News from us [link removed] September 14, 2021
Episcopal Task Force Update
on Race and Culture
During the Pre-Conference Briefing on May 27, Bishop Bob Farr and Rev. T. Cody Collier presented a Conference update on culture work as it relates to race and ethnicity.
Rev. Collier shared highlights of the preliminary report with the Annual Conference. The preliminary report includes more specific actions including recommendations on tactics and timeline, but as Rev. Collier indicated in his presentation, the report now lies with Bishop Farr. The timeline shared for further action includes the Cabinet and Mission Council’s work from August 1 to December 15 with an anticipated release of the final report in January 2022.
“I am grateful for the work of the task force,” Bishop Farr said. “Folks from around our Conference met virtually in the middle of a pandemic to deal with the ongoing pandemic of racial and ethnic bias in our Conference.”
Read more on the Episcopal Task Force and the task force’s recommendations, include the strategies categorized by four focus areas laid out by Bishop Farr.
[link removed] See the story published in the September issue of The Missouri Methodists →

Upcoming Events
EMERGE: A soulconnections retreat
EMERGE invites you to rest and renew your sense of connection and community as we emerge together from this difficult season. Using the story of Lazarus as our guide, we’ll reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, explore what inhibits us from moving forward, and claim the hope and promise of renewed faith and life together. Both laity and clergy are encouraged to engage in this retreat opportunity. [link removed] Learn more and sign up →
Other Upcoming Events
Sept. 11 - Oct. 9 - [link removed] Festival of Sharing ShareFests
Sept. 21 - [link removed] Harrington Lecture featuring Dr. Eboo Patel
Oct. 18-22 - [link removed] Associate Certified Coach Training
Oct. 22-24 - [link removed] Walk Justly
Oct. 28-30 - [link removed] EMERGE: A soulconnections retreat
See the full events calendars at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/events

Upcoming Grant Deadlines
Due Oct. 1: [link removed] MUMF Ministry Grants
Rolling Deadline: [link removed] Library Builder Grants

Lay Servant Ministry Report Charge Conference Form
Have you completed at least one Lay Servant Ministry basic or advanced class in the past three years? If so, please fill out an annual lay servant ministry report. This report is turned in with your church’s charge conference paperwork in the fall and then will go on for signatures from your pastor, your district superintendent and your district lay servant ministry coordinator. This is a way we help track who is staying engaged by learning new and different ways to use their gifts. Please fill it out and turn it in to your pastor or church secretary. [link removed] Download the form → Featured Resource
Costner-Fulton Grants
Missional outreach takes many forms, and the Conference Office of Mission, Service and Justice has grant funds to support your new, innovative, or one-time mission program and event. Past recipients have included a community garden project, laundry ministry, reading event with book giveaway and more. Building and construction projects aren’t eligible to receive funds. [link removed] Learn more and apply by October 1 →
More Resources
[link removed] How To Plan a Local Mission Trip
NextGen Ministries hosted a virtual gathering with YouthWorks missions where attendees learned how to plan a local mission trip or service day with community partners.

[link removed] What is Critical Race Theory and What Christians Should Know
From the General Commission on Religion and Race of the United Methodist Church: Critical Race Theory (CRT) examines how laws in the United States have built and supported racial inequities. It is an ideological framework that names race as a social construct and asserts racialized inequities in society are fostered by historic and current systemic, institutional, and legal policies and practices.
[link removed] Wellness Resources
Wellness might feel like the latest buzzword, but now more than ever, it’s important for each of us to be intentional in how we’re maintaining our well-being. Wespath defines wellness as encompassing five dimensions: mental-emotional, financial, spiritual, social and physical health.
See the full resource library at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary


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