E-Connections

March 2009

  1.  Sausage Dinner at Femme Osage

March 2, 2009

The din of dinners in the area churches is quite noticeable. Add yet another to your list. The "Mother Church" at Femme Osage offers a Sausage Dinner on Sunday, March 8. The menu is familiar. The cost is $8.50 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 6-12. Bulk sausage is available for purchase. Serving begins at noon and ends at 6:00 pm.

Of all the dinners offered this time of year, this is one. Take a relaxing drive out into the country and enjoy the hills of southwestern St. Charles county. The address is 4360 Cappeln Osage Rd., Augusta, 63332. The phone is 636-228-4586 if you want more info. The folks at Femme Osage hope to see and serve you.
 

 2.  March Parish Paper

March 2, 2009

Attached is the March 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 March issue discusses: “Website Basics.”

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.

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."
 

 3.  Adventures in Community

March 4, 2009

ADULTS with DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES – Opportunities for Mission Outreach

Each summer, Camp Mo-Val provides a 5-day camp for adults with developmental disabilities. “Adventures in Community” is a wonderful experience for the campers, many of whom look forward to camp all year long; it is also a very rewarding experience for the leaders.

The campers come from a variety of settings – Emmaus Homes, our churches, as well as local community agencies. Most are fairly high-functioning and many work in sheltered workshops or small businesses.

This camp provides two wonderful opportunities for Mission Outreach. It is a wonderful gift to share with adults with special needs in your church and community. It is also a wonderful service opportunity.

Brochures and registration materials will be available on the camp web site no later March 15th.

Counselors are still needed for Adventures in Community from June 6-12, 2009. Many of the returning volunteers for this session are active older adults who enjoy the slower pace of this session. Quite frankly, at first, most were nervous about working with this population in a camp setting. However, the butterflies in the stomach usually only last for a couple hours. In fact, many of the volunteers return year after year – some for 6, 7, 8 or more years. Co-directors, Rev. Sue Leary (St. Philips UCC, St. Louis) and Rev. Bruce Moeller (Femme Osage UCC) both got their start with this camp as cabin counselors.

If you are looking for a close-to-home mission opportunity that will challenge and inspire you, then look no further.

For more information, contact the Camp Mo-Val & Outdoor Ministries office at moval@mmsucc.org  or 636-583-2730.
 

 4.  Fish Fry at Immanuels, Holstein

March 4, 2009

Immanuels UCC in Holstein will have a Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, March 20, from 4-7pm. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4.50 for children (6-12), and children 5 & under free. Menu includes catfish, spaghetti, coleslaw, applesauce, cornbread and homemade desserts. Contact Pastor Jeanne at 636/932-4646 or immstjohn@centurytel.net  for directions.
 

 5.  Job Search Seminar

March 6, 2009

You are invited to participate in a Job Search Seminar on March 21, 2009 from 9 am - 12 pm at St. John Evangelical United Church of Christ, 307 w. Clay, Collinsville, illinois; 618-344-2526 sponsored by the Illinois-South Conference.

As the economy continues to be depressed many individuals from our churches and area find themselves in a place few expected to be. They need to find new skills in seeking new employment for the first time in many years. The process of finding new employment has changed radically in just the past few years and in addition has become extremely competitive. St. John church is offering this Job Search Seminar as a ministry to our own church and to the community at large. An agenda follows as well as a biography of Pete Stemler, the presenter. There is no charge for this event, but we do ask that you call the church office if you plan to attend by March 18. This will assist us in planning for appropriate space and materials that may need to be prepared in advance. Please be aware that this is NOT a Job Fair. There will not be anyone present looking to hire any participants.

9:00 am Job Search Overview Topics:

Approaching a job search
Developing a winning resume
Using job boards
Latest techniques in online networking
Most recent interviewing approaches
Most common mistakes
11:00 am Q&A
12:00 wrap-up

“Pete Stemler is a Recruitment and Human Resources Specialist with Twenty years of professional experience in all aspects of Technical Recruiting, Recruiting Management, Human Resources, and Operations Management. Pete is currently a Senior Recruiting Specialist with Daugherty Business Solutions - a Premier IT Management Consulting Firm with Headquarters in St. Louis, MO and has been with the Firm for nearly 10 years. Some of Pete’s previous roles include Recruiting Management and Human Resources Management for a St. Louis-based IT Consulting Firm; Independent Recruiting as an Executive Search Consultant for Engineering and Engineering Management professionals within multiple manufacturing industries; and Operations Management within the Hospitality Industry. Current and past professional affiliations include the Society for Human Resources Management, the Employment Management Association, the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, and the St. Louis Technology Gateway Alliance.”
 

 6.  Spring Women's Retreat

March 6, 2009

The Great Escape is just around the corner – in less than two months!

Plan now to attend the annual SPRING WOMEN’S RETREAT at Camp Mo-Val. MAY 1-3, 2009 – Friday through Sunday

Traditionally, this is a great weekend away for women of all ages. It is a time of spiritual and physical renewal. It’s a time to relax and reflect, laugh (a lot) and play, learn and consider. And you won’t have to even think about cooking!!

This year, the focus is on mission – around the world and close to home. A dynamic leadership team will help participants explore the concept of “Creating a Global Village.” Jan Aerie, the Executive for Mission Education & Interpretation for Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ, will be the keynote presenter. Rev. Polly McWilliams will provide spiritual direction, while Revs Susan Drake, Julie Jennings and Pat Vollertsen inspire with their musical interludes and song leading.

This annual event often fills quickly, so don’t delay. Space is limited.

NOTE: The Lakeside Cabins have been renovated, so even though they still have bunk beds, the cabins will be much more comfortable.

Please share this opportunity with other women in your church family. Event flyers and registration materials can be found on the conference web site at www.mmsucc.org
 

 7.  Congo Sabbath Initiative

March 6, 2009

Dear friends: In January of this year a group from our Conference began to explore the possibility of a new partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As we explore this possibility we are beginning to learn about the challenges faced by our partners in the Congo and invite you to join in this learning. In February Forty-eight nationally recognized religious leaders, leadership of seven denominations, including the General Minister and Presidents for the UCC and the Disciples, John Thomas and Sharon Watkins, and the National Council of Churches, have joined the Religious Institute in calling for congregations to participate in the Congo Sabbath Initiative. "Congo Sabbath" is a day when congregations sponsor an educational program on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) crisis, raise funds to provide medical services to Congolese women and girls, or include a prayer during its worship service for the Congolese people. Congregations can decide when they want to focus on this issue – a particular date is not indicated. To learn more about the Congo Sabbath initiative please go to
http://globalministries.org/news/africa/congo-sabbath-initiative.html

Jeffrey A. Whitman, Conference Minister
Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
 

 8.  2030 Clergy Event

March 6, 2009

The Midwest Region of the UCC 2030 Young Clergy Event will be held in Chicago, IL April 27, 2009 to April 30, 2009. Theme is: “Imagining Church” with Doug Pagitt, founder of Solomon’s Porch in the Twin Cities. What is 2030 Clergy? Clergy in their 20s, 30s, early 40s. If you are clergy and you have a glimmer of hope that the stock market can rebound before you need to retire, come on down!

See the attached flyer and registration form.
 

 9.  Tell your church's story

March 6, 2009

Preparation is on the way for the 2009 Advent Calendar after the successful launching of the 2008 Advent Calendar. The theme is: Honoring UCC Churches and Their Sponsored Families. More churches are needed that want to be part of 2009 Advent Calendar. In its inception, focus was on families from war-torn countries, but what is emerging is not only are our churches involved from war-torn countries, they are also helping families going through economic, political, and religious persecution in their countries. Churches sponsor them and help them resettle once they arrive in the USA. Some UCC churches are also helping immigrant families seeking asylum status by providing for their basic essentials while waiting for their applications to be approved. One church in Washington turned their parsonage into transitional housing for these immigrants seeking asylum status. If your church is involved in sponsoring children and families, you may wish to read the attached flyer and tell your story.

Download the flyer here.
 

10. St. Louis Association GOING GREEN

March 9, 2009

Calling ALL St. Louis Association Churches:

The Spring Gathering of the St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held on April 23, at St. John’s UCC, Chesterfield from 4:00 – 8:30 PM. (More information to follow.) Our topic Is GOING GREEN.

We want to put a pamphlet together of what churches are currently doing to be good stewards of the environment. Please submit your items to Stephanie DeLong at stephanie@mmsucc.org or call Kathie Spross at 314-631-5560. We plan to compile the submissions and give everyone a copy.

Also, the offering will be used for a one-time grant for a “green” project to the church or churches selected by our judges. We want a written proposal and approximate cost of the project. As well as a final accounting of the funds when the project is complete.

So, please submit what you are currently doing to be “green” and also your request for funds for a “green” project that your church could implement.

See you there!!!
 

11.  Sausage Dinner at Calvary UCC, St. Louis

March 9, 2009

Calvary United Church of Christ, 2501 Hartland Avenue, St. Louis, MO, is having their Sausage Dinner on March 29th from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost for adults is $8.50 in advance and $9.00 at the door. For children 6-12, the cost is $4.00. Under age 6, the children eat free. For additional information call the church at 314-429-7464.
 

12.  National Healthcare Decisions Day

March 9, 2009

The second annual National Healthcare Decisions Day will be observed on Thursday, April 16, 2009.

On this day, all across the country, health care facilities, health care professionals, chaplains, the legal community and others will be participating in a collective effort to highlight the importance of making advance healthcare decisions and to provide tools for making these decisions.

It is estimated that only a small minority of people (roughly 25%) have executed an advance directive. Moreover, fewer than 50% of severely or terminally ill patients have an advance directive in their medical records.

National Health Care Decisions Day seeks to address the public’s misunderstandings about advance healthcare planning and advance directives (one of the myths is that it takes a lawyer to draft an advance directive) and to increase awareness of the benefits of advance care planning so that Americans will be familiar with how to obtain and complete a healthcare power of attorney and/or living will.

For more information, program ideas, and to confirm participation, please visit
www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org  
 

13.  National Bereavement Teleconference at Trinity, Lexington

March 10, 2009

In a joint effort with the Lafayette County Health Department, Trinity UCC in Lexington, Missouri is hosting Hospice Foundation of America’s 16th annual National Bereavement Teleconference. "Diversity and End-of-Life Care," will be presented at Trinity UCC on Wednesday, April 29 from 12:30p-3p CT via live webcast. The program will focus on ways of understanding diversity and how cultural histories, traditions and beliefs can affect end of life care.

For more detailed information, please go to http://www.hospicefoundation.org/teleconference/default.asp 

To register for this event, please call Cynthia Schneider, Administrative Assistant, Lafayette County Health Department at 660-259-4371 or email schnec1@lpha.mopublic.org 
 

14.  Sausage & Roast Beef Dinner at Friedens Peace, New Melle

March 10, 2009

Friedens Peace UCC is having a whole hog sausage dinner & roast beef dinner this Sunday, March 15 from noon - 6 p.m. Cost is $8.50 for adults / $4.25 ages 6 - 12 / Free ages 5 & under. It is an all-you-can-eat, cafeteria-style meal. Takeouts are available and fresh sausage will be for sale. We are located in New Melle 1 block south of the Hwy F & D intersection. For more information or to pre-order sausage please call the church office at 636-828-5980.
 

15. Coffee House & Great Music with Cliff Aerie

March 10, 2009

What to do on a Friday night!
How about A Coffee House and Great Music?
Enjoy an evening of Jazz with Oikos – a Jazz Combo with Cliff Aerie
Fair Trade Coffee and Great Desserts
The fellowship of great friends
March 27th, 7pm to ??
St. Paul’s Social Hall, 5508 Telegraph Road
Free Will offering with proceeds to benefit the ministries of the Missouri Mid-South Conference.
Invite friends and neighbors, especially UCC friends from across the city. Our Conference is making Jazz Musician Cliff Aerie and Combo available to us while they are in St. Louis to plan a special conference event. So let’s get together and have a great evening and benefit our conference ministries!

Please RSVP to the church office at 314-892-3332 so they can have enough food for all.
 

16.  Spring Revival at Greater New Higher Heights, St. Louis

March 11, 2009

The Greater New Higher Heights Christian Church-UCC, 4657 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63111 Would like to invite you to our "Spring Revival" featuring Bishop Larry Trotter, Senior Pastor of Sweet Holy Spirit Church in Chicago, IL. The Spring Revival will be held on April 23-24, 2009. Service begins 7pm each night. All are welcome!
 

17.  Up-Date on Case of Noe Guzman

March 11, 2009

A Message from Pastor David Poe:

There is an article written by Bill McClellan in the St. Louis Post Dispatch that has been posted on the Conference Website which will bring you up-to-date on Noe (Noah) Guzman's case. At this time, we continue to need letters sent to our Missouri U.S. Senators and Congressmen to persuade them to pass a private bill for Noe. Please include reference to Bill's article in your letter and the fact that ICE has agreed to terminate the removal proceedings. Katie Meyer, Legal Director, Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants represented Noe in this case.

What if one of our UCC related private colleges would admit Noe as a student? If you are a graduate of a UCC related college or work for one, we could use your assistance. Send your information to davidwpoe@gmail.com 

Once again, I thank all of you for your outpouring of support. All your letters, faxes, emails, and phone calls made the difference! Although we still have work to do, Noe has a chance to stay in the U.S. and continue to work for legal status.

Blessings, Pastor David W. Poe
St. Peter's UCC, 607 Maupin Ave., New Haven, MO 63068
 

18.  Jennings & Drake in Concert

March 12, 2009

Julie Jennings and Susan Drake will be offering two concerts in Kansas City soon:

They will be at Southwood UCC in Raytown on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. A love offering will be collected. Southwood is located at 7904 Raytown Rd, Raytown, MO 64138 (816)353-9090

They will also be featured at the Raytown Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, March 26 at 7:00 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel Sports Complex across from Kauffman Stadium. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance by calling the church at (816)353-9090.
 

19.  You are invited to develop a Team for COPE

March 12, 2009

At the joint DOC and UCC Association meetings, March 10, your church was invited to develop a Team for CODE, an interfaith community organization which supports the re-entry of ex-offenders into the St. Louis metro area. You are urged to give this invitation serious consideration as you determine your mission objectives for the coming year. Teams of four or five offer emotional, informational and sometimes financial support for men and women who have been incarcerated from five to twenty years. COPE low rent housing is provided for 8 months for these “partners” who have determined they want to succeed outside of prison.

If you cannot develop a team, your financial support would be appreciated.

For more information call Bea Horton at Project COPE, 314-389-4804.
 

20.  Oikos Jazz Ensemble at Mt. Tabor & St. Paul, Oakville

March 12, 2009

Mount Tabor UCC, 6520 Arsenal St. in St. Louis presents "Jazz for the Journey" featuring The Oikos Ensemble on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. This event is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be received. For information call 314-645-9025.

On Friday, March 27th, St. Paul’s UCC, 5508 Telegraph Road, South County is hosting a “Coffee House and Great Music” featuring an evening of Jazz with Oikos – a Jazz Combo with Cliff Aerie - from 7pm until ??? Enjoy Fair Trade Coffee, Great Desserts, and the fellowship of great friends. A free-will offering will be taken with proceeds to benefit the ministries of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Please RSVP to the church office at 314-892-3332 so they can have enough food and coffee available.

Invite friends and neighbors to both of these events, especially UCC friends from across the city. Our Conference is making Jazz Musician Cliff Aerie and Combo available to us while they are in St. Louis to plan a special conference event. So let’s get together and have a great evening and benefit our conference ministries!

Oikos has been inspiring audiences around the country with its imaginative interplay of jazz, storytelling and spirituality. Oikos is a ministry of MICA (Ministry of Imagination, Creativity and the Arts). A national ministry of the United Church of Christ. See and hear Oikos at www.oikos-ensemble.com 
 

21.  Weekly News vs. Daily Emails

March 13, 2009

Coming soon! The Missouri Mid-South Conference is excited to announce that we will begin sending a Weekly News email in mid-April. Rather than sending individual E-Connections messages as they are received, all the information will be sent to you the first of each week. Our first edition will be sent to you on April 13, 2009.

This Weekly News email will include a place to lift up local church events so we encourage you to keep the communications of your events coming. All items received prior to Friday at 4 pm each week will be posted in the next appropriate Weekly News email that will be sent to everyone on Monday afternoons. We hope this timing will give ample opportunity for you to cut and paste information into your weekly bulletins.

We will continue to send out E-Connections when there is information that needs to reach folks immediately, such as funeral notices, Monthly Directory Up-Dates, The Parish Paper, etc.

Sandy Roland, Office Administrator
Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
 

22.  Director of Music Ministry needed at Pilgrim, St. Louis

March 13, 2009

Pilgrim Congregational Church United Church of Christ in St. Louis seeks a part-time Director of Music Ministry (12-15 hours per week). The Director of Music Ministry leads Pilgrim’s music ministry; responsibilities include administrative duties, choral conducting, and organist/pianist duties. As a multicultural congregation, Pilgrim values a diversity of musical styles, including classical and traditional, African American gospel and spiritual, and contemporary religious music. Resumes accepted through April 20 by mail to Pilgrim Congregational UCC, 826 Union Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108 or to pilgrimmusicministry@gmail.com.
 

23.  Equinox Chamber Players at 1st Congo, Webster Groves

March 17, 2009

The First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, UCC Fine Arts Concert Series presents...

The Equinox Chamber Players
Sunday, March 22, 2009
3:00 p.m.

First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, UCC
Webster Groves, MO 63119
(at Elm and Lockwood)
314-962-0475

This renowned St. Louis woodwind quintet will perform a program of international repertoire, including the world premiere of Boston composer Beth Denich's The Suite of Five Seasons, a musical celebration of the 2008-2009 Olympic season and the coming together of the five continents.

The concert is open to the public. A free-will offering will be received.
 

24.  Sisters with Sermons at St. John's, St. Louis

March 17, 2009

In celebration of Women's History Month, St. John's United Church of Christ (St. Louis) invites you to SOJOURNER'S TRUTH: A Celebration of Sisters with Sermons, March 23-27th - 7pm Nightly.

This week-long ecumenical worship experience feautres the preaching voices of five phenomenal women of God, including 3 Eden graduates. The Rev. Muriel Johnson, American Baptist Churches Great Rivers Region; Rev. Fannie Johnson, Bracy Chapel CME Church; Rev. Claudine Murphy, St. Luke A.M.E. Church; Rev. Dietra Wise, Liberation Christian Church (D.O.C.); and Rev. Michelle McGhee, The Village Church (UMC) and Christ Community United Methodist Church.

All are welcome and encouraged to celebrate the goodness of the God of our faith and the witness of "those preaching women!" Please see the attached flyer for further details. It is provided in half-page format in case you would like to use it as a bulletin insert.

Share with others as you are led. For more information, contact sjucc@yahoo.com  or call 314.534.0323. St. John's is located at 4136 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63107.
 

25.  Celebrate with First Congregational, Bonne Terre

March 17, 2009

First Congregational United Church of Christ in Bonne Terre invites you to attend their “Last Supper” celebration followed by a 30 minute service of prayer and song. On Thursday, April 9, celebrate the passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples at 6pm. All ages are welcome at the passover tables, families and children are especially invited with specific activities for the children during the meal. Following the meal, at 7:30 pm will be a short service of prayer and song in the Sanctuary.
To make reservations please call 573-358-1677. First Congregational UCC is located at 20 Church St., in Bonne Terre, MO.
 

26.  Seeking Resources for a new book

March 18, 2009

In 1995 Maren C. Tirabassi and Kathy Wonson Eddy edited “Gifts of Many Cultures – Worship Resources for the Global Community” for Pilgrim Press. It contained original prayers, litanies, calls to worship, poems, stories and readings for sermons, black and white art, and descriptions of worship services and practices from around the world for all the seasons of the church year.

They are now seeking submissions for a new book – “Gifts in Open Hands – More Resources for the Global Community”. Through your work in mission interpretation, they hope that you can share liturgical resources, particularly those with imagery inspired by local experience, and they encourage people of all ages, and backgrounds to send in their prayers and poems. Some of their most significant contributions in the earlier book came from Japanese college students and high school students from Zimbabwe!

All work needs to be original to the sender. An English translation is helpful but not necessary. They are also seeking black and white art suitable for congregational (bulletin) reproduction and original music.

A flier is attached so that you can distribute it to those who would be interested.

Their email address is giftsinopenhands@gmail.com  and postal address is: Maren Tirabassi, 271 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Deadline for submissions is May 30, 2009.
 

27.  Western Association Annual Meeting on April 18th

March 18, 2009

Dear Western Association Church Pastors and Leaders,

A reminder that the Western Association Annual Meeting is Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Bethel UCC (660-463-7500), 710 S. Gordon, in Concordia from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Registration is $15.00 per person (includes lunch) and the deadline for registrations is April 13th. Checks should be made out to "MMSUCC" (please note "Western Association" on the memo line), and sent individually or by church to: Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC, 411 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119 (FAX: 314-918-2610). Registration monies will also be collected at the door, but we need a list of those attending by April 13th.

This is an important Association meeting at which several decisions will be made regarding Association Bylaws. A copy of the suggested Bylaw changes was sent with the registration packets, but we have discovered several errors in that copy, so please disregard and/or destroy it. The corrected copy can be viewed or downloaded from the Conference website.

Hope to see you in Concordia!
Rev. Bob Atkinson, Secretary Western Association
Missouri Mid-South Conference U.C.C.
 

28.  Reminder for Eastern Association Pastors & Lay Leaders

March 18, 2009

EASTERN ASSOCIATION PASTORS & LAY LEADERS….

You are invited to Round Two of the Habakkuk Project Cluster Conversations
for the development of a Strategic Plan for the Missouri Mid-South Conference

Your input is needed….

The Strategic Planning Working Group of the Habakkuk Project is sponsoring a series of conversations around the Conference to continue the process of developing a Strategic Plan to be affirmed by the Conference at its business meeting in October, 2009.

A set of Issue Areas arose from the first round of conversations and was presented to the Conference at Faith Works last October 2008. We are now seeking to identify the Vision and the Values which these Issue Areas evoke for the membership of the wider Church.

These Visions and Values will inform a part of the plan which will be presented for discussion at Round Three of the conversations to happen this summer. For more information go to http://mmsc.netcipia.net  Please be sure your perspective is represented by attending one of the following gatherings:

Monday, March 23, 7pm at Grace UCC, O’Fallon (8326 Mexico Road, St. Peters, MO 63376)

Thursday, March 26, 7pm at St. John UCC, Casco/Leslie (245 St. Johns E & R Church Rd, Leslie, MO 63056)
 

29.  Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity

March 19, 2009

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is in NEED of a VOLUNTEER BOOKKEEPER. The bookkeeper would mostly work with our treasurer and can do all of the work at home (if they have a computer) and by email.

HHFC will be building two homes in Sullivan starting in May. The busiest time of year is from May to September (when the builds are going on).
When there is no building there is not much bookkeeping that needs to be done, but there is a bit to do each month regardless.

If anyone knows of someone that might want to volunteer for a wonderful organization, please contact Mary Ann DeJesus, Vice President of Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County at dejesusm@charter.net 
 

30.  LIFE at Eden Seminary - two special courses offered

March 19, 2009

FROM: Nancy Livingston, LIFE Administrator (Lay Institute of Faith Exploration)

I hope you will share this information with people in your congregation. We are offering two great courses in our April 24-25 retreat.

One course is entitled "Compassion in Caring." In this course, participants will focus on developing a theological framework for compassion, will identify and cultivate skills for caring, and will explore compassion as a spiritual discipline. The instructor is Dr. Nancy Friesen, an adjunct instructor at Eden Seminary who holds a M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

The other course will be taught by Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause, a New Testament professor at Eden. This course is entitled "The Church Experiencing the Spirit" and will focus on New Testament writings to help participants better understand early Christians and their experiences of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. It's a timely course as the season of Pentecost will be just around the corner after this retreat.

I have partial scholarship money available to help lay folks take advantage of our program. More information is available on our website: www.lifeateden.com  If you have questions, please contact me. (life@eden.edu  or 618-277-1273). If you are interested, I can send you electronically posters and flyers.
 

31.   Interesting Presentation

March 20, 2009

Bob Downing, of Seattle, Washington, has been an organizer with the SEIU (Service Employee's International Union) in California and Washington for several years. He has worked in the area of justice in the workplace and immigration. He also has a real love for Shakespeare. Somehow, he's now blended the two!!!

Bob will be presenting a one-person dramatic presentation, “Caesar’s Autopsy: How To Organize Political Conspiracy and Influence People.” The presentation will be Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 PM at the Lienster Room, upstairs at The Dubliner Gastropub, 1025 Washington Ave., in St. Louis. The show is a benefit for the Fund for Union Democracy.

Bob Downing is a graduate of Hazelwood East and the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was confirmed at Bethany-Peace UCC where his parents are members. For more information contact Paul Emily at bppastor@aol.com 
 

32.  It's time to up-date the Supply Pastor List

March 20, 2009

Greetings!

I am writing because it’s the first day of Spring and folks are starting to think about vacations and sabbaticals. I would like to make sure that our list of Supply Pastors is as current as possible.

The Supply Pastor List is on the website: www.mmsucc.org/resources/supply_pastors.asp 

If you would like to be on this list, look over the information provided, then please REPLY to this email and tell us what information you might like to have added along with your name, address, phone numbers, email address and what areas of the Conference you would be available to assist within.

If you are already on the list you will have gotten a personal invitation to up-date your status. Please reply before May 1st.

Questions? REPLY to this email or call me at 314-918-2605 (toll free 877-877-5884 ext 77605).

Sandy Roland, Office Administrator
Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC
sandy@mmsucc.org www.mmsucc.org
 

33.  Church of the Master to be honored

March 20, 2009

Our Congratulations to the Church of The Master in St. Louis which has been selected to receive a North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice Award in recognition of the Church's commitment to promoting racial harmony and justice.

The Church of the Master will be presented with this award at the Fifth Annual NCCU Awards Dinner on April 26, 2009, in the May Center at DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO.
 

34.  IMA Medicine Box

March 23, 2009

IMA Medicine Box

Did flu and fever season hit your household this winter? Many of us rummaged through medicine cabinets for aspirin, ran to the pharmacy for decongestants, or asked our doctors for antibiotics to fight off infection. But imagine for a moment having no access to any medicine - even basic drugs to treat fever and infection.

Sadly, this is the reality for millions of people in the developing world. That's why the IMA Medicine Box was created. Each box is designed to equip a clinic or hospital with basic medicine and supplies to treat 1,000 people for 2-3 months.

You can make your donation through the Festival of Sharing. For a list of medicine box contents refer to page 10 of the 2009 booklet that can be found online at www.umocm.com/festival.htm  If you would like more information about the Festival of Sharing you can contact Terri Williams at 573-474-3332 or festival@socket.net
 

35.  Last Supper Portrayal at St. Luke's Imperial

March 23, 2009

As part of the celebration of St. Luke’s 125th Anniversary, the men of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ will once again portray The Last Supper during the Good Friday service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae. The service will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2009 at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 6610 St. Luke’s Church Road, Imperial. The church is located about 2 ½ miles west of I-55 and Highway M, turn north on St. Luke’s Church Road.

The Portrayal of the Last Supper was first enacted by thirteen members of the Youth Fellowship in 1966 and 1967, under the direction of Eva Kirkpatrick and Alleen Moss, Youth Fellowship sponsors. Reinstituted in 1982 by the men of the church, this will be the eighteenth portrayal of the disciples in tableau, as part of the Holy Week worship at St. Luke’s. In 1995, in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of the 1965-67 Youth Fellowship, all but five of the original cast members portrayed the Last Supper. Original cast member and this year’s coordinator, Gary Moss, has participated in all eighteen of the portrayals at St. Luke’s and his mother, Alleen Moss, continues to help coordinate casting and costuming.

All are welcome to join the congregation for the Good Friday worship. Easter Sunday services at St. Luke’s are scheduled at 6:30 a.m. (Sunrise Service on the parking lot, weather permitting), 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special choir music will be performed at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services by St. Luke’s Choir, under the direction of Organist/Choir Director, Andrea Johnson. Rev. Robert Hicks serves as Pastor for the congregation.
 

36.  Pancake Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt

March 24, 2009

St. Peter’s Evangelical UCC in Ferguson will be hosting a pancake breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt on April 11th. The all-you-can-eat breakfast, which includes pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee, will run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Tickets for adults cost $5 and tickets for kids 10 and under are $2. The Easter Egg Hunt will start at 10:00 AM and is FREE and open to the public – everyone is welcome. St. Peter’s is located at 1425 Stein Road. For additional information call 314-521-5694.
 

37.  United Church News ends newsprint edition

March 24, 2009

United Church News will end its newsprint edition later this year and move online its delivery of denominational news.

The decision was made on March 20 by the board of directors of the Office of General Ministries (OGM), which has been struggling with skyrocketing costs for the newspaper's production. Postage and printing costs have more than doubled during the past five years, with those costs now surpassing $125,000 per issue.

The National edition will publish three more monthly issues in April, June and September. The Conference editions — or "wrap arounds" — will end in April. Read more of the story at www.ucc.org/news/

The Missouri Mid-South Conference is responding to this news in several ways. We will begin on April 13th to publish a Weekly News document that will be e-mailed each Monday to all who wish to receive it. We will escalate the use of our website to bring more conference news to folks that way. Finally, Rev. Jeffrey Whitman, Conference Minister will explore the creation of a task force to look at how the conference can best communicate with our churches, members and pastors.
 

38.  Volunteers needed for pilot program

March 24, 2009

St. Anthony’s Medical Center (SAMC) is a “Dementia-Friendly Hospital” due to a pilot they are participating in with Washington University and the Alzheimer’s Association.

This means that when persons with dementia (PWD) are admitted to the hospital, SAMC provides Care not crisis for that person and their family.

One program provided through the Pastoral Care Department, Nursing, Rehabilitation Department, and Volunteer Services is the A-Team. This is a team of trained volunteers who spend time with these patients as companions, while they are hospitalized.

Anyone interested in becoming a Volunteer Companion in this program, please contact Rev. Barbara Patten 314-525-1223.
 

39.  Lenten Work Day - April 4th

March 24, 2009

Just ELEVEN DAYS and counting until the Annual LENTEN WORK DAY at Camp Mo-Val on SATURDAY, APRIL 4th

It’s time to….
Turn on the water in the seasonal facilities,
Tape, prime and paint throughout camp – including the new Welcome Center and Office,
Cut, split and stack wood,
Gather limbs and rake leaves,
Prepare the garden,
And, in general, help get camp into shape for the busy Spring and Summer seasons.

There are projects for the highly skilled, as well as those with a willing spirit but no technical skills. There are active projects, as well as a couple that do not require lots of physical strength or stamina.

RSVPs are APPRECIATED so we can have appropriate projects lined up for your group and enough FOOD for lunch.

Details are available on the conference web site at www.mmsucc.org  or by calling the camp office at 636-583-2730 or sending us an e-mail at moval@mmsucc.org 

During the lunch hour you’ll have an opportunity to tour the newly renovated LAKESIDE CABINS!!

If you are interested in helping, but this date doesn’t work for your group, give us a call. A number of groups have already scheduled alternative dates.
 

40.  Jazz with Oikos this week-end

March 25, 2009

This Friday, March 27th, St. Paul’s UCC, 5508 Telegraph Road, South County is hosting a “Coffee House and Great Music” featuring an evening of Jazz with Oikos – a Jazz Combo with Cliff Aerie - from 7pm until ??? Enjoy Fair Trade Coffee, Great Desserts, and the fellowship of great friends. A free-will offering will be taken with proceeds to benefit the ministries of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Please RSVP to the church office at 314-892-3332 so they can have enough food and coffee available.

On Sunday morning at 10:15 am, Mount Tabor UCC, 6520 Arsenal St. in St. Louis presents "Jazz for the Journey" featuring The Oikos Ensemble. This event is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be received. For information call 314-645-9025.

Invite friends and neighbors to both of these events, especially UCC friends from across the city. Our Conference is making Jazz Musician Cliff Aerie and Combo available to us while they are in St. Louis to plan a special conference event. So let’s get together and have a great evening and benefit our conference ministries!

Oikos has been inspiring audiences around the country with its imaginative interplay of jazz, storytelling and spirituality. Oikos is a ministry of MICA (Ministry of Imagination, Creativity and the Arts). A national ministry of the United Church of Christ. See and hear Oikos at www.oikos-ensemble.com 
 

41.  Oberammergau: July 2010

March 25, 2009

Oberammergau: July 2010

Next Summer our Conference Minister Rev. Jeffrey Whitman is sponsoring a trip to Oberammergau, Germany to see the world famous Passion Play. Our group will be leaving from St. Louis on June 29 for a 16 day trip to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

The Passion Play was first performed in the little German village of Oberammergau over 370 years ago. The residents of the village promised God that if they were spared from the Black Plague that was ravaging Europe at the time they would show their gratitude by putting on a Passion Play every 10 years. They have been producing this 6 hour musical and dramatic presentation once each decade ever since.

In addition to the Passion Play our journey will include visits to:
Salzburg
Innsbruck,
the Brenner Pass into northern Italy
a visit to the Abbey of Ettal,
a visit to the Castle of Linderhoff.
The trip will also include an extension to Vienna and Prague before returning to the US.
If you would like a brochure and more information please contact Rev. Whitman at jrwhitman@charter.net  or jeff@mmsucc.org 
 

42.  Administrative Assistant Needed in St. Charles

March 25, 2009

Administrative Assistant Needed

St. John UCC on Fifth Street in St. Charles, Missouri is looking for a part-time administrative assistant. Candidate must be a team player, well-organized, quick learner, and able to multitask. Candidate must be proficient in all Microsoft Office products, including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher. This position will be for 25 hours a week. Please send resume to Amy Nunn at friends@stjohnucc.org
 

43.  North Dakota and Minnesota floods

March 27, 2009

Dear Friends,
Here is a web posting that went up today. Please continue to pray for people in North Dakota and Minnesota. As of this morning, state officials are planning to evacuate approximately 40,000 people from Fargo. FEMA has in place food, water, cots, blankets and generators to assist with shelters. Please share this information in your congregations.

Web link: http://www.ucc.org/disaster/north-dakota-minnesota.html 

UCC Disaster Response Coordinators:
Lindy Holt in Northern Plains
Bob Broeder in Minnesota

Both are hard at work with State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster in preparing for and responding to the floods.

Peace,
Florence Coppola, Executive, National Disaster Ministries
UCC Wider Church Ministries
700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3211; toll free: 1-866-822-8224 x-3211
Fax: 216-736-2294
Web site: http://www.ucc.org/disaster
 

44. CROP Hunger Day at the K May 30

March 31, 2009

"Oh God, to those who have hunger, give bread. And to those who have bread, give a hunger for justice. (Latin American Prayer)
Take steps for Justice - Walk in the CROP Hunger Walk in your community and shorten the walk for water in the developing world!

Your purchase of tickets to the KC Royals vs. the Chicago White Sox game on May 30, 2009, puts you to work with partners in the U.S. and around the world to build interfaith and intercultural coalitions to eradicate hunger and poverty and promote peace and justice.
Enjoy an evening at the “K” and help raise funds to feed the hungry.
View Level Infield Tickets - $14.00 with $7.00 to CROP
Field Plaza Level Tickets - $22.00 with $10.00 to CROP

For more information contact Joyce Holley (below), check out the attached flyer or go to http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/ticketing/group_sales.jsp

Joyce Holley, Associate Regional Director, Church World Service/Eastern Great Plains
tel: 816-531-4540 fax 816-531-4765
 

46.  Emmaus Choir joins worship at Ivy Chapel, Chesterfield

March 30, 2009

Emmaus Choir members will participate in worship at Ivy Chapel UCC on Sunday, April 19, at 10 a.m. Since the choir is in such demand and not able to get to all congregations who want to engage them, you're most welcome to enjoy their special voices with us: 620 North Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, 63017; 314-434-4991.
 

47.  Looking for grief support group

March 30, 2009

Susan King Forbes, pastor of Church of the Open Door UCC in Webster Groves, MO would like to know if any of our UCC churches in the St. Louis area have a grief support group. Could you please contact Rev. Forbes if you know of any groups at opendoorucc@sbcglobal.net 
 

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