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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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From Rev. Scott Keehn, Pastor, First Congregational UCC, Alexandria
Live Streaming: Ways to Connect
and Grow Your Church in the Digital Age
In this first article I would like to cover the basics about Live Streaming and the benefits for your church or organization. Fact is, if you have ever taken part in a Skype conversation with a friend or family member on your tablet or smart phone, you have already live streamed. So, What is Live Streaming and How can It Benefit Your Church?
Live streaming refers to recording video and audio, (think, a worship service, lecture, Bible study or other event) and broadcasting it LIVE over the internet. Unlike the Skype conversation mentioned earlier, "streaming" is usually a one way transmission from the church to members and potential new members, anywhere in the world.
The process is really pretty simple and nowadays cost effective. It requires:
- At least one tech savvy individual (preferably 4-6 in rotation) to do the weekly broadcasts.
- A fast-as-you-can-afford internet connection (at the source of the broadcast).
- A video camera (with a fire wire output) for recording the media.
- An encoder (or capture card attached to your sanctuary computer) to digitize the content.
- A media publisher (such as Webex or Ustream) where the broadcasts or "streams" are made available in real time, to potential end-viewers.
 The good news is that many media publishers are FREE, but this is important. If you wish to archive your worship services, weddings, Bible studies etc. for future viewing and promotion, then you will need to subscribe to a service. We use "Ustream," which charges $100 monthly for their service and is presently the fastest growing and most reliable media publisher out there. There are others to consider but having tried them I can say Ustream is presently the best for our needs.
Who benefits from Live Streaming? Certainly your homebound members (with computers or smart phones) who have been disconnected from your faith community do to ill-health, or an inability to travel, due to bad winter weather etc. will now be able to vicariously attend a weekly worship service on line. Also "snowbirds" wintering in other states would still be able to attend weekly worship, thereby maintaining a much closer more intimate tie. We even have a church family presently living in Germany for two years who regularly watch our archived broadcasts. Another BIG plus is that those who are actively looking for a new Church home report that they are uncomfortable visiting a Church for the first time. But when they experience your worship community FIRST online, they get a feel for the weekly worship, the pastor and your theology, aiding them in the process of making that first visit.
 As the United Church of Christ we offer a very distinctive and refreshing religious world view that many will find appealing once they find out about us. Unfortunately, in most communities we are one of "the best kept secrets in town." At First Congregational Church in Alexandria, we are working to get our name and "Brand," out there. We have added a link to our Ustream Channel on our Facebook page. With just one quick click of the mouse, members as well as potential new members can view an archived service or church event at their leisure. The next step will be for us to include a paypal link on our Church website and Facebook page, which would allow members and friends to contribute to the ongoing cost of the Live Streaming outreach ministry. Feel free to check us out by Googling "Ustream." Then in the search window type our church channel: firstcongochurch. From there click on, "videos" and watch at your leisure. You can even hit pause and grab your favorite cup of coffee.
 Today it is estimated that there are over 70 million people who are already worshipping on line through some sort of live streaming provider. The market is already there. With the cost of such services continuing to go down due to increased completion for our outreach dollars, there is no reason for us to wait any longer to add our distinctive voice to the eclectic online community. Phyllis Tickle, in her book "Emergent Christianity," suggests that the brick and mortar church as we now know it, will not exist in the next fifty to a hundred years. Now is the time to transition to the new while maintaining the integrity of the past. Have questions? Feel free to call me; Scott Keehn, 320.491.6789. Blessings!
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Joys and Concerns
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1. An Ecclesiastical Council for Karl Jones, who is seeking ordination, will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 11:30am at Plymouth Congregational Church (1900 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis). To ensure a quorum for the council, please RSVP directly to the church - Everett Flynn at everettf@plymouth.org or 612-977-1262 ( please note corrected contact info). Anyone who wishes to have lunch following the Ecclesiastical Council is requested to so indicate with the RSVP. 2. An Ecclesiastical Council for Adam Westrich, who is seeking ordination, will be held on Tuesday, December 10 at 11:00am at Cottage Grove UCC (7708 Lamar Ave S, Cottage Grove) with lunch to follow. A quorum of 7 churches is required. To ensure a quorum for the council, please RSVP to the church at 651-459-1501 or office@cgucc.org and also indicate whether you will stay for lunch. 3. The Conference Office has learned of the death last week of Rev. Rod Slessor, pastor of Community UCC in Biwabik, where he served since 2010. Rev. Slessor previously served St. Paul's UCC in Welcome and First Congregational UCC in Sherburn, the yoked congregations of St. John's UCC in Norwood Young America and Zoar UCC in Chaska, and at Falcon Heights UCC in Falcon Heights, as well as churches in Iowa and Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Karen, and two children. There will be two memorial services, both conducted by Rod and Karen's son, Rev. Patrick Slessor. The first will be on Saturday, December 7th at 10:00am at Grace UCC in Wilton, IA where Patrick serves as pastor. The second will be on Saturday, December 14th at 10:30am at Community UCC in Biwabik, where Rod served as pastor. Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Slessor family, and all those who mourn Rod's death. 4. Rev. Rosemary Rocha, pastor of Edina Morningside UCC, had gall bladder surgery on November 26 and is recovering well. Prayers for continued recovering are appreciated. 5. An Ecclesiastical Council for Margaret (Margo) Richardson, who is seeking Privilege of Call in the UCC, will be held Thursday, December 12 at 11:00am at First Congregational UCC in Anoka (1923 Third Ave S, Anoka). A quorum of 7 churches is required. Attendees are invited to have lunch following the ecclesiastical council. To ensure a quorum for the council, please RSVP to the church at 763-421-3375 or office@uccanoka.org and also indicate whether you wish to have lunch. |
Status Report on Pilgrim Point Camp Conversation
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Status Report On Pilgrim Point Camp Conversation
In 2010, the consulting firm Kaleidoscope was engaged to work with the Minnesota Conference and Pilgrim Point leaders to create a mission and ministry development plan for the camp. Over the three years since, Pilgrim Point staff and committee have worked diligently to respond to the recommendations made in that plan and to align the camp's ministry with the strategic priorities of the Conference.
In the Spring of 2013, Kaleidoscope began an assessment of the ministry operation taking into account changes made thus far programmatically and investments made in the property itself during the preceding three years. That initial assessment was shared with the Annual Meeting in June 2013 and a final report was presented to the Board of Directors - joined by several members of the Pilgrim Point Camp Committee - in the Board's November meeting.
The report outlined several recommendations for the Conference to consider in evaluating the future sustainability of the camp. They were programmatic, financial, and facility-related in nature. Property improvements and facility updates/replacement that Kaleidoscope advised were necessary to the camp's ongoing viability approximated $6 million.
A collaborative task group of 2 Board members and 2 Pilgrim Point Camp Committee members, staffed by Shari Prestemon and Wade Zick, is now meeting to do further research on key questions raised by the Kaleidoscope report. That information will be shared with the Board of Directors at its January meeting to assist in determining next steps.
Many thanks to all who are so faithfully working to discern the future of Pilgrim Point Camp!
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December Ordination Anniversaries
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On the day of an ordination, the people of God gather together to celebrate the call of an individual into ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. In that ceremony, the people pledge to uphold and support the new Reverend's ministry in and with the church. As such, you are encouraged to celebrate the following ordination anniversaries this month with and in honor of these individuals:
Rev. John Kemp - December 1962
Rev. Karen Dorshimer-Chaplin - 02 December 1984
Rev. Coqui Conkey - 05 December 2004
Rev. Elsa Patt - 06 December 1959
Rev. Lois Vetvick - 08 December 1985
Rev. Jan Bodin - 18 December 1977
Rev. Sharon James Fazel - 19 December 1999
Rev. James Gertmenian - 28 December 1972
Rev. Keith Purscell - 30 December 1951
Our best wishes for continued and flourishing ministry to all celebrating their ordination anniversaries in December!
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5 for 5 Deadline set for 2013 Contributions
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Five for Five 2013
deadline set for Wednesday, January 15
Checks with gifts for UCC Basic Support (Our Church's Wider Mission), One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors in Need, and the Christmas Fund will need to be received at the Conference Office by Wednesday, January 15 to be counted toward your 2013 Five for Five tally. Offerings we receive after Wednesday, January 15 will be credited, with gratitude, to your 2014 giving. Please help us with your understanding and your support, and by meeting this deadline for 2012 Five Funds gifts. If you have questions, please contact the Business Office at business@uccmn.org. Pastors and Moderators: please make sure this information gets passed on to your church treasurer.
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Micro-Grants now available!
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The Minnesota Conference UCC is pleased to announce the approval of up to $10,000 for congregation micro-grants of $200-$700 from the Ashley Endowment. Grants must support the congregation's ministry and work with children, youth and/or families.
View and download the grant application here.
While scheduling faith formation events, please consider avoiding Pilgrim Point Youth Camp dates;
- July 20-25, 2014
- July 27-August 1, 2014
Questions? Email Zac at zacn@uccmn.org or call the Conference Office at 612-871-0359!
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New Authorized Minister Profile Portal!
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Due to come out Jan. 31, 2014
The new system is to be released Jan. 31, 2014. By means of a validated denominational Profile and a live, self-reported 'Snapshot' - will document eligibility for call as well as improve timely visibility for ministers. Unlike the 'vintage' profile, the new profile contains only three written/phone references, and gives space for a variety of callings and vocational experiences. What doesn't change in the profile: the criminal background check, an ethical self-disclosure, and conference verification of ministerial standing and fitness. Search committees will receive some of both profiles for up to 18 months, or until vintage profiles expire. (Note: Search and Call Staff across the 38 conferences are the first to be trained on the new system, beginning this December. Authorized ministers can expect online "how to" video tutorials in January found at www.ucc.org/ministers/profile.)
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Fast4Families with Justice & Witness Ministries
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The United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries has been advocating for years to pass a genuine immigration reform that will create a pathway to citizenship and prioritize family unity. Many UCC leaders are supporting the Fast4Families: A Call for Immigration Reform & Citizenship.
We invite you to join the Fast4Families by signing up to fast and pray for just and humane immigration reform on Thursday, December 5th.
Four core fasters have been without food for 22 days drinking only water in a tent just outside Capitol Hill. Thousands of solidarity fasters across the country have fasted for 1-10 days to show their support. Recently, even President Obama visited the fasters to hear their powerful stories of why they are fasting.
On December 5th, Rev. Linda Jaramillo, Executive Minister of our Justice and Witness Ministries, will be fasting for a day and joining Fast4Families in Washington DC on December 5th, where she will help lead an evening prayer service as well.
Please join us wherever you are by praying and fasting! Sign the pledge here. |
Habitat for Humanity Trips Coming Up!
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 This will be the 25th year Minnesota Conference UCC members and friends will travel to Coahoma County Mississippi, to help build houses for those most in need. Coahoma County is one of the poorest counties in the USA and Jonestown Mississippi is one of the poorest towns in Coahoma County. We will be working on three houses this year: finishing and dedicating one house, continuing the work on a second and starting with a cement slab and framing a third house. We can use volunteers of any age or skill, as there will be plenty of work for all. We hope to have 20 volunteers helping each week. Questions? Contact Bob Peterson at rpeter446@aol.com. An application and more information is available here. We look forward to having you join us!
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Southeast Cluster: Tuesday, December 3, 11:30am
Peace UCC, Rochester
Twin Cities East Cluster: Wednesday, December 4, 12:00pm
Community UCC, St. Paul Park
Northeast Cluster: Thursday, December 5, 11:30am
First Congregational UCC, Brainerd
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A Conversation with Rev. Prestemon
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A Conversation with Rev. Prestemon
at Peace UCC Rochester
Please join us in welcoming Rev. Shari Prestemon, new Conference Minister of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ. Rev. Prestemon looks forward to talking with you about your local ministries and the future of the Conference. Light refreshments will be provided.
Date & Time:
January 12, 2:00 PM
Location:
Peace UCC
1503 Second Avenue NE
Rochester, MN
We'll see you there!
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Save the Date: Installation
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 Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the installation of our Conference Minister, Rev. Shari Prestemon!
Installation: Rev. Shari Prestemon
Saturday, February 1, 1:30pm
Mizpah UCC, Hopkins
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Upcoming VRV Workshop: INSPIRING LEADERS
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Mark Your Calendars
VRV Workshop - February 5, 2014
(Registration @ 9:00am, Workshop 9:30-3:00pm)
Location: TBA
INSPIRING LEADERS
Developing Effective Congregational Leadership
Facilitator: Rev. Glenna T. Shepherd,
Center for Progressive Renewal
 Congregations will see increased commitment and vitality when we recruit leaders who can inspire others to be passionately involved in the ministries of the church.
But we often think that we must find someone - anyone - to fill established roles in the structure of the congregation. What if we change our approach and tap into the interests, skills, and passions of our people, if we instead listen deeply to the lives of the congregation and look for leadership qualities?
In this practical workshop that includes underpinning goals of faith formation and service to communities, we'll consider strategies for recruiting, training, nurturing, and developing ministry leaders.
INSPIRING LEADERS will focus on:
- Connecting ministries to the life of the whole church
- Building adaptive leaders
- Using imagination to build ministries
- Equipping leaders with the resources they need
- Inspiring vision and moving to action
We will also consider basic, but pivotal issues about qualities to look for in ministry leaders, about leadership and vision, and about building systems of communication using a variety of media.
Cost: $30.00 Includes lunch, breaks, all materials, and access to archived videos of all presentations. Teams of two or more from a congregation get to bring their pastor for free!
Can't attend on February 5? You can still access the presentations by registering for the virtual participation option. Each of the presentations will be recorded and streamed over the internet. Your virtual participation registration will get you each presentation for the cost of $15.00. You will also be able to receive the handout materials electronically.
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National Church Leadership Institute
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National Church Leadership Institute
August 2014 is closer than you think! Mark your calendars for August 7-10, 2014 for the National Church Leadership Institute 2014. The theme is Finding Our Way Again and the primary speaker all four days is Brian McLaren. It promises to be a great time and members of the Minnesota Conference can get a discount on registration. Up to 10 leaders can receive a 10% discount on registration and groups of 3 or more from the same church will receive a 25% discount on registration. Watch this space for more details as they become available.
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No More Silence
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No More Silence:
A Call for Remembrance and Resolve
As mothers, we believe that there has been too much silence in this country about gun violence. On December 14, we will honor the 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary, as well as the thousands of Americans lost to gun violence, with a moment of No More Silence. We will gather for a short program culminating in a bell-ringing, both to remember the victims and show our resolve to continue speaking out until meaningful action is taken to make our country safer.
TIME: 9:30 AM Central Time
DATE: Saturday, December 14, 2013
LOCATION: Westminster Presbyterian, 1200 Marquette Ave, Mpls.
We encourage you to bring a bell from home so that you can participate in the bell-ringing.
Note: This is a simple and solemn event; not a political rally. Please refrain from bringing signs, buttons or other items of a partisan or political nature. Please feel free to contact Rev. John Guttermann with any questions: intpasj@mac.com.
Sponsored by the Protect MN Coalition of which the Minnesota Conference UCC Justice and Witness Team is a partner.
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Christmas Open House
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Make sure to stop by the Conference Office on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 11:00am - 2:00pm
for our annual Christmas Open House!
We'll have treats, punch, coffee and all sorts of merry to get you in the holiday spirit. Hope to see you there!
122 W. Franklin Ave. #323, Minneapolis, MN
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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, December 4: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, December 11: Noel at Noon, Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
- Sunday, December 15: German Christmas Service, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Sunday, December 15: Chorus Polaris Holiday Concert, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, December 18: Noel at Noon, Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
- Friday, December 20: Christmas Solstice Service, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Saturday, December 21: From Darkness into Light: A Service of Hope, Community UCC, St. Paul Park
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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