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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! Just visit www.uccmn.org/annualmeeting to register online or to find a downloadable form. Can't wait to see you there!
2012-2013 Emmaus Anti-Racism Transformation Team
from Anna Larson, chair, and Pamela Cook
The Emmaus Team is one of our prophetic ministry teams of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ. We seek to help the local churches become more welcoming to people of many different racial and ethnic groups. The members of the Team represent all walks of life but all have experience, education, and training with anti-racism and racial justice work. Through education, conversation, and application, the Emmaus Team's mission is to help our churches work toward becoming a more beloved community reflective of all members of the body of Christ.
The Emmaus Team found a rare opportunity to go deeper and more broadly in understanding the historic traumas of institutionalized racism in 2012 and 2013. If moving forward in a healthier, more holistic way means remembering difficult periods of history, 2012 and 2013 hold significant keys to our following in the healing, inclusive way of Jesus Christ. For our state and our nation, these two years offer us an  opportunity to review a 150 "landmark" year of genocidal injustice on the one hand, and the sign of a better, more just way on the other. 1862 seemed to enshrine cultural alienation between peoples defined by colonialism as white and non-white, as the privileged conquering peoples and the indigenous people. In June of 2012, the Emmaus Team co-presented Dakota 38 with Jim Miller and Alberta Ironcloud. 150 years ago now in 2013 we want to look at La Amistad as a congregational link to the 150th anniversary of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and a sign of healing.
As part of this historic 150th year of truth-telling and remembering the 1862 war and the mass execution of 38 plus 2 Dakota warriors, the forced marches of women and children to Fort Snelling internment camp and the exile of the Dakota people to Dakota reservations, Emmaus team members took several active roles. Jaki-Cottingham Zierdt, a lineal descendent of the 38, read the names of the 38 plus 2, presented a hand-painted drum to UTS President Barbara Holmes, and Jaki's family donated the healing feast as part of an all-day commemorative service. Anna Larson co-presented the film Dakota 38 with Dakota elder, Robert Klanderud in the evening. Other Emmaus Team members attended as well as church leaders and UTS Board members. Several other occasions offered ways for Minnesota to recover a fuller, more truthful history.
 Several team members attended last November's "Overcoming Racism Conference" at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, on the theme: "Decolonizing Minnesota & Beyond: Historical & Current Struggles," as part of recognizing the 150th anniversary year of the US Minnesota/Dakota War. Dr. Waziyatawan shared a powerful speech and visual representation on the effects of racial genocide on native peoples and lands. Members of Peace UCC of Duluth were part of a wider community panel and workshop called "The Unfair Campaign" which exposes underlying racist assumptions using poster portraits of white faces and messages in black marker on white skin such as "Is white skin really fair skin?" We have seen the "Overcoming Racism Conference" grow, drawing rural communities from across the state to share their anti-racism work in the metro area. UCC pastor Tim Johnson and members from Cherokee Park United Church in Saint Paul are instrumental, as part of the Facilitating Racial Equality Collaborative, in producing this annual conference. The Emmaus Team has increased sponsorship support this year and plans to maintain its sponsorship in the future.
The team established specific on-going commitments to spreading the good news of anti-racism work by highlighting large and small anti-racism church initiatives in the Minnesota Conference and hosting timely and contextual workshops for Annual Meeting. In addition to continuing sponsorship of the "Overcoming Racism Conference" at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, the team has proposed a media option such as using the COMMAntary as a way to share highlights from conference churches as well as promoting racial justice opportunities in the state. We look forward to hearing from churches and casting the net of anti-racism good news wide!
The work of undoing racism is not done quickly, but by looking together at our histories and looking forward we find that we are blessedly in the process of transformation to become ever more faithfully the body of Christ.
Emmaus Team Members:
Anna Larson, Chair, Cherokee Park United Church, Saint Paul
Pamela Cook, UCC New Brighton
Jaki Cottingham-Zierdt, J.D., UCC New Brighton
Rev. Douglas Federhart, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
W.J. Moussa Foster, UCC New Brighton
Rev. Dick Nichols, New Spirit UCC, Savage
Rev. Lawrence Tanner Richardson, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis and Shift UCC, Mendota Heights
Rev. Elena Larssen, UCC Conference Staff
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Joys and Concerns
| 1. 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.
2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Prayers are requested for the wife of Rev. Joe Clay, Kay Wilson-Clay, as results of a lumpectomy a week and a half ago are resulting in 6-7 weeks of radiation treatment. 5. Rev. Robin Raudabaugh, pastor of Pilgrims UCC in Maple Grove and Program and Site Co-Manager of Pilgrim Point Camp, was featured in the Spring 2013 edition of CommonLot talking about her callings not only to the ministries of the local church and camping, but to farming at the Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm. You can have a look at the article here, and learn more about the farm here! 6. St. Peter's UCC in Stillwater will hold a farewell service for Rev. Zoe Kuester on Sunday, May 12 at 9:30am. Coffee and fellowship will follow the service. Rev. Kuester has served St. Peter's since April 2012. The church is located at 111 East Orleans, Stillwater. 7. It is with great joy that we can announce that Rev. Lisa Johnson and her husband, Peter, welcomed twin sons on Friday, May 3. The boys have been named Lucas and Ian. Lisa is the pastor of First Congregational UCC in Zumbrota and the Presbyterian Church of Oronoco. Mother and sons are resting at home in Zumbrota. Congratulations and blessings to the family! 8. Congratulations to Rev. Julie Beck, who was unanimously approved for Privilege of Call status at an Ecclesiastical Council at the Congregational Church UCC in Rochester on May 7. Rev. Beck, ordained in the ELCA, most recently served First Congregational in Zumbrota and the Presbyterian Church of Oronoco as interim minister and is now authorized to circulate a UCC ministerial profile. |
Board of Directors Report
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The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Conference UCC met at St. Anthony Park UCC in St. Paul on Saturday, May 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rev. Victoria Wilgocki, pastor at the church, welcomed the board, led in singing a few favorite hymns and gave an update on the intergenerational and mission-oriented ministries of St. Anthony Park UCC.
The meeting of the board included discussion about the Annual Meeting, reports from the Executive Committee, Transition Team, Conference Minister Search Committee, Finance Committee, Development Committee, Personnel Committee, Pilgrim Point Camp Committee, Committee on Ministry, Associate Conference Ministers, and the Conference Minister. Action was taken on several items including strengthening the language of the vision statement, approving a budget to present to the Annual Meeting, and appointing an Acting Conference Minister. An announcement about this will be forthcoming later this week. The Board received training in fund-raising from development staff person, Kimberly Sanberg, and was informed about web-site design and development by Kathy Graves, member at Mayflower Church and partner at Parenteau Graves.
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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's still time! 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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Lay-Led Worship Resources
Use the link below to download a worship service and sermon that will be excellent for your church to use on the Sunday of Annual Meeting, June 9.
Let's all worship together! Contact Alison Bents with questions: alisonb@uccmn.org.
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Earthwise, Prophetic Voices, Just Peace
and Accessible Church Recognitions
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Now! Apply for Justice & Witness
Annual Meeting Recognitions
Stand and be recognized for all of your wonderful congregation-based justice work. Recognition is about 'you' and your congregation's work - don't be shy because it shows others the way. Recognition connects us, signals support and affirmation, and inspires others.
ALL of the Justice & Witness Team recognitions can be repeated from year to year: affirm your continuing commitment, that there is no backsliding, and if you have done new things - tell us about it! Our goal: someday ALL Minnesota Conference congregations will be recognized as prophetic voice, accessible, earthwise, and just peace congregations.
 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/earthwise (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 Peace 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.
Questions? Contact Co-Chair Rev. John Guttermann,
651-485-3104 or intpasj@mac.com
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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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A Resolution to Divest from Fossil Fuel Companies
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Divest from Fossil Fuel Companies
from Rev. John Guttermann, Co-Chair, Justice & Witness Team
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning in the beginning
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, a long time ago
- Bob Dylan
It was a gut-wrenching headline; Poachers have now killed all the rhinos in Mozambique (Source: http://tinyurl.com/d7yqgid). Later, after doing some more checking, the
real story was more complicated, though still tragic: rhinos have probably not lived in Mozambique for many years, while in South Africa poachers, who sell ground up rhino as an aphrodisiac in Asia, continue the killing:
"The real crisis is what is currently happening in South Africa, particularly Kruger Park, and the failure of Mozambique to help tackle the problem. According to the latest rhino-poaching statistics from South Africa, as of April 30, there have been 273 rhinos killed this year. A whopping 201 of those rhinos were killed in the Kruger Park alone."
The poacher is a capitalist for whom the rhino has value only if he-she can monetize it: squeezing from its carcass the most money possible. It is not even a resource they care to manage. Just kill 'em until they are gone and their bank accounts are full.
Someday we will squeeze the last drop of oil from the rocks and caverns of our planet. Easy fossil fuel resource recovery is a thing of the past. Now we remove mountaintops for coal, using the debris to fill valleys, polluting and destroying waterways. Now we are moonscaping Canadian wilderness to squeeze out the filthiest of oil resources, tar sands, filling the bank account of the most powerful commercial exploiters of the planet in history - the oil companies. It's the planet fully monetized and exploited.
God forgive the poacher who destroys the last wild rhinoceros. I will not.
Climate change is destroying habitat and the ecological relationships that create the complex habitats within which all critters and plants live.
"In the last 500 years, human activity is known to have forced 869 species to extinction (or extinction in the wild). One in four mammals and one in eight birds face a high risk of extinction in the near future. One in three amphibians and almost half of all tortoises and freshwater turtles are threatened. The current species extinction rate is estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the natural or 'background' rate (SOURCE: http://tinyurl.com/5zwcj9)."
It is time to stop investing in companies that are wrecking God's creation. Repeating what has been reported here before, 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. Support divestment from the planet life destroyers.
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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! ___________________________
Calling all Faith Community Nurses, Physicians, Lay Ministers of Health and other Health Professionals Volunteer Opportunities at the UCC Faith Community Nurse and Health Ministry Booth General Synod is going to be so much fun! This year we will focus on nutrition, the theme is "Mindful and Faithful Eating." 'Let's Move,' continues to be an important part of being healthy so we will have many opportunities to get moving. Volunteers are urgently needed to serve several shifts at the Faith Community Nurse and Health Ministries' Booth in the Exhibit Hall. If you have skills in the area of physical fitness and want to lead a 20 minute activity we need your help! Skills at every level are needed. - Pass out water bottles
- Help take blood pressure (if you are certified to do this)
- Take hip to waist ratios (you don't need to be a health professional to do this. We'll show you how!)
- Take BMI
- Sign up to lead a 20 minute group demonstrations in the Exhibit Hall on: *Tai-Chi *Zumba *Salsa *Other kinds of dance movement *Yoga *Aerobics *African Dancing *Monitor Hoola Hooping and Jump Rope *Chair exercise *Walking *Chair Massage
- Other movement or activity that you would like to demonstrate/teach
If you would like to volunteer, please contact: Yvonne Oliver, Health Care Justice 216-736-3710 or olivery@ucc.org
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Mission 4/1 Earth!
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Mission 4/1 Earth Current Status as of 5/7/13: The National UCC set ambitious goals for World Wide UCC Congregations to complete and record their actions - 1,000,000 hours of Earth Care Actions, 100,000 tree plantings, and 100,000 advocacy letters. As of noon on May 7, the following have been recorded:
Out of the 31,386 tree plantings, none have been recorded in the state of Minnesota, with all of our recent actions and Earthwise Congregations, I doubt this is really the case. Everyone that has taken an action since April 1st, please take the time to visit www.ucc.org/earth to record your actions.
 The UCC is making a strong statement for the environment and your actions will put Minnesota on the map. Help the National UCC! Support this significant campaign to protect our environment and the future of our planet.
Thank you,
Jack Chandler, Justice & Witness Ministry Team and Board Member of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light
Click here to report your participation!
You have through May 19th to record your actions.
Click here for all of your Mission 4/1 Earth resources! Worship resources are available here too! Excellent.
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News from CUE Seminaries
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NEWS FROM CUE (CHICAGO, UNITED, EDEN) SEMINARIES
Barbara A. Holmes Inaugurated as President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
 In a colorful, musical and celebratory ceremony on April 12, Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Holmes was inaugurated as the eighth president of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Dr. Holmes joined the United community in July 2012 from Memphis Theological Seminary.
Clad in a specially designed purple and stripe robe, Dr. Holmes was preceded down the aisle of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis by academic and ecclesiastic delegates from around the country, seminary faculty and staff, and a processional "mace" sculpted in bronze and metal by United alum Doug Abbott. Amidst Pentecostal, gospel and praise house music, the Old Testament reading was delivered by Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. of Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, followed by the inaugural address "Is There a Prophet in the City?" by Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems, vice president and academic dean at American Baptist College, Nashville. Many other special guests from the local area and around the country were in attendance to officially welcome United's first African American president.
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Church World Service: Urgent Call for Buckets
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CWS APPEALS URGENTLY
FOR EMERGENCY CLEANUP BUCKETS
As the 2,500th CWS Emergency Cleanup Bucket arrives today (May 7) in flood-ravaged Illinois, Church World Service is appealing urgently for people to replenish its rapidly dwindling supply. Heavy precipitation from early 2013 storms and floods has resulted in widespread and severe flooding in Illinois and other states. "The CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets are giving hope and help to survivors," said Barry Shade, CWS associate director for U.S. disaster response. "With needs assessment ongoing, CWS expects to respond to additional requests from Illinois and other states for buckets. When we do, we hope to be able to respond without delay." Only about 2,600 CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets remain in the agency's warehouse in New Windsor, Md., Shade said. A shipment of 1,008 Church World Service Emergency Cleanup Buckets is scheduled to reach Peoria, Ill., on Tuesday (May 7) for distribution to area households as flood waters recede from their properties.  The DuPage County, Ill., Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management received and quickly distributed 500 at the end of April, and the Red Cross in Rolling Meadows, Ill., received 992 buckets for distribution Saturday.
Church World Service, a global humanitarian agency and sponsor of CROP Hunger Walks, emphasizes the importance of faith community involvement in long-term recovery from disaster. The agency enlists congregations in supplying tens of thousands of CWS Blankets, CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets and other CWS Kits for shipment to disaster survivors every year. In addition, it helps flood survivors access the material, emotional, spiritual and human resources they need to get back on their feet and go on with their lives by helping communities to start their own long-term recovery groups. CWS Emergency Cleanup Bucket contents and instructions. |
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
| Northern Cluster: Tuesday, May 14, 11:00am
Peace UCC, Duluth
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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
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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Summer Institute in Spirituality & the Arts
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Summer Institute in Spirituality and the Arts
with Susan Armington, Sarah Bellamy,
Mary Moore Easter and Pamela S. Wynn
Tuesday, June 11 - Friday, June 14
9:00 AM-3:45 PM daily
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
3000 5th St NW, New Brighton MN 55112 |651.255.6138
Express Yourself!
This annual, four-day event invites you to:
- Explore the intersections of art and religion
- Access inspired reflection and spiritual growth
- Leave refreshed for your work in the world
Workshops choices:
1) Dance and Spirituality: Returning to Attentiveness Again and Again - Mary Moore Easter
2) Performance and Social Justice - Sarah Bellamy
3) Shelters of the Heart - Susan Arminton
4) Poetry: Art as Social Change - Pamela S. Wynn
Choose full- or half-day option, depending on your schedule. Excellent sabbatical or study opportunity. CEUs available.
Full-Day Fee: $225
Before May 31: $175
Students: $75.00
Half-Day Fee: $150
Before May 31: $125
Students: $50.00
Registration: Click for more information and online registration. You may also contact Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138.
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Dakota 38 showing this month on tpt
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This month, Dakota 38: Forgiveness and Understanding will premier on tpt's Minnesota Channel as a companion short to the film Dakota 38, which was produced by Smooth Feather Productions. This companion piece was produced by tpt MN in partnership with Spirit in the House! It's a conversation captured after a public screening of Dakota 38 at the Forgiveness 360 Symposium last November. Jim Bear Jacobs, a Mohican, and Dean J. Seal, a Norwegian-American, provide deeper insight around cultural sensitivities and forgiveness.
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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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Choir Robes available
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We have 28 gently used maroon choir robes in assorted sizes. If you are wishing or wanting them please come to Living Table UCC in Minneapolis. We would like them to have a good home. Contact Living Table UCC at 612-729-7556 or office@livingtable.org.
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