be staying at the Hilton Grand Rapids Airport Inn, 4747 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Phone: 616-957-0100. Space is limited in Grand Rapids, so you may wish to make your room reservations ASAP.

If you have any questions, please contact sandy@mmsucc.org  or call 314-918-2605.
 

29. Spaghetti Dinner and Mini Art Show at Hope, St. Louis

January 16, 2009

Hope United Church of Christ, 6273 Eichelberger (SE corner of Francis Park) St. Louis, MO 63109, is holding an annual Spaghetti Dinner and Mini Art Show on Saturday, January 24th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cost is $8.00 for adults and $2.00 for children 12 and under. Proceeds from this year's dinner and art show are going to benefit the Hope's Church Building Fund for major building repairs.

All are invited and welcomed. For more information, please call Joyce at 353-2288. In case of inclement weather, dinner will move to Jan 31.
 

30. Message from Jeff Whitman regarding Violence in the Middle East

January 20, 2009

Dear friends:
The last few weeks as seen an escalation of violence in the Middle East. The Israeli incursion into the Gaza strip has resulted in the deaths of more than 1000 Palestinians and 13 Israeli's. There is a heightened sense of anger, distrust, and despair in both the Jewish and Islamic communities. There have also been hopeful attempts at interreligious dialogue between Islamic, Jewish, and Christian leaders as we seek to find a path for understanding and peace. I am forwarding to you a unified prayer for peace and a statement by Rabbi Schneier and Imam Shamsi Ali which I received from our partners in Faith Beyond Walls. I encourage you to remember the suffering of those caught up in the conflict in the Middle East and to pray for peace.

Peace, Jeff Whitman
 

31. Randy Orwig Installation

January 21, 2009

All pastor’s who attend Rev. Randy Orwig’s Installation on January 25th, 3pm, at Immanuel UCC are invited to bring robes and red stoles for the day. This was accidentally left off the invitation. Also, a reminder that Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte, Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries, will be available for discussion and greetings starting at 2:15pm till the service begins. We look forward to seeing you at Immanuel UCC, 221 Church St., Ferguson, MO this Sunday!
 

32. Mediation Skills Training

January 21, 2009

The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is offering their Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders on March 23-27, 2009, in Lee’s Summit, MO (see attached registration brochure for details).

This would be a valuable leadership training event for both clergy and lay leaders. For additional information contact: Ginny Hrushka, LMPC Assistant for Communications, ph: 630-627-0507, fax: 630-627-0519 or www.LMPeaceCenter.org
 

33. St Luke's, Imperial holding Annual Sausage Dinner

January 21, 2009

St. Luke's U.C.C., 6610 St. Luke's Church Road, Imperial, will be hosting their Annual Sausage Dinner and Bazaar on Sunday, February 15, 2009, serving from Noon until 4 p.m. Worship Time on Sausage Dinner Sunday is at 10 a.m. only. Adults - $8, Children under 12 - $4. Adult Carryouts are available. To reach St. Luke's, take I-55 to Hwy. M exit (#185). Go west on Hwy. M, take a right on St. Luke's Church Road. For more information, contact the Church Office at 636-948-3545 or 636-942-2085.
 

34. New Opportunity - UCC Young Adult Service Communities

January 22, 2009

Announcing a new program through United Church of Christ Volunteer Ministries – UCC Companion Communities: Young Adult Service Communities. This is a great opportunity for 21-30 year olds to participate in intentional community living, service and social justice action, and spiritual conversation. Both 10 week summer and 10 month communities are forming, beginning in June and September, 2009.
    The Young Adult Service Communities are hosted in local UCC congregations in various parts of the United States. Participants serve in local justice advocacy and direct social service settings. Volunteers network nationally with each other in the various Companion Communities settings.
    As a new program, we need to get word out among a variety of groups. I am hoping that you will forward the message below to your congregations and constituents. I also welcome your recommendations of anyone you know who may be seeking an opportunity like this. You can either encourage these specific people to begin the application process on-line or send me their contact information for follow up.
    Thank you in advance for helping spread the news about this opportunity for service.
Peace,
Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss, Ph.D., Executive for Volunteer Ministries, United Church of Christ
700 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland, OH 44115  216-736-3214; Toll-Free: 866-822-8224 ext. 3214; www.ucc.org/volunteer

UCC Companion Communities: "To Engage young adults with human need & Expansion of spiritual reflection, while Encompassed in communal living Embraced by the church"

If you are committed to actions of service and social justice, conscientious living and spiritual reflection and are 21-30 years old UCC Companion Communities: Young Adult Service Communities are for you. Flyer available at http://www.ucc.org/volunteer/pdfs/Companion-Communities-Flyer-2009-2010-2.pdf  10 month and 10 week (summer) communities are forming. June-August, 2009 and September, 2009 – June, 2010. Be part of intentional community, social justice, service and spiritual conversation. Go to http://www.ucc.org/volunteer  for more information or contact Executive for Volunteer Ministries, Mary Schaller Blaufuss blaufusm@ucc.org  or 866-822-8224 ext. 3214
Application part I is on-line and due March 1, 2009 http://www.ucc.org/volunteer/companion-communities.html  Application part II and written reference forms are due March 13, 2009
Notification of selection and placement by April 30, 2009.  Housing, health insurance and small stipend for food and incidental living expenses are provided.
 

35. Gateway ONA Coalition meeting

January 22, 2009

Come One Come All to the first meeting of GOC for 2009. We will begin important planning for our involvement for the 2009 Pride fests as well as other exciting opportunities for the year. This meeting is open to all who have a desire to work for justice.

We will meet on Thursday February 5, 2009 at 7pm in room 141 of the Press building on the campus of Eden Seminary. Any questions/comments can be sent to gateway_ona@yahoo.com 

Gateway ONA Coalition is a self-created affinity organization in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area comprised of members and friends of the United Church of Christ providing leadership, resources and advocacy on LGBT concerns www.blessingourfamilies.com 
 

36. Annual Yearbook Reports - Now on-line!

January 23, 2009

Every church is asked to complete and submit the Annual Yearbook Forms each year. The deadline for paper submission is January 30. This information is important for many reasons. You should have received a packet of forms and information at your church on the first of January. If you did not receive it or need a duplicate, please contact Sandy Roland.

The On-Line System is now up and running. If you prefer to file on-line you have until March 1, 2009 to submit data. Only Form G is available on-line, you will still need to mail in paper copies of Forms E & F. For instructions check the Conference website: ../resources/AnnualYearbookReports.asp  For those of you who have used the system in the past, please be sure to read the instructions as there have been changes to making staff updates and submitting the research questions. Contact Sandy Roland If you need assistance. 314-918-2605; 1-877-877-5884 ext 77605, or sandy@mmsucc.org 
 

37. Habakkuk Project Conversations

January 23, 2009

The Strategic Planning Working Group of the Habakkuk Project is conducting a series of conversations among the churches of the St. Louis Association about the issues which face us as a Conference. This is the second round of conversations. The first was conducted as part of the Fall Association meeting.
There will be several opportunities to participate in the conversation. The first will be at First Congregational on Wydown on Saturday, February 7, 2009. Details are below.
9:15 am – fellowship - coffee and refreshments –
9:30 am – begin program
11:30 am – end program and serve light lunch
Reservations/registrations must be received no later than Wednesday, Feb. 4th at 5 pm to set up and shop/prepare for the meal. Phone 721-5060 or email to ksafe@firstcongregational.org 
A free will offering with a suggested amount will be collected for lunch. There are no arrangements for childcare but if that is an urgent need please contact the church office to discuss possible arrangements.
 

38. Boundary Training Opportunities

January 23, 2009

Boundary Training Opportunities
Do you need to update your Boundary Training? We have two opportunities next week for those in the St. Louis and Western Associations.
On Thursday, January 29 there will be a Boundary Training at Parkway UCC in Town and Country. (St. Louis Association)
On Saturday, January 31 there will be a Boundary Training at Southwood UCC in Raytown. (Western Association)
Please contact Stephanie ( stephanie@mmsucc.org ) at the Conference Office (Toll Free at 877-877-5884, ext 77602))to register.
 

39. Continued prayers for Paul Wobus

January 26, 2009

Your continued prayers are asked for Paul Wobus during his extended recovery. He was moved last week to Rusk Rehab Center in Columbia. Not sure just how long he will be there.
His address is:  Rusk Rehabilitation Center, 315 Business Loop 70 West, Room 224A, Columbia, MO 65203.  Phone Number: 573-882-3101
 

40. Death of Mary Kay Maddox

January 29, 2009

We ask your prayers for Rev. Sharon Maddox and her family at the death of her mother, Mary Kay Maddox on Monday, January 26, 2009. Sharon is pastor of Hope UCC in DeSoto. There will be a Memorial Service for Mrs. Maddox at St. John’s UCC, 15370 Olive Street Rd., Chesterfield, on Saturday, January 31, at 11 am. Lunch will follow. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Caner Society. Condolences can be sent to Mr. Wilkes L. Maddox, 751 Stone Meadow Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63005. Or to Rev. Sharon Maddox, 113 S Third St., DeSoto, MO 63020.
 

41. Stew Supper at St. Peter's, Washington

January 29, 2009

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 20 E. Fifth Street, Washington, MO invites you to come and join them for a delicious Stew Supper on Friday, February 20, 2009, from 11:00am – 7:00pm. The delicious Stew supper includes: Stew, Coleslaw, Bread and Homemade Desserts, Coffee and Lemonade. Carry Outs Available. Prices: 12 and above - $7.00, 6- 11 - $3.00, Under 6 are free. For more information contact the church at: 636-239-6176 or email pjwood@yhti.net
 

42. Estate Planning for Singles & non-traditional Families

January 29, 2009

Thursday, Feb 12 @7:00pm, Immanuel Congregational Church UCC in St. Louis to hold an Estate Planning Seminary For Singles And Non-Traditional Families. There is no cost for this seminar.

Scott Malin, Brooke Perlyn and Jane Schweitzer, attorneys from the estate planning department of Lathrop & Gage, will be talking about estate planning issues as they relate to single people & people in non-traditional families. This seminar will be applicable to people who choose to live together, whether gay or straight. We consider non-traditional families to include marriages/partnerships with children from prior relationships. We will cover things like powers of attorney for health care, transferring property, and the tax laws as they relate to these issues as well as some estate planning tips.

For additional information, please contact: Rev. Dr. Deborah A. Lawson, RevDebbie@gmail.com  or
lawsonda@mindspring.com  RevDebLawson@sbcglobal.net  or Cell: 314-302-9015
 

43. February St. Louis Association Ministerium

January 29, 2009

Pastors, prepare yourselves for the coming of the Lenten Season at our next St. Louis Association Ministerium gathering on February 11th, at 10 AM at Parkway UCC, 2841 N Ballas Rd., St. Louis. 314-872-9330.

Join the rest of your colleagues for an exciting new pathway to spiritual practice as we are introduced to new curriculum written by Rev Martha Brunell who will be teaching a class at Eden during the 2009 Spring semester.

This will be an extended session so come prepared to share a lite lunch of soup, bread and dessert. The morning one and 1/2 hour session will be devoted to the spiritual process "Wild With Words," then we will break for a brief lunch and continue with the lectionary study "Enough at the Table" for another one and 1/2 hour. This curriculum is presently being used at Parkway UCC and other area churches are planning to use it in the near future. The planning committee hopes you will be able to join us for this great opportunity.

If you have not yet paid your annual dues of $10, Rev Carlton Norton will be glad to take your check at this meeting.

"The SLA Ministerium is focused on building solid collegial relationships. Our conversations go deeper than regular conversations with intentionality. We support, challenge and inspire one another." Planning Committee: Rev, Kevin Carmeron, Rev Adrian McLean, Rev. R.J. Morgan, Rev Margaret Philip and Rev Michael Vosler.
 

44. IF/FBW Trivia Night

January 29, 2009

WHAT IS THE SOUTHERN MOST COUNTRY IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE?*
WHO SAID, So you are the little woman who wrote the book that made this great war? *

REGISTER NOW SO YOU WON T MISS THE 2ND ANNUAL INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP/FAITH BEYOND WALLS TRIVIA NIGHT!

WHEN: Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at Temple Israel Located on 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis 63141
TIME: Doors open at 6:00 PM, Trivia Begins at 7:00 PM
COST: $120/table of 8, or $15 a person

Register online now at www.interfaithpartnership.org  or call Randa Kuziez at 314 531 4787 and don t forget to buy your 50/50 tickets online-6 for $5, 12 for $10!  Also, we need your input and help on silent and oral auctions which will also take place at the Trivia Night. Ideas are on the website.

*-Answers will be in next week s email!

Randa Kuziez, Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls
Manager of Interfaith Dialogue and Education
4144 Lindell #221, St. Louis, MO 63108
p (314) 531-4787; f (314) 531-4785
rkuziez@faithbeyondwalls.org 
 

45. Prayers for Janet Weiblen

January 29, 2009

Our prayers accompany Rev. Janet Weiblen as she recovers from surgery Wednesday at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. She is scheduled to return home in a few days. Janet serves as interim pastor at Ivanhoe UCC, Raytown. Get well wishes can be sent to her at 6512 Woodson Rd., Raytown, MO 64133.