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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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Between now and the 2013 Annual Meeting each week's Mission Bites will highlight the work of volunteers as they report on the work of the Program Ministry Teams. The Conference Bylaws state that program ministry teams assist in fulfilling the strategic mission priorities of the Conference and carry out specific programmatic functions. As you will see in the weeks to come, these groups do amazing work and greatly increase our capacity. P.S. If you haven't already registered for the Annual Meeting, there's no better time to do it! Register before May 6 to grab the early registration discount - you'll save $30! Just visit www.uccmn.org/annualmeeting to register online or to find a downloadable form. Can't wait to see you there!
2012-2013 Immigration Team
from Rev. Alison Killeen, chair
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
- Leviticus 19:33-34
Greetings from your Immigration Team!
Your Immigration Team members have been hard at work this year! Perhaps you have even received a phone call recently from one of us, inviting you to some workshop or vigil: Rev. Don Christensen (Macalester-Plymouth, St Paul), Susie George (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis), Diane Haines (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis), Rev. Alison Killeen (First Congregational Church of Minnesota UCC, Minneapolis), Roberta Malles (Living Table UCC, Minneapolis), and Rev. Joanne Sylvander (Cherokee Park UCC, St Paul).
The MN Conference Immigration Team holds dear biblical teachings on immigration, and this year, we have decided to attempt to live out our faith by upholding standing MN Conference Resolutions, particularly from June 2011, which states:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ urges its members and congregations to:
a. Sign up for and respond to legislative alerts at the website of The Advocates for Human Rights (www.energyofanation.org);
b. Engage in Biblical reflection on the issue of immigration using one or more of the 54 immigration related scriptures;
c. Contact the Conference Immigration Task Force to arrange for speakers and to learn of other resources that can assist in their study and reflection on the reasons for migration and immigrants in the United States, and offering a faithful response as both individuals and as a congregation.
And so your Conference Immigration Team has launched a blog and listserv to promote legislative action alerts to friends and activists within the Conference (item a); we went on an educational retreat in Pelican Rapids to learn about immigration in Minnesota (item b); and we attended and organized various interfaith vigils calling for immigration reform and protesting immigrant detention (item b).
But the most important piece of the resolution above, we believe, is to serve the congregations of our Conference by providing them with workshops, speakers, and resources, so that we may all engage in faithful action and reflection on immigrant justice. Our team has put together a toolkit of resources, which we are constantly developing and updating, and which you can explore and download from our Immigration Team Blog.
Additionally, we have partnered extensively with Rev. John Guttermann, an expert on immigration reform policy, to present three different workshops around the state: in Wayzata, Montevideo, and Pelican Rapids! We will be replicating a version of this workshop at Annual Meeting, which will include information on how to organize your congregation for immigration reform, and will have printouts of our Resources Toolkit available at the workshop!
We are always looking for ways to connect with others who are passionate about immigration and immigrant justice. To join our listserv, ask for resources, or schedule a workshop, please contact the Team at uccmnimmigration@gmail.com. Elena Larssen is our staff liaison.
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Joys and Concerns
| 1. An Ecclesiastical Council for Rev. Julie Beck will be held at The Congregational Church, Rochester on Tuesday, May 7 at 4:00pm. Refreshments will follow the Ecclesiastical Council. Churches are invited to send representatives. Please RSVP to the church at 507-289-4581 or church@congoroch.org if you plan to attend. Rev. Beck, a minister ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is seeking Privilege of Call in the United Church of Christ. The church is located at 974 Skyline Drive SW, Rochester.
2. Chapel Hills United Church of Christ in Edina invites you join us in celebrating Rev. Phil Ramstad's 60 years in the ministry. The Board of Deacons will host the event with light hors d'oeuvres following the service on Sunday, May 12th. Phil will lead us in worship that morning. The service begins at 10:15.
3. An Ecclesiastical Council for David Hottinger will be held at Mayflower Church on Tuesday May 14 at 11:00am. Lunch will follow the Ecclesiastical Council. Churches are invited to send representatives. Lay church representatives and all clergy with standing in the Minnesota Conference are eligible to vote. In order to ensure a quorum please RSVP 612-824-0761 or mayflower@mayflowermpls.org if you plan to attend. Mayflower Church is located at 106 Diamond Lake Rd. in Minneapolis. 4. An Ecclesiastical Council for Margaret (Peggy) Thompson will be held at Mayflower Church on Tuesday May 14 at 1:30pm. Lunch will precede the Ecclesiastical Council. Churches are invited to send representatives. Lay church representatives and all clergy with standing in the Minnesota Conference are eligible to vote. To ensure a quorum please RSVP to 612-824-0761 or mayflower@mayflowermpls.org if you plan to attend. Mayflower Church is located at 106 Diamond Lake Rd. in Minneapolis. 5. Please hold Deb Celley in your prayers, as she fights a sudden and serious diagnosis of lymphoma. Deb is an out-patient with the Mayo Clinic, and can be contacted through her CaringBridge site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/debcelley/ Deb has recently moved from our Brainerd congregation to our Mankato congregation, and so we ask for your prayers for them, too. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rich and all of the Celley family at this time. 6. Rev. John Guttermann and the Conversations with Friends at the Ramsey County Detention Center were recently featured in an interview on the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service blog - take a read here! |
Joys and Concerns
| 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. Walter Schlichting - May 1953
Rev. Herbert Laube - May 1969
Rev. Peter Bagley - May 1971
Rev. Jann Cather Weaver - May 1982
Rev. Thomas Gard - May 1983
Rev. Paul Bauch - May 1987
Rev. Henry Jendricks - May 1991
Rev. Jeanine Dorfman - May 2002
Rev. Garth Schumacher - 01 May 2003
Rev. Arthur Merrill - 02 May 1954
Rev. Norma Rae Hunt - 03 May 1984
Rev. Wendy Ward - 03 May 1987
Rev. Sara Lund - 03 May 1981
Rev. Brooke Wickliffe Fisher - 04 May 1986
Rev. Don Britt - 07 May 1972
Rev. Shuji Moriichi - 08 May 2010
Rev. Désirée Gold - 09 May 2003
Rev. Carol Joyce - 10 May 1975
Rev. Beth Stallinga - 10 May 1998
Rev. Philip Ramstad - 15 May 1953
Rev. Rosanna Walker - 15 May 1983
Rev. Jeanne Bringgold-Pro - 15 May 2011
Rev. George Coy - 16 May 1962
Rev. T. Michael Rock - 18 May 1996
Rev. Steve Thom - 19 May 1990
Rev. Robert Broeder - 27 May 1973
Rev. Howard Tobak - 27 May 1990
Rev. David Hohmann - 28 May 1972
Rev. Diane Stelter - 28 May 1980
Rev. Cindy Mueller - 31 May 1987
Our best wishes for continued and flourishing ministry to all celebrating their ordination anniversaries in May!
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2013 Annual Meeting:
Behold, I am doing a new thing!
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 Have you registered yet for this year's Annual Meeting? There are only 2 weeks left to nab the early registration fee.Head over to www.uccmn.org/annualmeeting!
- Celebration of Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers's ministry among us
- Vibrant worship and fellowship with friends, old and new
- Dynamic preaching from Rev. Kaji Spellman
- A presentation from Kaleidoscope on its current review of the ministry at Pilgrim Point Camp
- Exciting and invigorating workshops on a wide range of topics
Don't delay - register today!
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Welcome to Spring!
 Spring is here at last! Well, almost. The month of May is upon us and, hopefully, May 1st will finally bring us the last blast of winter. The first week of May is a busy and important one. May 1 is May, of course, "May Day". This Saturday, May 4, will be the Kentucky Derby. Sunday, May 5, will be Cinco de Mayo - and May 6 will be the most important day in the first week of the month.
That's right, May 6 is the last day for early registration for the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ Annual Meeting at the College of St. Benedict, June 7-9. We don't know when it will stop snowing. We don't know who will win the Kentucky Derby. We do know, however, that you will have a great time at our Annual Meeting as we gather for worship, hear outstanding speakers, participate in informative and inspiring workshops and as we honor Karen Smith Sellers as she retires this summer after a distinguished ministry as our Conference Minister.
Yes, welcome to spring! - and don't forget to meet the early registration deadline on Monday, May 6. You won't regret it!
Register now!
Rev. Dick Fylling, Annual Meeting Planning Work Group
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Earthwise, Prophetic Voices, Just Peace
and Accessible Church Recognitions
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Time! Justice Witness Annual Meeting Recognitions
One Application - FOUR possible recognitions.
 1. *NEW* - Prophetic Voices Recognition
Who? This year this is for any and all congregations that congregation organized for and engaged in advocacy, including promoting 'NO vote' or holding a community or congregational forum or information sessions about the Marriage Amendment and or the Voter ID Amendments that were on the ballot in last fall's election. See the application for more information.
 2. Accessibility Recognition
Eligible congregations meet one of the following criteria:
A. Yours is a congregation that for the first time in the last year began efforts to be more accessible (click here for accessibility resources).
B. Any congregation that was recognized in a previous year and affirms that they continued their efforts (there was 'no backsliding').
C. Any congregation that was previously recognized and did 'new things' to improve accessibility.
 3. Earthwise Recognition
Eligible congregations meet one of the following criteria:
A. Yours is a congregation that for the first time since the last annual meeting began efforts to be more green / earth wise (see resources at JW page of the Conference website).
B. Any congregation that was recognized in a previous year and affirms that they continued their efforts (there was 'no backsliding').
C. Any congregation previously recognized and which also did 'new things' strengthening and deepening their earthwise commitment. Click here for the new-revised Justice & Witness Team: The Earthwise Quest resource.
 4. Just Peace
Eligible congregations are those that either committed to being a Just Peace Church at any time in the past and continue to celebrate and affirm that commitment OR in the last year approved becoming a Just Peace Church. Click here to see a list of known Minnesota Conference Just Peach Churches.
Click here for the one application for all recognitions.
In order to be included in the Annual Meeting Celebration booklet, the deadline for submissions is May 17.
Final deadline for all applications are due May 31.
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Reserve your spot and volunteer
at Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats for 2013!
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 Volunteer at Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats!The snow is finally melting. The ice is finally disappearing and our thoughts are turning toward camp. Our volunteers provide a ministry of hospitality to all who visit Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats. Apply today by filling out the volunteer application on the camp website. We are encouraging congregations to gather ministry teams of up to four people. Express your radical hospitality by volunteering at camp! Send questions to Co-Director Gigi Nauer at ggmarie58@gmail.com.
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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!
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, Campground)
- August 30-Sept 1: (Available: North Shore, POEM Cabins)
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Working to prevent gun violence
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from Rev. John Guttermann, co-chair of the UCCMN Justice and Witness Team
Since the Massacre of the Innocents at Newtown, there has been an estimated 3,775 more gun deaths in the United States. So, truly, shame on the 45 U.S. Senators who voted to block background checks on gun sales. There is still hope that our Minnesota legislature will pass good legislation, though HF 285 is not yet scheduled for a vote. With over 75% of Minnesotans supporting universal background checks for all gun purchases, this bill should have strong bi-partisan support. Special thanks to Representative Michael Paymar (DFL-District 64B) for courageously championing this bill. Contact your legislator. Tell her/him to do right thing for Minnesota's families and support HF 285. Click here to find your legislator.
To learn more about Protect MN, visit protectmn.org.
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A Resolution to Divest from Fossil Fuel Companies
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A Resolution to Divest from Fossil Fuel Companies: God Loves the World
We don't take issue with Paul's advice when he declares that love is the greatest gift (1 Cor. 13:13). And the most quoted verse in the Newer Testament is John 3.16 - it reminds us that God loves the world. Recall that "God saw everything that God had made and, indeed, it was very good" (Gen. 1.31).
If we are people of love, then preserving God's creation by combating climate change must be our issue. Unfortunately, the vested interests of the fossil fuel industry have a hammerlock on Washington, as on other countries' capitals. Just the oil portion of the fossil fuel industry alone spends almost half a million dollars a day lobbying congress. They aren't lobbying to advance non-fossil fuel sources of energy; they're looking to block action on climate change and preserve their huge profits-and we pay the price.
We shouldn't invest our money in companies that are wrecking the planet we live on. Fossil fuel companies have 2,795 gigatons of carbon dioxide in their reserves. That's five times the safe amount-and they have no intent other than utilizing those known reserves. Doing that will make the earth inhospitable to life as we know it-more acidic ocean waters, devastating floods, freakish weather, wildfires and drought, etc. Direct your congregation's Annual Meeting delegates to vote for the divestment resolution.
You can read the resolution and FAQ document here. If you have questions, comments, or would like additional resources, or a speaker on the resolution, contact the Justice & Witness Team at mnconfjusticewitnessteam@gmail.com.
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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!
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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 report your participation!
Click here for all of your Mission 4/1 Earth resources! Worship resources are available here too! Excellent.
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, May 7, 2:00pm
Congregational Church UCC, Rochester
(Note: This is a time and location change.)
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Save the Date!
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Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ
is proud to present the 7th Annual Fall Convocation
BOLDLY
TELLING OUR
STORIES OF
GOD'S LOVE
AND JUSTICE
October 10-11, 2013
Christ the King Retreat Center
Buffalo, Minnesota
with Ann Poston and Rev. Steve Newcom
The Vision for the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ proclaims the Big Inspirational Goal: to be a bold, widely-known, proactive and respected public voice of Christianity.
In this Fall Convocation we will work together toward the envisioned future in which we Boldly tell our stories of God's love and justice inspiring state and national leaders, as well as news media, to seek our comment and counsel on issues of peace, justice and faith.
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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
Early Registration deadline extended!
Register before May 8!
Middle School Camp
July 21-26, 2013 (Sunday through Friday)
Cost is $315/person until May 8, 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 8, then $365/person
Register here or online at pilgrimpoint.org
Eco-Justice Training
August 11-14, 2013
Women's Retreat
September 20-22, 2013
Note: Middle School Camp is for youth currently in 5th-8th grade. Senior High Camp is for youth currently in 9th-12th grade.
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Boundary Training
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Rescheduled (and taking new registrants)!
Tues, May 21 at First Congregational UCC, Alexandria
Tues, Sept. 24 at Normandale Hylands UMC, Bloomington
To register: events.minnesotaumc.org where it is listed as "Living the Sacred Trust." Choose "other" for district and church.
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2013 Certification School - Scholarships Available
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May 19-24, 2013 | 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.
Registration Cost: $2,000
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 (zacn@uccmn.org) in the Conference Office.
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VRV Annual Meeting Pre-event!
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The Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ announces a special
Vitality*Renewal*Vision Pre-Event with
Tony Robinson, UCC author, consultant and voice for vitality asks...
"What's God got to do with it?"
Connecting Theology and Congregational Vitality
Friday, June 7th, 9:00 am to noon
(Annual Meeting begins after lunch)
College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph MN
$30 per person; register online:
www.uccmn.org/annualmeeting
Come Thursday to enjoy an evening of dinner and worship with the Minnesota Open and Affirming Gathering, hosted by the Open and Affirming Ministry Team. Meals and housing are available through the ONA Gathering registration.
Questions? Contact maritak@uccmn.org
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The Minnesota Gathering! Register now!
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For the 6th year, the Open and Affirming Ministry Team will offer The Minnesota Gathering prior to the Minnesota Conference UCC Annual Meeting.
This is a time for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender folk to gather, along with allies, to be in community and learn as we continue to live out our "open and affirming" commitment.
This year's theme is If Not Now, Tell Me When: being spiritual and strategic in our Open and Affirming work. We will spend time sharing and strategizing, playing and praying as we continue to work towards extravagant welcome in our church and bringing God's justice to the world.
Register online now!
We will come together on the campus of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 6th and conclude at Noon on Friday, June 7th.
The event will include the Rev Rebecca Voelkel, Institute for Welcoming Resources and Faith Work Program Director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, as our Friday Keynote presenter. We will be lead in Community Building on Thursday by Seth Ingersoll, a Pastor of SafeHouse Church in Minneapolis. Musical and choral direction will be provided by Diane Aleshere of First Congregational UCC in Alexandria. Marc Blakesley of Special Folk Worship Consulting will be coordinating our worship time.
There are options to register for all or part of the event. We encourage those attending Friday morning's Vitality*Renewal*Vision event to registrer for Thursday evening with us. More information and a detailed schedule can be found here.
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Our Whole Lives Training
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Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a sexual education program with resources written by professional sexuality educators that equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information to help them make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. OWL provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants clarify their values and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
More information about OWL is available here.
The Minnesota Conference UCC, in partnership with the Prairie Star District UUA, has established the following OWL Training Courses:
Middle School/High School Training (grades 7-9, 10-12)
May 10-12, 2013 @ Pilgrim Point Camp
Elementary and Young Adult/Adult Training
(grades K-1, 4-6, Young Adults and Adults)
May 10 & 11, 2013 @ Pilgrim Point Camp
Register Online or get more info.
Questions? Email Phil Lund orZac Norenberg.
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Ramsey County Detention Vigil
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The MN Conference UCC immigration team and Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis are the hosts for the Vigil at the Ramsey County Detention Center on May 5 from 2:30-3:00. This is an opportunity to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are detained with the likelihood of deportation. Please come out on May 5 and be a part of this vigil! This is one way to show justice with our feet and our hearts.
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Immigration Reform Now!
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 The Minnesota UCC Immigration Team will be holding a workshop in Pelican Rapids on May 4, 10:00 am at the library in Pelican Rapids. This workshop will offer a Biblical and theological basis for immigration reform as well as provide information about why 11 million undocumented immigrants have sought a new life in the United States. We will provide facts about current legislation and action plans to encourage our congressional and legislative representatives to take a leadership role in seeing that legislation is enacted this year.
For more information contact Nancy Palubicki in Pelican Rapids.
If your church would like to host a workshop, please contact the MN Conference UCC Immigration Team.
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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.
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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