COMMAntary: e-newsletter of the
Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ
  

brought to you by generous contributions
to Our Church's Wider Mission

Vol. 09, No. 10 

06 March 2013

Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
from Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers, Conference Minister
photos from Rev. Michael Small 
The Context and the Challenge    

What IS the financial and fund-raising context and challenge for United Church of Christ conferences in the first quarter of the 21st century? In what ways do our Minnesota Conference core values of faithfulness, stewardship, empowerment, innovation, and justice inform our responses? How can we best overcome barriers and achieve our strategic mission priorities:

  • Equip clergy and laity to lead
  • Create  and sustain healthy, vital congregations
  • Strengthen faith formation across the generations
  • Increase our capacity for compassionate service and prophetic witness?

These were the questions before the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Conference and select staff gathered in retreat at St. John's Abbey Guesthouse this past weekend.

 

The goals for the gathering were ambitious:

  • Achieve a shared understanding of the financial and fund-raising context for UCC middle judicatories in the first quarter of the 21st century.
  • Identify options and name specific, measurable, and achievable strategies for fortifying the fiscal health of the Minnesota Conference for the next decade.  
  • Name barriers and/or challenges to fulfilling these strategies and ways to address these.
  • Develop the first draft of a plan for a financially sustainable Conference.

Retreat leader, Rev. Jane Heckles, Minister for Congregational Mission Giving and Financial Development for the national setting of the United Church of Christ, asked that I "kick off" the conversation, offering my perspective after seven years as Conference Minister. Using a rubric proposed by my colleague, Rev. Dr. Alice Hunt, president of Chicago Theological Seminary, I spoke about the "drivers of change" (unsustainable costs, evidence of declining usage, new customer demands, and existence of viable alternatives) and encouraged us to focus on:

  • New markets
  • New partnerships and alliances
  • New metrics for measuring success. 
    (A copy of my remarks is available on request to [email protected])  
Our talented Financial Development Specialist, Kimberly Sanberg, who  
comes to us with extensive experience in other non-profit settings, led a discussion on adapting to the new non-profit fund raising context. She reminded us that since the recent economic crisis there is less money coming from traditional funding sources, that we are in an increasingly competitive fundraising environment, and that today's donors have new expectations. She called us to transparency, engagement, connection and relationship. She reminded us of the importance of saying "thank you." And she urged us to an improved online presence and use of social media.

Finally,
Rev. Heckles set forth the philanthropic landscape and horizon in and across the United Church of Christ. During our 55-year history, funds for the United Church of Christ have come overwhelmingly from local congregations. In the years to come, individual giving will become increasingly significant.

After an evening's rest, Rev. Heckles led us through several exercises clarifying the role of the Board, the staff, and the Conference Minister in fund raising. She identified the following financial strengths in this Conference. The Conference has adequate cash reserves to weather a crisis, does multi-year forecasting/planning, and enjoys a diversity of income streams. Perhaps most importantly, the Conference offers program excellence. She also observed that the Conference has a well-developed vision statement - sufficient to make our aspirations real. In addition, we provide accurate, believable, and available financial reports. We strive to achieve a good revenue mix, effective programs, a suitable and strong infrastructure and a healthy capital structure.

Finally, work in small groups reflected on a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis provided by Rev. Heckles. Conversation ensued, identifying the work underway toward each of our strategic mission priorities, and focusing on work underway, strengths, opportunities, and potential partners.

To learn more, talk with a member of the ministry staff or the Board of Directors. 

 News and Information


Joys and Concerns

1. Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Susan Allers-Hatlie, who recently was selected by the ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education) Board of Representatives for a National Emerging Leader Award!  The award is presented annually to nine ACPE Supervisors, one from each region, who have been supervising ten years or less and have made outstanding contributions to the ACPE community through their initiative, innovation or leadership.  Sue will be recognized at the Presidential Dinner during ACPE's Annual Conference in May.  

 

2. Rev. Todd Smith Lippert of First UCC, Northfield was invited by Rep. David Bly to be the guest chaplain for the House of Representatives on Monday, February 25th. You can read his prayer here.

 

3. The memorial service for Rev. Walter Scott (see last week's Commantary) will be on March 16th at 1:00 p.m. at Bemidji United Methodist Church (9th St. and Beltrami Ave. N.W.) followed by fellowship. A Book of Letters will be presented to Walter's family the day of the service. If people would like to share memories of the ways in which Walter and his ministry have impacted their lives, they can send their letters to the following address: Rev. Gay Albers, Bemidji United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 607, Bemidji MN 56619.

Board of Directors Report
Board of Directors Report   

The Board of Directors met at St. John's Abbey Guesthouse on Friday and Saturday, March 1-2, with the staff present. The meeting was productive as the Board dealt with business of the Conference.

 

The Rev. Jane Heckles, Minister for Congregational Giving and Financial Development, Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ led the Board in a six hour process to "think outside the box" concerning revenue streams to fund the ministry, mission and strategic priorities of the Minnesota Conference - United Church of Christ. Rev. Heckles affirmed the strength and vision of the Conference and encouraged the Board to flesh out the four strategic priorities and to think about establishing innovative ways to strengthen and support its ministries. The time was exciting and challenging. The Board will continue these conversations.

 

There was an update concerning the Search Process for Conference Minister by the Search Committee and Transition Team. Applications for Conference Minister are due by April 15.

 

Actions taken by the Board:

  • Received reports from staff and teams.
  • Approved the seventh draft (2/22/13) of the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ to be presented to the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference in June of 2013.
  • Passed a motion to have a communication advisory team established to develop an overarching strategy for website development.
  • Endorsed from Justice and Ministry Team the RESOLUTION URGING DIVESTMENT FROM FOSSIL FUEL COMPANIES for UCC General Synod 29 as presented by the Massachusetts Conference UCC. The Board will bring the resolution to the Annual Meeting for approval by the Minnesota Conference, with the provisos that: 1. We ask the Conference Minister of the Minnesota Conference to communicate to the Massachusetts Conference concerns that the resolution address the impact on jobs; and 2. The Justice and Witness Ministries provide educational resources for congregations to study the resolution before the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference.
  • Under the oversight of the Justice and Witness Team, the Minnesota Conference will enter into a strategic collaboration alliance with Protect Minnesota in order to increase the Conference's capacity for effective action in response to gun violence. The Justice and Witness Team is asked to monitor the effectiveness of the alliance and report to the Board no later than one (1) year from commencing this relationship.  It is understood the alliance will be disengaged when or if mutual interests are no longer served. Any financial obligations must be approved by the Board.
  • Passed a resolution that members of the Board of Directors set a goal of $20,000 for the Friends of the Conference to be given by Board members.
  • Dates were set for future Board Meetings; May 4, 2013 (St. Anthony Park UCC), June 9,2013, August 3, 2013, November 1-2, 2013, January 4, 2014, March 1, 2014, and May 3, 2014. The Center for Progressive Renewal will be invited to engage the Board on the Friday of the November 1-2 meeting.

from Rev. Michael Small, At-Large Director,  

pastor of Union UCC in Hackensack 

March Ordination Anniversaries

On the day of an ordination, the people of God gather together to celebrate the call of an individual into ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. In that ceremony, the people pledge to uphold and support the new Reverend's ministry in and with the church. As such, you are encouraged to celebrate the following ordination anniversaries this month with and in honor of these individuals:

Rev. Barbara Jackman - March 1998
Rev. Matthew Jackson - 03 March 1996
Rev. Lindy Purdy - 04 March 2004
Rev. Carolyn Hendrixson - 05 March 2002
Rev. Victoria Wilgocki - 06 March 2008
Rev. Brian Brosz - 10 March 1985
Rev. Kay Welsch - 12 March 1989
Rev. Christy Dew - 25 March 2007
Our best wishes for continued and flourishing ministry to all celebrating their ordination anniversaries in March!
From the Conference Minister Search Committee

Have you seen the Conference Minister Opportunity Profile posted on the Conference website? If not, check it out! We have begun receiving profiles and will continue to receive them through April 15th. After that the really hard part of discerning the best candidate for the next Conference Minister of the Minnesota Conference begins. If you know of some one who would make a great Conference Minister, please encourage her or him to apply. Ordained ministers should submit their profiles through the UCC Profile Office and lay applicants may transmit a resume to [email protected].

 

The Conference Minister Search Committee is diligently working to secure the best possible candidate as expeditiously as possible.  We greatly value your trust, patience and prayers.

 

Conee Biggs and Rev. Jeff Palmer, co-chairs

Futuring Faith Formation

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 ([email protected]) to extend the invitation.

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.
 

Reserve your spot at Pilgrim Point for 2013!

ppc logoCongregations 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 ([email protected]) to assist with those connections. If you have other questions related to making a reservation, please contact the Pilgrim Point Registrar, Zac Norenberg ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]) 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)
Working to prevent gun violence
"When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he learned from the wise men." -Matthew 2:16 (NRSV)

The slaughter of the innocents at Sandy Hook elementary school changed the conversation on violence prevention. Protect MN reports, "In Minnesota from 1989 to 2010, over 7,000 Minnesotans died from gunshot wounds. Nearly 9,000 have been injured, many severely, just since 1998. In 2010 alone, 353 Minnesotans died from gunshot wounds. (For some perspective, 131 Minnesotans died that year in alcohol-related traffic crashes.)" The Justice and Witness Team is in a "strategic collaborative alliance" with Protect Minnesota, to advocate for new violence prevention legislation. It was with the leaders and partners of Protect MN that President Obama met during his recent visit to Minnesota.

United Church of Christ President and General Minister, the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, signed the "Faiths United To Prevent Gun Violence." The statement, signed by 24 national faith group leaders, says, "We should not allow firepower to kill large numbers of people in seconds anywhere in our civil society. And we should ensure that law enforcement has the tools it needs to stop the virtually unrestrained trafficking of guns."

 

Through our partnership with Protect MN we support:

  • Requiring more consistent background checks for gun sales and transfers - not just when the seller is federally licensed.
  • Getting assault weapons and high-capacity magazines out of circulation.
  • Stopping illegal gun trafficking.

Action is needed now. Contact your legislator and tell her/him that you support legislation that has these provisions. We will keep you updated on specific legislation as we are able. To find your legislator, click here

Getting Ready for General Synod!  


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
It's coming... Mission 4/1 Earth!

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.

Grants available from the Genesis Fund

The Make a Difference! Genesis Fund provides seed money for faith-based projects that are innovative or experimental, that represent a new initiative in Christian mission, or that may be deemed controversial. Genesis Fund grants are made for domestic and international projects. Grant proposals may be submitted by UCC local churches, associations, conferences, and national bodies; UCC-related institutions; and overseas/global partner churches.  

 

Next deadline: March 15, 2013.

 

Grants from the Genesis Fund are made on a biennial basis. Grant applications are received only in odd numbered years. Funding decisions are be made in accordance with the following schedule:

  • March 15th Completed applications due in office by 5 p.m. (EST) (this is a firm deadline)
  • June-August Genesis Fund Committee Reading Period
  • September Genesis Fund Grant Making Meeting
  • October 1st Funding Decisions announced and funds released.
Interested? Click here to learn more and to access an application.
Dancing on the Mountain:
new worship music for your congregation!

Rob Leveridge is a UCC pastor in Chicago who writes rock-oriented worship music around themes of justice, peace and radical welcome. In 2013 Rob is releasing a CD and songbook of worship songs as a resource to faith communities. You can learn all about this project and support it, by clicking here. You can download three songs from the album right now for free, as well as access the lyrics and notation at www.robleveridge.com.


 Upcoming Events


Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week  

Northern Cluster: Tuesday, March 12, 11:30am
Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Duluth

Twin Cities West Cluster: Wednesday, March 13, 12:00pm
Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
PPC&R Summer Camps

ppc logo

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.
2013 Certification School

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.

Register Now! 

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 ([email protected]) in the Conference Office.

fourTHursdays 

Spring Middle School Youth Event 

Spring Middle School Youth Event:  

 

God is Still Speaking, Part II

May 3-5, 2013 @ Pilgrim Point Camp

 

Join conference middle school youth (grades 6-8) with our awesome musician, Hans Peterson, for a weekend retreat on beautiful Pilgrim Point in Alexandria, MN.

 

Register Now!

Early Registration by April 15: $75 youth, $50 adult

Registration after April 15: $85 youth, $60 adult

Deadline for ALL Registrations is April 29

 

Download the Authorization Form: YOUTH - ADULT

Note: The Authorization Forms are interactive.

 

All attendees are expected to be active participants in the entire event. Check-in will begin at 6:30pm on Friday, May 3rd (dinner will not be provided Friday evening, so eat before you arrive). The retreat will conclude at noon, Sun, May 5th.

 

Questions? Email Zac at [email protected] or call the Conference Office at 612-871-0359. 

Save the Date: Annual ONA Worship Celebration
ONA Celebration 2013 logo 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.

UCC Office Support Staff Network Conference!

Hello friends of the United Church of Christ,

 

This year's UCC Office Support Staff Network Conference, to be hosted by the Illinois Conference April 4 - 6, 2013 in Lisle, Illinois, is jam packed with professional development opportunities for ALL church support staff. Linda Gillis, accomplished author and retired church support staff, will conduct a 2 days retreat: "Caring for the Servant Heart." There are numerous workshops available, including Bible Studies, relaxation and meditation, yoga for the office, Handling Change with Grace, Dealing with Difficult People and MORE! These developmental opportunities are set off with planned worship and devotional moments to help us center our work.

 

Additionally, we have planned time for networking, fellowship and fun, which can be the most important part of the event for some. Many church secretaries work alone in their church offices, and the relationships built during these conferences provide connections to a wealth of additional experience and knowledge from people that are in the very same settings.

 

Learn more here.

Scholarship money is still available for registrations on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact me at (815) 761-3382 if you have any questions. 

 

Yours very truly,

Tracy Diehl, Illinois Conference

UCCOSSN National Communications Team Coordinator

Chair, 2013 Annual Conference Planning Committee

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
.
News from CUE Seminaries

Chicago Theological Seminary

Spring Worship Conference

April 19 & 20, 2013

 

For those unable to attend the event on-campus, selected portions of the conference will be available via live streaming over the internet.

Headlining the event will be CTS alumnus and Professor of Worship at Garrett Theological Seminary, Dr. Ruth Duck.

 

For more information or to register visit our new website at ctschicago.edu in the Continuing Education section of the site. If you have questions, please email Joe Burt, Manager - Alumni Relations & Special Events at [email protected].



 Local Church Events


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.

Would you like your events to appear on this calendar? Just email Alison Bents at [email protected]. Simple as that!


 Classifieds

Employment Opportunities
Check out the Employment Opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website. Click here to see the listings.

giss
In This Issue
Mission Bite
Joys & Concerns
Board of Directors Report
Ordination Anniversaries
From the Search Committee
Futuring Faith Formation
Micro Grants now available
Reserve your spot at PPC!
Working to prevent gun violence
General Synod!
It's coming...
Grants from the Genesis Fund
Dancing on the Mountain
Clergy Clusters
Reserve your spot at PPC!
Boundary Training
2013 Certification School
fourTHursdays
Spring MS Youth Event
ONA Worship Celebration
UCC Office Support Staff Network
20/30 Clergy Party
News from CUE
Local Church Events
Employment Opportunities

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Headlines from across the United Church of Christ

 

Right now: Make Earth Care a part of your congregation's DNA! 

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UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns 

 

Right now: Supreme Court to hear Prop. 8, DOMA arguments on March 26-27 - join the nationwide prayer campaign!   

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Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ

 

Right now: Jon Barnes was recently appointed as Mission Interpretation Executive in Indianapolis. 

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Association of United Church Educators 

 

Right now: Regional educator events announced

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Congregational Vitality 

 

Right now: Mission 4/1 Earth and the Easter season are coming soon!  

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Justice & Witness Ministries 

 

Right now: Are you participating in Community Supported Agriculture? 

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Council for Health and Human Services Ministries 

 

Right now: Registration is now open for the 75th CHHSM Annual Meeting! 


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