Missouri Union Presbytery

JEFFERSON CITY (June 1, 2008) Missouri IMPACT, an ecumenical and interfaith legislative advocacy network, announces the addition of three judicatories to its list of Judicatory Partners for Justice.

New members are: African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fifth Episcopal District; the Baptist General Convention of Missouri; and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Third Episcopal District. CME Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., said in announcing his support, “I want the CME Church to be represented on the Missouri IMPACT Board to assist you in fulfilling your mission of social justice advocacy in behalf of the poor and marginalized of this state. They certainly need a voice in Jefferson City.” Presiding Elder Karen Walker McClure, pastor of the Russell Chapel CME Church, Columbia, was named as CME representative.

Rev. Dr. Jim Hill, Executive Director of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri, will represent that body on the Missouri IMPACT Board. Dr. Hill, also chair of Missouri Christians Against Racism and Poverty, stated, “Our Convention is committed to social justice and racial equity and we desire very much to work ecumenically and in interfaith relationships to address the critical needs of Missouri’s disadvantaged citizens. I look forward to working with Missouri IMPACT in its mission of legislative advocacy for social justice.”

The Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be represented by Rev. Mary Hull-Lovett, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Columbia. Rev. Hull-Lovett was named to the Missouri IMPACT Board by Rev. Dr. Cecil Howard, AME Former General Secretary.

It is with great sadness we note the death of Dr. Howard. Rev. Dr. John Bennett commented, “Dr. Cecil Howard was a strong supporter of Missouri IMPACT, recently becoming a MO IMPACT Partner for Justice. He was a faithful ecumenist who worked tirelessly in recent years in the formation of Missouri Churches Uniting in Christ. We are deeply saddened by the death of this ecumenical saint who labored graciously in our midst for the unity of the church. We grieve with hope.”

Additional Judicatory Partners are: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America; Community of Christ; the Episcopal Church, Diocese of Missouri; Central States Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Missouri Jewish Federation; Presbyterian Church (USA); Missouri Mid-South Conference, United Church of Christ; and Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church.

David Rose, son of MUP Treasurer Marilyn (Rose)Thudium, was stricken Saturday evening, May 31, while visiting Marilyn in Brookfield. He was rushed to Boone Hospital late that night and admitted to ICU with internal bleeding.

Marilyn expressed gratitude to God that doctors have an initial diagnosis and that David is responding well to medication. He has returned home to O'Fallon. Tuesday, June 10, he has an appointment with a specialist in St Louis and will continue treatment there. It's been a blessing that his wife is out of school for the summer and able to help at this time.

Please pray that effective treatments will be possible and that their family will give evidence of God's power and mercy.