Missouri Union Presbytery

Meeting Highlights

Our May 20, 2025 meeting at Coates Street Presbyterian Church in Moberly began promptly at 10:00 a.m. with a prayer led by Moderator, Rev. Rick Watson. 

The Transitional General Presbyter and Stated Clerk, Elder Barbara Chalfant reminded us of the second 2025 Elder Boundary Training coming up on Zoom on May 27 and encouraged all to attend. The training will soon be available through a link on our website with a quiz for those who missed the live event.

She also advised of changes in the nomination process for the Evelyn Bedell awards. Beginning this year, only one nomination per church will be accepted with all recommendations coming through session. Nomination details will be included in an upcoming newsletter. 

We were welcomed to Coates Street Presbyterian Church by Rev. Julie King and were told about Rooted 242, a program to support foster children who have recently aged out of the foster care system. Rooted 242 benefited from our offering during worship.

Bob Fenlon then reported from the nominating committee concerning the need to change our Synod representatives to three-year terms from our current two-year term pattern. We voted to accept the change.

Representatives from the Texas Presbyterian Foundation shared with us the good financial work they are doing for us. After a small AV glitch, we enjoyed a video explaining their history and current focus. They also announced that they would be donating $500 toward the cost of our meal. 

We received a report from the AC for closing churches while the AV glitch was addressed.

Elder Barbara Chalfant offered a one-hour review of classic and new Spiritual Disciplines and encouraged us to try engaging in one or more to strengthen our faith.

We made it to lunch with five minutes to spare and were generously and tastily fed by the members of Coates Street Presbyterian Church! There was much discussion about how many different desserts one could have. All were enjoyed!

The Leadership and Education Committee offered a survey at lunch and will be building our education and leadership program on the results of that survey.

Just before 1:00 p.m., we were called back into session and Moderator Rev. Rick Watson announced that he had accepted a new call to a congregation in North Carolina. While we were shocked and dismayed, we did pray blessings upon Rick and his family as they move into this new call.

At 1:00 p.m., a contemplative worship began with Rev. Tad Schuldt preaching. We were then led into communion with a guided meditation. 

Following worship, Rev. RIM Massey gave a short but clear report from our finance committee.

We were then closed in prayer by Vice Moderator, Elder John Grimmett.

SAVE THE DATE!

 PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!

Stated Meeting of Missouri Union Presbytery

The next Stated Presbytery Meeting will be

Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Starting time TBD

This meeting will be held at

Trinity Presbyterian Church,

1600 W. Rollins Rd., in Columbia.

Registration details will be coming soon!

2024 Session Records Review

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Coates Street Presbyterian Church, Moberly – 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

First Presbyterian Church, Columbia – 6:00 p.m.

Monday, June 30, 2025

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Marshall – 10:00 a.m.

Please give this information to the current Clerk of Session.

Either the Clerk of Session or Session Moderator

must attend one of the review sessions.

June Prayer Circle Prayer

Creator of the whole world, Redeemer of all peoples, Sustainer of our hearts,

We thank you. For the joy of ministry in your name, for the love that bubbles up and overflows in our congregations and for the great care that you have shown Missouri Union Presbytery. We are beginning to open our hearts and minds to new leaders you are lifting up in our own congregations, to new individuals considering becoming Commissioned Ruling Elders, to individuals saying yes to becoming Elders and Deacons, and we even have a new Minister of Word and Sacrament who has heard your call to serve in this beautifully made land. We know you are continuing to guide others to come and join us as we explore new ways to be the church, to bring in the Kingdom of God in this needy world. We continue to watch with expectancy as you bring about these changes and fill all our leadership needs. Continue to bless our hard-working pastors and elders. Give them joy, courage, new emerging skills and the sure knowledge that we appreciate them and are committed to follow their wise lead. Thank you! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Evelyn Bedell Nominations

Now Being Accepted

Each year Missouri Union Presbytery recognizes the contribution of older adults to its work and ministry by presenting Evelyn Bedell awards to outstanding older adults. Individuals are honored for their faithfulness in a congregation or for Presbytery-wide service. The award is named for Evelyn Bedell, who demonstrated the energy, imagination, intelligence and love with which a person of any age can serve the church. Evelyn came out of retirement to attend San Francisco Theological Seminary and at the age 72 was ordained by Missouri Union Presbytery as the "Tentmaker Pastor" for Bellflower Presbyterian Church.

Please note, parameters for nominations have been revised. Only one nomination per church will be accepted with all recommendations coming through session. 

Please click below to submit your nominations. Nominations must be received

no later than July 17, 2025.

Missouri Union Presbytery plans to honor all Evelyn Bedell award recipients at the August 26th Presbytery meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Columbia.

Notice - 4th Sunday Sermons

4th Sunday Sermons from the Synod of Mid-America are now being posted to MUP’s website for easy access. When needed, the sermons can be found at the bottom of the page at https://www.mupresbytery.org/pulpit-supply.

Prayer Basket

Continued prayers for Bill Jessop’s wife, Leigh, who has been in the hospital and nursing care for an extended period of time. 

Prayers for Rob Hughes, who is recovering from heart surgery.

Prayers for several of our friends who are recovering from knee replacement surgeries or undergoing treatment.

Prayers of discernment for congregations in transition.  

Prayers for Rick Watson and his family as they answer a new call to North Carolina.

This is Our Prayer Basket. If you have prayers of intercession or thanksgiving, please submit them via the e-mail link below.