483 E. Lockwood Avenue, Suite 15, St. Louis, MO 63119

(314) 918-2602

Strengthen the Conference Ride 2023

Join together to support a stronger Missouri Mid-South Conference.

Strengthen the Conference June 3-10

Physically — Spiritually — Financially — Relationally

For eight days, June 3-10, 2023, Transitional Conference Minister Rev. Mary W. Nelson is biking from church to church across the state of Missouri, raising funds and friends for the Missouri Mid-South Conference.

See what your gift can accomplish when you choose to donate at one of the following levels:

  • $1,000 Peloton Donor — buy a defibrillator for Shannondale’s emergency shelter or an appliance for Camp MoVal staff housing, or help rent audiovisual equipment for Conference Annual Gathering.
  • $600 Slipstream Donor — provide a scholarship for a week at Camp MoVal or cover travel expenses for a keynote speaker at a Conference event.
  • $300 Sprinter Donor — support the creation of a local church profile for a church in transition or pay for a month of website hosting.
  • $100 Cheerleader Donor — pay for a General Synod delegate’s hotel room for one night, or about two days of meals for a camper at MoVal.

Of course, any gift amount is much needed, greatly appreciated, and makes a difference.

All financial gifts stay in the MMSC to support current leadership development, outdoor ministries, youth ministries, and more. Thank you for helping to build for new ministries in the future.

Give Now

Support Mary as She Bikes Across Missouri

You are welcome to join Mary for any or all of the ride.

  • Hop on your bike, or meet up at a church for a meal and conversation.

You also can show your support by:

  • Showing up and making a gift in person, or donating online.
  • Praying for Mary and all the volunteers who are making this ride possible.

All forms of participation will help Strengthen the Conference.

Check Out Each Day’s Schedule

7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

  • Kickoff Party/Breakfast at Zion UCC, St. Joseph, MO

Noon (approximately)

  • Lunch en route at Friendly Bean Coffee, Gladstone Township, MO

2 to 5 p.m.

  • Arrival (2 p.m.) at Bethel UCC, Kansas City, MO
  • Bike Decorating Contest and Parade (4 p.m.)
  • Dinner (5 p.m.)

8:30 a.m.

  • Sendoff at Bethel UCC, Kansas City, MO

9:15 to 10:00 a.m.

  • Breakfast at Peace Christian UCC, Kansas City, MO

10:45 to 11:15 a.m.

  • Stop at Kansas City UCC, Kansas City, MO

12 to 1:00 p.m.

  • Lunch at Southwood UCC, Raytown, MO

2:30 p.m.

  • Stop at St. Luke’s UCC, Independence, MO

4 to 6 p.m.

  • Arrival (4 p.m.) at Ebenezer UCC, Levasy, MO
  • Dinner (6 p.m.)

8 a.m.

  • Depart from Ebenezer UCC, Levasy, MO

9 to 10 a.m.

  • Breakfast at Trinity UCC, Lexington, MO

11 a.m.

  • Stop at Zion UCC, Mayview, MO

12 to 1 p.m.

  • Lunch at Salem UCC, Higginsville, MO

2 to 6 p.m.

  • Arrival (2 p.m.) at Bethel UCC, Concordia, MO
  • Dinner (6 p.m.) at Dempsey’s Barbecue

8:30 a.m.

  • Depart Bethel UCC, Concordia, MO for breakfast in town

Noon (Approximately)

  • Lunch en route at No. 5 Bistro and Bar, Sedalia, MO

3 to 5 p.m.

  • Arrive (3 p.m.) at Evangelical UCC, Boonville, MO
  • Dinner (5 p.m.)

7:30 a.m.

  • Depart Evangelical UCC, Boonville, MO

8 to 9 a.m.

  • Breakfast in New Franklin, MO

12 to 1 p.m.

  • Lunch at Peace UCC, Hartsburg, MO

2:30 to 6 p.m.

  • Arrival (2:30 p.m.) at The Oasis, Jefferson City, MO
  • Dinner (6 p.m.)

7:30 a.m.

  • Depart from The Oasis UCC, Jefferson City, MO

8 to 9 a.m.

  • Breakfast at Mokane Trailhead near Fulton UCC, Fulton, MO

12 to 1 p.m.

  • Lunch at St. Paul UCC, Hermann, MO

2:30 p.m.

  • Stop at Immanuels UCC, Holstein, MO

3:30 to 8 p.m.

  • Arrival (3:30 p.m.) at St. Paul’s UCC, Marthasville, MO
  • Dinner (5 to 8 p.m.) at Lake Creek Winery (thanks to the Eastern Association)

7:30 a.m.

  • Depart from St. Paul’s UCC, Marthasville, MO

8 to 9 a.m.

  • Breakfast at St. Peter’s UCC, Washington, MO
  • Stop at Ebenezer UCC, Augusta, MO

10:30 a.m. 

  • Proceed to St. Paul’s UCC, Defiance, MO
  • Proceed to Emmanuel UCC, Weldon Spring, MO
  • Proceed to St. John’s UCC, Weldon Spring, MO

1:30 p.m.

  • Stop at Friedens UCC, St. Charles, MO

3 to 5:30 p.m.

  • Arrival (3 p.m.) at St John’s UCC, Chesterfield, MO
  • Dinner (5:30 p.m.)

7:30 a.m.

  • Depart from St. John’s UCC, Chesterfield, MO

8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

  • Breakfast at Kirkwood UCC, Kirkwood, MO

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Metro Loop

  • St. Lucas UCC, St. Louis, MO (Sunset Hills)
  • St. Phillip’s UCC, St. Louis, MO (Affton)
  • Carondelet UCC, St. Louis, MO (South City)
  • St. Paul UCC/Glory to Glory Christian Church UCC, St. Louis, MO (South City)
  • St. Peter’s UCC, St. Louis, MO (Ferguson)
  • Calvary UCC, St. Louis, MO (Overland)
  • First Congregational Church UCC, St. Louis, MO (Clayton)
  • Christ Church UCC, St. Louis, MO (Maplewood)

4 to 7 p.m.

  • Victory Lap Celebration at Eden Seminary, St. Louis, MO (Sponsored by Deaconess Foundation) All are welcome to join the party to celebrate how we’re Strengthening the Conference. Bring your bicycle (decorated if you want) and take a lap with Mary around the Quadrangle courtyard. Food and beverage compliments of Deaconess Foundation served inside the Commons.
Transitional Conference Minister Mary Nelson Announces Her Strengthen the Conference Ride June 3-10
Subscribe Today