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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Rev. Elena Larssen, Associate Conference Minister
On MissionInsite
 MissionInsite data helps you to start the conversation. Every church I know of ought to be talking about the people who aren't there yet. Most churches I know find that discussion hard. Church leaders understandably get distracted by conversations about the people who are already there, who have opinions, needs, and expectations. Sometimes the conversations about the people who aren't there get off on the wrong foot, for example, with inaccurate assumptions like "everyone here already goes to church" or "nobody around here is interested or they would already be here"... The numbers themselves don't provide solutions, answers, or eager new members. But the conversation about who lives in your neighborhood and why they might need the church will start something.
- The Rev. Joanne Thompson, Associate Conference Minister for the Wisconsin Conference
Last weekend, Pastor Zoe Kuester and three member of St. Peter's UCC in Stillwater traveled to De Forest, WI to attend a special event hosted by the Wisconsin Conference, Turnaround Church with Paul Nickerson and Jim Griffith. I was glad to be able to join them and also to meet with other Conference staff about sharing Congregational Vitality programming across Conference 'borders.' Paul is well known to us in the Minnesota Conference, as he provided teaching and coaching to eleven of our congregations in 2009-2010. This weekend was a time for congregations to gather and learn more about attracting new members by focusing on the community outside of the congregation. More than 80 people attended, virtually all of them Packers fans, and there was good natured teasing to the Minnesotans; I was even given my very own Packers t-shirt! Uff da.
 Part of the program in Wisconsin is very similar to what we are developing here in the Minnesota Conference: an emphasis on combining the strongest church vitality resources into a recipe for flexible, personalized programs of growth for congregations. Right now, we are using the Center for Progressive Renewal as our primary coaches and educators, but we also have partnerships with Vibrant Faith Ministries and the National Setting of the UCC; you can even have our own Vitality Team provide workshops to your congregation about welcoming new members and deepening the prayer life of your church!
One of our key tools is Mission InSite. Mission InSite is a computer program that analyzes the population demographics of any given geographic area. With just a location and a radius, Mission InSite can tell you who lives in your community...what kind of work they do, how they spend their leisure time, what they believe about religion and money and politics...what magazines they like, what sports they play, and where they shop. All of this information is collated into user-friendly profiles, and the whole report gives a detailed picture of the community. Because of our Conference subscription to Mission InSite, any congregation in the Minnesota Conference may request a Mission InSite report for FREE by emailing alisonb@uccmn.org . Just send us the name of your town and radius size (2 to 5 or 10 mile) you want to examine, and I can talk with you about what you discover!
Paul Nickerson made a joke last weekend, saying that "Jesus never wept over a demographic report." His point was that no pile of data will ever replace praying for your community, visiting the neighborhood and caring deeply about the people who are not members of your congregation. But Mission InSite can help you know more about those neighbors - who are they and for what do they need prayer? It's only a mystery if we do not reach out and learn more, and Mission InSite can be a helpful tool as your congregation considers how best to serve the community and the world.
Blessings,
Elena Larssen
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Joys and Concerns
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1. Jonathan Blevins will be installed as Pastor of United Protestant Church in Duluth (830 88th Avenue West) on Sunday, February 24th at 10:30am. He has been serving the church as a licensed minister since August 2012. Fellowship will follow the service of installation. Clergy may robe and process.
2. We celebrate the official listing of First Congregational UCC in Austin as Open and Affirming Church #1079. The congregation voted to become an Open and Affirming church on February 13, 2013. The ONA Church number indicates the position of First Congregational UCC in the chronology of all ONA churches listed since 1985. They become the 40th ONA Church in the Minnesota Conference UCC.
3. Howard P. "Hap" Casmey died on February 14, with wife Sandy and daughter Kristen at his side and his two young grandchildren playing quietly in the room. Many knew Hap as the gracious and charming spouse of Sandy Casmey, the United Theological Seminary Director of Admissions from 1999-2006. Hap was also Minnesota's Commissioner of Education from 1969-81. An article about Hap's contributions to the state appeared in MinnPost this morning. Services for Hap are pending.
4. Please keep Cecilia Baxter and her entire family in your prayers. Cecilia is a member-in-discernment with the Minnesota Conference UCC and Minister for Children and Youth at Linden Hills UCC, Minneapolis. Last weekend Cecilia's uncle and aunt's house caught fire. Her Aunt Susan and 12-year-old cousin Charlie lost their lives. Her Uncle Charlie (Cecilia's father's brother) will survive. This is a terrible loss for the whole family, including Cecilia's father, Bill and her Grandmother, Rose.
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THRESHOLDS: Connecting Body and Soul After Brain Injury: Lawrence Pray, author and illustrator
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5. Last year, Rev. Larry Pray, authorized UCC minister and member at Lyndale UCC, Minneapolis, published a book called Thresholds: Connecting Body and Soul After Brain Injury. His youngest brother, Doug Pray, has now made a trailer video that you can take a look at as a preview of Larry's work. His book is available at amazon.com, for the Nook e-reader and in the Apple iTunes bookstore.
6. Marian Toren, a member of St. Paul's UCC in St. Paul, heavily involved in the life of the Conference and former moderator of the Minnesota Conference UCC has recently been diagnosed with cancer throughout her body. She is residing at Seasons in Maplewood. She is up for short visits in the late morning into the early afternoon (between 10:00am and 3:00pm). Cards may be sent to 678 E. Eldridge Ave, Maplewood, MN 55117. Our prayers are with Marian, her husband George, and their families.
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Micro Grants now available!
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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!
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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, 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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From Zimbabwe to your doorstep
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 The Westras are back in Minnesota to renew their work visas before returning to Zimbabwe for another three year assignment with Global Ministries. They are available for preaching and speaking in our local congregations from February 20th - March 31st. Don and Maryjane Westra have served with Global Ministries for three years. Don serves as staff to the Micro-Enterprise and Strategic Planning/Management Program at Mt. Selinda and Maryjane serves as a Hospital Administrator which includes administration responsibilities at the Daisy Dube Children's Home in Mt. Selinda. This has been a joint appointment by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
If you would like to schedule a visit with them, please contact Kathy Nelson, chair of the Minnesota Conference UCC Global Partnerships Team at knelson@peaceucc.org
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Blueprint for Church Response to Gun Violence
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from Rev. Todd Smith Lippert, First UCC, Northfield
A Blueprint for a Church Response to Gun Violence
The UCC has called on churches to "act to end gun violence" In 1995, the General Synod passed a resolution entitled "Guns and Violence, inviting UCC members and congregations to advocate for legislation to strengthen licensing and registration of gun sales, strengthen regulations of gun dealers, and ban semiautomatic assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips."
Currently both Congress and the Minnesota Legislature are considering firearms measures that will save lives.
At First UCC in Northfield, we are challenging one another to do something simple that will make a difference. We want half of our Sunday morning worship attendance, or 100 people, to commit to finding 15 people who will call their lawmakers to encourage them to approve common-sense gun reform legislation. The 15 people can be family, friends, or neighbors, and they can live in Northfield, or the state of Minnesota, or anywhere else in the United States.
One of our goals is to generate 1500 calls to legislators as a congregation. Another goal of ours is to encourage other churches to join in this work. You can take up the challenge too. Set a goal for your church. Find 25, 50, 100, or 200 people in your congregation who will find people to tell their lawmakers that gun reform is critically important. How many calls can you generate as a church?
Urge lawmakers to approve universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and anti-trafficking measures. In Minnesota we also want a repeal of the preemption laws that prohibit localities from enacting stricter regulations than state law.
For the sake of peace, it is time to act.
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Getting Ready for General Synod!
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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!
Justice Heroes Nominees Sought!
In keeping with the spirit of former national agencies of the United Church of Christ, the Board of Directors of Justice and Witness Ministries has approved the recommendation that we seek candidates to honor at our General Synod dinner who have done exemplary work in the area of justice. If you know a prophetic justice worker, a local church, a grassroots organization that you think deserves to be honored for effective justice work, please fill out the form below. You may apply online or download the forms and send in a hard copy. If submitting more than one nominee, please use separate forms.
Deadline for submissions: March 31, 2013
__________________________  Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All Pre-Synod Event June 27, 2013 The United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM) and the United Church of Christ Mental Illness Network (MIN) will offer a fourth Widening the Welcome (WtW) experience. The 4th Widening the Welcome Conference will be held as a one-day Pre-Synod Event on Thursday, June 27th, 2013. This event is scheduled to be held in Long Beach, exact location TBD. The theme for Widening the Welcome 2013 is "God's Vision: The Great Dinner is Open to All" (Luke 14:15 ff). Two keynote speakers are expected. The Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroder, Founder Mental Health Ministries, will speak on "Mental Health as a Spiritual Journey" and offer a workshop on "Mental Illness and Families of Faith: How Congregations Can Respond." The Rev. Kathy Reeves, Coordinator for the Ecumenical Disability Advocacy Network-North America, a program of the World Council of Churches will also offer a keynote address/workshop. Both keynote speakers have self-identified as persons with disability and/or a persons in recovery. Workshops focusing on how congregations can become Accessible to All (A2A), how congregations can develop mental health ministries will be available. Workshops such as "Prison Ministry and Mental Health as a Justice Issue," "Cherish the Parents, Care for the Child: Supporting the Emotional Well Being of Families from Birth to Young Adulthood," "Pastoral Care with People with Disabilities & Brain Disorders of Aging", and topics not previously presented at WtW conferences are planned for this conference. "Widening the Welcome" was termed "a movement within the movement" of the UCC by General Minister Geoffrey Black. WtW continues with its vision/mission: - to educate about mental illnesses/brain disorders and disabilities;
- to teach how to develop Mental Health Ministries and A2A (Accessible to All) Covenants in your congregation;
- to share best practices by telling stories, learning from each other, and networking;
- to equip pastoral leaders to understand and provide quality pastoral care to men and women addressing these concerns;
- to offer spiritual support group experiences and worship together.
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It's coming... Mission 4/1 Earth!
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 ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared resurrection witness for Planet Earth during 50 great days of greening up, powering down, and shouting out.
- 50 days, 1 million hours of earth care
- 50 days, 100,000 trees planted
- 50 days, 100,000 letters to leaders
Join the journey: 50 days - Easter to Pentecost
www.ucc.org/earth
Click here for all of your Mission 4/1 Earth resources!
Let's get planting! The UCC, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, offers special ways to plant trees in your community and across the US. Order your gift trees today for planting locally.
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Is your church's OCWM Goals form in yet?
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As part of its meeting on Tuesday, February 12, the OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission) Subcommittee of the Minnesota Conference reviewed the status of OCWM goals forms received to date. The Subcommittee expresses sincere thanks to the more than fifty local churches from which OCWM goals forms have been received. If you are among those congregations who have not yet sent your form, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible and no later than Wednesday, February 27. If you are unable to locate your form, you can access one by clicking here.
Thanks for your part in assisting the Minnesota Conference to plan and steward wisely. And thanks for your contributions to OCWM Basic Support, the four UCC Special Mission Offerings, and CUE Mid-America Seminaries. Your gifts help to strengthen congregations, equip church leaders, deepen faith, and enhance our common witness to the Gospel.
In Christ's service,
The OCWM Subcommittee: Rev. Jeanne Bringgold-Pro, Chair; Rudi Anders, Rev. Beth Benson, Rev. Don Portwood, Randall Pratt, Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler, and Rev. Richard Scheerer.
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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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Back Bay Mission calendar for mission trips
now open for 2014
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 Back Bay Mission, a community ministry of the United Church of Christ, has opened its Mission Trips calendar for 2014. While some congregations and groups have already reserved slots in 2014, many dates remain open. Some dates in 2013 are also available.
Supervised by dedicated Back Bay Mission staff, Mission Trip volunteers accomplish housing rehabilitation tasks that result in incredible neighborhood revitalization that would otherwise be impossible. Volunteers also participate in other Mission programs, such as the food pantry and Micah Day Center for the homeless. The Mission has an accomplished record in housing rehabilitation services that is unparalleled in the region and is one of the most highly respected and utilized volunteer programs in the United Church of Christ.
There are several ways to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Mission:
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
| Northwest Cluster: Tuesday, February 26, 10:00am
First Congregational UCC, Moorhead
South Central Cluster: Tuesday, February 26, 2:00pm
Federated Church, Morris
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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!
Registration: $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 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. 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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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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Save the Date: 20/30 Clergy Party!
|  20/30 Clergy Party! All Minnesota Clergy and significant others are invited to socially gather on Friday, April 26th - so save the date! More details to come.
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Clergy Training in Pastoral Care
for Reproductive Health and Loss
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Clergy Training in Pastoral Care
for Reproductive Health & Loss
Wednesday, March 6, 2013 - 9am-5pm, St. Paul
The Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (MNRCRC) will offer a clergy training on March 6, 2013, from 9am-5pm in St. Paul. MNRCRC operates an All Options Clergy Counseling hotline for women who are facing the health care decision of whether or not to continue a pregnancy. Trained clergy volunteers respond to these calls & offer pastoral counseling without coercion or prejudice for the woman's decision. In discussing her options (parenting, adoption, or abortion) we listen & pray with her, help her discern her own wisdom & moral agency, & assure her of God's love whatever her decision. This training will prepare clergy to respond to these calls and to similar situations in their own faith communities. Also included is related training in Reproductive Loss Counseling. Reproductive loss refers to the feelings of grief that can follow abortion, adoption, infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and sexual trauma. Clergy & faith leaders will understand how to respond with particular sensitivity to these common but often unaddressed experiences.
Trainers include Rev. Eily Marlow, Rev. Walter Lockhart, Rev. Sheryl Lyndes Stowman, & Rev. Kelli Clement. Training will include a tour of a women's clinic, role play, ritual, and excellent take away resources. Training is free & lunch is included. Space is limited & registration is required.
Please contact execdir@mnrcrc.org, or 612-870-0974 to register or for more information. Please include your name, congregation or institution, address, phone, & preferred email. Location & detailed info on the training will be sent to you upon registration.
Rev. Kelli Clement, MNRCRC Executive Director
Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
122 W. Franklin Ave. #303, Minneapolis MN 55404
612-870-0974 www.mnrcrc.org
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Local Church Events
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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 20: Lenten Service and Supper, First Congregational UCC, Fairmont
- Wednesday, February 20: Lenten Wednesdays: Supper and Worship, Gaylord UCC
- Saturday, February 23: Spaghetti Supper and Show! First Congregational UCC, Fairmont
- Wednesday, February 27: Lenten Service and Supper, First Congregational UCC, Fairmont
- Wednesday, February 27: Lenten Wednesdays: Supper and Worship, Gaylord UCC
- Sunday, March 3: Multi-cultural Worship Service with Dennis Warner, Gaylord UCC
- Sunday, March 3: Benefit Luncheon, Gaylord UCC
- Sunday, March 3: Evensong Service, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, March 6: Lenten Service and Supper, First Congregational UCC, Fairmont
Would you like your events to appear on this calendar? Just email Alison Bents at alisonb@uccmn.org. Simple as that!
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Employment Opportunities
| Check out the Employment Opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website. Click here to see the listings.
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