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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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This article is being reprinted with the permission
of the Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ
By Tiffany Vail, Associate for Communication, Massachusetts Conference UCC
Church posts poem on website, and learns an important lesson in copyright
So you think copyright law doesn't really apply to your church, since you're a non-profit? Or maybe you figure no big time copyright lawyers will come knocking on your door over something printed in your modest church newsletter? Think again. A Massachusetts Conference church recently received a letter demanding $2,500 in damages for printing a copyrighted poem in their monthly newsletter. A parishioner had used the poem - "The Dash," by Linda Ellis - in a tribute to his mother written for Mother's Day. As it turns out, the poem, which pays homage to "the dash" between a person's birth and death dates, is often read at funerals, and a number of churches, synagogues and other organizations have made the mistake of printing it in newsletters and posting it online. Some have received letters seeking $5,000 or even $7,500 in damages, according to various articles online. Ellis' website explicitly denies anyone the right to publish her poem, and she is known to aggressively pursue those who print or post it without permission. In this particular case, the church was covered by its UCC Insurance Board policy, and the Board negotiated a settlement with Ellis.  "We were fortunate that we were covered for this type of loss, so it did not come out of our pocket," said the church's pastor, who preferred her church not be named. "What was not so fortunate was that an article concerning this very poem was published in the UCC Insurance Board newsletter in the Fall of 2012 and I never saw it. I would urge our sister churches to read the UCCIB newsletter so as to keep on top of what's happening for all types of insurance situations." (The article, shown at right, is on page 4 of the newsletter, downloadable here.)
And while the details surrounding "The Dash" seem to be unusual, it should serve as an important reminder about copyright. Just because something can be found on the Internet - whether it is a poem or a photo or a news article or a piece of clipart - that does not mean it can be freely copied. Even items that do not explicitly state they are copyrighted may in fact still have legal protections. Never copy something and publish it unless you are sure that is permissible. When in doubt, ask the owner of the source website. More about copyright and churches: Copyright and the Church - a comprehensive overview article on copyrights, licenses and more on the United Church of Christ website. Other sources of information: MUSIC: Copyright 101: Top Ten False Copyright Myths This link leads to a whole section on copyright and church music by The United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship. It is well worth exploring, and includes articles on live streaming worship, printing hymns in worship bulletins, etc. SHOWING MOVIES: Copyright information for churches who show videos and DVDs A helpful article by former MACUCC Resource Center Director Martha Butler Cook Sources for LEGAL & FREE pictures and graphics: We've all done it. We need a photo to illustrate something, and we turn straight to Google Images. But keep in mind, many of the images found this way are copyrighted. Here are some sources for images that explicitly give permission for them to be used. Stock.XCHNG - free stock photos Many Flickr users choose to make their photos available for use for non-commercial purposes. Find out more here: flickr.com/creativecommons creationswap.com - church media shared by thousands of Christian artists. Search videos, photos, logos, church bulletins, Powerpoint graphics, etc. (many quality items are free; some require purchase) Have you had an experience like this church had with "The Dash?" Or do you have additional sources for free materials that are legally available for use? Please share them on our facebook page!
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Joys and Concerns
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 1. We are saddened to announce the death of Rev. Deborah Celley, former pastor of First Congregational UCC in Mankato, and prior to that, First Congregational UCC in Brainerd. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Rev. Richard Celley, their daughters Jennifer and Julia, and Deb's many friends and family. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 1:00pm on Friday, February 21st with a visitation beginning at 12:00pm. A full obituary is available here. 2. Michael Slagenweit-Coffman will be ordained on Sunday, February 23 at 3:00pm at First Congregational UCC in Winona (161 W. Broadway, Winona). Clergy are invited to robe and wear red or rainbow stoles. Refreshments will be served after the service of ordination.  3. Dear Colleagues and Friends, After 25 years in Minnesota, I am moving to Atlanta in a few weeks. I have loved working in your midst - one year at Mayflower in Minneapolis, one in Hutchinson, sixteen in Elk River, and, finally, seven years teaching at United Seminary while worshipping at First Church, Minnesota. I am grateful for each of these communities, for the support and friendship of so many colleagues and friends, and for the leadership of our outstanding conference ministers and staff. This conference has gone through several iterations during my Minnesota sojourn. I rejoice in its renewed vision and vitality and look forward to hearing much good news from you in the future. Blessings and peace, Trish Greeves 4. The Congregational Church in Faribault was recently featured on the Southern Minnesota Scene's website for their "Coffee Concerts" series to benefit the local Faribault Food Shelf. Read more about it here! |
The Search Has Begun!
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The Search Has Begun!
The Minnesota Conference has launched its search for an Associate Conference Minister to join our talented Conference team of 2 other ACMs, camp and support staff, and our Conference Minister. We seek an individual who is driven by mission rather than maintenance and who can effectively embody our core values of faithfulness, stewardship, empowerment, innovation, and justice. The ACM will minister to congregations and their leadership in the southern portion of the state, and will also lead the Conference's vitality and new church development efforts. In addition, the ACM will also shape the Conference's priority to expand our capacity for compassionate service and prophetic witness. Interested candidates may learn more about the position and application process by clicking here. Application deadline is March 7.
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Volunteer at Pilgrim Point in 2014!
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  As hard as it is to believe, winter is going to end, spring will be ushered in and Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats will begin its 2014 season. How do you plan to spend your summer? Does being of service, doing vital volunteer ministry in community with others in a gorgeous outdoor setting sound appealing to you? Our volunteer hospitality ministry makes all the difference to these events at Pilgrim P  oint and we invite you to fill out the 2014 volunteer application and background check form to become engaged in hands-on work with this vital ministry. You are a blessing to PPC&R, your ministry of hospitality for those who come to camp helps strengthen our community as a camp and as a Conference. Thank you in advance for your work, your time and your heart!
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Justice LED is back in Minnesota - Register Now!
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Have you ever wondered how to teach about justice in your congregation? Did you know there is a new tool for your justice resources toolkit? It is Justice LED - Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing - an outstanding curriculum for learning about and then engaging others in study and discussion about doing justice.
WHEN: Saturday, March 22, 8am to 5pm.
LOCATION: Union Congregational Church of Christ, 3700 Alabama Avenue South, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416
COST: FREE! Lunch and snacks provided
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: click here to register.
DEADLINE: Monday, March 14.
The Justice LED curriculum includes interactive scripture study, engaging video resources, and guided reflection and dialogue. It is not issue based, but a Bible study inviting participants to a deeper understanding of the scriptures and followed by reflection about how they might act in ways that are rooted in that understanding.
Leaders: the Rev. John Guttermann and the Rev. Barb Martin.
Click here for more information, or contact Justice & Witness Team member, Rev. John Guttermann, intpasj@me.com or 651-485-3104. Sponsored by the Justice & Witness Team, MN Conference UCC |
2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
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from your Conference Justice & Witness Team
2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Ecumenical Advocacy Days Scholarship! $750 each - up to three awarded; should cover all or most of a flight, event, and lodging. Receipts must be presented, and a brief report with three pictures about the event is required.
To apply: email with subject line of "EAD SCHOLARSHIP" Rev. John Guttermann, intpasj@mac.com; questions, same email or call 651-485-3104. Applications considered in order received.
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.
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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Nicaragua: Politics and Culture
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Nicaragua: Politics and Culture, August 11-24, 2014
 WFP-UMW and Project Minnesota-León are partnering for this unique intergenerational trip to Nicaragua, in collaboration with the United Church of Christ. Witness the effects of U.S. policy and shared history with Nicaragua through this exploration of politics and culture. Participants will spend the first week in Managua with Witness for Peace focusing on the broader picture of the effects of U.S. policy and then travel to León for a week with project Minnesota-León for more cultural experiences and family home-stays. Learn from the people of Nicaragua to gain a better understanding of social systems such as healthcare and education as human rights, and of impoverishment and resourcefulness. Look at health and education through the lens of how U.S. economic policy has affected the quality of and access to these systems. Learn more details here, and write to Keith Roberts, robertsk@hanover.edu, or Lyn Clark Pegg at carolynpegg@yahoo.com with questions and to apply.
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Stop the pipeline!
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Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline!
 The State Department issued its final environmental impact statement on the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline. If President Obama approves construction of the 875-mile section of this pipeline oil companies could send up to 830,000 barrels per day from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast for refining and distribution.
UCC advocates have been at the forefront of advocating to protect God's Creation. Our members have rallied and engaged in acts of civil disobedience, and we've sent hundreds of letters in an effort to block construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Our voices are needed once again!
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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South Central Clergy Cluster: Monday, February 24, 9:00am
Federated Church, Morris
Northwest Clergy Cluster: Tuesday, February 25, 10:00am
First Congregational UCC, Moorhead
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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
Questions or want more information? Email Zac Norenberg at zacn@uccmn.org.
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Youth Camps at PPC!
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Strengthen Your Youth Ministry -
Go to Camp Together!Whether you have 1 youth in your church or many, attend camp together (6th-12th grades) for an unforgettable ministry and life-changing week! You won't want to miss out on the adventure course, our Lake Ida water slide, (NEW) day of mission experiences, vespers and excellent food. Adult church leaders attend camp with their youth and serve as the camp staff/counselors for the week. This program shift is designed to help get your church youth ministry going into high gear!
Youth Camp Week 1 | July 20-25, 2014
Youth Camp Week 2 | July 27-Aug 1, 2014
Youth cost: $300; after May 1st - $350Adult Church Leader cost: $100Register by March 15 and get a FREE 2014 PPC T-Shirt!
Note: Final payments are due by June 1st.Church/camp staff leader training on Saturday, March 29, 10:00am-3:00pm at Mizpah UCC in Hopkins.Find answers to some common questions by reading the FAQ for 2014, and download the Youth Camp Health Form here.
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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!
Registration: $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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Upcoming Events @ UTS
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MEET YOUR METAPHOR: PENUMBRA THEATRE RACE WORKSHOP
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
3000 5th St NW, New Brighton MN 55112 |651.255.6138
Learn how to lead and be a model in conversations about race, racism and justice. Led by Sarah Bellamy, co-artistic director at Penumbra Theatre, and members of the Penumbra Theatre Company, this workshop will give religious leaders and others in the faith community tools and insights about how to continue the conversation in their church, workplace or neighborhood setting.
Registration: More information and online registration at www.unitedseminary.edu/events/RACEWorkshop.asp. Or contact Renee Flesner, 651.255.6138.
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EXPLORING BROKENNESS, SURRENDER AND REDEMPTION WITH A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE OF WRITING
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 9:00 AM-3:30 PM
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
3000 5th St NW, New Brighton MN 55112 |651.255.6138
 Learn how to delve into life's difficult challenges and its mysteries with practices introduced by writer and workshop leader Karen Hering. Whether you are searching for spiritual answers, wish to strengthen your writing practice or hope to spur future sermons or writing projects, this workshop offers thoughtful reflection and time for personal writing to prompts. No writing experience necessary.
Fee: $55 | Students: $20
Registration: More information and online registration at www.unitedseminary.edu/events/KarenHering.asp. Or contact Renee Flesner, 651.255.6138.
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The Hyphenated Pastor
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The Hyphenated Pastor:
Creating Church at the Intersection of Movements and Institutions
featuring Brian McLaren
May 12-15, 2014
Application deadline: March 1
This May, the Plymouth Center for Progressive Christian Faith, in partnership with the Beatitudes Society, will bring together Christian thought-leader Brian McLaren and a select group of younger clergy (defined as under 40 and in the first seven years of parish ministry) for their latest Emerging Leaders Institute. For those whose applications are selected, this is an affordable event and a rare opportunity for ample conversational time with a visionary church leader. See the link below for general info and the application. If your application is chosen and you can commit to the entire retreat, all costs are covered after travel to Minneapolis. Please consider applying and/or sharing with others who might be eligible. Full information is here: http://www.plymouth.org/about/plymouth_center.php.
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Love in Bloom and Coming Spring
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Love in Bloom and Coming Spring
New Chamber Arts Guild
fourteen talented singers with
The Mill City String Quartet
and Phillip Rukavina, lute; Michael Dayton, oboe; Jane Garvin, flute
Featuring
Madrigals of the joys and anguish of love
from 17th Century Venice by Claudio Monteverdi
A contemporary setting of seed-packet information anticipates the flowers of spring - Burpee Seed Catalogue for chorus and chamber instruments by composer-conductor Arthur Clyde 
General Admission - $15.00
Call 952-476-0229 or online at www.newchamberartsguild.org
Saturday, Feb 22, 2014, 7:30 pm
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
3000 5th Street Northwest, New Brighton
Sunday, Feb 23, 2014, 2:30 pm
St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove St., Minneapolis
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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.
- Friday, February 21: Harvest of Empire - Film & Discussion, Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis
- Saturday, February 22: Spaghetti Dinner & Live Entertainment, Cottage Grove UCC, Cottage Grove
- Sunday, March 9: Evensong Service with Harp & Dulcimer, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, March 12: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
- Thursday, ongoing: Teen LGBT & Allies Community Group, Peace UCC, Rochester
- 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, ongoing: Transgender Support Group, Peace UCC, Rochester
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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