Installation of Rev. Shari Prestemon
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 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
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| Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference |
from Kathleen Remund, Church Relations Coordinator, United Theological Seminary
Your Friendly, Neighborhood Seminary:
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
 Every year on the last Sunday in February, the United Church of Christ encourages its churches to observe "Seminary Sunday." It's a day to remember the ways that theological education and ministry preparation serve the church's needs for effective leadership, faith formation, and pastoral care. It's a time for lay people and clergy alike to remember how important congregational partnerships are to the survival of our UCC seminaries and the training of our ministers and chaplains.
As church relations coordinator for United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, I've spent the past seven years visiting churches and arranging for students, staff and faculty to visit churches to talk about United and the value of seminary education. I'm often startled by how few people in our UCC pews know about United. We're still a surprisingly well-kept secret. So, let me tell you a little about your friendly, neighborhood seminary in New Brighton, MN.
 More than fifty years ago, members of the United Church of Christ and two visionary theological schools took a leap of faith and merged, founding United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. After years of conversation and preparation, Mission House Seminary in Lakeland, Wisconsin and Yankton School of Theology in South Dakota came together to form an intentionally ecumenical seminary which would reflect the "united and uniting" spirit of the newly formed UCC.
Since our doors first opened in 1962, United has taken risks to change lives and reveal the reign of God in our midst. Our faculty members have made important contributions to church and society through their teaching and scholarship. Seeds planted by those scholars in the 70s and 80s have taken root and flourished.
The work of UCC minister and scholar James B. Nelson contributed to a profound shift in Christian understandings of the body and sexuality. The scholarship of Wilson Yates helped open the way for the field of theology and the arts to emerge. Mary Farrell Bednarowski, Chris Smith and Carolyn Pressler have all brought their distinctive feminist voices to the study of religion and culture, preaching, and Older Testament. And the MN UCC's own beloved Clyde Steckel taught countless students how to love and serve the "actual church," rather than an idealized version of what the church should be.
United's graduates have made a significant impact on the MN UCC as well as a much wider world. Here are just a few United graduates who have taken bold leadership, advocated for justice and made a difference in many of our lives:
- Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers: We can't forget our recently retired Conference Minister and her capable, focused, visionary leadership!
- Rev. Dr. Gary Reierson: This UCC minister and two-time alum of United was the president and CEO for the Minneapolis Council of Churches for 23 years before retiring in July of 2012.
- Rev. Peg Chemberlin: Rev. Chemberlin has been the executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches for nearly 20 years and served a term as president of the National Council of Churches. In 20009, Chemberlin was appointed to President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
As the religious and cultural landscape changes around us and the church enters what Phyllis Tickle calls "The Great Emergence," United continues to prepare women and men to proclaim Good News and live it out.
- Our student body and faculty are becoming more multi-racial and represent a wider range of denominations than ever before.
- We have hired a director of interfaith and intercultural initiatives to help shape United into a community center for interfaith understanding.
- We are developing a degree concentration in Social Transformation to increase faith leaders' ability to effectively influence positive social change.
- We are working to help students complete seminary more quickly and affordably by preparing a streamlined, hybrid (online and on-site) curriculum and a trimester based academic calendar.
And, as we always have, United seeks to be a generous and welcoming seminary where all our students - trailblazers and traditionalists, questioners and yearning spirits - can explore the boundless possibilities of God's loving and beloved community.
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Joys and Concerns
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1. Rev. Adam Blons will be installed as Senior Minister of Macalester Plymouth United Church in a special jazz worship service on Sunday, February 9 at 3:00pm. Music will be provided by a jazz ensemble led by Steve Blons. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. A reception with light refreshments will follow. The church is located at 1658 Lincoln Ave, St. Paul. All are welcome!
2. A service of ordination will be held for Justin Gromoll, associate member of UCC New Brighton and member of the Conference Justice and Witness Team. The service will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin on March 8 at 2:00pm. Rev. Beth Faeth, Pastor at First Congregational Church in Princeton, MN will preach. A reception will follow the service. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. The address is 311 2nd Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 54494.
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New Beginnings - it's not too late!
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It isn't too late to explore
the New Beginnings program for congregations!
You are invited to participate in a webinar on Sunday, February 9 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. to learn more about this exciting program and opportunity for your congregation. The webinar will feature Rev. David Schoen from the national UCC staff and will cover all the information about New Beginnings - how it works and what it can do for your congregation to revitalize and renew it. We recommend that teams of at least three (pastor and two lay leaders) from a congregation participate in the webinar, but any and all are welcome. The webinar is free, but to get the connection link, please register with Anita Bradshaw ( anitab@uccmn.org). Don't miss this great opportunity for your congregation!
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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 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 and Campground
- August 22-24, 2014 | North Shore and Campground
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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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Celebrate Seminary Sunday, February 23rd
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Celebrate Seminary Sunday on February 23rd
Why Celebrate Seminary Sunday?
Our UCC seminaries are filled with faithful, committed students seeking the skills and wisdom necessary to lead the church in the 21st century. Our congregations need these students. In our region, we are blessed to have three fine UCC seminaries - Chicago, United, and Eden. Each of these seminaries provides quality education for pastors and lay leaders, and they provide research and resources that serve the entire UCC. Please join us on February 23 in supporting the current and future leadership of the UCC by celebrating Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries.
How to Celebrate Seminary Sunday
- Lift up our UCC seminaries and seminarians in prayer, in mission moments, and in your bulletins.
- Post materials about Chicago, Eden, and United Seminaries on bulletin boards.
- Include a special prayer or litany in your service.
- Show a five-minute CUE Seminaries DVD.
- Include a gift to CUE Seminaries in your church budget or to take a special offering.
- DVDs, bulletin inserts, posters, and offering envelopes are available CUE Seminaries website: http://www.cueseminaries.org
Interested in having someone from United Theological Seminary help you celebrate Seminary Sunday? Please contact Kathleen Remund, Director of Development, kremund@unitedseminary.edu or 651-255-6112 for details. If there are other times that work better for your church to have someone visit we can arrange that as well.
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A Conversation with Minnesota Legislators
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A Conversation with Minnesota Legislators
Sunday, February 2, 2014 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm, hosted by Jewish Community Action and the National Council of Jewish Women, and our state lawmakers! We will focus on issues important to the Jewish community, like gun violence prevention, safe schools, and financial justice. Most importantly, it will be a chance for constituents to talk face-to-face in a relaxed setting with the people who make decisions about our state in advance of the 2014 legislative session Sunday, February 2, 1-2:30 PM, Mount Zion Temple,
1300 Summit Ave, St. Paul. Doors at 12:30, the event will begin promptly at 1pm. RSVP online by clicking here. Contact Rachel English for more information.
This is a good chance for UCCers to connect with local legislators on some issues we are working on - for example, Gun Violence (Justice and Witness Team), raise the minimum wage (several UCC congregations ), Drivers License for all (Immigration Team).
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2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
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from your Conference Justice & Witness Team
2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
When: March 21, 2014
Where: Doubletree Hotel, 300 Army-Navy Dr., Crystal City, Virginia
Come to the 12th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days and join UCC advocates and hundreds of other Christians in "Resisting Violence, Building Peace." Guided by the image of Jesus weeping over a capital city that turned from the true way of peace (Luke 19:41-42), we will expose the violence that pervades our culture and world.
As people of hope, we are consoled by the promise that "justice and peace shall embrace" (Psalm 85:10), and are reminded that justice requires peace-making and that peace requires justice-making. We will confront and imagine how to transform the violence in our world, and together will seek a vision of peace in the community, peace among the peoples, peace in the marketplace, and peace with the earth. Through prayer, worship, speakers, and advocacy training we will discover a faith-based vision for national policies that "guide our feet into the path of peace" (Luke 1:79), all culminating with Monday's Congressional Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.
For more info and to register, see the Ecumenical Advocacy Days website - http://advocacydays.org.
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IPL National Preach-In on Climate Change
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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.
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Southeast Cluster: Tuesday, February 4, 11:30am
Peace UCC, Rochester
Twin Cities East Cluster: Wednesday, February 5, 12:00pm
Clark Memorial UCC, South St. Paul
Southwest Cluster: Thursday, February 6, 11:30am
ToKen BBQ, 205 Main Street West, Mapleton
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Upcoming VRV Workshop: INSPIRING LEADERS
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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!
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Cert School
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This course includes 50+ hours of instruction, textbooks, six webinars, individual coaching, ministry plan projects assessment, lodging and meals.
Participation in Cert School costs: $2,000 early registration May 18-23 & Nov. 7-9, 2014
Email Zac to get more information about scholarships and the course!
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Youth Camps at PPC!
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Registration for the 2014 youth camps is now OPEN!
Register early - by March 15 - to get a free 2014 PPC t-shirt!
Fee: $300 youth, $100 adult
Youth Camp Week 1 | July 20-25, 2014
Youth Camp Week 2 | July 27-Aug 1, 2014
Contact your youth leader to find out which week your congregation is attending! Youth camps are open to those exiting 5-12th grade.
Please feel free to email the PPC Registrar, Zac Norenberg, with any questions about the Youth Camps and the changes taking place!
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Clergy and Faith Formation Gathering
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Clergy and Faith Formation Gathering
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Clergy and Faith Formation Gathering
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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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Spring Middle School Youth Event 2014
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Spring Middle School Youth EventThe Spring Middle School CYE will be a wonderful cap to your program or confirmation year! We will be "doing - thinking - dreaming" - with ways our faith put into action can change the world. Part of the retreat will be spent "doing" various service projects around Pilgrim Point Camp. We look forward to seeing you this spring! Early Registration by April 7: $50 youth, $35 adult Registration after April 7: $60 youth, $45 adult Deadline for all registration is April 28 Download the Authorization Form: YOUTH | ADULT This event is for Middle School youth and their adult leaders. Adults must attend with youth.
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Love Your Planet Comedy Night!
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Love Your Planet Comedy Night
...is a benefit for Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light (MnIPL). Saturday, February 15, 7:00-9:30pm; St John's Episcopal Church, 4201 Sheridan, Minneapolis. Linden Hills UCC in Minneapolis is an organizer, and your Minnesota Conference Justice & Witness Team has endorsed this event. MnIPL is working to raise a groundswell of positive climate change response through faith communities in Minnesota. The event features the comedy troupe, The Theater of Public Policy, which is VERY good. For details about the event, see on Facebookor on mnipl.org. Tickets are $20.
Tabling is free for organizations focusing on gardening, eco-social justice, transition and resilience work, energy conservation, halting extreme fossil fuel extraction, renewables, and other constructive responses to climate change.
Learn more about MnIPL at www.mnipl.org or on Facebook.
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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. 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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Faith Action Vigil #53
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Interfaith Coalition on Immigration
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1:00 - 1:30 PM
Ramsey County Adult Detention Center
425 Grove Street, St. Paul MN
FAITH ACTION VIGIL #53 "We Are Not Alone" The quest for immigration reform is urgent and will continue.
THIS MONTH'S HOST:
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Minneapolis
Assisted by Annunciation and Our Lady of Peace Churches
COME, PRAY, SUPPORT
Sponsor: interfaithcoalitionimmigration@gmail.com
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UCC Office Support Staff Annual Conference
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 Save the Date
April 24-26, 2014
UCCOSSN Annual Conference
Hosted by the Southern Conference UCC
The Power to be YOU! We are the office support staff from local churches, associations and conferences, national agencies and instrumentalities - the supporting hands of the on-going ministries of the United Church of Christ.
UCOSSN is committed to enabling personal growth, providing mutual support and supply continuing education to all support staff in all settings of the United Church of Christ including other related UCC bodies.
Great keynote speaker! Great workshops! Silent auction fundraiser!Great food and fun! Good old southern hospitality!Hilton Hotel University Place Charlotte, North Carolina For more details, please send your information to Linda Carter at lindacarter@soc-ucc.org
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For the Love of God, Take a Break
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For the Love of God, Take a Break
Young Clergy Retreat
Pilgrim Center, Green Lake, Wisconsin
Looking for God in all sorts of places: a weekend of reflection including a facilitated conversation about the joys and challenges of ministry, a discovery and discussion of effective leadership of volunteers (especially in the church setting) and a film or two to spark new thinking. With plenty of time to enjoy the peace and quiet of Pilgrim Center, visit and rest before the beginning of Lent, why not get away, for God's sake?!
Dr. Mary Klein will facilitate the event. She is a long time professor of organizational behavior and communication, theology and leadership at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She brings directness and humor to the group based in years of teaching ninth grade social studies, and singing in bars. She is the wife of UCC pastor Jim Klein (St. Johns UCC, Manitowoc), and a UCC family camper and staffer. When: February 6-8, 2014 Where: Pilgrim Center, Green Lake, WI Cost: $200.00
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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
- Wednesday, February 5: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Friday, February 7: Come Play with Words, St. Anthony Park UCC, St. Paul
- Sunday, February 9: Evensong Service with Harp & Dulcimer, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
Want to see your event listed on this calendar? It's simple! Just email Alison at alisonb@uccmn.org. Thank you!
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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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