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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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Special Meeting of the Minnesota Conference UCC
June 22, 2013 | Results! Welcome to the Minnesota Conference UCC, Rev. Shari Prestemon!
We are thrilled to announce that the delegates gathered at the Special Meeting on June 22, 2013 unanimously voted (86-0) to extend a call to the Rev. Sharon (Shari) Prestemon to be our next Conference Minister. Thirty-seven churches were represented at the gathering at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Maple Lake that included music led by Gigi Nauer, an introduction of Rev. Prestemon from co-chairs of the Search Committee Rev. Dr. Jeff Palmer and Conee Biggs, an address from Rev. Prestemon, a question and answer period and a cookies-and-punch reception time. Thank you to all who came on Saturday, and a special thanks to the members of Bethlehem UCC for being such gracious and welcoming hosts!
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General Synod 29
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Our delegates will fly out on Friday morning to Long Beach, California to participate in the 29th General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Minnesota Conference is well represented by 19 outstanding individuals from across the state. Please support these delegates and all those traveling to General Synod 29 with your prayers.
Information about the General Synod is available at www.ucc.org/synod. When General Synod is in session (plenary, worship, etc.), a live feed will be available on your computer. To access this go to General Synod Webcast. _______________________
To the Minnesotans traveling to General Synod: You are invited to join the Minnesota delegation at the Auld Dubliner pub near the convention center in Long Beach, CA on Sunday, June 30 at 5:30pm for dinner and socializing. Plan to meet in the exhibition hall B to see Rev. Allen Hilton of Wayzata Community Church receive an Excellence in Education award at 5:00, and all will walk over to the restaurant together. Hope you can make it! _______________________
Meet your delegates!
Rev. Damen Heitmann , First United Church, Little Falls
Pastor of First United Church (UCC/UMC), graduate of Wartburg College (IA) & United Theological Seminary. Damen serves on the Nominating Work Group for the Minnesota Conference. In his community, he is a member of the Campus Green Committee at Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Board of Directors Morrison County Habitat for Humanity, Community Men's Chorale. Damen brings to this position: "A passionate perspective that is excited about the future of the Church (and specifically the UCC). I am quick to embrace creativity and innovation that is guided by sound and just theology."
Mark Scott, St. Anthony Park UCC, St. Paul
Mark is a software developer and graduate of Carleton College. His local church involvement includes: former moderator, chair of pastoral search committee, and multiple other volunteer roles including Leadership, Growth, Stewardship, Christian Education, delegate to Conference Annual Meeting. In his community, Mark is a past chair YMCA Camp Widjiwagan community board, treasurer for 2 non-profits in the past; current chair of site council Saint Paul Public School Open World Learning Community 6-12. To this position as a General Synod delegate, he brings: collaborative leadership, familiarity with Conference's work and the general structure/governance of UCC; dedication to service work; good listener & communicator; lifelong UCCer.
Nick Johnson, Peace UCC, Rochester
A recent graduate of Century High School, Nick has worked as a loyal employee at HyVee for over a year, is involved in his local church through the youth group, musical/skit help and participation, he assists with worship service logistics (cameras, sound, communion), and volunteers in the dishroom/kitchen. In the wider church Nick has attended many youth events - Pilgrim Point Camp, National Youth Event, General Synod, etc. In his community, Nick has been involved in National Honor Society and tutoring his friends. Nick brings his
sports team and classroom leadership, his ability to weigh options and see best courses of action, and open-mindedness to this position.
Rev. Kristy May, Circles of Faith UCC, Waubun
Following 13 years as an RN, Kristy earned an M.Div., and took 7 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (serving 1 year as hospital chaplain-intern). For 9 years she served as a chaplain ministering to persons with cognitive, intellectual, and other developmental disabilities. In the wider church, Kristy holds past memberships in CHHSM and UCC Professional Chaplains and Counselors (UCCPCC), was a resource team member at Kamp Kaleo/Nebraska, and MMSUCC/Eastern Association Program Committee. In her community, Kristy is involved in a local (ecumenical) lectionary group, Mahnomen Ministerium, Mahnomen Area Health Cabinet, Mahnomen GFWC (aka "The Library Club"), and Waubun-area Bone-Builders. She also co-teaches Mahnomen Release Time with an ELCA colleague. Rev. May brings to this position her experience as an RN giving care to those with chronic or debilitating illness, including those HIV+ & with AIDS in the 1980s, counselor and director for camps for adults with developmental disabilities, work camp assistant at Emmaus Homes/Marthasville campus, interfacing with work campers from around the country.
Shirley Hoff, Peace UCC, St. Cloud
Before her disability-retirement, Shirley was a product merchandiser for Kimberly Clark and an independent AVON representative for 25 years, and is a graduate of St. Cloud State University. In her local church she is a member of the Reach Out committee Mary Hannah Circle, and Peace Church Quilters. In the wider church, Shirley was a member of Board of World Ministries at age 18. In her community, Shirley is a volunteer in the media center at Madison Elementary School, RSVP Readers Theater, Multiple Sclerosis Support Group/Opportunity Manor Liaison, and she acquires about 3,000 books to give away to students at free summer picnics each year. What Shirley brings to this position: she is a good speaker who substitutes for the pastor on occasion, frequent delegate to annual Conference meetings, and she has "always wanted to go to General Synod."
Emily Olson, Union Congregational UCC, Elk River
Emily is a recent graduate from Bemidji State University, is a lifelong member of Union, former Christian Education Board member, Sunday School teacher, and volunteer during weekends visiting from college. In the wider church Emily has attended 7 Conference and 1 Regional Youth Events, served on the Conference Youth Ministries Team, has been involved in planning and leading CYEs, and has been an Annual Meeting Delegate. In her community, Emily has been involved in Feed my Starving Children, A Night on the Street, CAER (local food shelf) volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer, and a nursing home visitor. What does Emily bring to this position? "Through my everyday life and working with children while earning my degree in elementary education, I have taken the values that I have gained from being an active member or my home church to my everyday life - I value the importance of what our church does, and [its] important mission in the community."
Rev. Nancy Swanson, Cherokee Park United Church, St. Paul
Nancy is an Interim Ministry Specialist in the United Church of Christ. She is a graduate of Winona State & United Theological Seminary, with accreditation in the Interim Ministry Network & Restorative Justice Conferencing and Circle training. At Cherokee Park UCC, she volunteers with Building Blocks Tutorial, and does occasional pulpit supply.
Rev. Michael Wasylik, Olivet Congregational UCC, St. Paul
Pastor of Olivet Congregational UCC, St. Paul, and graduate of Chicago Theological Seminary & The Center For Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago. Michael's wider church involvement includes co-chair of the Church and Ministry Committee, Chicago Metropolitan Association, and membership on the Minnesota Conference's Development Committee. His skills include: 10 years as hospital chaplain, pastoral counselor, executive, questioner, prodder, doer, musician, father of two children.
Rev. Sharon James Fazel, First Congregational UCC, Anoka
Serving as co-pastor with her spouse, Chris, the Fazels have been at First in Anoka for more than 10 years. Sharon graduated from Hamline University, Ohio University in Athens, OH, and United Theological Seminary. Her involvement in the community includes the Anoka Chamber of Commerce, the City of Anoka Ministerium, and the Alexandra House (women & children's shelter). She has had extensive work in conducting consensus organization of issues and events planning for MN Conference Annual Meeting. She was a major participant with local church leadership in initiating and conducting a building campaign and $1.2 million capital campaign for major renovation of local church building.
Rev. Barbara Martin, First Congregational UCC, Cannon Falls
Barbara earned her M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA (2008). She is involved with Board of Directors of The Shepherd's Center of Cannon Valley (a non-profit organization promoting lifelong community involvement through intergenerational, interfaith activities which promote significant purpose and meaning for fruitful lives); vice-president of the Community Churches Interaction Council, Cannon Falls. She has a desire to participate in the decision-making process of the General Synod, to further her skills and knowledge for her pastorate, to offer her support for the ministry of the UCC to the world and to share in the enthusiastic evangelism with a denomination that is courageous, inclusive, and radically-loving.
Rev. Dan Batson, Community UCC, Walker
Dan is the pastor in Walker, and has degrees from University of Minnesota and United Theological Seminary. He has been a member of the Conference Evangelism Committee. Dan attended '85, '95 and '09 General Synods as a visitor, and is "interested in the covenantal workings of the denomination at the national/conference/local settings."
Rev. T. Michael Rock, Robbinsdale UCC, Robbinsdale
T. Michael earned his M. Div. from Andover Newton Theological School, and in the years he has been at Robbinsdale UCC he has become an active volunteer in the community and the MN Conference. He is an Educator/Trainer/Author of Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and Our Faith curricula and Creating a Culture of Peace - Nonviolence for Personal and Social Change. He has attended more than a dozen General Synods and understands the commitment and community that makes the national setting work.
Stacy Kehrwald, Chapel Hills UCC, Edina
Stacy is employed by Eden Prairie Schools--Community Education. Local church: 21-year member, taught in the Sunday School 15+ years, currently a Deacon, Curator Committee, Pastoral Relations, and Women's Fellowship. Stacy's involvement in her community includes: assisting in Adults with Disabilities and Feed My Starving Children. She brings a special dimension to this position-a fourth-generation UCC member: "My great grandparents, John and Martha Stacy, were among the first Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) converts to Christianity [in] the Reformed side of the UCC family."
(Due to health concerns, Stacy is unable to attend at the last minute. Diane Haines has been selected to be her alternate. Diane is a member of Mayflower UCC in Minneapolis, and also serves as a member of the Immigration Team for the Minnesota Conference UCC, and the ISAIAH Core Team at Mayflower UCC. Diane is a co-producer of the film Gold Fever with her husband, Thom Haines. Diane was already planning on attending this year's General Synod with Thom who represents the Minnesota Conference UCC on the National UCC's Wider Church Ministries.)
Karen Peterson, Peace United Church, Long Prairie
Karen's local church participation includes service as a council
member with the responsibilities of treasurer, secretary and
chairperson during the last nineteen years. I am currently serving on
the Peace United Council as a member at large and as a delegate to
the Minnesota Conference UCC Annual Meeting. Her goal for
participation as a delegate is to gain a deeper understanding of and
commitment to the United Church of Christ and its missions.
Hans Simons, Falcon Heights UCC, Falcon Heights
Hans is employed at Fairview Southdale Hospital in respiratory care, utilizing his training in that field at University of Minnesota - Crookston. In his community, Hans is involved in the Hamline-Midway Elders (A living at home Block Nurse Program) and Fairview Foundation (Medical Missions in the US and abroad). His moderator experience and political involvement as delegate to his party's state convention have given him experience in debate and mediation, budget planning and electing officials.
Bradley Tadlock, First Congregational UCC, Sherburn
With two degrees in agricultural engineering from the University of Illinois, Brad is a project engineer for AGCO - Jackson Operations where he is the leader of an 11 person team. He has served as president of his congregation, and has been highly involved since 2008 in the shared ministry board with the former yoke with Granada UCC (now closed). "I look forward to serving the church in this capacity."
Justin Tucker, First Congregational UCC, Wadena
Justin is excited to serve as a delegate to this year's General Synod. A student at St. Thomas University, he works part-time at the Target store in Roseville. In his local church he has performed special music and attended youth events. Justin's involvement in his community includes sings and plays instrumentally every year for the Empty Stocking Fund and Jingle Bells telethon to raise money for families who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford a Christmas. His excitement is captured in this statement: "I'm a quick learner and am a huge people person. I love meeting new people and am very charismatic in doing so. I haven't been as involved with the church as I'd like to, and am hoping to be more so now and here on out."
Hannah Tower, Mizpah UCC, Hopkins
Hannah is a graduate from Concordia College in Moorhead. In her local church she has helped with Sunday school and the After School Program for three years, and participated in the youth group and mission trips. She was in the National Honor Society in high school that completed many different community service activities. She was a counselor at Pilgrim Point Camp for the Tenderfoot Camp. "I am a very organized person, committed to serving and helping the community. I strongly believe in many of the UCC beliefs even though they may be controversial. Also, I am passionate about continuing the strength and acceptance of the UCC community. I work well with others and look forward to meeting the other delegates. I have been an active member in the UCC for as long as I can remember and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Rev. Cindy Mueller, Bethlehem UCC, Maple Lake
Educated at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and Chicago Theological Seminary, Cindy has served as an installed/permanent pastor as well as an intentional interim. Currently, she's interim pastor at First Congregational UCC in Hutchinson. In her local church she has served as an adult advisor with the youth group on a mission trip and participant in a fellowship group. In her community, Cindy has been involved in her local school district's curriculum development and review committee & a participant in a political campaign. She feels her interim ministry experience in rural, suburban and small town churches, some facing varying levels of conflict, has given her an appreciation for churches in a variety of settings and will serve her well. She believes she has "the ability to empower people to find common ground."
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Joys and Concerns
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1. At a special congregational meeting on June 23rd, The Congregational UCC of Rochester, Minnesota voted to call the Rev. Teresa Roberts as Senior Minister. Rev. Roberts, a minister of the Presbyterian Church USA, most recently served as Interim Minister at Community Presbyterian Church in Rochester. She formerly served as an Associate Minister at Wayzata Community Church where she had dual standing in the UCC. Her new ministry begins on July 15.
2. Peace UCC in St. Cloud held a farewell service and dinner for the retiring Rev. Hal Spann on Sunday, June 23. Rev. Spann has served at Peace UCC since August 1999. His last day as pastor of Peace UCC will be June 30.
3. St. Peter's UCC in Stillwater and Rev. Nancy Swanson have entered into a covenant in which Rev. Swanson will serve St. Peter's as their interim pastor beginning July 1. Blessings as you begin your ministry together!
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Supreme Court Decisions
in Support of Marriage Equality
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The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) joins with our Open and Affirming churches, our LGBT members, and our LGBT allies in celebrating the decision today by the United States Supreme Court to overturn the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
The ruling says that DOMA violates the United States Constitution's 5th Amendment regarding equal protection.
We also celebrate with the State of California. The Supreme Court decision that the petitioners did not have standing in the case brought regarding California's Prop 8 means that the lower (district) court ruling stands and marriages are legal again in California.
The conference received an email today from UCC General Minister and President, Rev. Geoffrey Black, with these words: "Hello and Hallelujah! Congratulations to all who worked so hard on this." We are proud of our status as an Open and Affirming Conference in a Marriage Equality State!
Rev. Howard Bell
Acting Conference Minister
Take a moment to read some of the articles written by the United Church News team: UCC leaders celebrate major victory for equality in Supreme Court ruling, and A Supreme Court shift toward marriage equality.
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Justice and Witness Awards
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The Justice and Witness Team offers kudos and thanksgiving to the 14 congregations recognized at this year's Annual Meeting. A collective total of 30 certificates were given in the four recognition categories (Prophetic Voices, Accessibility, Earthwise, Just Peace). This year, to be recognized, a new or updating application had to be submitted. All 2013 honorees (with one known exception) received a certificate of recognition in each of the categories for which they were recognized (or, if not picked up, it was mailed after the meeting).  | | 2013 Annual Meeting Recognitions |
There have been questions from those receiving 2012 certificates: that was not a mistake, it corrected an oversight from last year when certificates were not awarded. If there are questions or corrections, please contact John Guttermann, intpasj@mac.com |
In support of CTUL
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In support of Centro de Trabajadores
Unidos en Lucha
from Rev. John Guttermann, Justice & Witness Team
 In 2011, the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ passed a resolution supporting "CTUL's [Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (Center of Workers United in Struggle)] campaign for fair pay, dignified working conditions, and justice in their places of employment. (quote from resolutions summary of intent). The Resolution called for a number of specific supporting actions that were completed by the Conference Minister and your Justice and Witness Team.
CTUL began in 2005 as a project of Workers' Interfaith Network (WIN) with the goal of supporting low-wage workers who are facing workplace issues such as unjust firings or wage theft. To our knowledge, we are the only state denomination that has formally supported the workers of CTUL.
Since 2011, CTUL has continued organizing and last week marked the beginning of a strike against Target's contract cleaning services. The strike is for better working conditions, wages, and benefits. Unionized workers at Target headquarters are paid nearly $14 per hour plus benefits, while those employed by Target's low wage contract services companies are paid about $8.50 per hour without benefits (source: click here for Huffington Post article).
For more information about the strike and to support the workers: http://ctul.net.
Click here to view the resolution.
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Pride Festival!
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 Planning for another great year at the Twin Cities Pride Festival is going well, but we could use your help with the following items.
1. The festival organizers are being very strict on parade group size limits this year, and we must walk with no more than 100 people. If your church intends to march, you must send us an estimate of how many people will be attending so we can ensure we don't exceed our limit. Our theme this year is "The United Church of Christ: A History of Love and Inclusion."
2. There are still lots of open slots to fill staffing the booth on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. If you are interested, please contact us. Your group does not have to be large - one or two people are plenty although more are always welcome.
3. With legal marriage for LGBT couples starting in August, we would like to have information onsite at the Pride Booth regarding clergy, both active and retired, who would be willing to speak with couples about marriage ceremonies and premarital counseling. If you, or if you know another pastor, would like to be included on this list, please email me the following information:
Full Name
Contact Information (email and phone)
Location
Please send all information to event coordinator Kim Graff at graff.ka@gmail.com or to the UCC Coalition at ucccoalitionmn@gmail.com.
Thanks for all your help making the weekend a success.
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During the planning for the 2013 Pride celebration, it has become apparent that many of the email addresses the Coalition uses to contact churches and staff within churches are outdated. If your congregation or you as an individual would like to receive future communications from the Coalition on activities and events, including Pride 2014, please send an email to ucccoalitionmn@gmail.com. If you are getting the emails already, we will not remove you from our contacts without your approval.
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UCC Health Plan Rates for 2014
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UCC Health Plan Contribution Rates
to Remain Unchanged for 2014 Plan Year
Grace to you and peace!
The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ is pleased to announce that 2014 contribution rates for UCC Health Plans, which include the UCC Non-Medicare Health Plan and the UCC Medicare Supplement Plan with Rx, will remain unchanged from 2013 levels. The 2014 Plan Year begins on January 1, 2014.
We hope this early communication will assist those churches/employers and self-pay participants that have already begun preparing their 2014 budgets.
Please feel free to contact me directly by email at floiacono@pbucc.org or toll-free at 1.800.642.6543, ext. 2870, if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you for your service to the United Church of Christ.
Frank Loiacono
Director, Health Plan Operations
Pension Boards UCC
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Southeast Cluster: Tuesday, July 2, 11:30am
Peace UCC, Rochester
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Service of Farewell & Reception
for Rev. Elena Larssen
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 You are invited!
Thursday, July 25, 4:30-6:30pm
Farewell for Rev. Elena Larssen,
Associate Conference Minister
Please join us for a brief program thanking Elena for her service to the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ, along with a Service of Farewell, followed by an appetizer and beverage reception.
St. Paul's UCC, 900 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
Please RSVP to alisonb@uccmn.org
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Registration Now Open!
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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.
Register Now!
Single room: $95* | Double room: $85*
*A generous grant from the Mayflower Foundation (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis) makes a 50% reduction in the registration fee possible for all attendees of the 2013 Fall Convocation.
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PPC&R Summer Camps
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 at
 Registration for youth camps at Pilgrim Point are open! Don't delay your registration - join 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. All participants must submit a health and medical release form before their registration is considered complete. There will also be opportunity at both camps to participate in a High and Low Ropes Challenge Course/Zipline located at a neighboring facility approximately 1.5 miles away from Pilgrim Point. Participation requires a Challenge Course Waiver and Transportation Release Form. All of these forms can be found at pilgrimpoint.org/forms. Deadline: July 15th
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
Note: Middle School Camp is for youth who have graduated from 5th-8th grades. Senior High Camp is for youth who have graduated 9th-12th grades.
Eco-Justice Training - CANCELLED
August 11-14, 2013
Unfortunately Jim Deming, the Minister for Environmental Justice
of the United Church of Christ, has resigned from his position at the national office of the UCC. At this time, we have no other options for presenters of this program and thus it has been cancelled. We are weighing options for a different Conference event during this time.
Women's Retreat
September 20-22, 2013
A Grateful Heart
Join women of the Minnesota Conference UCC for a weekend of renewing old friendships and making new ones - all while experiencing the God-filled beauty of Pilgrim Point Camp and the unmistakable presence of the Lord. "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exalt in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." - Psalm 9:1-2 Download the brochure for more information about the keynoter, breakout sessions, schedule and other general information. |
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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.
- Thursday, June 27: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
- Sunday, July 7: Evensong Service, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, July 10: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Thursday, July 11: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
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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Interim Associate Conference Minister
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The Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ seeks an Interim Associate Conference Minister, beginning late July or early August 2013. The focus of this position is church vitality, including the Conference VRV (Vitality, Renewal, Vision) program, and Conference work with multiplication churches and new & affiliating congregations. This individual will also attend to the recruitment and development of new church start pastors and the coaching of clergy and lay leaders in church vitality. Additionally, this person provides "first call" response for the churches of the southern area of the Conference and staff support for the Committee on Ministry, the Conference Vitality Team and all the Prophetic Witness Teams (ONA, Anti-Racism, Justice & Witness, Global Partnership & Immigration). A complete position description can be found by clicking here. Interested persons shall contact Marita Karlisch at 612-871-0369 or submit materials to maritak@uccmn.org or at 122 W. Franklin Ave., Suite 323, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Deadline for applications: June 28, 2013. |
Have you seen these banners?
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Have you seen these banners? The ones on the sanctuary front wall (on both sides of the cross) with roses on them? A former member of Peace United Church of Christ (St. Paul, MN) which closed in 2005, is looking to borrow these two wedding banners for her daughter's late July 2013 wedding. If they are at your church or in your possession, please contact Rev. Nancy Swanson at wiswans@comcast.net or 715-441-2829.
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