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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 Professional Development Subcommittee
from Rev. Sandy Johnson, chair
Just as it "takes a village to raise a child," it takes the involvement and effort of many people to promote the on-going formation of faithful and effective leaders for the Minnesota Conference. It is the mission of the Professional Development Subcommittee (PDS) to support and assist authorized ministers in pursuing excellence in their ministries, and to encourage congregations and other institutions to be partners in those efforts.
The PDS is best known for its work in preparing the "Minimum Compensation Guidelines" for authorized ministers in the Conference. These Guidelines are reviewed by the Board of Directors and approved by the Annual Meeting each year. This document guides local churches (and other institutions that employ authorized ministers) in providing appropriate and just compensation - financial and otherwise - that undergird excellence in ministry.
The PDS is committed to helping authorized ministers find renewal by learning new skills, connecting with peers, and nurturing their own spiritual lives. To this end, the PDS both encourages authorized minsters to take advantage of continuing education and spiritual formations events, and advocates with local churches and other employers to provide time and financial support for these activities.
The PDS works together with the Conference Committee on Ministry to provide workshops on "Power and Boundaries in Ministry." Attendance at these workshops has long been required of authorized ministers who are new to the Minnesota Conference. More recently, all ministers in the conference are required to attend a workshop at least every three years to remain in good standing. The particular responsibility of the PDS is to insure that the content of these workshops is appropriate, timely, and effectively presented.
Representatives from the PDS serve on the Scholarship Recommendation group and recommends the Armstrong Voss scholarship for persons who are preparing for ministry. This year's award will be made at the Annual Meeting.
This year the PDS has been involved in the launch of the first two "Ministry Excellence Groups" in the conference. These are professionally facilitated learning groups in which authorized ministers share their experience and expertise on a variety of challenges and issues which arise in their work. Not surprisingly, these monthly gatherings also serve an important function as support groups for the participants.
Though the Professional Development Subcommittee has an important role to play in encouraging excellence in ministry, everyone in the conference is part of the "village" that is needed to insure that all of our authorized ministers take advantage of the resources that can help make their ministries faithful and effective. The PDS hopes that every UCC member and congregation will show support for the professional development of ministers by encouraging clergy to attend appropriate events and by providing the time and financial resources to make that possible.
PDS Members: Rev. Sandy Johnson (chair), Diane Gardner, Rev. T. Michael Rock, Greg Meland, Rev. Rick Wagner (Conference Staff), Rev. Glen Herrington-Hall (representing United Theological Seminary), and Rev. Helen McEvoy-Freese (representing the Committee on Ministry)
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More than ever today
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Colleagues across the Minnesota Conference,
Today's Stillspeaking Devotional ( www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional) speaks powerfully about the situation in Moore, Oklahoma. Mary Luti, Visiting Professor of Worship and Preaching at Andover Newton Theological School writes:
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. - 1 Corinthians 16: 26
"If you pray, pray more than ever today, for many people in the town of Moore are unable to utter a single word to God in their shock and sorrow. Their hearts are locked down today. Your prayer may be the prayer they would say if they could.
If you cling to God, cling more than ever today, for the trust of some people in Moore is as shattered as flattened schools and the bodies of children. Their arms are limp today. Your clinging might be the clinging they would do if they could.
If you hope, hope more than ever today, for some people in Moore are wondering with Job why they were ever born and whether life can be good again. Their eyes cannot find the horizon today. Your hope may be the light they would see if they could.
If you love, love more than ever today, for many in Moore have nothing left but each other. They have only their love for each other. Love, the great survivor, is all that remains to them. Enrich, strengthen, and sweeten it with your own. It will return to you when you need it most. We are one body."
One way to express our love for our sisters and brothers in Moore is to give generously to support the United Church of Christ response. To learn more visit: www.ucc.org/disaster/oklahoma-tornados.html. Please pray for the people and communities impacted by tornados/storms and please give generously to support our UCC disaster response ministries. Thank you!
Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers
Conference Minister
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Joys and Concerns
| 1. 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.
2. A service celebrating the same-sex marriage bill held at Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Duluth was featured in an article in the Duluth News Tribune. Many of our Duluth UCCers are mentioned including Rev. Jack Kemp and Rev. Charlotte Frantz. Read the whole article here.
 3. Congratulations to the Rev. John R. Guttermann, Minister in Covenant with the United Church of Christ in New Brighton and Co-Chair of the Conference Justice and Witness Ministry Team! John has been selected by Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ to be one of two people who will receive the 2013 Justice Leadership Award for a Social Prophet. John will be honored at the Justice and Witness Ministries banquet at the 29th General Synod on Friday evening, June 28th at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Here is what was said in John's nomination: "For the past two years John has worked tirelessly and without remuneration for justice, particularly migrant and immigrant justice. As the Volunteer Liaison to Faith Communities for The Advocates for Human Rights, each week John speaks to several congregations or community organizations. To amplify his work, he has purchased more than a dozen videos (with their license to show to public groups) about immigration issues, including Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth. In addition, he purchased projector, speaker and screen so that groups without those resources can benefit from the films. All engagements are free and if gratuities are offered, they are donated to The Advocates for Human Rights. "John has been a resource person for the Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis ISAIAH core team on immigration issues and was funded by their Foundation for additional training. He is one of the founders of the Minnesota Conference Immigration Team, which he now serves as a resource. He has numerous ecumenical and interfaith connections with Muslim and Jewish organizations. With the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (ICOM), he has worked on policy and led multiple interfaith visits to members of Congress to advocate for immigration reform. "John is also ICOM's lead for Conversations with Friends, an interfaith, in-person visit program to civil immigrant detainees at the Ramsey County Jail, and he is instrumental in the effort to expand the program to other detention centers. Conversations with Friends is now part of a Community Support Initiative led by the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and funded by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. John is a core leader of a new national visit organization, Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC). - In 2012, John received The Advocates for Human Rights Volunteer Recognition Award.
- He has been instrumental in bringing resolutions on immigration reform and action to each of the last several Annual meetings of the MN Conference.
- He drafted the original resolution that has become the Prophetic Voices (advocacy/organizing) initiative of the MN Conference. Prophetic Voices was significant in defeating the proposed Voter ID Amendment to the MN Constitution.
- He participated in Justice LED training in Cleveland and brought this training to the Minnesota Conference.
- He was part of the planning team for the Minnesota Council of Churches Minnesotans Standing Together 9-11-11 event.
- He is an ardent environmentalist and former treasurer on the Board of Directors of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light.
- He is a strong advocate for gun violence prevention, leading an effort to link the Justice and witness Team with Protect MN."
John is a tireless advocate for justice. This is a "round the clock," full-time endeavor for him, and he does it all as a volunteer. He would want us to note that he is able to do so because of the personal and financial support of his spouse, Dawn Schilling (Board of Directors Liaison to the Personnel Committee and member of the Conference Transition Team) and the support of the United Church of Christ in New Brighton. Thanks be to God for this Social Prophet in our midst! Let us rejoice in his recognition by the whole United Church of Christ at General Synod 29. 4. Congratulations to the Rev. Oby Ballinger (Community UCC, St. Paul Park, pictured at left) and to the Rev. Alison Killeen (First Congregational Church of MN, UCC, Minneapolis, pictured below) who have been accepted into the Collegeville Institute Fellows Program! This 22-month program aims to bring together an ecumenical group of approximately 12 participants with professionals from other sectors of Minnesota society (education, business, health care, criminal justice, social services) toward the goal of helping to strengthen these church leaders' sense of themselves as civic leaders and public theologians. The goals are: -
 Sharpened skills at social analysis and theological reflection; - Expanded horizons concerning the community for which they see themselves responsible as leaders; and
- Increased confidence as active participants in conversations about matters of public import.
Fellows will attend eight cohort meetings, two at the beautiful, lakeside apartments of the Collegeville Institute and six at the Minnesota Humanities Center near Lake Phalen in St. Paul. They will receive a $4000 stipend. All travel costs relating to meetings will be covered.  5. Congratulations to Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers, who was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree honoris causa by United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities at its 51st Commencement on Sunday, May 19. This honorary degree is bestowed to recognize creative and formative contributions to the edification of the Church. Here is what was said about Karen:
 "The Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers has made formative contributions to the edification of the church through teaching and directing academic programs and serving on the Board at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, working with church leaders at the North Central Ministry Development Center, serving as interim pastor of congregations in transition, and most recently serving as Conference Minister of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. In that role she has skillfully navigated the rough waters of ecclesial and social change, nurturing current and future leaders for the church, promoting innovation and excellence, and advocating for justice, diversity and equal opportunity in the Minnesota Conference and the wider denomination."
Karen was the Commencement speaker. 6. Community UCC in Biwabik will celebrate the 40th anniversary of ordination for Rev. Rod Slessor on Sunday, June 2 at 9:30am. Son, Patrick Slessor, a licensed minister in Iowa, will preach. A potluck meal will follow the service. The church is located at 501 Main St, Biwabik. |
News from the Conference Minister Search Team
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Greetings from the Search Team! We have finished conducting an initial round of phone interviews with our most promising candidates. In reviewing each candidates materials, considering the job description for the Conference Minister, and reflecting on the phone interviews, we managed to narrow the candidate list to three finalists. The three finalists have each gone through a motivational assessment with the search consulting agency we are utilizing, SIMA International.
Our next step in the process is interviewing each candidate in person and coordinating some additional assessments with North Central Ministry Development Center. This will happen the last week of May! The assessments are used as a tool to provide additional information regarding each candidate and give us a fuller idea of how they might function as a conference minister; it is not a determinative tool. Once we complete this round of interviews, and consider each person in regards to their interviews and materials, we are optimistic that a finalist will emerge. We will put forth our recommendation to the Board of Directors at that time.
This has been a positive process in which we have had contact with outstanding individuals. We hope you join us in the spirit of prayer and optimism as we enter this next stage! |
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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Here is what will be in ALL packets in hard copy:
1. Campus map
2. Rules and Procedures
3. Glossary of terms
4. Agenda
5. Proposed, revised bylaws
6. Nominating slate
7. Proposed 2014 Budget
8. Workshop schedule
9. Celebrating God's Goodness booklet
10. Evaluation
11. Skill Bank form
Here is what will only be available by download or in a purchased supplemental packet:
1. 2012 Annual Meeting minutes
2. Proposed Compensation Guidelines
3. Resolution on divestment from fossil fuels
4. 2013 Annual Reports booklet
Click here to be directed to the library of these documents - get a sneak peek, or pick up the ones you want to download! Item are being added frequently! Questions? Contact Alison at alisonb@uccmn.org.
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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! Justice & Witness Annual Meeting recognitions still being accepted!
There are four recognitions for your new and continuing work for justice in the Minnesota Conference UCC:
 1. *NEW* - Prophetic Voices Recognition
2. Accessibility Recognition
3. Earthwise Recognition4. Just Peace Click here for the one application for all recognitions. The application also explains eligibility. Do remember to provide three digital photos showing your work! Final deadline for all applications are due May 31. (Note: the due date for inclusion in the Conference recognition booklet has passed - May 17.) Questions? Contact Co-Chair Rev. John Guttermann, 651-485-3104 or intpasj@mac.com
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Peace Fund Grants
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Peace Fund Grants are for growing the mission and ministry capability of Conference congregations and members, and for adding to the justice-prophetic mission capacity of congregation or individual applicants. Here's an update on the Fund.
 In implementing the Prophetic Voices campaign approved by the 2012 Annual Meeting, the Justice and Witness Team promotes training organizers within the Conference. The Team recently approved the first "organizer training" grant. A grant to First UCC Northfield will help three of their members attend week-long organizer training this summer. We celebrate this action in implementing the Conference Justice Core Value of "serving with compassion and advocating with passion [in seeking] a more just and peaceful world."
Three other recent grants went to young church leaders - Aaron Lauer, Rev. Alison Killeen, and Laura Beth Gatzke - to attend Ecumenical Advocacy Day training in Washington, D.C. They met with leaders from other denominations around the country to discuss and practice advocacy on hunger.
A shining star Earthwise congregation, a model in stewardship of creation and wise and efficient use of energy, St Paul's UCC, St Paul, received a grant that along with rebates will allow them to complete a controls program to minimize its carbon footprint through reducing fossil fuel consumption. Way to go St Paul's!
Here's where you can find out more about contributing to the Peace Fund and seeking grants from the Fund.
If you have questions or comments for the Justice & Witness Team contact us at mnconfjusticewitnessteam@gmail.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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It is as you will
from Dwight Wagenius, Co-Chair, Justice & Witness Team
"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live." -Deuteronomy 30: 15, 19
Hey, I pay attention to what people are saying about climate change - and a lot of people are talking about it. Some of them know what they're talking about, others don't. I like to listen to people who know more than me.
I read the daily Still Speaking Devotional religiously, so to speak, because it is a good discipline and occasionally truly inspiring. On May 16, the following devotional written by Rev. Martin B. Copenhaver, Senior Pastor of Village Church UCC in Wellesley, Massachusetts, stopped me in my tracks. "People of faith and faith communities can play a unique role in addressing the environmental crisis. That does not mean we will, however. There is a story about a Zen master who is known for his wisdom, for always having the right answer to difficult questions. Then comes a day when one of his prideful disciples decides to challenge the master. He holds a small bird in his closed hand and asks, 'Master, is the bird alive or dead?' The question is intended to be a trap. If the master says that the bird is alive, the disciple can merely crush it in his hand, place the bird at the feet of the master and say, 'No, you are wrong. The bird is dead.' And if the master says, 'The bird is dead,' the disciple can then prove the master wrong by opening his hand and letting the bird fly away. The master pauses, and then repeats the question: 'Is the bird alive or dead?' And then he adds: 'It is as you will.' It seems to me that also is the appropriate answer, and perhaps the only answer, to the question: 'Is our earthly home as we know it on its way to extinction or to new life?' 'It is as you will,' says our Master." May we, in real and concrete ways, choose the way of life rather than death, both for ourselves and for creation. (dailydevotional@ucc.org)
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Organizer Training and Grants!
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Prophetic Voices - Organizer Training & Grants
from Rev. John Guttermann, Justice & Witness Team
Hone your Prophetic Voice skills by becoming a trained faith based organizer. This year's ISAIAH-PICO training is Sunday, August 11 through Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Mankato City Center Hotel, 101 E Main St, Mankato, MN. It is best if congregations send at least two people. For more information and to register, click here. You are not required to become an ISAIAH-MN congregation in order to participate in this training. In addition, as part of your Minnesota Conference Prophetic Voices initiative, your Justice and Witness Team offers grant money that can cover all or a part of the training. For a short form grant application, click here.
Consider, too, attending an organizer training program at the Midwest Academy (click for more information).
Both trainings are excellent: for information about some differences, contact Rev. John Guttermann, 651 485-3104; intpasj@mac.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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Clergy Clusters in the coming week
| South Central Cluster: Tuesday, May 28, 2:00pm
Federated Church, Morris
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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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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
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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
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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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