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                | | Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers, Conference Minister   Dear Colleagues in Ministry,
   Rejoice with me in the good news received from our Finance Team this week: contributions by local churches and individuals of the Minnesota Conference to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) basic support in calendar year 2012 exceeded those of the prior year by about $19,000!    THANK YOU!   |  |  | Ruth Janoras, Conference Minister from the Southeast Mindanao Jurisdiction of the UCC-Philippines visits with Rev. Tara Bauer
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 As with all such statistics, this one tells a number of stories. The increase reverses the decline experienced last year. And while it does not match the $810,000 in OCWM Basic support contributed in calendar year 2010, it is an increase of more than 2% over calendar year 2011 and keeps pace with the rate of inflation!    What is most worth celebrating are the remarkable ministries made possible by these contributions.  As per vote of the Annual Meeting, 34.75% of those dollars ($266,000) are forwarded to the national setting of the United Church of Christ, where they fuel ministries of compassion and justice across the United States and around the world. To learn more, visit ucc.org/ocwm.  |  |  | Rev. Victoria Wilgocki, Pamela Cook and Moussa Foster talk at the Fall Convocation, "Tending to the Holy"
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   The remaining $500,000 remains in Minnesota to strengthen and empower the ministries of the Conference. Here are just a few examples of the ways in which your contributions and the amazing staff and organizational infrastructure they support have been engaged in our core purpose of "inviting and equipping inspired Christian leaders and communities."  launched a new faith community called Shift UCC;involved more than one fifth of the local churches of the Conference in a VRV-related program (Vitality, Renewal, Visioning for Congregational Vitality);brought together pastors and lay leaders from nearly 30 congregations for a 24-hour focus on small membership churches changing and saving the world;
provided sixty clergy and laity from across the Conference an opportunity in overnight retreat to "tend to the holy;"|  |  | Revs. Jane McBride, Oby Ballinger, Javen Swanson, and Amy Wick Moore talk at a Clergy United for All Families gathering  | 
gave away approximately $10,000 in micro- grants of $300 - $800 for congregations to do multi-congregational and community outreach events with children, youth and families;gave a total of $25,000 to 27 local churches for mission trip grants;engaged 38 congregations, more than 1100 campers, and over 200 volunteers in strengthening leaders, congregations, and faith through participation at Pilgrim Point Camp;hosted Conference Minister Ruth Janoras from our partner jurisdiction in the Southeast Mindanao Jurisdiction of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines; andtook a stand for justice and equality as we worked with countless churches and religious organizations to defeat the voter ID and marriage amendments.
 THANK YOU!   Here are the numbers for our giving to the four Special Mission Offerings of the United Church of Christ: 2012           2011           2010 OGHS (One Great Hour of Sharing) $77,400           $79,700           $83,000 Strengthen the Church (50% retained in MN) $22,063           $22,900           $22,300 Neighbors in Need  $51,200           $54,900           $39,300 The Christmas Fund $49,093           $53,000           $53,300 In calendar year 2012, 62 congregations were "five-for-five," contributing not only to OCWM basic support but also to the four special mission offerings. That's not quite 50%, but it represents an increase of three over the prior year.   THANK YOU!    |  |  | Onto the point at Pilgrim Point Camp in the summer of 2012  | 
  Last April one of our local church newsletters (First Congregational, Glencoe) asked this question: Why should we support our Church's Wider Mission? The response was: To keep the church strong through sharing its total resources and skills. OCWM ensures that smaller churches and churches lacking sufficient resources can continue to thrive. It also brings UCC congregations to witness to parts of the US and the world that have no similar expression of Christian witness.To make the most efficient and practical use of money given for mission by utilizing partnerships already in place and drawing on a wider range of expertise, experience, and opportunity for mission that is available in the local setting.To be a part of something larger than itself. As the congregation at its best is a place for individuals to gather, make connections with others, and develop into a nurturing community, so each congregation needs to gather and make connections with other congregations and parts of the church. Being a part of Our Church's Wider Mission by knowing about it and contributing to it is a way for individual congregations to be a part of the worldwide Christian movement as it is uniquely embodied by the United Church of Christ.
 THANK YOU FOR ADDING YOUR REASONS TO THESE REASONS, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO OCWM!
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 | Joys and Concerns 
 |  | 1. We offer prayers and condolences to Rev. Rosemary Rocha (Edina, Morningside) following the recent death of her father Lou Rocha in New Hampshire. A memorial service celebrating his 95 years was held on Sunday, February 5. Notes and cards can be sent to Rosemary at 4201 Morningside Road, Edina, MN 55416-5029.   2. First Congregational UCC of Brainerd will welcome the Rev. Linda Crowe as its Interim Pastor on Feb. 17. For the last 17+ years, Linda has served as Pastor at Veradale UCC in Spokane Valley, WA. Her husband, Randy, was Director of Camp N-Sid-Sen in Coeur d'Alene, ID.    3. St. Paul's UCC, Delano, is pleased to announce that it has called the Rev. Bridget Haefner as Pastor. Bridget previously served St. Matthew's UCC in Forest City and Peace UCC in Eden Valley. She also is a former chairperson of the Committee on Ministry.   4. The Conference Office has learned of the death of Rev. Fred Bachman on January 30th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Rev. Bachman served St. Paul's UCC in St. Paul from 1978 to 1982, as well as churches in New York and Wisconsin. Though he lived in St. Paul until recently, Rev. Bachman maintained his ministerial standing in Wisconsin. Services were held February 4. Memorials may be sent to St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403.   | 
 | Prophetic Voices 
 |  | PROPHETIC VOICESJustice and Witness Team Partners
 to build Congregation Based Organizing
 in Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2012 annual meeting of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ commends to its member congregations the resources, witness, and programs of Prophetic Voices and encourages congregations to consider becoming partners in this prophetic ministry.   - Prophetic Voices Resolution, Spring 2012 Annual Meeting    The Justice and Witness Team of the Minnesota Conference (JW) is partnering with ISAIAH Minnesota, the Center for Public Ministry to fund and support an advocate/organizer who will focus on engaging and expanding the base of UCC congregations as partners and bases in building the congregational based organizing in the Conference. Funders are ISAIAH - MN, the Mayflower Foundation (of Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ), and the Justice and Witness Team.
   The internship is part of a national, interfaith Community Organizing Residency (COR) program that provides training and support for community organizing interns.  The task is to work with congregations, present UCC advocacy/organizing principles, help a congregation define its advocacy opportunities, and introduce potential partners. The Justice and Witness will coordinate contacts, make referrals and get full reports back to ensure consistency with Conference mission. JW is also committed to making sure this effort includes congregations in greater Minnesota.    The intern, Aaron Lauer (Center for Public Ministry research associate and youth minister with First Congregational Church of Minnesota) will work 15 hours a week for 6 months, be trained and supported by COR, meet monthly with other twin cities COR interns, be mentored by a professional organizer from ISAIAH, hosted by the Center for Public Ministry and support the work of the UCC Conference Justice and Witness team.     A Congregation becomes a Prophetic Voice organizing advocacy congregations by selecting and making a commitment to work with an organizing-advocacy organization. Examples are: the Prophetic Voices coalition, ISAIAH - MN, the Land Stewardship Project, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, or others of their own selection or creation.    Congregations that commit to becoming Prophetic Voice organizing - advocacy congregations will be invited to apply for significant Peace Fund grants to help defray costs and to send members or staff to week long organizing training or other approved workshops and training (probably 3 to 6 UCC members, pastors, congregations).  | 
 | Ground Hog Brings Great News! 
 |  | Early Saturday morning, I got dressed like a thermoclad mummy, got in my frozen old van and made my annual Ground-Hog Day drive to about halfway between Montevideo and Granite Falls to see if I could spot the most famous member of the Wegdahl, Minnesota community - the local resident known as "Wegdahl Willie."   I crawled up the hillside overlooking his modest homestead. I took out my quickly frosted binoculars and panned the horizon to see of I could get a glimpse of the plump little fellow. I spotted the opening to his humble abode; but didn't see him at all. There was something next to the entrance, so I hiked down the slope to see what it was.   There was an old bottle with a piece of paper inside. There was a message on it. It said, "I don't really know if we will have six more weeks of winter and I can't tell you who is going to win the Super Bowl on Sunday; but I do have some great news for everyone from Baudette to Eitzen and from Fairmont to Grand Marais. The Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ is just four months away!! Better make your plans now!" (signed) "Wegdahl Willie".   Please join us as we celebrate a weekend of worship, fellowship, commitment to ministry and the vision born of our theme - "BEHOLD, I AM DOING A NEW THING!" See you June 7-9 at the College of St. Benedict!   Rev. Dick Fylling Minnesota Conference UCC, Annual Meeting Planning Work Group | 
 | Micro Grants now available! 
 |  | The Minnesota Conference UCC Board of Directors has approved use of up to $10,000 for congregation micro-grants of $200-$700 from the Ashley Endowment. Grants must support the congregation's ministry and work with children, youth and/or families. GUIDELINES:
 1. Congregations are limited to only one grant.
 2. The micro-grant range is limited to $200-$700.
 3. Grants will only be given to Minnesota Conference UCC congregations.
 4. Priority is given to faith formation events and programs centered around;
 a. Intergenerational ministry
 b. Multiple congregation involvement (one grant per event, not congregation)
 c. Community evangelism of children, youth and/or families
 d. Children, youth and/or family specific program
 5. Application deadline is rolling (grants will be made until the fund is depleted).
 6. Notification of grant and amount will be done within two weeks of receiving the application. Grant checks will be sent after a request and confirmation of the program within one month of the program or event.
 7. Creativity is encouraged!   Click here for the interactive, 2013 micro-grant application form.
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 | Reserve your spot at Pilgrim Point for 2013! 
 |  |  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, 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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 | Scholarships to Ecumenical Advocacy Days! 
 |  | Scholarships to Ecumenical Advocacy Days: Value of $800+   At God's Table: Food Justice for a Healthy World is this year's theme for Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) in Washington DC. For more information, please see the EAD website.   As part of its Prophetic Voices mission to build the organizing-advocacy base of the Minnesota Conference, the Conference Justice and Witness Team is offering scholarships to first time attenders that will cover most expenses, included hotel and plane tickets. The estimated scholarship per person is $846. This assumes early registration (before March 15), up to $300 reimbursement for plane fare (book early), and the event rate at the event hotel in Washington DC.   This is for up to up to 3 first time attenders: one person from each of three congregations (or, three from one congregation if people from only one congregation apply, etc.).  Please apply using the short Peace Fund application form linked here.    Contact Rev. John Guttermann for more information about the scholarship (651 485-3104; intpasj@mac.com). First come first served based on time received in my email box (send all applications to intpasj@mac.com). You must make all your own arrangements, reservations, etc. Proof of registration required (including hotel). Plane fare paid after presentation of a paid receipt showing the amount and confirming the flight and attendance at the event. | 
 | Looking for a few good backers 
 |  | SEEKING JUST A FEW (more) STRONG UCC/MINNESOTA CONFERENCE "BACKERS" to cozy up to a 2-year position in one of the following areas of our Conference life:   -Personnel Committee (1) -Pilgrim Point Camp Committee (1) - Committee of Ministry (3) -Professional Development (1) -Annual Meeting Planning Work Group (1) -Nominating Work Group (2) -Faith Formation for Children and Youth (3) - Emmaus Anti-Racism Transformation Team (1) -Justice and Witness Team (2) -Immigration Team (1)   For more information or to give your preference   contact the Nominating Work Group Secretary,   Rev. Damen Heitmann at 320-632-5468 | 
 | Churchwide Consultation on the Future of LGBT Ministry and Advocacy
 
 |  | The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns and the UCC's Office for Health and Wholeness Advocacy have launched The Churchwide Consultation on the Future of LGBT Ministry and Advocacy. The Consultation is meant to be a listening project that takes place in as many setting of the UCC as possible. We are interested in hearing from any and all churches regardless of ONA status and encourage as many as possible to participate. Racial/ethnic meetings, youth and young adult gatherings, clergy clusters and annual Conference/Association meetings are also excellent venues for this conversation.   Why: We know that no one voice can speak for all parts of our mutual ministry. In order to develop strategy, program and to foster deeper understanding in the various settings of our denomination, we must listen to one another. Our project is an attempt to hear the wisdom of many different voices to collectively form a vision for the future of LGBT Ministry and Advocacy.Who: People within and among our various settings of the United Church of Christ.
 What: The Consultation is a focus group or conversation hosted in churches, seminaries, clergy groups, Associations and Conferences. Diversity of settings are a goal. The constant is that all groups will be asked the same questions.
 How to get involved: Once you've decided to participate. Select a venue, choose a facilitator, the facilitator registers to participate in a webinar training, host the conversation, record your responses, send in the data.
   To get involved contact the Consultation Coordinator: Rev. Tara Wilkins, consultation@ucccoalition.org, 503-484-3609.    United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns Office for Health and Wholeness Advocacy, UCC 2592 W 14th St ▼ Cleveland, OH 44113 ▼ 216-861-0779 consultation@ucccoalition.org ▼ www.ucccoalition.org  | 
 | Celebrate Seminary Sunday on Feb. 24th 
 |  | 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. | 
 | Cokesbury Bookstore is closing 
 |  | 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 50% 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   |  | Central Cluster: Thursday, February 7, 11:30am Saint Paul's UCC, Plato   Northeast Cluster: Thursday, February 7, 12:00pm Pizza Hut, Park Rapids    Northern Cluster: Tuesday, February 12, 11:00am Peace UCC, Duluth    Twin Cities West Cluster: no meeting due to Ash Wednesday  | 
 | Webinars on upcoming bylaw amendments 
 |  |  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.
   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. Do make sure your java software is completely up to date before entering a session.    A detailed summary of the proposed changes is available here.   A full copy of the sixth draft of the bylaws for review is available here.    If you have questions, please email Alison Bents at alisonb@uccmn.org. Thank you - we're looking forward to these informative sessions!   | 
 | PPC&R Summer Camps 
 |  | 
 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. | 
 | Save the Dates 
 |  | 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   |  | 
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.  | 
 | 2013 Certification School!  |  | 
Certification School in Progressive Youth Ministry! Coming this springMay 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.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. | 
 | General Synod 29: Registration is Open!  |  | 
Head over to www.ucc.org/synod  for all the information that you need to learn more about the big event, to study up on pre-synod details, and to get yourself registered! | 
 | Widening the Welcome Pre-Synod Event  |  | 
  Save the Date! Widening the                           WelcomeInclusion                               for All
 
 Pre-Synod                                   Event in Long Beach, CA   Thursdaymore details soonJune 27, 2013
  www.wideningthewelcome.com  | 
 | Pathways to Reform!  |  | 
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. | 
 | Be a justice advocate: Register Now! 
 |  | 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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 | Freedom to Marry Day 
 |  | 
Freedom to Marry Day   Thursday, February 14, 2013   Organized by Minnesotans United, with support from OutFront Minnesota, and led by clergy, the Freedom to Marry Day Rally will be a key first step in working with state legislators to ensure that in 2013, Minnesota state law is changed to reflect our shared belief that loving and committed same-sex couples should have the freedom to marry.   This will be the first time this year that marriage proponents gather at the Capitol. Join with hundreds of others to show legislators that a broad and diverse coalition of Minnesotans support marriage for same-sex couples.   Click here to RSVP for the rally or to join the interfaith choir!  If you're a member of the clergy, or if you're interested in singing in our Freedom to Marry Choir, please indicate that when you register.      Click here for a Freedom to Marry Day flyer that you can print to share on community billboards or in church bulletins!   | 
 | Upcoming Events from United Theological Seminary
 
 |  | 
 Deepening the Spiritual Life of a CongregationIn this one-day experiential class, be still before God and participate in a variety of spiritual practices, old and new, designed to deepen the spiritual life of a congregation. Led by Barbara Anne Keely, Schilling associate professor of church and economic life, and leadership of the congregation, at United Theological Seminary.   When: Saturday, February 23, 9:30-3:30PMWhere: Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 3755 Dunkirk Ln N
 Cost: $98.00*
 Register online or contact Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138.
 
*Includes lunch. Scholarships and group discounts are available. Online registration allows for groups of two of more to receive a reduced rate of $83.00 per person and accepts payment by check or credit card. You may also contact Renee Flesner at rflesner@unitedseminary.edu  or 651.225.6138.    Susan Deborah (Sam) King
 "Writing as Mindfulness" Tuesdays, Feb 19, 26; Mar 5, 12, 26; 1:30-3:00 PM Delve into writing as a spiritual practice! Led by local poet and writer Sam King, participants will see their writing develop and change as it becomes a deeper form of spiritual practice, providing not only insights and understanding, but a tool to use in their daily life and work. King's most recent publication is Bog Orchids: Island Poems. Fee: $70.00Students/Seniors: $35.00
 Registration: More information and online registration. You may also contact Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138. (Online registrations allows payment by check, credit card, PayPal, or at the door and registering of multiple people.)
     Best-selling author, William Cope Moyers
 on Recovery and Spirituality Thursday, March 14, 7:30pm Spend an evening with William Cope Moyers, addiction and recovery insider and expert, as he reflects on the question, "Now what?," for addicts and their loved ones along every step of the journey through contemplation, intervention, treatment and recovery. William C. Moyers is vice president for public affairs and community relations at Hazelden; he is committed to eliminating barriers to recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs by carrying the message and addressing public policy. Fee: $10.00 in advance, $15.00 at the door Students: No charge Location: Award-winning Bigelow Chapel (a Joan Soranno building) Registration: More information and online registration. You may also contact Renee Flesner at 651-255-6138. (Online registration allows payment by check, credit card, PayPal, or at the door and registering of multiple people.) | 
 | Couples Retreat: Love for a Lifetime 
 |  | 
Love for a Lifetime
 Weekend Couples Retreat
 Feb. 9-10, 9:30am Sat. - 12:00pm Sun.
 Lead by Minnesota Conference UCC Authorized Minister, Rev. Ron Hunt
 
 Manhattan Beach Lodge on the Whitefish ChainClick here  to learn more and to sign up! | 
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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. 
 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  Sunday, February 10: Dakota 38 viewing, Granite Falls UCC, Granite Falls Tuesday, February 12: Mardi Gras & Mini Golf! First Congregational Church of MN, Minneapolis  Wednesday, February 13: Lenten Wednesdays: Supper and Worship, Gaylord UCCWednesday, February 20: Lenten Wednesdays: Supper and Worship, Gaylord UCC
 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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