Missouri Union Presbytery

(from PresbyteriaNews Dec 2007 issue, Editor: Glenda Jo Self glendajo@synodma.org) Newsletter for the Synod of Mid America

Children's and families' lives are being changed in record number in Missouri-Union Presbytery. Thanks to donations of Presbyterians and new grants, Presbyterian Children's Services has been able to expand services throughout the region.

Here are some snapshots of what has been happening:

MENTORING in MOBERLY Thanks to a $46,000 Title II Federal Grant, mentoring services are expanding into Boone, Callaway, Randolph and Howard counties. The goal is to keep youth out of the juvenile justice system and on a path of mentoring and treatment that will give them new, healthy tools to succeed in life. Currently, up to 30 children can be mentored at a time.

MENTORING in HANNIBAL This program has grown substantially in two years. Currently, 41 children and four parents are being mentored. Parent mentoring is unique to this program and highly valued. Families are being served in Marion, Monroe and Ralls counties. In Hannibal, the mentoring program enjoys a great relationship with the local school administrators and counselors who help locate at risk families and children who need help.

MOBERLY COMMUNITY COUNSELING CENTER This center provides counseling services to children, adolescents and adults throughout the region. Two full-time licensed therapists serve 50+ people each week, specializing in childrens therapy, play therapy, drug and alcohol recovery, family conflicts, adolescent therapy, adoption issues and depression along with emotional and personality disorders. Families who do not have insurance are supported through funding from the United Way.

STUBBINS Memorial Regional Family and Youth Center Children from all over the state continue to be cared for at the Stubbins Center in Moberly. Two children will be successfully discharged this month with others on the horizon. The children of Stubbins have a safe environment in which they can gain the skills to be returned to their homes or other safe, stable living arrangements.

The congregation of Perry Presbyterian Church has voted to request that Presbytery dissolve the church. At the regularly scheduled meeting of November 2, the Presbytery voted approval of this motion, effective December 31, 2007. This historic congregation's ministry will conclude with a Celebration of God's work through it's ministry on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at a yet to be determined time. Thanks was given for this congregation and we were challenged to carry on the work and service in which they have been so faithful.