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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Rev. Howard Bell, Acting Conference Minister
Last Chance to Give This (Fiscal) Year!
Will You Pitch In?
The end of the Minnesota Conference 2013 fiscal year is coming! September 30th is the last day you can make a donation to our Annual Fund and help us meet our goal of $80,000 from Friends of the Conference. We need to raise $6,600 more to reach our goal.
Will you pitch in with a gift today? Please donate now to the Annual Fund.
 2013 has been a most critical year for the Conference as we have said farewell to Rev. Karen Smith Sellers after seven years as Conference Minister. We are looking forward to a successful transition to Rev. Sharon (Shari) Prestemon beginning October 1st.
Meanwhile we have continued our transformational journey equipping clergy and laity to lead; creating and sustaining healthy, vital congregations; strengthening faith formation across the generations; and increasing our capacity for compassionate service and prophetic witness.
 We also have experienced significant growth in our ministries to children, youth and families. We celebrate the increase in use of Pilgrim Point Camp and the success of our commitment to congregation-based camping efforts. Together, we can do so much more than any of us can do in isolation.
Many of you volunteer your time in leadership of our Board, Committees, Work Groups and Ministry Teams. Thank you for your generosity of time and talent. You ensure the Conference's success.
We need the support of our Friends in order to move forward with our ambitious ministry goals for the coming year. We will help congregations find new ministers, train church leaders to be more effective, and bring ministers together to share best practices. But we can only do it with your support.
Please donate to the Annual Fund today to ensure UCC congregations in Minnesota remain healthy and vital.
If you've already given this year, thank you. I hope you will consider making an additional gift, which will go a long way in supporting the Conference's vital work.
Sincerely,
Rev. Howard Bell
Acting Conference Minister
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Joys and Concerns
| 1. Mizpah UCC will celebrate the church's 125th anniversary on Sunday, September 15 at 10:00am. The church is located at 412 5th Avenue N. in Hopkins.
2. 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.
3. Grace Community UCC of St. Paul and Clark Memorial UCC of South St. Paul began a partnership this past Sunday of the two congregations worshiping together in Clark Memorial's building. A great article about Sunday's service and the new partnership was included in Monday's Pioneer Press. You can read the article and see the great photos here.
4. First UCC of Northfield is pleased to invite you to the Installation of Associate Minister, Rev. Abigail Henderson on September 29th at 4:00pm. A meal will follow worship. Clergy are invited to robe and join in a procession. 5. As the Rev. Shari Prestemon prepares to finish up her service with the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, MS this coming Friday, United Church News has featured her work with that organization with an excellent article. Back Bay Mission has chosen to honor Shari's work with that organization by creating the Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship. Read that article here and you can find out more about the internship here.
6. New Spirit UCC will celebrate their 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 15 at 9:30am. A luncheon will follow. The church is located at 14394 Quebec Avenue South in Savage, MN. All are welcome!
7. St. John's UCC in Wheeling Township (Faribault), which is served by Rev. Lora Sturm, a United Methodist minister, will participate in the 2nd annual gathering of United Methodist churches in the Faribault area. A joint church service will be held at 10:00am at Hope UMC (3166 197th St. E., Faribault). A pig roast will follow. The Minnesota Conference UCC will be represented by Rev. Howard Bell, Acting Conference Minister, and Bishop Bruce Ough will represent the United Methodist Annual Conference.
8. Members of First Congregational UCC in Aldrich will celebrate the church's 100th anniversary on Sunday, September 22 at 10:00am. The church is located at 262 Central Street, Aldrich, MN.
9. Rev. Dr. Teresa Roberts will be installed as senior pastor of the Congregational UCC in Rochester on Sunday, September 22 at 4:00pm. Clergy are invited to robe and process. A reception and dinner will follow the service. You may RSVP to church@congoroch.org by September 15 if you plan to attend. Rev. Dr. Roberts, who is ordained in the Presbyterian Church, USA and previously served at Wayzata Community Church, has been granted Dual Standing by the Minnesota Conference UCC.
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September Clergy 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. H. Dean Stille - September 1955
Rev. Ralph Colby - September 1958
Rev. Jerry Hankins - September 1963
Rev. Peter Monkres - September 1973
Rev. Doris Underdahl - September 1981
Rev. Lisa Bodenheim - September 1996
Rev. John Slettom - September 1996
Rev. Dennis Sanders - 08 September 2002
Rev. Madison Sheely - 11 September 1951
Rev. John Slothower - 11 September 1977
Rev. Tom Ewald - 11 September 2005
Rev. Sheryl Braun - 16 September 1984
Rev. Kristy May - 16 September 1995
Rev. Anita Bradshaw - 17 September 1995
Rev. Richard Seaver - 18 September 1988
Rev. Beth Faeth - 18 September 1994
Rev. Luis Alvarenga - 19 September 2008
Rev. JoBeth Marshall - 26 September 1982
Rev. Beth Benson - 26 September 1988
Rev. Timothy Forester - 27 September 1987
Rev. Dennis Tooley - 30 September 1962
Rev. Dana Mann - 30 September 2007
Our best wishes for continued and flourishing ministry to all celebrating their ordination anniversaries in September!
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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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ISAIAH Weeklong Leadership Training
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From Aaron Lauer,
member of First Congregational Church of MN, UCC, Minneapolis
Power, self-interest, one-to-ones, and living a public life: though these concepts may not be familiar to most people, they were part of the everyday vocabulary for the nine Minnesota UCC'ers who attended ISAIAH's Weeklong Leadership Training this August in Mankato. Alongside union organizers, faith leaders, elected officials, seminary students, and community leaders, the UCC contingent learned how to energize and organize congregations for action around justice issues in the public square. The training immersed the participants in the fundamentals of faith-based community organizing, from selecting and cutting issues to fundraising to how to run a successful event.
The Core Values of the Minnesota Conference are faithfulness, stewardship, empowerment, innovation, and justice. All five of these values were woven through the weeklong training, with an emphasis on empowering leaders, innovative tactics for ministry in the public square, and how to speak and act for justice.
"My relationships within the Minnesota Conference and through my church relations work at United Theological Seminary place me in a strong position to contribute in a specific way to the work of ISAIAH," said Kathleen Remund, Living Table UCC.
The training featured national speakers and organizers, local ISAIAH and union organizers, and faith leaders from many denominations.
With financial help from the Justice and Witness team, the Minnesota Conference sent a record number of participants to the training. In addition to the ISAIAH training, Elliot Howard from Linden Hills UCC participated in a National People's Action in Indiana a week prior. For more information about organizing trainings and how to receive funding visit the Justice and Witness webpage.
Participants in the 2013 ISAIAH Weeklong Leadership Training
Back row (l-r) Aaron Lauer (First Congregational of MN, UCC, Minneapolis), Kathleen Remund (Living Table UCC, Minneapolis), Tom Haines (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis), Cecilia Baxter (Linden Hills UCC, Minneapolis), Todd Lippert (First UCC, Northfield).
Front row (l-r) Dwight Wagenius (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis), Emily Goldthwaite-Fries (Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis), Carolyn Fure-Slocum (First UCC, Northfield), Katherine Price (Cherokee Park United Church, St. Paul)
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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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Call to Move Beyond Coal
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Join thousands of Minnesotans making the historic call to move beyond coal as Minnesota's largest carbon polluter
I wanted to make sure you all know about a very practical action you and your friends can take today, that will directly target Minnesota's largest source of carbon pollution (8 million tons per year).
-J. Drake Hamilton, Fresh Energy
Minnesotans have an historic opportunity to shape the future of our state's largest carbon polluter, Xcel's Sherco 1 and 2 coal-burning power plants that are, by far, the largest emitters of carbon that is damaging our climate. Retiring and replacing these old units will make way for the clean, efficient, renewable energy sources Minnesotans want to power our future.
Fresh Energy has made it easy for you to make your voice heard by decision makers in Minnesota. It will take you less than two minutes, if you click on Submit Comments here.
Please spread the word by forwarding to your friends and networks, so that many thousands of Minnesotans weigh in today for clean energy. Just let me know if you have any questions.
In addition, please take note of a terrific, nearby opportunity to hear Will Steger and myself speak in St. Paul on September 16. The updated forum flyer is available here.
Thank you very much,
J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director
Fresh Energy
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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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News from CUE Seminaries
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BREAKING NEWS: Chicago Theological Seminary is the only progressive seminary to offer an accredited MDiv completely online!
Since 1855, CTS has pushed the boundaries of theological education. And now we're doing it again. CTS is now the only progressive seminary with a Master of Divinity degree program completely online.
Perhaps you know someone who has heard the call to ministry, but had no way to fit seminary life into theirs. Or, perhaps they could not up and move their family to Chicago. Pass along this exciting news of our online MDiv. CTS earned this accreditation from the Association of Theology Schools due in part to the rigorous, engaged, and community-centric approach in which CTS delivers online education. CTS online curriculum uplifts relationships with faculty and fellow students and provides space and opportunity for our online seminarians to mix, engage, relax and learn with their on campus counterparts.
Now, you don't have to come here to go here. www.ctschicago.edu/online
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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There are no clergy clusters in the coming week.
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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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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. |
Threads of Connection: Coming to UTS
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 "THREADS OF CONNECTION:
WORKS BY DEIDRE SCHERER"
SEPTEMBER 23 THROUGH NOVEMBER 18
United Theological Seminary
3000 5th St NW, New Brighton 651.255.6138
Using richly colored fabric and intricate thread work as her medium, artist Deidre Scherer invites us to see the full arc of life, bringing a sense of beauty and dignity to the end-of-life experience. Best known for the image that accompanies the popular poem "When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple," Scherer highlights the place and value of elders and challenges stereotypes about death. She has been recognized for "... her thought-provoking investigations of our society's view of aging,... family relationships and the welfare of future generations." Scherer will speak about her work at a reception on October 3.
 WORKSHOPS AND OTHER RELATED EVENTS
All events at United unless otherwise noted. Register here.
Wednesday, October 2, 1:00-4:00 PM
Community Quilting Project: $20. $10 Students. (Includes materials)
Registration required. Scholarships available. Call 651.255.6138.
Thursday, October 3, 11:35 AM-1:15 PM
Chapel Service & Luncheon Discussion with the Artist
No charge. No registration required.
Thursday, October 3, 6:00-9:00 PM
Exhibition Opening & Artist Talk
Reception, program with Deidre Scherer, and panel discussion.
No charge. Registration requested.
Friday, October 4, 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon
Workshop: Drawing with Scissors
At the Textile Center of Minnesota. $25. Registration required.
Friday, October 4, 1:30-4:30 PM
Workshop: Drawing from Life: $20. $10 Students (includes materials).
Registration required. Scholarships available. Call 651.255.6138.
Saturday, October 5, 9:30 AM-12:00 Noon
Workshop: Narratives with Surrounded by Family and Friends
$10 (includes materials). Registration required. Scholarships available. Call 651.255.6138.
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Celtic Spirituality Pilgrimage of Ireland
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 Celtic Spirituality Pilgrimage of Ireland May 6-16, 2014
Explore an ancient spiritual tradition that embodies care for creation, embraces differences, provides seeds of resistance to empires, and finds the sacred in all that is.
Led by Rev. Kiran Young Wimberly & Rev. Dr. Tim Johnson. $300 deposit due by November 24, 2013. For complete itinerary, description, cost and registration information go to www.CherokeeParkUnited.org.
For questions or to have information mailed, contact Rev. Tim Johnson, pastor of Cherokee Park United Church, St. Paul at 651-227-4275 or cpuc@usfamily.net.
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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, 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
- Thursday, September 26: Farmer's Market, Cottage Grove UCC
- Thursday, September 26: Reading Rilke (with Mark Gustafson), Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis
- Saturday, September 28: Community Garage Sale, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
- Wednesday, October 2: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
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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