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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Emily Shimkus, Joint Religious Legislative Coalition
Day on the Hill is coming!
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another," Zechariah 7:9-10.  Remembering this passage from the book of Zechariah, the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC), the largest and most inclusive interfaith public interest group in Minnesota, is organizing their annual Day on the Hill. The Hebrew phrase "Tikkun Olam," translates to "healing the world." Inspired by this Judaic concept, which centers on humanity's shared responsibility to repair and transform the world, Day on the Hill participants will be actively working to create positive social change by meeting with members of the Minnesota state government on Thursday, March 13th.  Last year, JRLC brought together over 600 people from diverse religious backgrounds across Minnesota to meet with their state legislators and advocate on behalf of tax reform, affordable housing, healthcare access, and support for victims of human trafficking. By gathering at the Capitol every year in such a large number to voice their concerns to those in government, members of JRLC demonstrate the advocacy power of the broader faith community in Minnesota. This March, JRLC advocates will be narrowing their focus on four main issues: raising the minimum wage in Minnesota, reforming predatory aspects of the payday lending industry, laying the groundwork for childcare assistance programming, and ensuring Minnesota's commitment to an impartial judiciary.  Day on the Hill begins with registration at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, followed by an opening prayer, a message from the keynote speaker Rabbi David Saperstein, issue briefings, and a district table discussion. At 11:15am, participants will take buses to the Capitol, where they will meet with legislators and take a closing action. The dynamic Rabbi David Saperstein is the keynote speaker for this year's Day on the Hill. He works as the Director and Counsel for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism based in Washington, DC, and has been described in a Washington Post profile as the "quintessential religious lobbyist on Capitol Hill." As people of faith, we are called to challenge injustices and act out of compassion for our neighbors. If you are interested in attending this powerful day of advocacy alongside members of the faith community in Minnesota on March 13th, you can register online at jrlc.org/register-for-day-on-the-hill, or you can mail registration payment to the JRLC office at 122 W. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
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Joys and Concerns
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1. We offer prayers and condolences to Rev. Penny Entringer on the death of her mother, Betty VanderBerg on February 16. We rejoice for Mrs. VanderBerg's good and faithful life and the gifts she gave to so many. Please keep Rev. Entringer and her family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.2. An Ecclesiastical Council for Ava Adams-Morris will be held Thursday March 6 at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational UCC in Mankato (150 Stadium Ct.) A light lunch will be served following the ecclesiastical council. To ensure that a quorum of churches, please RSVP directly to the church at katoucc@mankatoucc.org or (507) 3887-6592. 3. Rev. Susan Lester will be installed Sunday March 9 at 10:30 a.m. as Pastor and Teacher of First Congregational UCC in Sherburn (212 N. Prairie St.). Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. Refreshments will be served after the service. Rev. Lester has served the church in Sherburn since 2011. |
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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2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
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from your Conference Justice & Witness Team
2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Ecumenical Advocacy Days Scholarship! $750 each - one claimed, two more remaining; 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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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Southeast Clergy Cluster: Tuesday, March 4, 11:30am
Peace UCC, Rochester
**No Twin Cities East Metro Clergy Cluster this month.**
Northeast Clergy Cluster: Thursday, March 6, 11:30am
First Congregational UCC, Brainerd
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Be a justice advocate - Register Now!
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Register Now!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
the day before the 2013 JRLC Day on the Hill event on March 13
Mayflower UCC, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN
Learn more about being a justice advocate!
Prepare with other UCCers for the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition's Day on the Hill event, hear experienced participants, review the Day's issues with a JRLC board member, organize for faith based social justice advocacy, come together as Minnesota Conference UCC Prophetic Voices for Justice, celebrate our Conference's Prophetic Voice!
Come to live into the Conference Vision: The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ is a bold, widely-known, proactive and respected public voice of Christianity.
Register Now!
Free event, and dinner is provided
Directions to Mayflower UCC. Sponsored by Justice & Witness Team in cooperation with the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition
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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 |
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
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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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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. Questions? Contact Zac at zacn@uccmn.org or call 612-871-0359.
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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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Faith Action Vigil
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Interfaith Coalition on Immigration
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2014
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Ramsey County Adult Detention Center
425 Grove Street, St. Paul MN
FAITH ACTION VIGIL #54 THIS MONTH'S HOSTS:Centro Guadalupano, Santa Rosario/Holy Rosary Church (Mpls), and St. Albert the Great Church (Mpls)
COME, PRAY, SUPPORT
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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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Guatemala Mission Trip - join us!
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First Congregational UCC Mankato has 4 openings on our Guatemala Mission Trip "Vision Team." We will be taking our 5th trip to work with Common Hope in Antigua, Guatemala. On July 20 -27th, 2014, we will help in schools, build a simple home, work side by side with the Guatemalan families and learn and reflect on how we can make a difference in the life of others. You can check out Common Hope at: commonhope.org. If you would like to learn more about this life changing opportunity, please contact Kathy Taylor (Team Lead) at kmtaylor@hickorytech.net, or 507-351-2437. The cost is $800 for all in-country travel, room and board. Airfare is approximately another $800 depending on the airline's ever-changing prices. We need to start the team process ASAP, so a prompt reply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you!
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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. Just click on the title of the event in the calendar to get more details. - Wednesday, February 26: Creation Story of Gender, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
- Thursday, February 27: Theology Uncorked, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
- 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
- Wednesday, March 12: On the Road with the Zealot, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
- Wednesday, March 19: On the Road with the Zealot, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
- 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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