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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Wade Zick, Associate Conference Minister
of Faith Formation for Children and Youth
2013 Ashley Mission Trip Grants
This year the Minnesota Conference awarded $25,000 to 30 congregations for youth and intergenerational mission trips. Each trip varied in location, days, number of participants and the nature of the mission work based on the planning done by each local congregation. The common denominator was that youth had amazing experiences, developed new relationships and increased in their faith formation for the present times and for their future with the church. We are pleased now in this article to share some of their stories, pictures and expressions of thanks to the Conference for support.
"The Holy Spirit has been moving in our youth and adult participants since their return [from Kansas City] and a new food saving ministry has been started in our community!" - Cottage Grove UCC, Cottage Grove (pictured at right)
"We helped with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, worked in a food pantry, served food in a soup kitchen, spent time with kids at a day program, and so much more! Our time on Staten Island was eye opening for many of us and life-changing for all of us." - Falcon Heights UCC, Falcon Heights
"Our eight kids and eight adults were able to grow closer in friendship and faith with each other and with new friends from the Conference thanks to the generous grant." - Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
 "UCCNB youth spent June 9-12 learning about poverty and serving their neighbors at the Urban Immersion Retreat in Minneapolis. It was amazing what can be learned just 20 minutes away from home!" - UCC, New Brighton (pictured at left)
"Our trip [to Chicago] included education and faith formation around homelessness, dismantling racism, and breaking down stereotypes. We enjoyed meaningful worship, reflection, fun and fireworks at Millennium Park." - Linden Hills UCC, Minneapolis; Lynnhurst UCC, Minneapolis; Parkview UCC, White Bear Lake
 "We were able to send seven youth and two adults to Duluth to serve at the Seafarer's Center doing yard work, organizing a storage room and making Christmas cards for sailors." - First Congregational UCC, Wadena (pictured at right)
"The group learned that all can be endured when we do it for a friend in need. Without the support, our transformation through service [in Luck, WI] would not have happened. We are so very grateful for partners that help us reach higher than we can go alone." - St. Anthony Park UCC, St. Paul
"We helped build a home for a Guatemalan family, provided lots of extracurricular activities in school classrooms, helped a family hoe and fertilize a cornfield, did day care and lead after school arts and craft projects. A grant from the Ashley fund put us over the top and made our trip possible.' - Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Duluth
 "Our youth served the community [Dakota Reservation in Sisseton, SD] and learned a lot about themselves as people of faith. We scraped, painted, tore up floors, organized games for neighborhood kids, learned about native culture, and enjoyed making new friendships with youth from other churches." - Peace UCC, Rochester (pictured at left)
We celebrate with the congregations from around the Minnesota Conference who were able to serve and learn in deeper ways what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We also continue to give thanks for the abundance we have been given in the Floyd and Elsie Ashley Endowment that helps us in making this partnership possible.
Blessings and peace,
Wade Zick
ACM of Faith Formation for Children and Youth
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Joys and Concerns
| 1. An Ecclesiastical Council for Commissioned Ministry for Dawn Carlson Conn will be held on Thursday, September 5 at 11:00am at Robbinsdale UCC (4200 Lake Ave, Robbinsdale). Lunch will follow the ecclesiastical council. Member churches and authorized ministers of the Minnesota Conference UCC will engage in a period of examination to be followed by a vote on a motion that Dawn Carlson Conn be commissioned into the ministry of the UCC. Voting will be by all clergy with standing and lay delegates from a minimum of seven churches with standing in the same formula as prescribed for other voting meetings of the Conference. To ensure a quorum, please contact the church at office@robbinsdaleucc.org or 763-537-6965 if you plan to attend. You may indicate at that time whether you will be present for lunch.
2. Chaplain (Captain) Tara Bauer has completed the U.S. Air Force's 6-week Basic Chaplain Course which included classes like Suicide Intervention, Marriage Care, Pluralism in the Military, and other topics. She was also the Class Leader to 18 Chaplains during the course, and to 38 individuals during their 4-day Field Training Exercise. Based upon academic achievement and leadership skills, she was named the "Top Graduate." Tara is currently serving as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain at the 934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis and starting a CPE Residency at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital.
3. An article written by Rev. Abigail Henderson, Associate Pastor of First UCC in Northfield, was recently highlighted in the national Keeping You e-Posted. You can read her article about having conversations about the dying process here. Additionally, an update on former Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Elena Larssen's new call in Long Beach, California was also mentioned. You can take a look at that here.
4. Oak Meadows, a non-profit senior living facility affiliated with the Minnesota Conference UCC, located in Oakdale, Minnesota, was recently featured in the Oakdale-Lake Elmo Review. Along with COMPAS, a St. Paul-based art-participation organization, the community at Oak Meadows participated in a mosaic project to be displayed in the facility's memory garden. You may read the full article here.
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Taizé 2014
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Taizé 2014
The Faith Formation Team of the Minnesota Conference UCC is sponsoring a 2014 Pilgrimage to the Taizé Community in France from April 3-14, 2014. The pilgrimage is for those age 29 and younger working with children and/or youth, either as volunteer or staff. The low cost of the pilgrimage is made possible by an Ashley Endowment Grant from the MN Conference UCC Board of Directors.
Criteria include:
- Age 29 or younger at the time of pilgrimage due to the restrictions from the Taizé Community
- Involvement at a MN Conference UCC congregation in faith formation or youth ministry, either as staff or a volunteer
- Provide a letter of recommendation from the minister where you are involved in faith formation and/or youth ministry
- Completion of the application
Date: April 3-14, 2014
Cost: $750 (includes flights, transportation, registration)
Registration: There are 25 spaces available with a rolling application through November 1, 2013. Applications will be reviewed by members of the Faith Formation Team.
Download the application to apply or for more information.
If you have any questions or want more information, please contact Wade Zick at wadez@uccmn.org.
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News from the Emmaus Team
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As members of the United Church of Christ renew their call to justice during today's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, the Emmaus Team invites you to attend the following events supporting racial justice education and awareness:
UNFRAMED - The lessons of the Zimmerman/Martin trial
Today - 8/28/13, 5:30-8:30 pm
Wilder Foundation
451 N. Lexington Pkwy., St. Paul, MN 55104
Real concerns, real talk, real solutions.
The Black Men's Early Childhood Project is hosting a community conversation: What have we learned from the response to the Zimmerman case and what does it mean for the future? Engage with others who care about the safety and well being of black children, and shifting the way black men and boys are perceived and viewed in our society. Discuss and identify policies that most affect black men and children and what we can all do about it. A free dinner will be served.
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Save the dates for this year's Overcoming Racism conference, Truth Telling November 15 & 16, 2013 at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. Registration opens in early September! The deadline for conference workshop proposals is fast approaching. Help us make the conference as rich and rewarding as possible by proposing a workshop or encouraging others to do so by September 3rd! All the information can be found by clicking here.
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Film and discussion: Saving Face
A Chinese-American lesbian and her traditionalist mother are reluctant to go public with secret loves that clash against cultural expectations.
Thursday, September 26, 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)
Metropolitan State University, Founders Hall Auditorium,
700 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
This film and discussion is a part of Refocus the Frame: Turning the Lens on Race and Racism - A series of powerful film screenings followed by facilitated discussion to stimulate insight and thoughtful dialogue. The films are free and all are welcome! Donations are also welcome!
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Enduring Fund Grants Available
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Dear Applicant,
The Enduring Fund was established by Chapel Hills of Edina in 2003. The stated mission of the endowment is to provide supplemental financial support to organizations, individual and projects that work in concert of our mission as a community of faith. The process for completing an application is linked here.
The following is a high level review of the process:
- Organization completes an Enduring Fund Application Form. A member of the Enduring Fund Committee is assigned to each request and performs necessary research on the organization, proposal, etc.
- The Enduring Fund Committee reviews all requests. Depending on the nature of the request, the committee may ask the applicant to meet with the committee, or visit the organization for more discussion to ensure a proper understanding of the request.
- Recommendations on each request are made by the Enduring Fund Committee and submitted to the Church Council for final approval. All individuals and organizations making requests will receive notification in regards to the final status of their application.
For more information or to receive this application form in an electronic format, please contact the church office at 952-935-3025 or by email at chapelhillsucc@gmail.com. The application deadline is August 31 for 2013 grants.
Sincerely,
The Enduring Fund Committee
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2014 Heritage Grants Available!
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2014 Heritage Grants available from St. Paul's Family Resources Foundation
The St. Paul's Family Resources Foundation is happy to announce that Heritage Grants will be awarded this fall for programs in 2014. We invite UCC congregations in the 7-county Twin Cities Metro area to submit applications for funding of innovative programs for seniors and/or their caregivers. As UCC congregations revitalize, we would like to help support the revitalization of their programs for seniors.
The Heritage Grants were offered for 4 years in a row, from 2008 to 2011. We took a leave of absence for 2 years and are now happy to be back.
Please note that changes have been made in the way the Heritage Grants are offered. We have moved the deadline for receipt of applications to one month earlier (September 30th) so that we can announce the awards while churches are doing their 2014 budgeting. We also are making the grants available only for UCC churches in the 7-county Metro Area, so that we have an opportunity to get to know congregations and their programs for seniors. Our maximum award will be $5,000.
Application materials are available on the Conference website.
More information regarding this announcement, please contact:
- Eric Kehle, President, St. Paul's Family Resources Foundation, 651-770-5127, emkehle@msn.com
- Rebecca Galkiewicz, Secretary, St. Paul's Family Resources Foundation, 651-490-0316, rebeccag@usfamily.net
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Southeast Cluster: Tuesday, September 3, 11:30am
Peace UCC, Rochester
Twin Cities East Cluster: Wednesday, September 4, 12:00pm St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
Northeast Cluster: Thursday, September 5, 11:30am
First Congregational UCC, Brainerd
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One month left to register!
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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
* * ONE MONTH LEFT TO REGISTER! * *
Will you join us? 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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FourTHursdays
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 Make plans to join us at the first Fourth Thursday clergy and faith formation leader gathering of the program year! Resourcing the Home Thursday, September 26th, 11:30-1:30p.m. Minnesota Church Center 122 W. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404 Register Now!
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Fall Conference Youth Events - Register Now!
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Fall Middle School CYE
"FOLLOW ME! DiSCiPLESHiP TODAY"
October 4-6, 2013
Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats
Alexandria, MN
Registration is now open!
Early registration by 9/16: $75/youth and $50/adult
After 9/16: $85/youth and $60/adult
Deadline for all registrations is September 30.
Please also be sure to complete the authorization form.
YOUTH | ADULT
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Fall High School CYE
"GOD'S BIG TABLE: CONVERSATIONS ON RACE"
Guest Speaker: Dr. Barbara Holmes,
President of United Theological Seminary
October 18-20, 2013
Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats
Alexandria, MN
Registration is now open!
Early registration by 9/30: $75/youth and $50/adult
After 9/30: $85/youth and $60/adult
Deadline for all registrations is October 14.
Please also be sure to complete the authorization form.
YOUTH | ADULT
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Questions? Email Zac at zacn@uccmn.org or call 612-871-0359.
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Boundary Training - Register Now!
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Boundary Training has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 24 at Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church in Bloomington. To register, go to events.minnesotaumc.org where it is listed as "Living the Sacred Trust." Choose "other" for district and church. For a flyer and more information, click here.
There is still time to register for September 24 at the reduced rate - the fee increases on September 10. Sign up now!
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PPC&R Summer Camps
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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. __________________________
 Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats will be available weekdays this fall for clergy and church program staff to use for personal and small group retreats. There are 10 rooms in the Lodge for individuals/couples and a 3-room Boat House for small groups. - Cost - By donation ($0-20/night suggested donation to help offset utilities, maintenance & administrative costs)
- Food - On your own (catering available by Luther Crest for groups and a kitchenette for individual use is in the Boat House)
- Space available starting Sunday, August 18 through October (Most weeks are open Sunday after 3pm through Friday at 11am)
Available for your use on site: - Labyrinth
- Walking trails
- Wireless Internet
- Kayaks & canoes
- Coffee maker & hot water heater
- A couple bikes (better to bring own)
Bring your own bedding & food. Guests are expected to clean-up after themselves in individual living spaces before departing and to help keep communal spaces clean. If you have questions about date availability or logistic issues please contact Zac at zacn@uccmn.org . If you have site or program questions, please contact Gigi at ggmarie58@gmail.com. |
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Save the Dates - VRV Events Coming Up!
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October - The Internet, Social Media and the Congregation - a series of four one-hour webinars focused on helping your congregation make better use of the Internet and technology in your ministry. Topics include:
- What Every Church Needs to Know about Websites
- How to Live Stream Your Worship Service
- Social Media for the Congregation and Pastors
- Marketing Strategies for Your Congregation Using Social Media
Participants completing all four webinars will have the opportunity to join a CoachShare group with Bruce Reyes-Chow, one of the foremost authorities on social media and churches and a consultant with the Center for Progressive Renewal.
November 2 - Taking Your Congregation to the Next Level
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Registration at 8:30 a.m.) Location: United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
This workshop with Michael Piazza and Cameron Trimble of the Center for Progressive Renewal will help you consider ways to engage your congregation in realizing your goals and plans for growing in vision and mission. Designed for both ordained and lay leaders, we encourage you to consider sending a team from your congregation.
January 14 or 15 - Developing Leaders in Your Congregation
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Registration at 9 a.m.) Location: TBD
This workshop, led by Glenna Shepherd of the Center for Progressive Renewal, focuses on enabling pastors and key leadership on developing leaders within the congregation.
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Faith Action Vigil #48
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Faith Action Vigil #48 Sunday, September 1, 2013
Remember labor! / As part of Immigration Reform, make available to all immigrant workers: legal residency with a path to eventual citizenship; just wages; and decent working and housing conditions.
Dignity not Detention | 2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (ICOM)
Faith Action Vigil At Ramsey County Adult Detention Center
425 Grove Street, St. Paul MN
Information: Interfaith Coalition on Immigration
interfaithcoalitionimmigration@gmail.com
Faith Action Vigils are the first Sunday of Every Month
Rain, Snow, Cold, or Shine
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Upcoming Events
from the Resource Center for Churches
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On Friday, September 27, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich is presenting a workshop on spiritual practices for children. It is cosponsored by United Theological Seminary and the Resource Center for Churches. Learn more about it here!
On Thursday, September 26 from 1:30-4:00 p.m., there will be an Open House at the Resource Center for Churches (122 W. Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis). We will congratulate Sally Vanderwerf on her retirement and welcome Lori Alford, our new Resource Assistant.
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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, August 29: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
- Sunday, September 1: Evensong Service, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Tuesday, September 3: Community Coffee Hour, St. Paul's UCC, Welcome
- Wednesday, September 4: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Thursday, September 5: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
- Sunday, September 8: MissionFest, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Tuesday, September 10: Community Coffee Hour, St. Paul's UCC, Welcome
- Thursday, September 12: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
- Sunday, September 15: 125th Anniversary Celebration, Mizpah UCC, Hopkins
- Tuesday, September 17: Community Coffee Hour, St. Paul's UCC, Welcome
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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