Summary of Missouri Union Presbytery Meeting

First Presbyterian, Jefferson City welcomed us with wonderful treats and copious amounts of hot coffee. We are grateful to them, not only for their morning treats, but for their well-practiced hospitality, the lovely homemade lunch, and the beautiful space they shared.

The meeting began at 10:00 a.m. with prayer. After dispensing with the usual formalities, we celebrated the ordination anniversaries of three of our pastors: Ken Jarvis at 40 years, Jeff Carter at 40 years and Thomas Buzbee at 45 years. What a gift!

We heard from Woody Berry about the life of First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City and he shared with us their ministry “Sunday Night Live @ 5”, a dinner and worship ministry that serves the congregation and the houseless community in our capital. Later in worship we collected almost $500 to contribute to this ministry.

We were delighted to hear from Deborah Boucher-Payne concerning the resources and offerings of the Synod, including an upcoming Synod-wide Retreat for Pastoral Leaders at the Heartland Camp and Conference Center on June 3-5, 2025. There is also a COM Education Day on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Heartland Camp and Conference Center, Parkville, MO. We are hoping many of our COM members will elect to attend.

We heard about the upcoming luncheon sponsored by Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.

Elder Ann Bouchard and Rev. Phil Olson led us through the process of moving an Overture from a session or committee of presbytery to General Assembly and back. It was informative and humorous. 

Worship was a delight with Rev. Kati Collins preaching about being provoked to move forward toward more faithful response to God’s call. We also celebrated the installation of our vice moderator, Elder John Grimmett, and washed stones to reveal our newly cleaned hearts and later traded our hearts as a sign of accountability to do what God is calling us to do.

After a break for a very good lunch, we heard from Rev. Helen Logan and Paul Adjor. Paul is an international student at Westminster College who has been adopted by Fulton Presbyterian Church. It was good to hear their story and to welcome Paul into our community.

We engaged in the holy work of closing Mt. Olivet Presbyterian Church - Vandalia who has engaged in the work and worship of Jesus Christ for almost 180 years. Even as we were saddened to close a congregation, we were grateful for the amazing and gracious ministry of their 180 years.

During the report from the Committee for Preparation of Ministry, both Shawn McNabb and Julie Leverenz were presented with bags of books and ministry helps from the pastors and CRE’s of MUP in celebration of Shawn and Julie completing their educational requirements to become CRE’s. Then we commissioned Julie Leverenz to ministry at First Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green.  It was a joyful and meaningful moment. 

We ended our committee reports and turned our focus to voting on the amendments to the Book of Order sent to us from the General Assembly. After discussion we passed all amendments. We then closed in prayer.

March Prayer Circle

Loving and Merciful God,

Forgive us for sheltering in the darkness in these rapidly changing times. Remind us of your love and your unimaginable strength. Tell us again that we are your children, cherished and protected by you. Place again in our hearts the assurance that we stand in your light and are equipped, gifted and called to stand in the world as reflectors of your light, love and justice. Provoke us to action. Allow us to hold on to each other and to make change in this world for good. We, the people of Missouri Union Presbytery call on your name. We humbly ask for the rise of good leaders to walk with us, and for creative and lasting ways to build up your church so that more and more will come to know you and your great love for us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

In Memoriam

Our Deepest Sympathies to the Family and Friends of Robert (Bob) Duncan, former Moderator of Missouri Union Presbytery. Over the years, Bob was very active in the work of the Presbytery and served on numerous committees. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

The Missouri Union Presbytery extends our deepest sympathies to Bob’s family and friends.  Our prayers are lifted to God for his family and all those mourning his loss.

Funeral Arrangements:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-mo/robert-duncan-12247303

We go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Child Protection Policy & Safe Response Team Training

March 25, 2025

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Via Zoom

Participants must register by noon, March 24. 

Use the link below to register.

We will be looking at Child Protection Policies for congregations as mandated by the Book of Order and looking at the basics of the MUP policy from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Those who wish to be members of our “Safe Response Team” are asked to stay for the rest of the Zoom meeting from 7:30-9:00 p.m.

We prefer that participants log on as individuals. However, if people prefer to work together, please view with no more than 3 people per screen. This training will be recorded.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/MissouriUnionPresbytery/ChildProtectionPolicySafeResponseTeam

Triennium 2025 Information

The Art of Transitional Ministry Training

Synod of Mid-America (PCUSA) & the Synod of Lincoln Trails (MALT) invite you to attend “The Art of Transitional Ministry” training May 12-16, 2025, at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St Louis, MO. The benefit of learning together in person, sharing experiences and asking questions--over meals, walks in the woods, and during table groups--is incredible. The MALT training includes an excellent faculty, held in a beautiful location--with an outdoor labyrinth and lovely grounds--and good food, carefully attentive to allergens and special diets.

Orientation will be Monday, May 12 at lunchtime. Program fee is $1,100 (includes lodging and meals.)

http://synodma.org/transitional-ministry-education