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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 Vitality Team
from Kathy Stutzman, chair
 The Minnesota Conference UCC Vitality Team was authorized in August 2011 and is an off-shoot of the Vitality Initiative Project (VIP) as well as blending of several Conference teams that were re-purposed as Vitality. The purpose of the Vitality Team is to strengthen, inspire and revitalize congregations of the Minnesota Conference UCC. We believe that every church can be a vital church. The duties of the Vitality Team are to:
- Offer resources, trainings and activities for individuals and congregations in the conference;
- Refer individuals and congregations to appropriate resources, trainings and activities for individuals and congregations in the conference;
- Help congregations identify and build on their strengths;
- Help congregations identify and respond to their challenges;
- Encourage congregations to develop and deepen relationships with themselves, with their community and with God/Spirit/Jesus.
The Vitality Team has 4 areas of focus:
- Resources
- Trainings and workshops
- Activities and events
- Vitality assessment and development
The Vitality Team supports the "Healthy, Vital Congregations Goal" of Minnesota Conference of the UCC: "There is a welcoming, vibrant United Church of Christ community of faith accessible to all people of Minnesota. We envision a future where:
- Minnesotans' lives are changed and Minnesota communities are transformed by United Church of Christ leaders, communities, and partners.
- The Minnesota Conference is a role model for effectively nurturing new communities of faith into strength and life. Many new people and new populations have the opportunity to connect with the Stillspeaking God through a welcoming and accepting community.
- Across the geography and cultures of Minnesota, leaders are supported and congregations are connected through personalized and visionary ministry that builds a strong United Church of Christ presence locally and statewide."
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Group gathered at ChurchCraft
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In support of that goal the Vitality Team was active beginning at last year's Annual Meeting by:
- Conducting 3 workshops in 2012 on components of vital congregations including resources for individuals to share with their churches;
- Delivering 2 vitality moments during the plenary sessions of the Annual Meeting in 2012; one on conversation starters and the second on prayer;
- Sponsoring a one day workshop with Michael Piazza in October;
- Bringing in Tony Robinson for a pre-Annual Meeting Vitality Workshop THIS YEAR! June 7th 2013 from 9:00 - 12:00 (see registration information here).
- The Team met 10 times in the 2012-2013 year; once in person and the remainder via conference call. Task forces within the Vitality Team concentrated on each of the areas of focus and met as needed, reporting back to the larger Team regularly contributing over 350 hours of volunteer time on behalf of vitality for the MN Conference.
- This year during the Annual Meeting, the Vitality Team will be offering a workshop titled: "The Congregational Vitality Survey...Identifying and Sharing Best Practices of Vital Congregations" which will provide participants with the skills, tools and opportunities to identify and share successful and vital practices with others and share best practices to equip others with experiences, ideas and inspiration.
The Vitality Team consists of members appointed by the Conference Board of Directors. All members have two year terms and may serve up to three consecutive full terms. Your current Vitality Team members are:
- Rev. Deb Celley,First Congregational UCC, Mankato
- Rev. Sharon James Fazel, Secretary, First Congregational UCC, Anoka
- Rev. Eliot Howard, Linden Hills Congregational UCC, Minneapolis
- Ole Olson, Chaplain, Bethlehem UCC, Maple Lake
- Kathy Stutzman, Chair, First Congregational UCC, Austin
- Gail Trowbridge, Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Duluth
- Rev. Elena Larssen, Associate Conference Minister serving as staff to the team
Most of the year's work continued to build upon the operational framework for the committee and strategizing methodologies and processes for future action. The Vitality Team has developed a "Vitality Survey" for use by congregations interested in developing and deepening relationships with themselves, with their community and with God/Spirit/Jesus. The "Vitality Survey" will be available for distribution at the Vitality Team's workshops during the 2013 Annual Meeting.
 Come, engage and experience the work of the Vitality Team at the Annual Meeting and at the pre-meeting Vitality Workshop with Tony Robinson - we look forward to getting to learn about you and help you engage in, explore, and enhance vitality in your congregations, communities and within one another.
The Vitality Team will meet in summer for strategic planning and to further develop methods for supporting the purpose and duties with which we have been charged. We welcome all feedback, comments and input. For more information or to comment and provide feedback about the work of the Vitality Team please feel free to contact the team at VitalityMatters@yahoo.com. We thank you for your support and prayers and for the many blessings bestowed upon us. We believe that every church can be a vital church and it is an honor to be working toward that vision in the Minnesota Conference UCC.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Vitality Team,
Kathy Stutzman, Chair
Minnesota Conference UCC Vitality Team
VitalityMatters@yahoo.com | 507-219-0912
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Joys and Concerns
| 1. Mizpah UCC in Hopkins will hold a farewell service for Rev. Steve Thom on Sunday, May 19 at 10:00am. Coffee and fellowship will follow the service. The church is located at 412 Fifth Avenue N, Hopkins. Rev. Thom, who is retiring, has served Mizpah UCC since 1992.
2. Community Church of Walker will have a service of farewell for Rev. Dan Batson on Sunday, May 19 at 10:00am. A time of fellowship will follow the service. Rev. Batson has been pastor of Community Church of Walker since 2005. The church is located at 1100 Minnesota Avenue West (Highway 371 and Tianna Drive) in Walker.
3. A farewell service for Rev. Ron Wilson will be held at the Associated Church in Owatonna on Sunday, May 26 at 9:00am. Rev. Wilson, a Presbyterian minister who holds Dual Standing in the Minnesota Conference, has served the Associated Church since 2000. Coffee and fellowship will follow the service.
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THANK YOU!
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 Thank you, Minnesota Conference, for a wonderful retirement celebration last Sunday, May 5 at the Silverwood Park Great Hall! Particular thanks to Rev. Sharon James Fazel (First Congregational UCC, Anoka) and her entire team for planning this splendid event. Thanks, also, to Rev. Scott Keehn (First Congregational, Alexandria) who handled the audio-visuals, took photographs, and digitally recorded the program. The venue was lovely, the food was excellent, and the weather cooperated.
 What was especially gratifying was the large number who gathered and the prevailing lively conversations and good spirit in the room. For me, it underscored the transition consultant's assessment that we are a Conference with high satisfaction and very high energy, poised for "growth, expansion, replication and impact!" Thanks be to God for each of you and for all the ways that together we are equipping clergy and lay leaders, creating healthy vital churches, strengthening faith formation across the generations, and increasing our capacity for compassionate service and prophetic witness!
 The testimonials from so many (Barb Peterson, UCC New Brighton; Jane McBride, First Congregational of Minnesota; Clyde Steckel, First Congregational of Minnesota; Alice Hunt, President of Chicago Theological Seminary; Rich Pleva, Iowa Conference Minister; Rev. Geoffrey Black, General Minister and President; Edith Guffey, Kansas-Oklahoma Conference Minister; Peg Chemberlin, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Churches; Peter Rogness, Bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod, ELCA; Elena Larssen and Wade Zick, Conference Staff; and Spencer Kvam, Granite Falls UCC and Chair of the Board) provided wonderful closure and propel me into retirement with a sense of integrity and profound joy for the opportunities for service that I have had. Thanks to my dear friend, Cathy Fuller, for transitional music, and to Art Clyde (Union UCC, St. Louis Park) for his piano accompaniment. And thanks, finally, to our amazing sons, for their statements of love and appreciation.
"For all that has been, thanks; for all that will be, yes!"
- Dag Hammarskjold
Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers
Conference Minister
(photos of Karen and Sharon James Fazel and of the Sellers family from Rev. Scott Keehn, photo of Karen and Alice Hunt from Dick Sellers, and photo of the full room is from Bob Scott)
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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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Actions of the Committee on Ministry
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Every month, the Committee on Ministry of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ meets in its subcommittees (Covenant Subcommittee, the Subcommittee on Authorized Ministry (SAM), and the Discernment and Preparation for Authorized Ministry Subcommittee (DPAM)) to tend to the work of ministry in the Minnesota Conference UCC. The full Committee on Ministry meets quarterly. These are the actions that the Committee on Ministry took in March and April:
Full Committee on Ministry:
- Conducted ordination examinations for Ashley Harness (Living Table UCC, Minneapolis), David Hottinger (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis) and Peggy Thompson (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis)
- Installation April 7 - Shari Mason, First Congregational UCC, Austin
- Installation April 21 - Brooke Wickliffe Fisher, Peace UCC and St. Paul's UCC, Minnesota Lake
- Installation April 28 - Rex Beyer, in covenant with Living Table UCC, Allina Hospice and the Minnesota Conference UCC
Discernment and Preparation for Authorized Ministry Subcommittee:
- Conducted a pre-ordination interview for Ashley Harness (Living Table UCC)
- Conducted a pre-commissioning interview for Dawn Carlson Conn (Robbinsdale UCC, Robbinsdale)
- Approved Julie Beck (Congregational UCC, Rochester) to pursue Privilege of Call
- Accepted Andrea Tatley (Wayzata Community Church) as Member-in-Discernment
Subcommittee for Authorized Ministry:
- Approved 4-way covenant - Catherine Duncan/Fairview Hospice/Plymouth Congregational
- Approved licensure for May-August - Charles Owens, First Congregational UCC, Alexandria
- Approved re-licensure - Jon Blevins, United Protestant Church, Duluth
- Recommended Continued Ecclesiastical Endorsement - Paula Bidle, chaplain, Allina Hospitals
- Transferred Standing to Minnesota Conference - Brooke Wickliffe Fisher, Minnesota Lake
- Transferred Standing to Massachusetts Conference - John Edgerton
- Transferred Standing to Wisconsin Conference - William Colby-Newton
Covenant Subcommittee:
- Periodic support consultations
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Earthwise, Prophetic Voices, Just Peace
and Accessible Church Recognitions
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Deadline on Friday!
Apply for Justice & Witness
Annual Meeting Recognitions
Has your congregation been active this year in its efforts to be accessible, green, peaceful and prophetic? Be recognized for your efforts!
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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The Key Numbers
from Dwight Wagenius, Co-Chair, Justice & Witness Team
As people of faith we hear the call to end our own participation in the destruction of creation caused by extracting, processing and burning fossil fuels. The moral imperative to divest from ownership of fossil fuel companies is based on three simple numbers that add up to global catastrophe. Bill McKibben, the nation's foremost authority on climate change says Do the Math. Here are the numbers:
- Two degrees Celsius (about 3.6 deg. F). Even the most conservative world governments have agreed that we have to limit the rise in global warming to this. Experience since the agreement have shown it's high but it's where the world's countries (including the U.S.) have drawn the line.
- 565 gigatons-that's how much more carbon dioxide scientists say we can pour into the atmosphere between now and 2050 if we want to have any hope of staying below the two-degree limit. At the current rates of burning more than 30 gigatons annually and increasing 3 percent a year-it will take us 14 years to seal our fate.
- 2,795 gigatons-that's how much carbon dioxide the fossil fuel industry has in its declared reserves, ready to burn. That's five times what anyone thinks we can safely burn, and it will be burned unless we intervene.
These three simple numbers mean there's no longer any doubt about how this story comes out. There's no room for wishful thinking. The fossil fuel companies aren't outlaws against the laws of the state, but they violate the laws of physics. Unless we intervene, the end of the story is written. One tactic for what we do is to use less of their product. If we had 100 years, changed behavior and getting more efficient would do the job. But since, for example, much of the Arctic has already melted, we need to move much faster. We need structural changes (a serious carbon tax) and international agreements (to help the developing world leap past coal to solar power), but the fossil fuel industry has effectively blocked such actions. If it's wrong to wreck the climate, it's wrong to profit from wrecking the climate. Support divestment from fossil fuel companies.
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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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One Million hours of Earth Care Actions, one hundred thousand tree plantings, and one hundred thousand advocacy hours. Everyone that has taken an action since April 1st, please take the time to go to the website and record your actions. The UCC is making a strong statement for the environment - let us support it!
www.ucc.org/earth
As of 9:00am on May 15, the following have been recorded:
Important: To record your congregation's actions, click on the dark green box titled "MISSION 4/1 EARTH: Report your hours, trees and letters!" at www.ucc.org/earth
Out of the 41,286 tree plantings, currently only one tree planting event has been recorded in the stat of Minnesota (congratulations, First Congregational UCC in Cannon Falls - you put us on the map!). Everyone that has taken an action since April 1st, please take the time to visit www.ucc.org/earth to record your actions.
Help the world-wide 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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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 $340/person
Register here or online at pilgrimpoint.org
Senior High Camp
July 28-August 3, 2013 (Sunday through Saturday)
Cost is $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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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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On Fire for Immigration Reform
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"On fire for immigration reform" is the slogan that Rev. Guttermann suggests we employ in our UCC Vigil in front of Senator Klobuchar's office on May 20 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Each night that week an ISAIAH church will host a vigil to encourage Senator Klobuchar, who along with Senator Franken, sits on the Judiciary Committee, to shape the immigration bill S. 744 in a way that puts families first.
Mayflower invites and encourages each UCC church in the Twin Cities area to send at least one representative to participate in the vigil. Bring your church banners and signs and WEAR RED for Pentecost! Together let us encourage the passing of a bill that creates a family-friendly pathway to citizenship for our 11 million immigrants.
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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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