News from us # The Rural Missouri Connection encourages and equips churches to engage with local resources in the development of outward ministries that reflect and address wholistic opportunities in the community. As we are called to the ministry of healing, we can promote hope, wholeness and joy through a life abundant in Christ. We invite churches to consider what opportunities are present to influence the overall well-being of individuals, congregations and communities. We challenge churches to consider what assets exist in your unique context that might encourage adopting healthy practices both inside your church and in your community.
Featured Resource

Reclaiming Rural Ministry with Rev. Allen T. Stanton
In a conversation that highlights churches in rural areas, Rev. Allen T. Stanton describes the challenges and opportunities facing churches in small town America and the unique position they have as potential agents of change within their communities. [link removed] Listen here →
MOAC Awards
2022 MOAC ONE Matters Award: Potosi UMC
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The ONE Matters Discipleship Award recognizes churches who in recent years have moved from zeros in baptisms and professions of faith to positive numbers with a renewed focus on intentional discipleship. In addition to a ONE Matters Discipleship Award plaque, the award includes a $1,000 check from Discipleship Ministries. The monetary award is designed to encourage continued growth in the area of discipleship. This year’s ONE Matters Discipleship Award goes to Potosi UMC.
MOAC22 Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy:
Rev. Ben Lee
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The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors one layperson and one clergyperson for their exceptional ministry of evangelism. This ministry is expressed in Word, Sign and Deed and brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Rev. Ben Lee of Midway Locust Grove UMC is the 2022 recipient of the Denman Evangelism Award for clergy.
Other Resources
Creating Sacred Spaces After Loss
How faith communities can best support those experiencing this kind of grief (miscarriage, infant death, and infertility) journey will be answered by their willingness to wrestle with and acknowledge the kind of grief and the trauma these common questions can cause. [link removed] Learn more →
Rural Church Community Action Guide
This guide is designed to help faith communities understand local issues, identify potential community-based solutions, and develop clear steps to create a discernible plan of action. (Noteworthy: “Appendix: Worksheets” for a simple way to plan your involvement) [link removed] Learn more →
Events and Opportunities

RMC Collab: Bernie - Abundance in Neighboring
Come see what is happening in rural Missouri as people engage in mission of all kinds across our state. Join a space where rural leaders are learning, collaborating and celebrating ministry as we respond to God’s gifts in our communities.
When: Thursday, November 3, 2022, 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM (optional coffee fellowship at 9:30)
Where: Bernie UMC ( [link removed] 307 W Main Ave, Bernie, MO 63822)
Cost: Free (Please register to be included in the lunch count)

[link removed] Register Here →
Sharefests
When: September 10 - October 8
Join Festival of Sharing for an opportunity to gather as communities for service, fellowship and sharing of the packs, kits and funds recognized in the booklet. These events are open to the public and held in partnership with local churches and organizations. Drop off donations and serve from 9:30-11:30 AM. [link removed] Find out more and sign up to volunteer→
Grants
Cooperative Response Grant
Festival of Sharing has funding available to partner with churches and organizations in their efforts to cooperatively respond to community needs around poverty. Festival of Sharing recognizes that poverty is multidimensional and experienced in different ways. Responses may work to address concerns beyond economic resources, to include such things as physical, social, cultural or spiritual resources. Grants will be awarded up to $1,000. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. [link removed] Find out more and apply [link removed] →
GBGM Grants
Church and Society awards grants to United Methodist congregations and groups related to The United Methodist Church through the Ethnic Local Church, Human Relations Day, and Peace with Justice programs. Applications accepted August 1-September 16, 2022. [link removed] Find out more and apply [link removed] →
Share Your Story
Has Are you excited about how God is at work in your community? Does your pastor have a random tidbit of knowledge or a secret talent completely unrelated to ministry? We want to hear!

[link removed] Share Your Story →
Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202
573-441-1770 | www.moumethodist.org www.moumethodist.org


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