Our Common Life...Words from the Conference Staff

Is there such a thing as a most challenging day for following Jesus?  If so, a case could be made for December 26^th.  The world, which we are invited to be in but not of, has been celebrating Christmas since a September day when boxes of 100 mini lights replaced five subject spiral notebooks on store shelves.  We've been trying (at least a bit!) to keep a season of prayerful preparation for the coming of the Messiah.  But keeping Advent in this world which we are invited to be in but not of - where Christmas has been going full blast all month - is something like trying to study for an important test in a dorm room while our roommate is hosting a large party.  Distracting.

And on the 26^th of December, the world, which we are invited to be in but not of, will be done, done, done with all this business of Christmas (except for returns and clearances).  It will be hard to find a hymn or carol on the radio.  The daily headlines will leave holiday retail figures for a new season of weight loss and taxes.  Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates will be replacing the mini lights.

On the 26^th of December, the world which we are invited to be in but not of will be tired, tired, tired of Christmas.  And we are hardly immune from that fatigue. But for us, December 26^th is the second day of Christmas, only the second day of twelve!  For us, it is a day for the celebration of God-with-us to crank up, not pack up. 

The twelve days of Christmas are wonderful days for disciples to sing unexpected songs.  On Wednesday, December 29^th, who will still be singing, "How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given..."?   On Sunday, January 2^nd, who will still be singing "Glo-o-o-oria in excelsis Deo!"?   On Tuesday, January 4^th, who will still be singing, "Joy to the World!"?  We will.  Let me know if your congregation chooses one of these dates to pile on a hay wagon or in some borrowed vans for Christmas caroling!

As I am thinking of you and praying for you in the early morning light of December 23^rd, I expect that many of you won't see these words until a bit farther on in the twelve days of Christmas.  I pray that in the twelve days of Christmas, your congregation will keep singing.  I pray that in the twelve days of Christmas, your congregation will surprise neighbors with acts of Christ-love.  I pray that in the twelve days of Christmas, your congregation will resist every temptation to pack up. 

Thank you, beloved, for all that you do to live and witness the mystery of God-with-us.  Thank you, beloved, for all the ways that Christ-light shines through you.  What a delight it is to walk with you, following Jesus.  Blessed Christmas.

Jonna Jensen

Associate Conference Minister for Eastern Iowa

Iowa Conference, United Church of Christ

Some of us have been talking for a while about updating the title of our lay ministry education program. The acronyms that worked for so many years are no longer meaningful as acronyms: they have become words: center  learn  search. There is some confusion as to what these words mean.  (See my article in e-Communique a few weeks ago.) 

We are now in the process of replacing CENTER with Certification School in Progressive Christian Youth Ministry, a program already working well for the ELCA and which we (the Iowa Conference) will pilot for the UCC in conjunction with the Minnesota Conference, UCC, starting in May 2011.

That leaves LEARN and SEARCH. 

First, SEARCH. Search means one may take any LEARN class at any time it is offered, without being accepted into the LEARN program. Ideally, when one is accepted into LEARN, one takes a certain number of classes within a certain number of years.  Truth be told, there have always been people who have started the series of classes, taken classes sporadically, and not finished the series. There are many reasons for not completing the classes: work conflicts, lack of funds, family responsibilities, time and distance factors. Such participation is not much different from one who is "SEARCH"ing.  So, deleting the SEARCH acronym will change neither our mission nor our outreach.

Completing LEARN, on the other hand, requires a significant commitment and has had a significant impact on the ministry and the churches of the Iowa Conference, UCC.  Originally begun to train supply pastors for occasional preaching, the program now prepares people to return to their home congregations to serve as leaders or to serve congregations as licensed pastors. It is important that it have a name that immediately describes its content and purpose   I propose that we call what we do "Lay Education for Ministry and Leadership."  No acronym.  

That title is both accurate and broad and allows for flexibility in delivery and curriculum. 

I hope you will soon be accustomed to these two new titles for these two vital programs.  If you need shorter names in informal conversation, I suggest "Certification School" and Lay Education.  Please be assured that our goal is always to enrich the church.

Many blessings to you,  

New Church Planter Discernment Workshop...

Continuing education opportunities...

Conference-wide Book Reading

Realities, chuckles, ponderous thoughts, relaxation...join the Conference-wide Book Readers who will take on their first book starting in January 2011!

What book???

Who is the author???

How do I join???

Where is the book???

How do I obtain the book???