Inside This Issue

Boundary Training

Senior News

Men’s & Women’s Retreats

Five for Five

Camp Mo-Val

Jeff’s Schedule

Association News

Local Church News

Mission Moments

Pension Boards

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The Missouri Mid-South Conference, United Church of Christ, depends on the generosity of members and friends to fund its ministries.

Please use the link below to contribute electronically to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) or to The Friends of the Missouri Mid-South Conference.

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Shannondale Sunday
APRIL 26

Dear Youth Ministry Colleagues,

Good news for those still making summer plans: the deadline for the week-long Youth @ General Synod program has been extended to Friday, May 1st!  It is not too late to register your group to join us; groups can register if they have a minimum of 2 youth and 2 adults, with chaperone genders matching that of the youth participants.  The cost is $515 for adults and $465 for youth (reflecting the General Synod registration discount for youth) and includes one week of housing, programming and entertainment, three days of service projects, shuttle service to Synod and several meals.

If you wish to bring a group for the week-long Youth @ General Synod program, please read carefully the attached, updated youth coordinator information about registration.  You’ll need to begin by emailing Kelly Burd some information so that she can set up an affiliate panel for your group. We will need all online registrations completed, full payment and forms by May 1st.  The forms needed for this program includes adult and youth covenants and medical forms (downloadable at www.ucc.org/youth ).  The adult volunteer disclosure form is included on the youth page (www.ucc.org/youth ) as a resource for church groups that don’t already use some screening process for their adult volunteers, but you/your church are responsible for the background checks or screening of your own adult volunteers; you don’t need to send background forms to us.

PLEASE NOTE:  if you are coming for General Synod only (June 26 – 30) and NOT the week-long program, there is no need to set up an affiliate panel.  Simply register your group as visitors through the main General Synod site at www.ucc.org/synod   With this registration option, you will need to secure lodging and meals for your group as any other visitor would.  Rev. Kelly Burd, Interim Minister for Youth and Young Adults, Local Church Ministries/Justice and Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ   www.ucc.org

Name the News Challenge

We want to come up with a catchy name for our new Weekly News Email. Please submit any ideas you have to our “Name the News” contest. All reasonable names will be listed in next week’s Email and you will have a chance to vote on your favorite.

BT

Boundary Training

Boundary Training is a requirement for maintaining your standing with the Associations of the MMSUCC.  To find up-coming dates and registration forms check out the website www.mmsucc.org/events/other_evemts.asp

SN

Senior News

The VINE is a monthly column reporting on issues of practical or spiritual interest to seniors. The VINE also carries reports of our super-sleuth, “Mr. Wize”, who is operating undercover to discover that Older Adult Ministry in the United Church of Christ is alive and well.

This month Mr. Wize has found evidence that Senior Ministry is happening both by design and natural growth in the slippery case of Grace UCC, St. Louis. A suspiciously creative force has been detectable there-in all likelihood, a covert operation of the  Holy Spirit.

You are encouraged to find out what Mr. Wize knows.

May 1—3, 2009

Women’s Retreat  “Creating a Global Village”

Our keynote speaker will be Jan Aerie, of the Wider Church and Global Ministries, National UCC.  Come for spiritual renewal, fun, and fellowship at Camp Mo-Val.  Find out more on our website.

Men’s Retreat

A multi-church event that will be held at Shannondale Community Center.  More info.

Is Your Church Five for Five?

Being 5 for 5 is one sign of congregational vitality in UCC churches that fully support Our Church's Wider Mission. These leadership churches give to Basic Support and all four special mission offerings. Read how your church can be 5 for 5.

For more information, contact Kate Huey at (866) 822-8224, ext. 3855.

Summer Program Staff Positions Available at Camp Mo-Val

Are there young adults in your congregation who are looking for more than just another summer job?  Are they looking for opportunities to gain valuable career-related skills, make a difference, serve others, share and grow in their faith… and make a little money at the same time?  Do days outside in fresh air, sunshine (as well as rain and humidity) and nights under the stars and around the campfire sound inviting?

Summer Program Staff Gain Practical Skills in:

LEADERSHIP     TEAM WORK - COLLABORATION     BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT     FACILITATION     PROBLEM SOLVING     PROGRAM PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION

The experience and skills gained during a summer at camp is transfer directly to careers in education, recreation, ministry, social work, health care and other service related fields.  This hands-on experience, along with the “service” aspect, looks good on a resume.

For More Information:

Check out the camp web site at www.campmoval.org

Contact Shirley Asmussen at 636.583.2730 or 1.877.344.2267 toll free by at moval2@mmsucc.org  

SIGN-UP for CHURCH CAMP at CAMP MO-VAL!

New friends ~ LAUGHTER ~ silly skits ~ favorite counselors ~ swimming ~ engaging Bible Study ~ fishing ~ leadership development ~ cookouts ~ parachute games ~ community ~ campfires ~ night hikes ~ dedicated directors ~ God’s Creation ~ good food ~ energetic program staff ~ fun crafts ~ roasting marshmallows ~ nature ~ wagon rides ~ random acts of kindness ~ “Kum Ba Yah” ~ shooting stars ~ puddle jumping ~ “Leanin’ on the Lord’s Side” ~ foil packs ~ work projects ~ singing ~ Moss Hill ~ sleeping bags ~ CILT ~ tie-dye ~ dining hall set-up ~ Vespers ~ “Johnny Appleseed” ~ starry nights ~ Frisbee golf ~ Energizers ~ lightning bugs ~ growing in faith ~ pedal boating ~ caring nurses ~ flashlight tag ~ mission offerings ~ NEW POOL ~ water bottles ~ bunk beds ~ prayer walks ~ banana boats ~ sunny days ~ “Sanctuary” ~ canoeing ~ Candle Time ~ drama games ~ “The Moose Song” ~ cooperation ~ RENOVATED CABINS ~ s’mores ~ Spirit Rally ~ water games ~ elbow tag ~ Outback ~ slip-n-slide ~ AWESOME GOD ~ relationships ~ campouts ~ smiles ~ hiking ~ volunteers ~ tall pines ~ guitars ~ storytelling ~ hoppers ~ hang time ~ making memories ~ creek walks ~ Shalom ~ FUN!

There is still time to register for summer sessions at Camp Mo-Val.  Some sessions are full, but there are still options for all age groups.

For more information, contact the Camp Office at 636.583.2730 or check on-line at www.campmoval.org  In addition, many church offices still have camp brochures on hand.

Conference Minister’s Preaching Schedule

April 26 – Femme Osage UCC, Augusta; 10am

May 3  –  St. John’s UCC, Bem; 9am

May 17 – Marshallese UCC, Springdale, AR

May 31 – Trinity UCC, Lexington

June 7 – St. Paul UCC, Gerald; 8am

June 14 – Ebenezer UCC, Levasy

June 21 – Ivanhoe UCC, Kansas City; 10:30am

Association News

The Western Association Spring Meeting

Approximately 100 delegates, clergy and visitors met April 18th at Bethel United Church of Christ, Concordia, Missouri, for the Annual Meeting of Western Association.  The theme, “Treasure in Earthen Vessels: Embracing Hope in Change and Challenge,” was explored in a variety of ways—in worship, fellowship, fellowship and witness.  The Association meeting provided an opportunity to conduct important business in the midst of change and challenge, as well as embracing hope and possibility.  Read about the highlights of the meeting and check out the photos on the Western Association webpage.

 

The St. Louis Association Spring Gathering is on April 23rd, Thursday, 4-8:30pm, at St. John's UCC in Chesterfield.  The theme of the meeting will be "The Greening Church" and speakers, displays, and workshops will be offered on ways in which our local churches can function in benefit to our environment.  Dinner will cost $10 per person.

The Eastern Association Spring Meeting is April 26th, Sunday, 2-5 pm. The Mission and Social Concerns Committee of the Eastern Association is putting together a program that will focus on topics of economic justice, and we are wanting to include a food pantry roundtable, which will discuss topics such as: strategies for food drives/collections; food storage and distribution; data collection, screening, and tracking; recruiting and managing volunteers or paid staff; site issues such as rent/lease, location, parking, insurance, and accessibility. INFO: Rev. Craig Blaufuss. E-mail: revcraigblaufuss@centurytel.net   Phone: Office: 636 528-7550, Cell: 636 358-0292

The Eastern Association Quilt Show will be at St. Peter’s Church in New Haven on Saturday, May 9. Quilt enthusiasts should plan an early arrival around 9:30 for some “quilt talk” and coffee and cookies.  Please tag any quilts you bring with information on pattern, the quilt maker and stories about the quilt.  The program will be presented at 10:30 a.m. by Suzanne Marshall, an international award winning quilter, lecturer and author who specializes in hand appliqué and quilting.  She was awarded the “One of the 20th Century’s 100 Best American Quilts” for her quilt “Toujours Nouveau”.  Her quilts have been featured on the covers of Quilters’ Newsletter Magazine, Australia’s Down Under Quilts and England’s Patchwork and Quilting.

There is no admission charged but attendees should bring “finger foods” to share.  The array of food is a culinary delight!  St. Peter’s is at 607 Maupin Avenue in New Haven.  New Haven is on Missouri Highway 100, between Washington and Hermann.  Come and enjoy the Quilt Show and a springtime tour of the local winery and the historic downtown area along the Missouri River.

Local Church & Affiliated Agencies News

April 23-24, Thursday & Friday, 7pm, The Greater New Higher Heights Christian Church-UCC, 4657 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63111 "Spring Revival"

April 24-25, Friday & Saturday, LIFE Retreat at Eden Seminary. Info:www.lifeateden.com  life@eden.edu  or 618-277-1273

April 25, Saturday, 8:30am-12:30pm, Pancakes Plus Breakfast at Church of the Open Door.  Info – 314-961-0456.

April 26, Sunday, 11am-7pm, St. Philip's UCC at 10708 Lavinia Drive in Affton will be holding their annual barbecue dinner. Call 314-843-5100 for more information and ticket reservations.

April 26, Sunday, 6:30pm, Modern Mystery Play presented by Campus Ministry, in cooperation with the Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance. The plays are inspired by the tradition of the "medieval mystery plays" where simply staged productions brought the stories of the Bible alive to the common people. See attached flyer.

April 28, Tuesday, 10am, Friends of Emmaus Spring Meeting will be held in the friendship hall Marthasville Campus.  We would particularly like to invite Women's Guild members from our UCC churches.  The "Friends Group" meets twice a year and there are no dues.  We need volunteers to participate in our Fall Bazaar our major fund raiser.  Faithful regular members please bring a friend and ideas for the Bazaar. Lunch will be served.  More info: Betty Shrum

April 30, Saturday, 6:10pm, CROP Hunger Day at the "K" Kansas City Royals vs. the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.
May 2, Saturday, 11am – 1:30pm, Emmaus Homes “Heart to Help” potluck brunch at St. John UCC, 405 S. 5^th St., St. Charles.  RSVP potluck@emmaushomes.org or call 636-534-5213.
May 3, Sunday, 11am-5:30pm, St. Paul’s, Defiance holding Chicken Dinner.  Hwy 94 & Defiance Rd.  636-987-2696 for info.

May 15 & 16, Friday & Saturday, Heifer International Workshops scheduled in Cape Girardeau and Kirkwood.  To register or for more information, please contact Isaac Johnson at 573-474-7155 or at Johnson@umocm.com  Registration by May 11th is requested.

April - The Lutheran School of Theology of St. Louis offers several interesting courses for lay and clergy: “I Saw Satan Fall Like Lightning: The Origin of Satan and the Problem of Evil”, “Why are the European Churches Empty? Lessons for the American Church”, and “Christian Perspectives on Israel: How Should Christians Relate to Israel?” led by UCC professor, John Bracke.   For more information or to register do so online at:  www.lststl.org or call the LST office at: (314) 725-9710, or email: registrar@lststl.org or call Penny/Keith Holste, Administrators, at (314) 962-0918, pkholste@hotmail.com

Information about these items and more can be found on the Conference Calendar

Ministry Meetings

April 25, Saturday, 10am, Administrating Ministry Meeting at Columbia UCC, Columbia

April 25, Saturday, 9am, Giving Ministry Meeting

April 28, Tuesday, 10am, Congo Partnership Meeting at Columbia UCC

MM

Mission Moment

Heifer Plans Global Celebration

One of the cornerstones of Heifer International is called, “passing on the gift.”  This phrase refers to the requirement that each family who receives an animal from the organization must “’pass on the gift” by giving the first female offspring to another needy family.  Through this practice, each gift given to Heifer multiplies like the ripples that occur when a stone is thrown into a pool of water.  During April, project partners, Heifer volunteers and staff around the world will celebrate Pass On the Gift Month and the blessings this practice has brought to millions of families.

Congregations and individuals are invited to participate in this global celebration.  A wealth of materials are available to help plan an event such as a educational and fundraising coffee or potluck, a bike ride, video screening or any activity that would be fun and a good fit for the host.  Multiple resources including a CD and booklet are available by calling 1-800-422-0474.  Downloads including kits, games and even a sermon are available on the Heifer website.

For more information or for help in planning a meaningful celebration, go to the Heifer website at www.heifer.org or contact Missouri Representative, Carol Oliver at 474-7155 or at oliver@umocm.com.  

Regional Retirement Seminar

Are you an Annuity Fund Member (active or inactive) age 58 or older?  Thinking about retiring in the next 3-4 years? Wanting to know more about your options in retirement?  If the answer is YES, you are invited to attend a Pre-Retirement Seminar offered by the Pension Boards – United Church of Christ at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel on April 22.  INFO: call 800-642-6543 ext. 2712.

This email newsletter is published to promote the mission and ministry of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, United Church of Christ, its congregations, and other settings of the United Church of Christ.

These announcements are brief and timely, providing readers with supporting links whenever possible. Please forward these materials to others in your church and share them in your bulletins and local church newsletters.

You are welcome to send news from your congregation to MMSUCC Communications.  Items will be included as space allows.  Be sure to include your name and contact information.