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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Rev. Anita Bradshaw, Ph.D., Interim Associate Conference Minister
Transform UCC Campus Ministry
at the University of Minnesota
 The Minnesota Conference has a commitment to both revitalizing congregations and to building new ones and new ministries. Each new church start and ministry begins as an officially sanctioned Ministry Connection. The intention is to lend authorization to a new ministry, support by way of coaching and consulting, and to give space and time for the ministry to develop. Some Ministry Connections may move to becoming full-fledged churches and others may develop into stronger ministries for a specific setting or population.
Transform UCC Campus Ministry at the University of Minnesota is one such Ministry Connection. Transform is a UCC and Ecumenical Campus Ministry offering a Progressive Christian outreach to students at the University of Minnesota on the Twin Cities Campus. The mission of Transform UCC is "Transforming students for the transformation of the church and the world." Transform UCC seeks to develop students in leadership, community building and faith formation at the University and in the wider community.
Their Facebook page offers this description:
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. As an extension ministry of the United Church of Christ, we are an inclusive community where students are encouraged to bring their doubts, questions and convictions. We seek to build leaders for the church and world by helping students claim their voice and explore their faith more deeply. We value community, knowing we are better together and richer for our differences. We engage in living and learning together through worship, conversation, questions, leadership opportunities, as well as service and advocacy work in the community and at the University. We seek to care for the world and be co-creators in bringing about the kin-dom of God in our midst, expressing the boundless love of the God that is still speaking.
Led by Stacey Gassman, who recently completed a Lilly Residency at First Congregational Church of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Transform UCC is in its beginning stages. Gassman has an office and meeting space at University Baptist Church adjacent to campus and works closely with the Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry, also housed at the church. Transform UCC offers worship services, socials, and outreach projects to students. You can learn more about them through their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GopherUCC.
As with any ministry, Transform UCC needs your prayers and your financial support. You and your congregation can make donations to the ministry through: http://www.gofundme.com/Transform-UCC . There is also information on the ministry at that website.
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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. Mizpah UCC will celebrate the church's 125th anniversary on Sunday, September 15 at 9:30am. The church is located at 412 5th Avenue N. in Hopkins.
3. The service at Olivet Congregational UCC on Sunday, September 15 at 10:00am will celebrate the congregation's 125th anniversary. The church is located at 1850 Iglehart Ave. in St. Paul.
4. First Congregational Church of Moorhead is pleased to announce that the Rev. Zoe Kuester started serving as Interim Pastor on September 1. Zoe is a member of Cherokee Park United Church in St. Paul, and a member of the Committee on Ministry.
5. Peace UCC, St. Cloud, has signed a contract with the Rev. Carla Cunningham to be Interim Pastor beginning September 15. Carla is coming from Omena, Michigan, and has done previous interim work in a number of settings, including Northfield and Winona.
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Communication Task Force Report
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August 29, 2013
Clyde Steckel
Greetings, COMMAntary readers, from the Communication Task Force of the Minnesota Conference Transition Team! This is a report from our Task Force meeting last week, when we identified messages about the transition process to report to the Conference. This report is derived from the address the Rev. Shari Prestemon gave at the called Conference meeting that unanimously elected her to be the next conference minister. If you want to read the whole address (it is not long), you can click on this link to the website.
My report summarizes messages to the Conference from Shari embedded in that speech. While you may find other messages, I have a keen eye for the obvious, so here are my condensed messages: good humor, shared work, church life and faith as non-negotiable, mission in the world and God's amazing work through the church.
Shari's good humor showed in her introduction, where she cited contradictory advice from Conference board members about what to say in her speech. "Somewhere in the middle of all that" was her remark, indicating that she will see the humor in all our serious and earnest discourse in church meetings. What a gift that whimsical sense will be!
Shari's work ethic was shaped in an Iowa dairy farm family, where you have to get your hands dirty and everyone has to do their part. She promised that she will work hard with us, expecting that same work ethic from us.
Life in the church was non-negotiable for Shari-baptism, confirmation, discovering gifts and calling-all these formed her in faith and mission. She will promote and count on that same sense of the formative and transformative church in all of us in the Conference.
Mission in the world is the core calling of the church. Shari's mission work overseas and at the Back Bay Mission demonstrated that the church, with all its deficiencies, can do amazing things with the help of God. She will call the Minnesota Conference to renewal through worldly mission.
And finally, God's amazingly compassionate and transformative work through the church, as demonstrated by the Back Bay Mission and the whole United Church of Christ following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, persuades Shari that the Minnesota Conference can take hope for the church and the world by such examples.
"We can do amazing things. . . . All we have to do is let God lead us, and bring to the work all the stubborn tenacity and fierce faith we can muster." These were Shari's closing words.
They challenge us to do amazing things in the Minnesota Conference.
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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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The Emmaus Transformation Team recommends the following events in our continuing quest to achieve racial justice:
September 13, 14, and 15, 2013
Mendota Pow Wow: Minnesota Conference members have an opportunity to serve while building relationships between Dakota and non-Dakota people here in the Twin Cities at a significant event, the 14th Annual Welcome Home Traditional Wacipi Pow Wow, September 13,14,& 15 (Fri-Sun) at St. Peter's Catholic Church grounds in Mendota(1405 Sibley Memorial Highway--south end of Mendota Bridge). For more details, see the Healing Minnesota Stories events page.
September 19 and 21, 2013
TOURS OF DAKOTA SACRED SITES BY HEALING MINNESOTA STORIES Healing Minnesota Stories (HMS), an initiative of the Saint Paul Interfaith Network (SPIN), invites you to join a "Tour of Dakota Sacred Sites" in the Twin Cities led by HMS founder and co-convener, Jim Bear Jacobs, and Bob Klanderud. Two tours are scheduled for September --Thursday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m. The sites are within a few miles of the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and the tour takes approximately three hours. Transportation is by auto caravan. The tours start at St. Peter's Catholic Church (1405 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota 55120) in Mendota, just north of the south end of the Mendota Bridge and Hwys. 13 & 55 intersection. Registration is required. No charge (free will offering for HMS appreciated). To register or for more information, email Renee at reneepfenning@gmail.com.
September 26, 2013
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
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!
ASDIC Begins October 26
You are warmly invited to be part of the Calvary Baptist Church's ASDIC Circle this fall, as we seek to more fully understand the ways race and racism are operating in our lives. While the majority of the participants will be from Calvary, at least 5 spots are reserved for others as part of Calvary's outreach.
Reflective and highly interactive, the award-winning ASDIC Circle experience follows a carefully designed sequence of shared study, dialogue, exercises and action planning. Over twelve weeks we read selected writings by leading scholars (300+ pages) and examine the particular nature of our personal, organizational and community settings. As a result of our shared work, we develop greater clarity of thinking, strength of relationship, and effectiveness of action to address systemic racism. ASDIC Circles are widely described as transformative by participants.
When: Saturday mornings, 9am-12pm, beginning October 26, ending February 1st or 8th (no meetings November 16, November 30 or December 28 and possibly December 21).
Where: 2608 Blaisdell Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408
cost: TBD
Your participation would be most welcome.
For further information, contact C. John Hildebrand II at cjohnhildebrand@yahoo.com
November 15-16, 2013
Overcoming Racism Conference The Emmaus Team enthusiastically invites members of the Minnesota Conference to attend the annual Overcoming Racism Conference organized by the Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative (FREC). This year's theme is Truth Telling As A Means To Overcome Racism. The conference will be held at Metropolitan State University, 700 E. 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55106. Registration opens in early September! For more information, click here.
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Jazz for the Journey
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Make plans now to attend this national symposium for the United Church of Christ and its ecumenical partners. Initiated by General Minister and President, Geoffrey Black, Jazz for the Journey will explore the spirituality and artistry of jazz as an innovative foundation for worship renewal. Geared for pastors, church musicians, worship planners and jazz lovers, Jazz for the Journey, will provide a creative context for developing ideas, resources and liturgical tools to inspire, inform and empower congregations exploring imaginative possibilities for worship revitalization.
Jazz for the Journey will include spirit-filled worship led by the Oikos Ensemble, keynote presentations, experiential workshops, dynamite musicians, cool jam sessions and a Friday night all-star Sacred Side of Jazz concert hosted by Leon Bibb, WEWS-TV newscaster and jazz aficionado. There will also be ample opportunity to build networks and share creative ideas with colleagues from around the country.
Additional information, a detailed schedule and registration can be found at www.ucc.org/jazzjourney.
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Northern Cluster: Tuesday, September 10, 11:00am
Community UCC, Biwabik
Twin Cities West Cluster: Wednesday, September 11, 12:00pm
Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
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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
_________________________
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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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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EQ-Human Relations Workshop
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EQ-Human Relations Workshop - NORTH DAKOTA
Led by Roy Oswald
October 7-11, 2013
Badlands Ministries Retreat Center
3892 Bible Camp Road, Medora, North Dakota
Camp Website
Tuition $595, EQ 360 Assessment $185 plus meals and/or lodging. Workshop begins at 2 p.m. on Monday and end at noon on Friday. Dinner on Monday and lunch on Friday are included.
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT.
*For general information please contact Barbara Holder, eq-hrctr@myactv.net, or call 301-432-8933. Want to know more about this workshop? Go to Testimonials or Events.
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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.
- Wednesday, September 4: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Thursday, September 5: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
- Sunday, September 8: Joint Worship Service, Clark Memorial UCC, South St. Paul
- 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
- Friday, September 13: Justin Hines: Vehicle of Change Tour, Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata
- Sunday, September 15: 125th Anniversary Celebration, Mizpah UCC, Hopkins
- Tuesday, September 17: Community Coffee Hour, St. Paul's UCC, Welcome
- Thursday, September 19: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
- Thursday, September 19: LGBT Marriage Issues - State and Federal Laws, Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
- Thursday, September 19: Reading Rilke (with Mark Gustafson), Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis
- Tuesday, September 24: 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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