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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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Amending the Bylaws of the Minnesota Conference
At this year's 51st Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference, delegates will have the opportunity to vote on proposed changes to the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ Bylaws that will result in Amended and Restated Bylaws.
In general, the anticipated Bylaw changes are meant to:
- better organize the terms stated in the document,
- make several provisions clearer and where appropriate more specific, and
- add some new, or modify some existing, provisions to be more consistent with legal requirements, actual practices, or improved ways of providing the Conference's ministry and witness.
Perhaps the first change that will be noticed is the draft Amended and Restate Bylaws reordering various operational matters in a hierarchical manner, i.e. first through provisions about members and their meetings, since the members have ultimate authority, then the Board of Directors, then committees and work groups, and then the Conference's officers.
A detailed summary of the proposed changes is available here.
In order for all members of the Minnesota Conference be up-to-date and to give their input on the amendments that are to be proposed, the Conference will be hosting three webinars in February. Please plan to attend at least one of them!
Tuesday, February 5, 1:00pm
Wednesday, February 6, 7:00pm
Tuesday, February 19, 7:00pm
To register for one of these sessions:
1. Follow this link.
2. Click on "Upcoming" to see our three sessions.
3. Click "Register" for the session that you would like to attend.
4. Fill in your information and click "Register"
5. You will be asked to verify your registration, and then asked to either setup the WebEx Training Manager when you register or at a different time. You may choose either option.
If you have questions, please email Alison Bents at alisonb@uccmn.org. Thank you - we're looking forward to these informative sessions!
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Joys and Concerns
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1. Rev. Bryan Olson will be installed Sunday, January 27 at 3:00pm at Cottage Grove UCC (7008 Lamar Ave., Cottage Grove, MN). A celebratory reception and fellowship will follow the service of installation. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles.
2. Rev. Ashley Whitaker will be installed February 3rd at 2:00pm at The United Church in Mapleton (201 Troendle Street SW). A reception will follow the service of installation. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles.
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News from the Search Committee
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The Search Committee is excited about the progress that is being made in identifying a new Conference Minister. In order to expedite the search process, the Search Committee is working with Rick Heltne of SIMA International to generate a ministerial profile and develop a pool of potential candidates. This process also involves utilizing conference survey results attained through Holy Cow! Consulting. The committee's process is also being supported at the national UCC office by Rev. Susan Towner-Larsen, Minister for Conference Relations. We will continue to let you know of any worthy news throughout this search and call process.
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Reserve your spot at Pilgrim Point for 2013!
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 Congregations are invited to sponsor a week or weekend of their own at Pilgrim Point! We provide twice daily all-camp, cross-generational programs, worship support for the Vespers leadership (once a day as an all-camp event), amazing meals and hospitality. You will still have plenty of time for relaxing, playing at the beach or ball field and creating your own experiences!
As it happens, dates and spaces are filling up VERY fast, but there is still room to get your church to the Point! If you want to pair up with another church, we can help you - contact Gigi Nauer (ggmarie58@gmail.com) to assist with those connections. If you have other questions related to making a reservation, please contact the Pilgrim Point Registrar, Zac Norenberg (zacn@uccmn.org) to get assistance.
Download the reservation form here, and GET TO THE POINT!
On the reverse of the form, please find procedures on how to make a successful reservation. Please read through this carefully before submitting your application. Contact Zac Norenberg (zacn@uccmn.org) if you have any questions.
Here is what is currently available:
- July 12-14 (Available: Lodge, Annex, North Shore, Campground)
- July 26-28 (Available: Annex, North Shore, POEM Cabins)
- August 9-11 (Available: Annex, North Shore, Campground)
- August 23-25 (Available: North Shore)
- August 30-Sept 1: (Available: Annex, North Shore, POEM Cabins)
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New info for those seeking UCC positions
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Important New Information
for Clergy and Lay Leaders Seeking UCC Positions
This month MESA and Conferences are transitioning from the familiar nationwide "Employment Opportunities" PDF to the new "Ministry Opportunities" searchable database. During the rest of this month searching ministers can use both tools. Both links are public and accessible from the UCC webpage. For example: http://www.ucc.org/ministers/search-and-call/united-church-employment.html. February 1st will be the final day that the Employment Opportunities PDF document will be available. On February 1st users will be directed to access the new site directly: http://oppsearch.ucc.org; this new site will feature lay employment and internship listings as well as the customary listings for authorized ministers. More information is forthcoming from The National Offices, and will be posted in the "Keeping You E-Posted" newsletter of the national church.
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Celebrate Seminary Sunday on Feb. 24th
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Why Celebrate Seminary Sunday?
Our UCC seminaries are filled with faithful, committed students seeking the skills and wisdom necessary to lead the church in the 21st century. Our congregations need these students. In our region, we are blessed to have three fine UCC seminaries - Chicago, United, and Eden. Each of these seminaries provides quality education for pastors and lay leaders, and they provide research and resources that serve the entire UCC.
How to Celebrate Seminary Sunday:
- Lift up our UCC seminaries and seminarians in prayer, in mission moments, and in your bulletins.
- Post materials about Chicago, Eden, and United Seminaries on bulletin boards.
- Include a special prayer or litany in your service.
- Show a five-minute CUE Seminaries DVD.
- Include a gift to CUE Seminaries in your church budget or to take up a special offering.
- DVDs, bulletin inserts, posters, and offering envelopes are available CUE Seminaries website: www.cueseminaries.org
Please join us on February 24 in celebrating the current and future leadership of the UCC by celebrating and supporting Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries. For more information and resources, please contact Kiely Todd Roska, CUE Seminaries Director, 651-255-6121 or kiely@cueseminaries.org.
For more information and resources about United Theological Seminary, please contact Kathleen Remund, Church Relations Coordinator, kremund@unitedseminary.edu or 651-255-6112.
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Cokesbury Bookstore is closing
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We will be closing the
United Theological Seminary
Cokesbury Store on March 15, 2013
Cokesbury Christian Resources will continue to be available through our Call Center at 800-672-1789, our website Cokesbury.com, plus a Cokesbury Sales Representative will soon be hired for the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market. The Cokesbury Store staff would like to express appreciation to the New Brighton and Twin Cities Christian communities for your support.
Come by and take advantage of our 30% off inventory liquidation sale.
Shop early for best selection. Click here for a map to our store
3000 Fifth Street, NW New Brighton, Minnesota
*In-Stock Items Only *While Supplies Last *All Sales Final *Excludes VBS and Dated Curriculum *Some exclusions apply.
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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There are no clergy clusters in the coming week.
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Webinars on upcoming bylaw amendments
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 Mark your calendars now for one of three upcoming webinars going over and discussing amendments to the Minnesota Conference Bylaws that will be coming up for vote at this year's 51st Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference UCC.
Tuesday, February 5, 1:00pm
Wednesday, February 6, 7:00pm
Tuesday, February 19, 7:00pm
To register for one of these sessions:
1. Follow this link.
2. Click on "Upcoming" to see our sessions.
3. Click "Register" for the session that you would like to attend.
4. Fill in your information and click "Register"
5. You will be asked to verify your registration, and then asked to either setup the WebEx Training Manager when you register or at a different time. You may choose either option.
If you have questions, please email Alison Bents at alisonb@uccmn.org. Thank you - we're looking forward to these informative sessions!
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PPC&R Summer Camps
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We are pleased to announce that we have opened registration for youth camps at Pilgrim Point for summer 2013. Register now to join other Minnesota Conference youth for a fun-filled week while enjoying this magical place of ministry. Both youth camps are directed by David Becker, Youth Program Director.
Radical Hospitality
at Pilgrim Point Camp
Middle School Camp
July 21-26, 2013 (Sunday through Friday)
Cost is $315/person until May 1, then $340/person
Register here or online at pilgrimpoint.org
Senior High Camp
July 28-August 3, 2013 (Sunday through Saturday)
Cost is $340/person until May 1, then $365/person
Register here or online at pilgrimpoint.org
Note: Middle School Camp is for youth currently in 6th-8th grade. Senior High Camp is for youth currently in 9th-12th grade.
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Save the Dates
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Boundary Training has been scheduled for 2013. Dates are:
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at First Congregational UCC in Alexandria. To register, go to events.minnesotaumc.org where it is listed as "Living the Sacred Trust." Choose "other" for district and church. For a flyer and more information, click here.
Tuesday, September 24 at a Twin Cities metro location to be announced. Mark your calendar now and watch this space for location information.
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Winter High School CYE 2013
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Winter High School CYE 2013
Out of the Darkness: Dealing with Suicide & Depression
March 1-3 | Camp Koinonia
 The important issue of suicide & depression is our conference youth event focus on March 1-3 at Camp Koinonia in South Haven, MN. Helping us navigate through our weekend will be Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mahan. Liz Mahan is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has been a chaplain in the mental health field for several years.
We will also be utilizing resources from the Minnesota-based organization, SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education). SAVE is designed to link depression awareness with suicide prevention.
Also, don't forget to plan for fun!Bring warm clothes for sledding and ice games!
Register Now!
Early Registration by February 15: $75 youth/$50 adult
Registration after February 15: $85 youth/$60 adult
Download the Authorization Form: Youth-Adult
Note: The authorization forms are interactive.
This event is for High School youth (grades 9-12 ONLY) and their adult leaders (21 and older). Adult leaders must attend with youth. Questions? Email me at zacn@uccmn.org or call 612-871-0359.
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2013 Certification School!
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 Coming this spring May 19-24, 2013 with closing retreat Nov. 8-10, 2013 This course includes 50+ hours of instruction, all textbooks, six webinars, coaching and ministry plan projects. May classes take place at Pilgrim Point Camp in Alexandria, MN and the November retreat in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Cost for early registration by March 1 - $2,000; after March 1 - $2,200. Registration opens January 1, 2013! Click here for more info. Scholarships of up to $800 are available thanks to the Ashley Endowment of the Minnesota Conference UCC. You can download the scholarship application here. For more information, contact Zac ( zacn@uccmn.org) in the Conference Office.
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Pathways to Reform!
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Immigration Team invites you
to learn about pathways to reform
Attention all who live in Congressional District 3 (Rep. Erik Paulsen's district)! As we saw in his inaugural address, President Obama named immigration reform as a top priority for his administration. On Tuesday, February 12, at 6:00-9:00 pm, come to a workshop to learn about immigration reform and proposed pathways to citizenship. We will gather at Wayzata Community Church with the goal of preparing a group of UCC constituents to meet with Representative Erik Paulsen. Rep. Paulsen has shown concern for immigrant justice in the past, and we will encourage him to be a champion on this issue.
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Be a justice advocate: Register Now!
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Register Now!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
the day before the 2013 JRLC Day on the Hill event on Feb. 21
Mayflower UCC, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Learn more about being a justice advocate!
Prepare with other UCCers for the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition's Day on the Hill event, organize for faith based social justice advocacy, come together as Minnesota Conference UCC Prophetic Voices for Justice, celebrate our Conference Prophetic Voice!
Come to live into the Conference Vision: The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ is a bold, widely-known, proactive and respected public voice of Christianity.
Register Now!
Free event, and dinner is provided
Directions to Mayflower UCC. And if you're not sure what your Senate or House district are, you can find out here.
Sponsored by Justice & Witness Team in cooperation with the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition.
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Save the Date: Annual ONA Worship Celebration
|  Save the Date!
Annual Open and Affirming Worship Celebration
April 14, 2013
hosted by Union Congregational UCC of Elk River
Workshops at 2:30pm
Worship at 4:00pm
Rev. Ben Guess of the UCC's Local Church Ministries is preaching, and a choir from St. Anthony Park UCC will provide music.
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Faith Action Vigil #41
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Faith Action Vigil #41
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1:00 PM
Host: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
MORE INFORMATION
Two Prayer Vigil Times on the 1st Sunday in February at the Ramsey County Detention Center
Join us on Sunday Feb 3rd at the Ramsey County Detention Center for the Prayer Vigil on Sunday, Feb. 3 either at the regular time of 2:30 p.m. or join with St. Joan of Arc parish who will host an early prayer vigil at 1 p.m. The Interfaith Coalition on Immigration will hold the prayer vigil at 2:30 during the regular visiting hours for families to visit detainees.
Place: Ramsey County Adult Detention Center
425 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN
COME, PRAY, SUPPORT
"Dignity Not Detention"
Sponsor: interfaithcoalitionimmigration@gmail.com
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Amicus: Seeking new friends
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 Are You Ready to Be a Friend? Come find out. Amicus, a highly effective and respected Twin Cities organization is seeking volunteers to match with incarcerated men and women in our state. This is a time-tested, safe and relational program. Evidence clearly shows that a caring one to one relationship can make the difference in turning lives around for good. While the time commitment is minimal - 3 to 4 hours a month - the positive impact can be enormous. Amicus and Linden Hills UCC will host an informational session on Wednesday January 30th 6:00-7:30 pm. A light meal will be provided.If you would like more information, or if you wish to attend, contact Eliot Howard, Pastor of Linden Hills UCC. 612-597-5533 eliothoward@msn.com Linden Hills UCC 4200 Upton Ave. S. Minneapolis MN 55410
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Music for the Earth w/ Marty Haugen
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MARTY HAUGEN PRESENTS
MUSIC FOR THE EARTH
Join composer and musician Marty Haugen February 1st at 7 p.m. at Mayflower UCC for a special evening of "green" music! Long an activist for ecology and conservation, Marty has written and performed many songs centered on our beautiful planet. Come prepared to sing along and be inspired!
Cost: $20 for members of Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality; $25 for non-members. Mayflower is located at 35W and Diamond Lake Rd. in Minneapolis.
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Local Church Events
| Check out all the events happening at our local churches across Minnesota on our Local Church Events Calendar! You can surf around the calendar to see what's coming up across the Conference. Just click on the title of the event in the calendar to get more details.
- Tuesday, January 29: A Capella Concert, Chapel Hills UCC, Edina
- Sunday, February 3: Evensong Service, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, February 6: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Friday, February 8: Friday Night Out: "Play Again" Film, St. Anthony Park UCC, St. Paul
- Sunday, February 10: Recovery Sunday, Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis
- Tuesday, February 12: Mardi Gras & Mini Golf! First Congregational Church of MN, Minneapolis
Would you like your events to appear on this calendar? Just email Alison Bents at alisonb@uccmn.org. Simple as that! |
Employment Opportunities
| Check out the Employment Opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website. Click here to see the listings.
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