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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Rev. Rick Wagner, Associate Conference Minister
Practicing Sabbath - in a Big Way
Starting March 3, I will be taking a three-month sabbatical that allows time for both spiritual renewal and professional development. To start off, I will play fiddle for the bluegrass band that does an annual bluegrass service at Robbinsdale UCC on March 3. As anyone knows who played a musical instrument in their youth, but hasn't done much with it in 40 years, this will be a "stretch" and could be an exercise in humility if not abject embarrassment. Shortly thereafter, a 3-week tour of New Zealand is in the works. Later in May I will go to Israel for nine days with a number of UCC folks sponsored by Christians for Fair Witness in the Middle East, and between these trips I have some professional development training scheduled. I've learned that such trainings are sometimes cancelled because of low enrollment, so I can't say with absolute certainty which of these will occur, but I've signed up for conflict mediation skills training, a workshop on "More Money for Your Church's Mission," and a course with the Kaleidoscope Institute in Los Angeles to gain a deeper understanding of the values and perspectives of the so-called emerging generation - people who are unchurched but who seek authentic spirituality and are suspicious of centralized authority. Time permitting, I also plan to do some drumming, meditating, gardening, singing, cooking, squirrel training, reading, etc. In all, the sabbatical includes a mix of things that I trust will lead to refreshment and professional renewal. I am extremely grateful to the Minnesota Conference UCC for this opportunity, and I know you will be in good hands as the Rev. Dr. Anita Bradshaw picks up some of my responsibilities along with the other Conference staff. See you at the Annual Meeting in June!
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Sabbatical Supply Announcement
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from Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers, Conference Minister
Rev. Dr. Anita L. Bradshaw
will be Sabbatical Supply Associate
 Please join me in welcoming Rev. Dr. Anita L. Bradshaw as Sabbatical Supply Associate during the sabbatical leave of Rev. Rick Wagner, Associate Conference Minister. Anita begins her ministry with us on Monday, March 4 and will continue her service to the Conference through Friday, May 31. She will average 20 hours a week, and her specific responsibilities will include the following:
- Empowering churches in transition, including work with local church search committees that are searching for an interim or settled minister.
- Offering coaching and/or consulting for clergy and/or lay leaders and committees, as requested or as time permits.
- Referring or connecting authorized ministers and/or congregational leaders to appropriate services.
- Overseeing and promoting Ministry Excellence Groups, including providing coaching to facilitators, recruiting new participants, reading facilitators reports, and offering training on use of web-based meeting platforms.
- Providing staff support for the Committee on Ministry, particularly for the Discernment and Preparation for Authorized Ministry (DPAM) Subcommittee.
- As time permits or the situation requires, resourcing the Professional Development Subcommittee and the Response Team.
Anita is known to many in the Minnesota Conference and comes to us with substantial training and experience for this ministry. Indeed, in the summer of 1999 she was Sabbatical Interim Minister in our Southern Association!
More recently, Anita has served as Director of Judicatory-Based Education for Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO, National Field Organizer for the Institute of Welcoming Resources, and Director of Conflict and Mission Programs for Church Innovations Institute in St. Paul. Previously, she was Director of Church Relations at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and Director of Supervised Ministries at Yale University Divinity School.
Anita is well-grounded in local church ministry, having served as a Minister-in-Covenant at Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis, since 1999. Early last year, she was Sabbatical Interim Pastor at Cherokee Park United Church, and currently she is serving as Sabbatical Supply Pastor at St. Anthony Park UCC, St. Paul.
She is also highly-regarded and involved in the wider United Church of Christ. She has served as Chair of the Board of the Office of General Ministries of the UCC and Member of the Executive Council. She has been the United Church of Christ representative to the Planning Committee for Plenary on Reconciliation of Ministries for Churches Uniting in Christ and is currently the UCC representative of the Alliance of Baptists Denominational Board of Directors. She has also been a member of the UCC History, Theology and Polity Teachers' Network for nearly two decades.
Anita has taught at Yale University Divinity School, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, and St. John's University/The College of St. Benedict. Her continuing education experiences include training in appreciative inquiry and narrative leadership in congregational life. She is a certified instructor for "Growing Healthier Congregations" and for "Making Our Churches Safe for All."
Anita has both a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Sacred Theology degree (emphasis in theological ethics) from Yale University Divinity School and a Ph.D. from Luther Seminary where her focus was Ecclesiology and Congregational Studies. She has completed a Distance Education Certificate Program through the University of Wisconsin.
We are fortunate, indeed, to have one of Anita's background and skill join our staff! Please join me in extending to her the extravagant welcome of the UCC.
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Joys and Concerns
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1. United Church Homes and the Biimaadiiziiwiin affordable housing community in Ogema, Minnesota recently featured the story of Frank Saylor returning to the White Earth Reservation after 60 years away. Biimaadiiziiwiin is run by United Church Homes, a faith-based outreach of the United Church of Christ. United Church Homes is one of the largest providers of senior living and serves more than 3,500 residents in 66 communities. Biimaadiiziiwiin is Minnesota's United Church Homes facility. To read more about Frank Saylor's return, click here.
2. Grace Community UCC is currently looking for a new home. They are considering three possibilities, two properties which are located in south Minneapolis, and another property located near Como Park. The congregation is praying that they will be able to announce where their new home will be on Easter Sunday. Currently, the congregation meets at Unity Baptist Church, 118 N.Victoria Street, St. Paul. Rev. Oliver White can be reached at 651/276-2773, or mystory42@hotmail.com.
3. Rev. Walter Scott, a retired UCC minister died February 26 in Bemidji. Memorial services are pending. During his years of active ministry, Rev. Scott served churches in Chicago, Colorado, Michigan and North Dakota. Following his retirement in 1989, Rev. Scott and his late wife, Rachael, did volunteer work in Chicago before retiring to Minnesota. He was a member of All Nations Indian Church in Minneapolis and an associate member of Bemidji United Methodist Church.
 4. The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition's 2013 Day on the Hill took place this past Thursday, February 21 and was a great success. 850 individuals representing all of the districts in the state met at the St. Paul RiverCentre for a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, Director of the Islamic Society of North America, issue-briefings, and table time before heading over to the Capitol for a rally and meetings with their legislators. The United Church of Christ had strong 
representation both in numbers of people attending, and because the Minnesota Conference is a lead sponsor of the event, and the National UCC is an "Angel," funding the bus transportation through a Neighbors in Need grant. (photos by Alison Bents)
5. Rev. George Hohmann, who served Eastern and Reformed and UCC churches in Minnesota during a long ministry career, died January 11 at his home in Ottawa, Illinois. Services were held January 19. During his years in Minnesota, Rev. Hohmann served Zwingli Eastern and Reformed (now UCC) in Berne/West Concord from 1949-1954 and St. Peter's Eastern and Reformed (now UCC) in Stillwater from 1954-1959. Rev. Hohmann is survived by his wife, Ronnie, three sons, including Rev. David Hohmann of Eagan, who is retired with standing in the Minnesota Conference, and other relatives.
 6. Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers, spoke this morning in a press conference at the Capitol announcing a piece of legislation that would legalize marriage regardless of gender in the state of Minnesota. Karen's words in support of the bill and on behalf of the Minnesota Conference were well received by the gathered crowd. (photo by Javen Swanson)
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Futuring Faith Formation
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A 45-60 minute presentation on "Futuring Faith Formation: Best Practices and Research on 21st Century Faith Formation Ministry" has been developed and can be presented for your CE committee, a Sunday forum or a group of church members by Wade Zick, Associate Conference Minister of Faith Formation for Children and Youth. If you are interested in having him come and be with your congregation for this opportunity feel free to email Wade (wadez@uccmn.org) to extend the invitation.
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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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South Africa: It will change your life!
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A group of students at United Theological Seminary and guests of the seminary journeyed to South Africa this past January for a global justice trip entitled "Theological Reflection: AIDS, Apartheid, and the Arts of Resistance." We were there almost three weeks talking with as many people as we could, seeing "memorials" to those whose lives and homes were taken from them during the years of apartheid, experiencing the beauty of Cape Town and the surrounding area, and living with families in the township of Guguletu.
The trip to South Africa for me was life changing. I wanted in these words to share a snapshot of my experience with members of our MN Conference!
It is a country that is enormously complex and stunningly beautiful. HIV/AIDS is an epidemic there and the vestiges of apartheid are everywhere. If you go there, the people who are still working for social, political, and religious change, also will change YOU ... everyone and anyone who goes there with an open spirit and heart.
So publicly, I want to express my gratitude to each and every person we met in South Africa. I want to say how thankful I am to have spent precious time with so many religious leaders, prophetic artists and writers, teachers, social activists and the mothers and fathers of the township of Guguletu who opened up their homes and their lives to us for three incredible nights and days. Thank you to the people of South Africa, for such generous hospitality, and for changing our lives!
Never could I have imagined this moment, talking with Archbishop Tutu about apartheid and resurrection.
May God's blessings be on Archbishop Desmund Tutu and all the people of South Africa who are working for change, who are working for true Justice in South Africa!
Chris Smith, Professor of Preaching at United Theological Seminary
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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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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. More info can be found at www.wideningthewelcome.org
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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 to make your pledge!
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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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
| Southeast Cluster: Tuesday, March 5, 11:30am
Peace UCC, Rochester
Twin Cities East Cluster: Wednesday, March 6, 12:00pm
Clark Memorial UCC, South St. Paul
Central Cluster: Thursday, March 7, 11:30am
United Church of Christ, Gaylord
Northeast Cluster: Thursday, March 7, 11:30am
First Congregational UCC, Brainerd
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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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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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Faith Action Vigil
| Interfaith Coalition on Immigration
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2:30-3:00PM
Ramsey County Adult Detention Center, 425 Grove St, St. Paul MN
FAITH ACTION VIGIL #42 "We as people of faith have a powerful role to play to make immigration reform a reality"
Dignity not Detention | COME, PRAY, SUPPORT
Sponsor: interfaithcoalitionimmigration@gmail.com
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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 27: Lenten Service and Supper, First Congregational UCC, Fairmont
- Wednesday, February 27: Lenten Wednesdays: Supper and Worship, Gaylord UCC
- Thursday, February 28: St. John's Bible Presentation, Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
- 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 - Wednesday, March 6: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, March 6: Lenten Wednesdays: Supper and Worship, Gaylord UCC
- Wednesday, March 6: Ecumenical Lenten Supper and Service, Faith UCC, International Falls
- Thursday, March 7: Praying with Scripture, Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
- Wednesday, March 13: Lenten Service and Supper, First Congregational UCC, Fairmont
- Wednesday, March 13: Lenten Wednesdays: Supper and Worship, Gaylord UCC
- Thursday, March 14: Meditational Prayer, Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
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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