2008

August 2008

22nd, Friday, 7 pm, The Christian Church (DOC) of Greater Kansas City announces a special event. S. Persia Reena Kumari, director of the Child Sponsorship Program at Family Village Farm near Katpadi, India, will be at Fairview Christian Church for a program open to the public. This is a great chance to learn about the work of one of our Global Ministries partners! Fairview Christian Church is located at 1800 NE 65th Street, Gladstone, MO. Their pastor is Rodger Kube, who many of you know as a former UCC pastor in Western Association. Phone: 816-452-2829 for additional information, or 913-432-1414 or kcdisciple@aol.com

23rd, Saturday, 4-9pm, St. John's United Church of Christ in Bem, Missouri will be once again hosting their widely celebrated Bem Church Picnic. They will be serving Homemade Ice Cream; Juicyburgers; fish sandwiches, and the famous roast beef sandwiches that all of Gasconade County talks about! Mouthwatering pies and another serving of homemade ice cream round up the menu for a picnic that can't be beat. They will also have a quilt auction at 7:00pm; a book sale, country store, bounce house, train ride and games for the kids all day long. St. John's United Church of Christ at Bem is located on Hwy. 19 between Cuba and Owensville, just 80 miles southwest of the Conference Office off Highway 44; 25 miles northeast of Rolla. For further information, contact Pastor Rick Oberle at 573.437.3698 or email rick@bemchurch.com  or carole@bemchurch.com 

24th, Sunday, 10-2pm, Rally Day at St. John UCC St. Charles will start with Children’s Church during the 9 a.m. service in the theater room, but at the 10:30 service, the children will be dismissed to St. John hall to play games and jump in the bounce house. Weather permitting, the bounce house will be in the gym, and the rest of the games will be in the parking lot outside of St. John hall. Food and the cake walk will be in old and new fellowship hall. If there is rain, they will move the games from the parking lot to the gym. Games include: golf, dart toss, ring toss, duck pond, lollypop tree, boat race, and many new surprises. This event is free, so please come and join in the fun.

24th, Sunday, 10am - noon, St. John UCC St Charles holds First Ministry Fair. What is a Ministry Fair? An opportunity for the ministries of St. John St Charles to show what they do throughout the year by having a table with pictures, brochures, videos, PowerPoint presentations, etc. There will be sign-up opportunities for people to sign up to join a committee or area of ministry in new and old fellowship halls at St. John on Fifth Street in St. Charles.

24th, Sunday, 7pm, at Bethel UCC in Kansas City, Pastor Karen Aitkens, along with spouse Terry, Charlotte Ward from Southwood UCC in Raytown, and Bill Wooten III from Immanuel UCC in Ferguson will be sharing pictures and reflections from their trip to the Philippines in 2004. Missouri Mid-South Conference will offer an opportunity for an immersion experience in June of 2009 depending on interest from church members throughout the conference. This trip would be co-led by Dr. Eleazxar Fernandez, professor of Constructive Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and Rev. Aitkens, who has traveled to the Philippines on four different occasions and co-led the trip in 2004. If you have an interest, but will be unable to attend, please e-mail Karen at pk@bethelucckc.org  or Dale Parson at fdparson@sbcglobal.net  After discerning interest throughout the conference, we will determine dates for future presentations.

24th, Sunday, 10 am, Samuel United Church of Christ in Clayton, Mo, to host Zambian A Cappella Brothers. The group consists of seven young men who, though not really brothers, come from the country of Zambia, Africa. Beside the gift of harmony, these young men also share a journey of struggle that has shaped their faith. We are privileged to have them join us in Worship as they share their inspirational music and their powerful story. Bring a friend. A free will offering will be taken to help them continue their ministry. For more information contact Samuel UCC at 320 North Forsyth, Clayton, Mo. 63105, 314-727-9540.

25-26, CIIMs Retreat at Todd Hall. Details to follow.

29th, DEADLINE for submitting articles to be included in the October/November issue of The Courier.

31st, Sunday, 10am - noon, St. John UCC St Charles holds First Ministry Fair. What is a Ministry Fair? An opportunity for the ministries of St. John St Charles to show what they do throughout the year by having a table with pictures, brochures, videos, PowerPoint presentations, etc. There will be sign-up opportunities for people to sign up to join a committee or area of ministry in new and old fellowship halls at St. John on Fifth Street in St. Charles.

September 2008

1st, Monday, Labor Day - Conference Office closed

5-6th, Missouri Mid-South Conference FATHER-SON, GRANDDAD-GRANDSON, UNCLE-NEPHEW, MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ, BUDDY-BUDDY OVERNIGHT (Men are welcome to come by themselves too) Begins Friday at 6:00 through Saturday at 4:00 at Camp MoVal - Union, Missouri.  REGISTRATION INFORMATION: No pets please. Registration begins at 6:00 pm September 5 2008. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or other special needs with your registration. Bring necessary toiletry items including soap, bedding and towels.  PAYMENT: Please make your check payable to: Prince of Peace UCC  Turn in registration to local church representative or mail to:
Bill McFadden
Prince of Peace UCC
4966 Towne South Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
For More information, contact Bill at 314-920-5915 Mrbill5915@yahoo.com.sg  or
Rev. Paul Koch, St. Peters UCC-Washington at 636-221-7065, pk24601@yahoo.com 

5th, Friday, Emmaus Homes invites you to join them as they continue to help over 300 Spirited People with developmental disabilities lead Spirited Lives through their 17th Annual Emmaus Charity Golf Tournament at Bear Creek Golf Club in Wentzville, MO. Since the tournament’s inception, they have raised over $300,000 for the men and women of Emmaus. Whether you are an avid golfer or just a fan, you can help support Spirited People Leading Spirited Lives by participating in the tournament as a golfer, tournament sponsor, or advertiser. For registration ($150 per player) or sponsorship information, please contact Gabrielle Martin at 636-534-5214 or by email at marting@emmaushomes.org

6th, Saturday, 8 - 4, St. Martin’s UCC, Dittmer is having a Treasure Boutique & Bakery fundraiser for their Building Roof Fund at St. Martin’s UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd., Dittmer, MO 63023. Booths Open 8am – 4pm (Vendor Set-Up 6:00 am) Bring all your treasures! Crafters & Specialty Vendors welcome (Alcohol & Firearms Prohibited). 6ft x 6ft spaces available, $10.00 each inside & outside. Limited spaces with electric - $20.00 each, inside only. Registration deadline Aug. 30th. No tents or tables provided. “Pop Up” style tents without stakes may be used. Refreshments available. Contact the church office with questions and registration information at 636-285-4797, 636-274-7078 or stmartinsdittmer@stmartinsucc.com 

6th, Saturday, Joint Neighborhood Ministries is holding a Trivia Night at St. Johns Evangelical UCC (Mehlville) located at 11333 St. Johns Church Road, St. Louis. There will be door prizes, mulligans, raffles, a prize for the best decorated table, and a cash prize for the Winner!! Special guest Emcee is Amy Shaw from KETC Channel 9. Light snacks will be provided, but you are welcome to bring additional snacks for your table. Please - No Alcohol. Arrive in time to get your table and be ready to start receiving great prizes. Doors open at 6:30 pm and trivia begins at 7pm. Advance tickets: $100/table of 8 or $15/person plus 2 cans of food. At the door: $125/table of 8 or $25/person plus 2 cans of food. To make reservations call Joan Hensley of Joint Neighborhood Ministry at 314-771-3987.

6th, Saturday, 1:30 pm, Gateway International Raceway would like to invite your church group out for an exciting day of racing! The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will take to the track at 1:30 pm. Hang around after the victory ceremony for another fantastic race as the ASA Late Model Series makes their debut at Gateway. They are offering all area churches a great package for only $25. This package includes one middle row seat (normally $45), a Gateway International Raceway hat, and a food voucher for a hot dog and drink. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ron Poe, Senior Group Account Executive 618-261-2234; rpoe@gatewayraceway.com

7-14th, St. John UCC located at 405 South Fifth Street in St. Charles will be having their annual clothing drive for Shannondale. Items should be dropped off in new fellowship hall. The doors will be open on Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Here is a list of items needed: men’s clothing, women’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes, small household items for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, school supplies, toys, games and books. Shannondale no longer accepts men’s suits. Because of shipping space, furniture is not accepted. Please properly mark any contributions for Shannondale when dropping off items, as St. John participates in a number of collections throughout the year. Please do not begin to bring any items for the Shannondale Clothing Drive until Sunday, September 7. For more information please call the church office at 636.946.0961.

13th, Saturday, 4 - 7 pm, 2nd Saturday Bar-B-Que.  Menu: Pork Steaks * Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters * Cole Slaw * Potato Salad * Baked Beans * Hotdogs * Chips * Dessert* Soda.  Cost: Meat, 2 Sides & Dessert $7.00; Meat & 1 Side $5.00; Hotdog & Bag of Chips $2.00; Soda or Dessert $1.00 .  At Immanuel Congregational UCC, 3460 Jamieson Ave, (Jamieson & Marquette) Call: 314-645-8956

13th & 17th, Saturday & Wednesday, St. Luke's U.C.C., 6610 St. Luke's Church Road, Imperial, will be having a Trash and Treasures Sale on Saturday, September 13th (7 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Wednesday, September 17th (7 a.m. - Noon). This is an annual church-wide garage sale. To reach St. Luke's, take I-55 to west on Hwy. M., turn right on St. Luke's Church Road. For more information, contact Ann Hicks at 636-948-3545 or 636-942-2085.

14th, Sunday, 6:30pm, Immanuel Congregational UCC in St. Louis to hold "Sheltered Reality" Concert. A freewill offering will be taken. You won't want to miss this exciting group of young drummers sharing a message grounded in the good news of the gospel. Immanuel Congregational UCC is located at 3460 Jamieson Ave. St. Louis Mo. 63139.

15-17th, Conference-wide Persons in Ministry Retreat, theme “Worship & Multi-Media”
Located at Port Arrowhead Resort, Lake of the Ozarks. This is a time of learning, joining peers, and relaxing that is so important as a part of your lives.  The registration forms are now available on the Conference Website at www.mmsucc.org/events/PIM_Retreat.asp  as well as a link to The Resort at Port Arrowhead website to make your room reservations. Don’t wait – check it out today!

15th & 17th, Western Association Boundary Training offered at Conference PIM Retreat for all: (2 half day sessions just before and after retreat) include: Monday, September 15, 2008 – 9am-12:30am & Wednesday, September 17, 2008 – 1pm-4pm at The Resort at Port Arrow Head Lake of the Ozarks.   *Lunch NOT included, please bring or be prepared to buy your lunch. Boundary Training is a requirement for maintaining your standing with the Associations of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and must be completed every 3 years. Feel free to choose the most convenient time and location. Registration Forms can be found on the Conference Website www.mmsucc.org/events/other_events.asp  or by calling Stephanie in the office at 314-918-2602 or toll free at 877-877-5884 ext. 77602.

20th, Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm, Administrating Ministry Meeting at Columbia UCC

25th, Thursday, 9am-4pm at St. Peter’s UCC, 20 East 5th Street, Washington, MO 63090.  Eastern Association Boundary Training is a requirement for maintaining your standing with the Associations of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and must be completed every 3 years. Feel free to choose the most convenient time and location. Registration Forms can be found on the Conference Website www.mmsucc.org/events/other_events.asp  or by calling Stephanie in the office at 314-918-2602 or toll free at 877-877-5884 ext. 77602.  *Lunch NOT included, please bring or be prepared to buy your lunch.

25-26th, Friday & Saturday, LIFE Retreat at Eden Seminary.  Flyers are downloadable as well as Courses and fees.  Flyer one, flyer two.

26th, Friday, 9 - 3, Alternative Boundary Training is being offered by the Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry in the Mid-America Region of the Christian Church (DOC). Ozark Lakes Area, at South Street Christian Church, Springfield, MO. For a registration form go to: www.mmsucc.org/events/other_events.asp  and scroll down to the bottom item under Boundary Training. You may also contact Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry in Jefferson City at 1-800-626-5924 or email krystalmsr@earthlink.net 

27th, Saturday, 9 - 3, Alternative Boundary Training is being offered by the Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry in the Mid-America Region of the Christian Church (DOC). Northwest Area,  at First Christian Church, Cameron, MO. For a registration form go to: www.mmsucc.org/events/other_events.asp  and scroll down to the bottom item under Boundary Training. You may also contact Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry in Jefferson City at 1-800-626-5924 or email krystalmsr@earthlink.net 

27th, Saturday, 9 am - 3 pm, St. Louis Association Fall Gathering, hosted by St. Lucas UCC in Sunset Hills.  Envisioning a New Future for Our Church, the program for the Fall Meeting of the St. Louis Association will be an opportunity for you to participate in an exciting process which will help to determine the shape of the future of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. This meeting will feature a structured conversation in small and large groups as a part of the Strategic Planning process of the Habakkuk Project. This conversation has already begun in Western and Eastern Association clusters and will provide guidance for an ongoing discussion which will lead to clarified vision for the future of this Conference. Be sure your views are heard. Be a part of the conversation. Be there September 27th. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome to participate in this conversation.

27th, Saturday, 9 am - 3 pm, Western Association Fall Meeting, hosted by Country Club Congregational UCC in Kansas City.

28th, Sunday, 2 - 5pm. Fall Meeting of the Eastern Association at St. John UCC in St. Clair. The Eastern Association will be gathering on Sunday, September 28 for our Annual Fall Meeting. As covenantal partners we come together to learn, worship, serve, and fellowship with each other. This meeting will be using the format of “worshipful work” where we weave together the business of the Association with elements of worship to help build up the body of Christ. Please join us at St. John United Church of Christ, St. Clair, Missouri for this event. The meeting is from 2pm-5pm and dinner will be served immediately following. The cost of dinner is $8 and includes: baked chicken, roast beef, new potatoes, green beans, salad, bread, dessert and drink.

29th, Monday, the Evangelical Children’s Home 8th Annual Golf Classic at Old Hickory Golf Club, #1 Dye Club Drive, St. Peters, MO 63304. The cost is $275.00 Player or $1,100.00 Foursome. Register by Sept. 1 and save $100 on your foursome. Tournament is limited to the first 36 foursomes. For more information, contact Sharon Fenoglio at 314-427-3755. All proceeds go to helping the children and families Evangelical Children’s Home serves. Evangelical Children’s Home commemorates 150 years of dedicated service. Check out the website for more information: www.evangelicalchildrenshome.org

October 2008

3-5th, Midwest Regional Seminarian Gathering at the Church House in Cleveland, Ohio. This gathering is an opportunity for seminary students who are In Care or who will graduate in 2008 to connect in the national setting of the UCC and with one another. The cost is modest, and students will have the chance to tour the national offices, worship together in the Amistad Chapel, meet national staff, review resources, relax, learn, share and grow into a revitalized understanding of your UCC identity. Click here for a registration brochure.

4th, Saturday, 9am-4pm at Parkway UCC, 2841 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131. St. Louis Association Boundary Training is a requirement for maintaining your standing with the Associations of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and must be completed every 3 years. Feel free to choose the most convenient time and location. Registration Forms can be found on the Conference Website www.mmsucc.org/events/other_events.asp  or by calling Stephanie in the office at 314-918-2602 or toll free at 877-877-5884 ext. 77602.  *Lunch NOT included, please bring or be prepared to buy your lunch.

4th, Saturday, 9 am, UCC Confirmation Day 2008 at Elmhurst College.  For more information contact: Kim Whisler-Vasko 630.617.3462 or email whislerk@elmhurst.edu

4th, Saturday, 9 - 3, Alternative Boundary Training is being offered by the Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry in the Mid-America Region of the Christian Church (DOC). Northeast Area, at First Christian Church in Macon, MO.  For a registration form go to: www.mmsucc.org/events/other_events.asp  and scroll down to the bottom item under Boundary Training. You may also contact Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry in Jefferson City at 1-800-626-5924 or email krystalmsr@earthlink.net 

5th, Sunday, 3pm, Installation of Paul Koch as Senior Pastor at St. Peter's UCC in Washington. St. Peter’s UCC is located at 20 East Fifth Street, Washington, Missouri 63090 (corner of Jefferson and 5th downtown.) A Barbecue Potluck Dinner Celebration will be held following the service. R.S.V.P.’s appreciated for the dinner at 636-239-6176. Clergy are invited to robe with red stoles for the processional.

12th, Sunday, noon, St. Martin's, Dittmer Outdoor Ministries Charity Golf Tournament.  Proceeds benefit Camp Mo-Val and Camp Shannondale.  It will be held at Deer Creek Golf course in House Springs.  Refreshments, steak dinner, entertainment, silent/live auction, cash prizes, 4-person Flighted Scramble, cash prizes, Mulligans/Skins!  Singles welcome - we will pair you up!  Sign up early - $80 per person before September 1, 2008 and $90 per person after that.  Contact the church office for registration forms and additional information: 636-285-4797 or stmartinsdittmer@stmartinsucc.org

12th, Sunday,  4pm at Emmanual UCC, Weldon Spring installation of Rev. Polly McWilliams

13-17th, Interim Ministry Network Offers Training in Kansas City.  The Intentional Interim Minister is a five-day event.  The training sessions will be held at Park Hill Christian Church (DOC), Kansas City, MO.  For more information regarding these continuing education opportunities, go to www.IMNedu.org 

17, 18, 19th - FaithWorks Event at Tan-Tar-A  Click here for more information.

17-19, UCC Fellowship of Architects Conference at United Theological Seminary, New Brighton, MN.  For more information click here.

18th, Saturday, Teaching Ministry will gather during lunch and into the afternoon at Tan-Tar-A.

20th, DEADLINE for submitting articles to be included in the December/January issue of The Courier.

26th, Higher Education Sunday - Support your CUE Seminary.

26th, Sunday, Installation of Mauri Peaco at St. Peter's Evangelical UCC, Florissant.

November 2008

4th, Tuesday - National Presidential Election Day- Please Vote!

7-8th, Friday & Saturday, LIFE Retreat at Eden Seminary.  Flyers are downloadable as well as Courses and fees.  Flyer one, flyer two.

23rd, Sunday, 2-5pm, Parkway UCC is hosting a HOLIDAY TEA to benefit a historically UCC-funded organization: NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSES! ( Please check out their website at: www.neighborhoodhouses.org  to find out what wonderful work they do for children and young parents of St. Louis.) You will be entertained, fed, and you can even do a little early holiday shopping! The children are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday outfits. They will have crafts, a special treat, and some "snow" and glitter to add to their outfits! Tickets go on sale soon! More details to come! Questions? Email Carmen Bumgarner at cfbum@charter.net 

27th, Thursday, Thanksgiving - Conference Office closed

28th, Friday - Conference Office closed

December 2008

6th, Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm, Administrating Ministry Meeting at Columbia UCC

24th, Wednesday, Christmas Eve Day - Conference Office closed

25th, Thursday, Christmas Day - Conference Office closed

26th, Friday - Conference Office closed

2009

January 2009

1st, Thursday, New Years Day - Office Closed

19th, Monday, Martin Luther King Jr Day - Office Closed

February 2009

16th, Monday, President's Day - Office Closed

25th, Ash Wednesday

March 2009

20-21st, Committee on Ministry Retreat at Rickman Center, Jefferson City.  Mark your calendar now!

April 2009

20th, Good Friday - Office Closed

22nd, Easter Sunday

May 2009

9th, Saturday, Eastern Association Quilt Show at St. Peter's UCC in New Haven.

25th, Monday, Memorial Day Holiday - Office Closed

June 2009

July 2009

August 2009

September 2009

October 2009

30-November 1st, Biennial Meeting to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Independence, Missouri.  Watch for more information in the future.

November 2009

December 2009