Offering Both Online and In-Person Worship Experiences

Using Music as Instrument for Social Change and Creating Open and Affirming Space for Rural Folks

After much conversation and discernment with Rev. Eric Moeller, Associate Pastor, St. Peter’s UCC, Washington, Mo., and others, the MMSC Eastern Association is covenanting with Rev. Moeller and the All-In Music Project to create a new worshiping community called All-In UCC.

Founded in Nonprofit All-In Music Project

Rev. Moeller is founder of the All-In Music Project, a nonprofit that uses music as an instrument for social change.

“Upon recognizing a need in our region for progressive expressions and gatherings of faith, we began an effort through the All-In Music Project to offer new kinds of worship experiences,” says Rev. Moeller.

These monthly online worship services called “The Nitty Gritty Gathering” resulted in creating an Open and Affirming space for folks in rural areas to go — a community with which they can engage — especially for those who desire to dive deeper into progressive theology, practice, and social action.

Eastern Association Commits

The subsequent growth with All-In led to both the Committee on Ministry and the Council of the Eastern Association officially accepting a covenant for a new church start, All-In UCC.

Eastern Association Moderator Rev. Laura Mignerone, Senior Pastor, St. Philip’s UCC, St. Louis, Mo. and St. John UCC, St. Clair, Mo., says she is “thrilled” to announce the new church start and hopes others are ready to join in.

Transitional Conference Minister Rev. Mary Nelson echoes Rev. Mignerone and Rev. Moeller, praising the Eastern Association for its careful discernment leading to “such an exciting development with the capability of reaching so many throughout the Conference.”

All-In UCC to Offer Both Online and In-person

All-In UCC online services are open to anyone anywhere, hosted monthly. Additionally, the first of a monthly in-person gathering is set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Freestyle Brewing, Eureka, Mo.

“Over time, the hope is to add monthly in-person gatherings in public spaces in some of our more rural areas,” says Rev. Moeller. “These evening services during the week are intended to supplement local churches and their clergy, while hopefully appealing to a younger generation as well.”

While the services have traditional elements, Rev. Mignerone explains they are also conversational to allow the collective wisdom of the gathered to be shared. “If this sounds like something that would feed your spirit, please check it out,” says Rev. Mignerone, adding plans are in the works for a future service to celebrate the new church start.

For more information about All-In UCC or to participate, email Rev. Eric Moeller.

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