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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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It's Annual Meeting time!
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! 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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Joys and Concerns
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1. The former site of Spirit of the Lakes UCC in Minneapolis is being transformed! Spirit on Lake, a unique affordable housing project, is under construction at 13th Ave. S. and E. Lake St. in Minneapolis and is now accepting applications for residents.
organization connects with over 500 households each year, providing affordable housing, educational workshops, one-on-one pre-purchase counseling, and foreclosure counseling.
The building will include 46 affordable one and two-bedroom apartments, underground parking, a fitness room, and a community room with full kitchen. On the ground floor, 2,700 square feet of commercial space will be the new home of Quatrefoil Library, one of the few libraries in the country specializing in materials for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender patrons (GLBT).
Spirit on Lake began as the result of the vision of GLBT Generations and the United Church of Christ congregation then called Spirit of the Lakes Church (now Living Table UCC).
The church was interested in better using their Lake Street property to serve the broader GLBT community; GLBT generations was delving into issues of aging for the first generation of openly out gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender elders. That originating focus is what has made this project unique in the Upper Midwest.
GLBT Generations, Living Table UCC and Quatrefoil will host a Pre-Pride Party for GLBT seniors on the Spirit on Lake site on Friday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as a prelude to Twin Cities Pride which runs June 29 - 30, 2013. Follow this link to learn more!
2. An Ecclesiastical Council for Ashley Harness will be held Monday, June 17 at 10:00am at Living Table UCC (4001 38th Ave S, Minneapolis). A light lunch will follow the ecclesiastical council. To ensure a quorum, please RSVP to the church at 612-729-7556. You may indicate at that time whether you plan to stay for lunch.
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June Ordination Anniversaries
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On the day of an ordination, the people of God gather together to celebrate the call of an individual into ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. In that ceremony, the people pledge to uphold and support the new Reverend's ministry in and with the church. As such, you are encouraged to celebrate the following ordination anniversaries this month with and in honor of these individuals:Rev. James Parker - June 1954
Rev. James Koch - June 1956
Rev. Truman Stehr - June 1957
Rev. James Dahlgren - June 1958
Rev. Clark Miller - June 1959
Rev. Willard Albertson - June 1960
Rev. Clem Wagstrom - June 1964
Rev. Jerry Barnhart - June 1965
Rev. Lyle Norris - June 1966
Rev. Gary Stoos - June 1970
Rev. Ruth Beck - June 1970
Rev. Richard Gerber - June 1972
Rev. John Pegg - June 1973
Rev. Allan Vrieze - June 1974
Rev. Dan Batson - June 1984
Rev. Elizabeth Mahan - June 1998
Rev. Daniel Schmeichen - 01 June 1958
Rev. Ruthann Magler - 01 June 1980
Rev. Donald Storm - 03 June 1957
Rev. Norma Rae Hunt - 03 June 1984
Rev. Joanne Williamsen - 03 June 1984
Rev. Tim Berg - 04 June 1978
Rev. David Crum - 04 June 1978
Rev. Ronald Hunt - 05 June 1988
Rev. Kathleen Remund - 05 June 2011
Rev. Charlotte Frantz - 06 June 1975
Rev. Doug Allen - 07 June 1964
Rev. Thomas George - 07 June 1970
Rev. Tim Johnson - 08 June 1980
Rev. Victor Vriesen - 09 June 1953
Rev. Keith Tussing - 09 June 1974
Rev. James Pennington - 09 June 1985
Rev. Ray Ahrens - 10 June 1955
Rev. Marion Pocker - 10 June 1960
Rev. Daniel VanderPloeg - 10 June 1962
Rev. Lanny Kuester - 10 June 1979
Rev. Jeff Palmer - 10 June 1984
Rev. Deb Celley - 10 June 1990
Rev. Gary Kasten - 12 June 1966
Rev. Allen Hilton - 12 June 2005
Rev. Glen Herrington-Hall - 13 June 1982
Rev. Abigail Henderson - 13 June 2010
Rev. James Clausen - 14 June 1979
Rev. Bonnie Forsman - 15 June 2008
Rev. Walter Koch - 16 June 1963
Rev. Richard Waters - 17 June 1973
Rev. Muriel Pool Hachfeld - 18 June 1978
Rev. Arthur Rouner - 19 June 1954
Rev. Marcus Cox - 19 June 1966
Rev. Hal Spann - 19 June 1977
Rev. Douglas Federhart - 19 June 2011
Rev. David Martens - 20 June 1965
Rev. John Longley - 21 June 1953
Rev. Tom Lammers - 22 June 1969
Rev. John Roschen - 23 June 1963
Rev. Paul Burgess - 23 June 1985
Rev. Jane Millikan - 23 June 1987
Rev. Bob Griggs - 24 June 1973
Rev. Catherine Duncan - 25 June 2010
Rev. Richard Scheerer - 26 June 1966
Rev. LaDonna Benes - 26 June 1988
Rev. Rick Wagner - 27 June 1982
Rev. Keith Weber - 28 June 1970
Rev. Helen McEvoy-Freese - 29 June 1980
Rev. Shari Mason - 30 June 2002
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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."
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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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: North Shore)
- July 26-28 (Available: 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)
Deadline for reserving a weekend is June 12.
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Mission 4/1 Earth Update
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Great News! The Mission 4/1 Earth 100,000 tree planting goal
has been exceeded.
The following Minnesota cities have been found on the Tree Map: Birchdale, Brainerd, Elk River, Hutchinson, Bloomington, St. Paul, Gaylord, LeSueur, Northfield, Cannon Falls, Fairbault, and Winona. If your congregation planted trees and you do not see your city listed, please make sure your accomplishments have been reported on the www.ucc.org/earth web site.
If your congregation planted trees and you don't find your city listed, make sure credit is taken toward our goals.
Check with your team and be sure to record your activities.
The window is still open to record your actions, per the national campaign leaders you have at least until mid-June to enter your hours/trees/letters to have them counted in the totals.
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A Resolution to Divest from Fossil Fuel Companies
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Final Words
from Dwight Wagenius and Rev. John Guttermann,
Co-Chairs, Justice & Witness Team
Two weeks ago, the radio show This American Life did an episode on climate change, dedicating a third of the program to Bill McKibben, his Do The Math tour, and the fossil fuel divestment movement. Listen here: 350.org/TAL.
The final words:
- In Genesis we have the story of creation, that it was very good, and that we have a mandate to exercise our dominion over, our responsibility to, and our accountability for all God's creation.
- The buildup of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is changing our climate and will wreck the world as we know it if we don't respond effectively and now.
- We must minimize our carbon footprints at a faster rate.
- 350 parts per million is the safe long-term upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- The world just passed 400 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- The world's governments have agreed that 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees F.) is the limit on the rise is global temperature to stay near 350 PPM CO2.
- The limit on total CO2 in the atmosphere to stay below 2 deg. C. is 565 gigatons of CO2.
- The fossil fuel industry has 2795 gigatons of CO2 in ready reserves, five times what can be safely burned.
- The fossil fuel companies are using their tremendous political power to resist change.
- Divestment will counteract that political power and force necessary changes.
- As people of faith we are called to reconsider our own participation in the destruction of creation caused by the extraction, processing, and burning of fossil fuels, and ACT.
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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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Volunteers still needed in Minot, ND
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Please see below the latest information from Hope Village in Minot, ND. There are 100 homes still in need of repair - long term recovery is indeed a long term process... it is almost 2 years since the floods and the work to repair continues. Please share this information in your Conferences encouraging people to consider a trip to Minot. There is a UCC church in the middle of Minot that will house volunteers; good facility; great congregation. This web link will take you to the information/registration page. Thanks for your continuing support of disaster ministries.
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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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Discerning Whiteness:
The Unacknowledged Barrier
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What qualities often make predominantly white organizations, no matter how well-intentioned, problematic for people of color? What are the mindset and practices contributing to racial disparities in the membership and outcomes of organizations, even liberal, progressive ones? How are these played out at the individual level and in the organizations of which we are a part?
Come join the dialogue at a two-day ASDIC workshop, as we explore these questions after taking the opportunity to study some of the leading ideas in the field of antiracism (Zeus Leonardo 2009 and Joe Feagin 2013). Dates: Friday July 19 and Saturday July 20, full day sessions each day with lunch and refreshments. Cost: see schedule attached; $125 per individual participant with scholarships available. Location: the West Side of St. Paul. For more info, see the flyer and registration form.
This workshop is offered by the award-winning ASDIC Metamorphosis program. "ASDIC" stands for Antiracism Study-Dialogue Circle, www.asdic-circle.org, facebook.com/AsdicCircle. FFI: Margery at margeryotto@gmail.com or 952-334-3149.
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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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Employment Opportunities
| Are you planning a CROP Walk this autumn? Before you order t-shirts or balloons, please contact the Federated UCC/UMC in Morris, MN; lots of shirts, balloons, and other items from previous CROP Walks! Contact uccumc@fedtel.net or 320-589-1153.
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