Inside This Issue

General Synod 27

Employment
     Opportunity

Mission Moments

PIM Retreat

Habakkuk Project

Transitions

Ministry Meetings

Preaching
     Schedule

Local Church
     News

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GENERAL SYNOD 27

A message from Conference Minister Jeff
Whitman: “Things are going well at Synod.
We have a very good delegation and all of
our delegates seem to be very engaged in
the synod and in their committee
assignments.  The celebration of the
ministry of John Thomas, the sacred
conversations on race, and the worship
service yesterday have been the highlights
of the synod so far.  Well, I should add the River City Saturday events were also a highlight.  Today the work of Synod will begin with an afternoon plenary when we will begin to consider the various resolutions that are being brought before this synod.”

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Missouri Mid-South Conference is looking for an Administrative Assistant to work in our office.  This is a full-time position with benefits.  The qualified person will possess the necessary competencies, administrative skills, and personal temperament to fulfill job requirements.  Computer skills are required as well as knowledge in the
                                        use of the type of software
                                        currently provided by the
                                        Conference Office. Previous
                                        experience as an
                                        administrator is preferred
                                        along with a willingness to
                                        learn the uniqueness of this
                                        particular setting and the functions of a conference as part of the United Church of Christ. In addition, effective communications and human relations skills are essential, with an ability to work cooperatively and maintain confidentiality. Honesty, reliability, flexibility, and diplomacy are important traits. An ability and willingness to work with a variety of people and organizations along with an appreciation for the life and ministry of the church are essential traits.

A job description is posted on our website or can be provided via email. Interested applicants will send a resume to mms@mmsucc.org on or before July 15.

MISSION MOMENTS

The eCourier would like the chance to lift up your church, or a special agency or institution in this section of the weekly news.  If you have a story that would be of interest to our readers, please submit your story to mms@mmsucc.org.

If you are interested in volunteering for a work camp experience at Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, September 13-19, please contact Carl or Donna Philips at 314-843-0617 by July, 31, 2009.

Franklin County Habitat For Humanity Summer Builds

 The Franklin County Habitat for Humanity chapter is building two houses in Sullivan, Missouri.  Although weather continues to provide challenges to the build schedule, we build every Saturday except holiday weekends.  No RSVP is needed.  If you are available to help, please arrive at the build sites at 308 and 312 Bland Street in Sullivan at 8:30 a.m., ready to make a difference in these homes for our families!  Lunch will be provided.  Jim Brown will be on-site as construction supervisor, rain or shine!  Thanks for your help, in advance.

PIM RETREAT

Please mark your calendar for the Persons In Ministry Retreat at Arrowhead Resort, Lake of the Ozarks September 21-23, 2009.  Gather with colleagues, refresh your spirit, and experience worship renewal.  Special entertainment by Cliff Aerie and ‘Oikos’ will highlight this event.  Registration Forms are available on the website and payments can be made online through the “Donate” webpage. 

HABAKKUK PROJECT

The reports of the Habakkuk project task group are ready. This group has been engaged in an evaluation of our conference structure and staffing and has been working to discern strategic priorities to guide our conference ministry. It is important that each church send delegates to the regional Habakkuk meetings. The voice of your church IS important in the future of the Missouri Mid-South Conference.

Regional Meeting Dates:

July 11th, Saturday, 10am - 12:30pm, at Zion UCC, Union

July 25th, Saturday, 10am - 12:30pm, at Parkway UCC, St. Louis

August 8th, Saturday, 10am - 12:30pm, at First Congregational UCC, Lebanon

August 15th, Saturday, 10am - 12:30pm, at St. John UCC, (5^th St.) St. Charles

Plan to attend one of the Regional Meetings to discuss the Report. Copies of the Report are available on our website: www.mmsucc.org Please RSVP to Sandy (314-918-2605 or toll free 1-877-877-5884 ext 77605) the number attending from your church.

TRANSITIONS

You are invited to join with First Congregational United Church of Christ, Memphis for the Ordination Ann McNeill Phillips on Sunday, August 9th, at 2pm.  Reception at the church following the service.  Clergy are invited to robe and join in the opening procession.

The Installation Service for the Rev. Michael Bone at Zion UCC in Union will be August 23 at 3pm. 

A St. Louis county UCC Church is seeking a Director of Youth Ministry.  More info…

St. Peter’s Evangelical UCC in Ferguson is seeking applicants for the position of Youth & Family Ministry Director.  More info…

MINISTRY MEETINGS

Implementing

The Missouri Mid-South Conference Minimum Compensation Guidelines for 2009-2010 are now available on our website.  Thank you to the Implementing Ministry Team.

Administrating

Meets on July 11 at Columbia UCC

Coordinating

Meets on July 18 in Wentzville

CONFERENCE MINISTER’S PREACHING SCHEDULE

June 23-July 1 – Attending General Synod

July 5 – Hope UCC, Cosby, 9am

July 12 – Church of the Master UCC, Florissant, 9:30am

ASSOCIATE CONFERENCE MINISTERS PREACHING SCHEDULE

Jack Seville

June 23-July 1 – Attending General Synod

Dale Parson

June 23-July 1 – Attending General Synod

Krista Betz

As part-time Acting Associate Conference Minister Rev. Krista Betz is unable to lead worship in other churches on Sunday mornings as she is the called pastor at Ebenezer UCC in Augusta.  She is available in the evenings and throughout the week as necessary.

LOCAL CHURCH & AFFILIATED AGENCIES NEWS

(For more details check here….)

June 26-June 30, General Synod at Grand Rapids, MI

July 3, Conference Office Closed for Independence Day

July 7, Lawn Concert to Benefit Lydia's House at Bethlehem UCC

July 11, Shannondale Disaster Fund-Raiser Benefit Concert with Christian Band “Thy Will” at Faith UCC, Wentzville

July 12, Report from General Synod at St. Lucas UCC, St. Louis

July 14, Boundary Training at Evangelical UCC in St. Louis.

July 14, Congo Partnership meeting in Warrenton.

August 4, Congo Partnership Event.  Mark your calendar.

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.

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