| Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference | |
New Year's Greetings from Oak Meadows!
 We had an exciting and eventful 2013 at Oak Meadows that included a fabulous 15th Anniversary Celebration; a new Memory Garden and Gazebo, complete with a dedication and Garden Party (with the unveiling of a beautiful mosaic art piece our tenants created); a "Worst Website Contest" win, which led to a free $10,000 New Website creation (www.oak-meadows.org) and new logo (from Brandography), which led to a nomination for a Best Website and a Judge's Choice Award (MOMBA) at a National Conference. Completion of a Girl Scout Gold Award project including  photographs and stories made into a book showcasing seniors of Oak Meadows; an artist in residency program for seniors to create "accordion" collage books of their lives, as well as the art program to create a community mosaic art piece for the entrance to our Memory Garden. We also welcomed Lifesprk as our new homecare provider for our tenants. All of these events, along with numerous others, brought joy to the many tenants, families, staff and community of Oak Meadows.
 2014 will bring more friends, fellowship and fun. We celebrate the lives and memory of tenants we have lost over the past year and know that this year will bring new friends, new challenges and opportunities. We look forward to celebrating our "Volunteer of Year" at the Aging Services Conference in February and for the many upcoming activities and programs that enrich our lives. As opportunities present themselves, we are excited to experience new ideas and challenges. We will again be surprised by the creativity that evolves through various art programs and discoveries made through learning experiences and friendships made.
 We are proud to be in a covenantal relationship with the Minnesota Conference UCC and a member of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the UCC. We encourage you to get to know Oak Meadows - visit our website, check us out on Facebook, join us in an activity, support our mission, give us a call (651.578.0676). We would love to show you what we have to offer and invite you to be a part of our community of tenants, friends, volunteers, board members. Our Chaplain, Carol Heckmann, would love to visit your congregation and give you an idea of how you can become involved with our special community of seniors.
Oak Meadows, a senior housing, assisted living and memory care community is located in Oakdale, just east of St. Paul, off of Highways 694/94. In additional to our UCC affiliation, we are members of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, Woodbury Chamber, Oakdale Business and Professional Association, Aging Services of MN and several other organizations. Our tenants also participate or contribute to many community programs including Holiday Helping Hands, North St. Paul Food Shelf, Emma's Place and donations of coats and handmade scarves and mittens for students at Skyview Elementary School.
We invite you to be a part of our community - you will be amazed!
Blessings,
Connie Dow, Executive Director
|
Joys and Concerns
| |
1. A Service of Farewell for Rev. Dr. Dana Mann will be held on Sunday, January 26 at 10:00am at Union Congregational UCC (1118 4th Street, Elk River). Coffee and fellowship will follow the service. Rev. Dr. Mann has served Union UCC since 2007.
|
Board of Directors Report
|
January 4, 2014 Meeting of the Board of Directors
Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ
The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Conference met on January 4, 2014 at St. Mark's United Church of Christ at 8630 Xerxes Avenue South in Bloomington. We were greeted by the Rev. Jennifer Jaimez, host pastor, who told us about the ministry of St. Mark's UCC. The church was originally founded in 1956 when Bloomington was a rapidly growing new suburb. While the community has aged, St. Mark's has an active ministry. It hosts a community garden on church owned property that contributes about 400 pounds of produce for the local food shelf. There are two Bible study groups, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, which do not cover the same material keeping the Pastor busy. Thank you to Rev. Jaimez and St. Mark's UCC for hosting the Board!
A central part of the Board agenda was discussion about Pilgrim Point Camp. As many of you are aware the Board commissioned a study of the camp operations in 2010 by Kaleidoscope which led to a report to the Board and a series of recommendations about the operation of the camp. Since that time there have been a number of changes in the way in which the camp has been operated and there has been a significant investment of time and resources in improving the camp and its ministry. In 2013, Kaleidoscope returned, as planned, to take another look at the camp. In its report Kaleidoscope noted that the Conference had actually acted on many of Kaleidoscope's recommendations and, while we had not done everything they had recommended, we had followed many of the recommendations and their report noted significant improvement in the camp. Kaleidoscope also made additional recommendations about improvements to the camp to truly bring the camp "up to date." The complete list of these improvements would entail a significant capital investment in the camp. (To read the full final report from Kaleidoscope, click HERE.)
There are several questions with which the Board has been wrestling. We recognize that the Pilgrim Point Camp ministry is very important to a number of people and churches in the Minnesota Conference. We also know that there are many other equally deserving ministries within the Conference which are also in need of resources and which have strong support. How do we best manage our resources to provide for the many forms of ministry within the Conference? Is it good stewardship to make a very significant investment in Pilgrim Point Camp which may take resources away from other areas? These are not new questions, they have been with us for several years. However, it is time to find some answers.
Toward that end, the Board of Directors, met with the Pilgrim point Camp committee in November 2013 and appointed a work group composed of two members of the Board, two members of the Pilgrim Point Camp Committee, Wade Zick and Shari Prestemon. This group met between the November 2013 and the January 2014 Board meetings.
Based on the discussions with the Pilgrim Point Camp Committee and the work of the work group, the Board of Directors passed two resolutions on January 4, 2014:
The first resolution "affirms the ministry at Pilgrim Point Camp be continued as a vital part of the ministry of the Minnesota Conference and receive the recommendations of Kaleidoscope, Inc. contained in its October 2013 report." The second resolution states "Be it resolved that consulting services be retained to develop a case for support and conduct a capital campaign feasibility study aimed at funding the implementation of the strategic priorities of the Minnesota Conference including the vital ministry of Pilgrim Point Camp." And so we begin to search for the answers to our questions. We will make every effort to keep the Conference informed as we seek more information and new directions for our ministry. Another item on our agenda was the announcement by Conference Minister Shari Prestemon that her installation ceremony will take place on February 1, 2014 at 1:30 PM at Mizpah UCC. A close friend of Shari Prestemon's from Connecticut will be preaching and there will be a special offering for our friends in ministry in the Philippines. A reception will follow the installation ceremony. We hope to have a strong representation from throughout the MN Conference in attendance for this joyous and special day in the life of our Conference. In March, the Board will begin discussions regarding the budget to be presented at the Annual Meeting and will also take a closer look at our ministry connections to support those ministries in the best possible way. We ask for your thoughts and prayers as we seek to do the work of your Conference.
|
2014 Annual Meeting
|
Whatever the Weather
 One month ago, I wouldn't have known the difference between a Polar Vortex and a Siberian Muskrat, but 50 mile-per-hour winds and icy roads have enhanced my education. I was hoping there would be some sign of spring, some omen of hope to light the way to spring, but nothing had happened until the day I turned the page of my desk calendar and read, "January 13, 2014." "January 13?" That has to be the sign, the good omen that better days are coming! January 13 meant that there were only five months until the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ that will be celebrated at the College of St. Benedict, June 13-15! Whatever the weather, it will be a time to celebrate our life together as a community of churches united in Christ as we continue to become "Strangers No More." We very much hope to see you there - whatever the weather! Rev. Dick Fylling, Annual Meeting Planning Work Group
|
Micro-Grants now available!
|
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!
|
Get your Congregation to Pilgrim Point in 2014!
|
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 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
|
New Profile System Information!
| |
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.
|
Evaluation of CPR Resources Underway
| |
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!
|
IPL National Preach-In on Climate Change
| |
Calling all Congregations
Take part in the National Interfaith Power and Light's National Preach-In on Climate Change
Download your free kit for the 2014 National Preach-In on Climate Change over Valentine's weekend (Feb. 14, 15, 16). From the comfort of your own congregation, you can join in spirit with thousands of religious leaders from across the country in preaching and teaching about climate change and love of Creation.
Your free kit is available by clicking here.
At the same web location, you can also order a print version of this kit, which comes with 50 postcards, 50 bulletin inserts, and the other elements in this downloadable version, plus an option to order additional supplies, and the exclusive Chasing Ice access code to view online during Preach-In weekend.
|
Church Business Admin. Courses Available
| |
News From CUE (Chicago, United, Eden) Seminaries
Church Business Administration Courses this Summer
at United Theological Seminary
In cooperation with the National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA), a certificate program and individual courses will be offered at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in New Brighton, Minn., beginning June 2014. The curriculum is suitable for all denominations.
The NACBA certificate program is geared for business administrators, administrative assistants, pastors and treasurers working in a church setting; however, a goal for certification is not a requirement to attend. Individual courses are open to anyone interested in practical skills and theological reflection related to the work of managing a church and may be applied toward a certificate at a later date.
Courses take place June 17-26 and are offered in Financial Management, Legal and Tax Matters, Facilities/Property Management, Human Resources, Strategic Planning, and Communications.
Sessions are taught by United faculty and instructors with extensive experience in the field. Housing accommodations may be available on the United campus or at area hotels, based on availability.
Visit unitedseminary.edu/events/ChurchBusinessAdministration.asp for more information about fees, certification requirements and registration.
|
| 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)
|
Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
| |
There are no clergy clusters in the coming week.
|
Installation of Rev. Shari Prestemon
|
 You are cordially invited to the
Installation of Rev. Shari Prestemon
as Conference Minister
for our Minnesota Conference
United Church of Christ
Saturday, February 1, 1:30pm
Mizpah UCC, Hopkins
Clergy are invited to robe, wear red stoles and process at the beginning of the service. Please arrive by 1:00pm to line up.
Mizpah United Church of Christ
412 Fifth Avenue North, Hopkins, MN 55343
|
Upcoming VRV Workshop: INSPIRING LEADERS
|
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 see increased commitment and vitality when we recruit leaders who 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.
|
Clergy and Faith Formation Gathering
| |
|
Come and See: New Beginnings
| |
 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, 9:30-11:30am, Congregational Church, Faribault
- January 25, 2:00-4:00pm, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- January 26, 2:00-4:00pm First Congregational UCC, Brainerd
Click here to register now!
|
Winter High School Youth Event 2014
| |
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).
|
Learning the WAY
|
 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
|
Upcoming Events at United Seminary
|
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.
Kabbalah & Creation:
An Exhibition of the Jewish Women Artists' Circle
When: Jan 29-Mar 31, 2014
Where: United Theological Seminary, 3000 5th St NW, New Brighton
Description: "Kabbalah & Creation," an exhibition of the Jewish Women Artist's Circle. This exhibition explores two themes: 1) Kabbalah -Jewish mystical thinking, traditionally forbidden to women. Here, the artists endeavor to express the mystery of all things. 2) Creation - From the first chapter of Genesis to midrashim, works by these artists reveal the wondrous diversity of living things. To celebrate the exhibition, there will be a chapel service & luncheon discussion with the artists on February 20 and an artists' reception on February 27.
Chapel Service: Thursday, February 20
11:35 AM: Reflections by Lucy Rose Fischer (one of the artists)
12:15 PM: Lunch Discussion with the Artists
Artists' Reception: Thursday, February 27
5:00-7:00 PM: Reception
6:00 PM: Program
Register Online for the Artists' Reception or contact Renee Flesner, 651.255.6138. The Chapel Service requires no registration.
SUSAN DRAPER WHITE LECTURES IN WOMEN'S STUDIES
MARCH 10 and/or MARCH 11
REV. DR. WIL GAFNEY, SPEAKER
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
3000 5th St NW, New Brighton MN 55112
 The Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney is an associate professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Her course offerings include: Heroines, Harlots and Handmaids: the Women of the Hebrew Scriptures and Prophetic Constructions, exploring prophets with no canonical books attributed to them, such as Miriam. Her approach to teaching Hebrew Scriptures includes emphasizing archaeology, comparative ancient Near Eastern literature, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Her interest in the ancient Near Eastern and biblical portrayals of Lilith and other night-stalking creatures led to her participation in two HBO documentaries on the origin and evolution of vampire mythologies, True Bloodlines: Vampire Legends and True Bloodlines: A New Type in 2008, airing before the series premiere of True Blood. Dr. Gafney is an ordained Episcopal priest and a member of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, the first U.S. Episcopal church founded by and for African Americans.
The Lectures:
Monday, March 10, 7:30 PM: "Women of the Word: Women Prophets and Scribes in and around Biblical Israel"
Tuesday, March 11, 11:00 AM: "She Reigns: The Royal Women of Israel and Judah and the Israelite Queendom"
Cost: The lectures are free and open to the public.
Registration: Register online or contact Renee Flesner, 651.255.6138.
More Information: Call 651.255.6137 for more information about the lecture series or the speaker.
|
Rural Ministry Conference: March 2-4
|
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!
|
|
Local Church Events
|
Check out all the events happening at our local churches across Minnesota on our Local Church Events Calendar. Just click on the title of the event in the calendar to get more details.
- Thursday, ongoing:Teen LGBT & Allies Community Group, Peace UCC, Rochester
- Sunday, January 19: Beyond the Affordable Care Act: A Path to a Universal Minnesota Health Plan, New Ulm UCC, New Ulm
- 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
- Friday, February 7: Come Play with Words, St. Anthony 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!
|
Employment Opportunities
| Check out the Employment Opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website. Click here to see the listings.
|
|
|
|
