| Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference | |
Greetings from the Westras, our Global Ministries Missionaries from Minnesota!
January 6, 2014
Greetings from Don and Maryjane Westra:
Do you remember the game, Where's Waldo? Its seems we are playing the real life version. Where are the Westras? From 2009 to 2013 we were serving in Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. After a steep cultural learning curve, we came to love Zimbabwe and its delightful, hospitable people. Our work was to support Mt. Selinda Mission Hospital, as well as Daisy Dube Children's Home and food security projects. Mt. Selinda Mission, founded by U.S. and South African congregational missionaries in 1892, is located in the Eastern highlands of Zimbabwe on the Mozambique border. We had to leave Zimbabwe in February 2013 when the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration decided we had been there long enough and denied renewal of our work visas.
 | | Don Westra visits a classroom |
In June, 2013, we accept a post in Honduras, which, compared to Zimbabwe, is right around the corner. We are in the same time zone as our family! Don and I work in partnership with Cristiana Comisión de Desarollo (Christian Commission on Development or CCD). We are currently in the midst of another cultural learning curve, mostly involving learning a new language. We have found that, at ages 60 and 63, our hard drives are getting slower and slower, and even a defrag or full reboot does little to restore old memory cells. But we study every day and enjoy our twice a week Spanish classes. The remainder of the week we go to the office and offer support to CCD's theological education program as well as their vocational education training for at-risk youth.
 | | Students at the primary school at CCD |
In the past, CCD hosted as many as 20 work groups per year, but in recent years that number has dwindled to zero. Work groups helped the agency with painting and building projects, but more importantly the groups fostered good will and interest in your Honduran neighbors. If your church or community group would like to come to Honduras to experience the culture, climate or compassion, we'd love to have you.
 | | CCD Cosmetology school graduates and their administrator |
Living abroad has it challenges, the biggest challenge is missing important family events back home. Some people think we are a leading fascinating, glamorous life. But, the truth is, we are quite comfortable, and, like most of you, we are not seeking fame and fortune, but rather satisfaction and fulfillment with, hopefully, a touch of good work. We love emails and would really love the occasional card, used book or magazine, your old Time or Newsweek would be awesome. We are often asked what people can collect or send for our work here. The truth is, gifts of "stuff" can sometimes be problematic, resulting in jealousy or perceived favoritism. The shipping costs often surprise well-meaning donors. Donations of cash to Global Ministries goes the furthest in meeting long term development needs for our partners abroad. Please prayerfully consider an individual or group gift to Global Ministries for Honduras or Zimbabwe.
Blessings on all of you! Stay warm!
Maryjane and Don Westra
ADDRESS:Comisión Cristiana de Desarrollo (CCD)
Colonia La Era, Calle Principal, 200mts. Al Noreste del Anillo
Periférico
Atrás de la Bodega de (DECORA)
Frente Iglesia Cántico Nuevo
Tegucigalpa, M.D.C., Honduras, C.A.
Emails: dewestra@westtoolff.com (Don)
maryjane41@aol.com (Maryjane)
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Joys and Concerns
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1. The Minnesota Conference, its churches and members have been making headlines lately! We've reported previously about Spirit on Lake, the new senior housing development that has opened up in the last year on the former site of Spirit of the Lakes UCC (now merged with the former Minnehaha UCC to create Living Table UCC). There has been wonderful and extravagant welcome being demonstrated in that space - a true testament to the spirit of the United Church of Christ! Special recognition goes to Barbara Satin, member at Living Table UCC for her spearheading of this project. Read the AP article that has gone global by clicking here. Rev. Oby Ballinger, pastor of Community UCC in St. Paul Park, was mugged in his neighborhood the day after Christmas, but that's not what's made the news. Rather, it's his response to this act of violence that has gathered notice. He and his husband, Javen Swanson, hope to rally the community in an effort to curb and eliminate this kind of experience in their neighborhood. "What I'd like to do is help folks claim the power to do something else, to respond with hope and concern for one another rather than isolating out of fear," Oby said in a Pioneer Press interview. You can read that article here. Lastly, Mayflower UCC in Minneapolis completed and flipped the switch on one of the largest solar arrays in the city of Minneapolis. After five years of planning and fundraising, the church has reduced its carbon footprint by 60% reports Monte Hilleman, the member of Mayflower who headed up the project. Mayflower UCC hopes to be completely carbon neutral by 2030. In fact, their actions build on the resolution that was passed by the 2012 Minnesota Conference Annual Meeting. You can read the Star Tribune article on Mayflower's solar transformation by clicking here. 2. We have received word from the Central Atlantic Conference of the death of Rev. Raymond Giffin on Monday, January 6, 2014. Rev. Giffin first served the Minnesota Congregational Conference from 1956-1961, and then when the CC merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Conference, and the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ started in 1962, Rev. Griffin stayed on as first an Assistant Conference Minister, and then as the Minister of Christian Education for the Minnesota Conference until 1973. He was instrumental in establishing Pilgrim Point Camp. Arrangements for a memorial service are still pending, but will take place at Trinity UCC in Waynesboro, PA. You may read a full obituary here. |
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 2013 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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Get your Congregation to Pilgrim Point in 2014!
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Congregations of the Minnesota Conference UCC are invited to sponsor a week or weekend at Pilgrim Point. Each day we provide all-camp, cross-generational programming and offer worship planning and support for the Vespers leadership (done once a day as all-camp). We will provide as little or as much of the worship and programming, based off your congregation's needs. There will still be plenty of time for relaxing, playing at the beach and in the water, playing in the ball field or creating your own experiences! Not to mention the great food, community and hospitality!
Check out the Reservation Form for lodging and rate information.
On the back, you can find procedures on how to make a successful reservation. Please read through this carefully before submitting your application. Contact Zac at zacn@uccmn.org for available dates and other questions.
Currently available weekend dates and facilities:
- July 11-13, 2014 | Annex, North Shore
- July 25-27, 2014 | Annex, North Shore, POEM Cabins
- August 1-3, 2014 | Annex, North Shore, POEM Cabins, and Campground
- August 8-10, 2014 | North Shore, Campground
- August 22-24, 2014 | North Shore and Campground
- October 24-26, 2014 | ALL
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New Profile System Information!
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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. For additional information on the new profile system, please go to: http://prezi.com/thch46cde2ok/search-and-call/. We will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.
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Evaluation of CPR Resources Underway
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Evaluation of the Center for Progressive Renewal Resources Underway
The Conference's contract with the Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR) is up for renewal and we are seeking feedback from anyone who has attended a workshop, been part of a coaching group, or any other service from CPR through the Minnesota Conference. While we sent an email out about the survey, but in case you missed it - there is a brief online survey we are inviting participants to fill out. Your feedback is needed to evaluate what has been done and what needs to be done.
To complete the survey go to:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XW9DKL8
Thanks for your help!
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| New Visitor Policies at Children's Hospital | |
Dear UCC Colleagues!
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of MN has implemented a new "Visitor Code" policy that requires all visitors, including clergy and church visitors, to know a code to have access to a patient's room. Anyone hoping to visit that does not know the code will not be issued a visitors badge or allowed to visit at our Minneapolis or St Paul hospital campuses.
Upon admission, all parents/guardians choose a code that they will give out to family, friends and faith leaders. The intent of this policy is to give a greater level of security and control to patients and their family. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of the patient to share their personal visitor code with anyone that they invite to visit while their child is hospitalized.
Children's staff cannot ask for this visitor code on behalf of visiting clergy or faith leaders. The only way to acquire the code is through direct contact with a parent or guardian.
We remain very appreciative of the ministry and support of home faith communities and clergy and lay visitors, and want this new procedure to work well for you! Please share this information with those who need it. Remember to call the family you are intending to visit and get their unique visitor code PRIOR to coming to the hospital. Without the code, you cannot receive a visitor badge, be allowed access to patient care areas, or be able to visit the patient and family.
With gratitude for our shared ministry,
Rev. Sherry Braun, Chaplain
(612-813-6805)
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Northern Cluster: Tuesday, January 14, 11:00am
Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Duluth
**Please RSVP to Charlotte at pilgrimcf@msn.com or 218-724-8503**
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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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Clergy and Faith Formation Gathering
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Come and See: New Beginnings
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 Has your congregation wondered what God is calling you to do and be in this time and this place? This key question is at the heart of new service to our congregations through the UCC's New Beginnings Assessment Service. New Beginnings assesses a congregation's strengths and challenges as it seeks to redevelop its ministry. The goal is to put the congregation on the road to sustainable Christian witness and action within its community.
The cost for the service, which is significantly less than similar services with outside consultants, is $2,800.00 for each congregation. David Schoen, Minister and Team Leader for Congregational Assessment and Support, will conduct three "Come and See" sessions to acquaint pastors and leaders in Minnesota congregations with the process and answer questions on January 25 and 26. These sessions are free, but please register to help us plan for each session. Sessions will be held around the Conference as follows: - January 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the southern part of the Conference
- January 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Twin Cities
- (Exact location for the Saturday sessions is still being determined.)
- January 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. First Congregational UCC of Brainerd.
Click here to register now! |
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)
Falcon Heights UCC, Falcon Heights
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.
Register Now!
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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Winter High School Youth Event 2014
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Winter High School Youth Event
Every person has talents, passions, gifts and abilities they can offer to make the world a better place. The High School Conference Youth Event will focus on naming the ways you are gifted and thinking about how you might be called to put those gifts to use!
Early registration by Feb. 10: $75 youth, $50 adult
Registration after Feb. 10: $85 youth, $60 adult
Download the Authorization Form:
This event is for High School youth (grades 9-12 only) and their adult leaders (21 and older).
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Learning the WAY
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 Learning The WAYUnderstanding that in the 21st century...
Christians are formed, not born
Saturday, February 8, 2014 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
@ PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1503 2ND Avenue NE - Rochester, MN 55906
The Reverend Paul Hoffmann and Donna Linn present this workshop to help churches realize the life-giving transformation of baptism-centered communities in our post-modern and post-Christian times. Christians are formed, not born. This is a practical workshop for developing a "catechumenate", an intentional and ongoing formation for de-churched and un-churched seekers in our communities. This process is rooted in ancient practice. Rev. Paul Hoffmann, an ELCA Pastor, and Donna Linn of Seattle, WA, share how to gather and engage people in learning what it means to follow Jesus in the world today. They present this workshop to help churches realize the life-giving transformation of baptism-centered communities in our post-modern and post-Christian times. Persons from all Christian traditions are welcome to participate. The catechumenal process translates well into a wide variety of settings and sizes of faith communities. "Learning the Way" is an ecumenical event being directly offered to ALL congregations who wish to participate. Direct financial support for this event is provided by:* Peace United Church of Christ-Rochester
* Our Saviors Lutheran Church (ELCA)-Rochester
* The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ
* Thrivent Financial
While the workshop is open to anyone, the presenters encourage congregations to send a team consisting of pastor/clergy and three or more lay persons. Registration, which includes lunch and materials, is $20 per person. Click here for a registration form and more information. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014
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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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Upcoming Event at United Seminary
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A Legacy Of Violence:
Emmett Till, Trayvon Martin and Beyond
When: Wednesday, January 22, 7:00 PM
Where: Bigelow Chapel, United Theological Seminary, 3000 5th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
Description: This multimedia presentation examines racial violence in America and how it impacts our contemporary experiences. Led by Sarah Bellamy, visiting professor of theatre and culture at United and associate artistic director at Penumbra Theatre.
Cost: There is no charge.
Registration: Register online at www.unitedseminary.edu or contact Renee Flesner at rflesner@unitedseminary.edu or 651.255.6138.
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Rural Ministry Conference: March 2-4
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33rd Annual Rural Ministry Conference
March 2 - 4, 2014 | Dubuque, IA
Revitalizing Rural and Small Town Ministries
Where leaders in rural communities and congregations gather to gain insight and inspiration, to network and neighbor that our ministries might be empowered. This ecumenical conference includes worship, keynote speakers, workshops, and Bible study, and offers participants a unique opportunity to network with others who are active in and concerned about rural ministry.
Registration Deadline: February 28th, 2014
Click here to learn more and to register!
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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, ongoing:
- Sunday, January 12: Help Us Celebrate! United Congregational Church UCC, Birchdale
- Sunday, January 12:
- Tuesday, January 21: Immigration Reform from a Faith Perspective, Union Congregational UCC, St. Louis Park
- Saturday, January 25: Achieving & Maintaining Financial Independence, UCC New Brighton, New Brighton
- Tuesday, January 28: Achieving and Maintaining Financial Independence, UCC New Brighton, New Brighton
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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Hymnals and Communion Trays available
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Free for pickup: Emerson UCC, Richfield, has approximately 90 New Century Hymnals and 8 sets of stackable communion trays to give to a religious organization that will use them. Contact Rev. Doug Allen at dougathome1@juno.com to arrange pickup.
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