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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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Strangers no more!
You are invited to the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ. This year we welcome Rev. Shari Prestemon as our new Conference Minister. The theme of "Strangers No More" recognizes our connectedness with all God's people and
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Rev. Jim Moos, Wider Church Ministries
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invites us to consider ways of welcoming those who may seem distant, whether global partners or the 'stranger' in our own community. Come see the 21st century United Church of Christ Minnesota Conference in action!  | |
Dr. Patrick Evans
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Keynote speaker will be the Rev. James Moos, Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ, who will speak on Saturday morning and offer a workshop. We have invited representatives from our global partner organization, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, to preach on Sunday morning. Special music and worship planning will be provided by Dr. Patrick Evans, lecturer, practitioner, and clinician in the field of global/sacred music.  | |
Rev. Shari Prestemon
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On Friday evening, we will celebrate and formally welcome Rev. Shari Prestemon, our new Conference Minister. She will preach at the Friday evening worship service. Bible study on Saturday and Sunday mornings will be led by Dr. Carolyn Pressler, Old Testament Professor at the United Theological Seminary. As always the Annual Meeting will be rich with vital worship experiences, opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with old friends, chances to share your passion for social justice--all towards the re-invigoration of faith in our daily lives. Registration will open at 11:00am on Friday, June 13, and all who are able are asked to arrive for the opening plenary session at 2:00pm on Friday afternoon. We will conclude with Sunday worship. Again this year, there will be exhibits all day Saturday in the Gorecki Center. Please remember, you are encouraged to send a young adult (or youth) delegate from your congregation to the Annual Meeting. A full Sunday morning service will be provided for use by local churches. We'll see you at the College of St. Benedict in June!
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Joys and Concerns
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1. First Congregational UCC in Mankato will be the site of an Ecclesiastical Council for Ava Adams-Morris, a candidate for ordination, Thursday March 6 (tomorrow) at 11:00 a.m. (lunch to follow) A quorum of seven (7) churches of the Minnesota Conference UCC is required. To RSVP, please call the church at (507) 387-6592. The church is located at 150 Stadium Ct., Mankato, MN.
2. First Congregational UCC in Sherburn will re-affirm the installation of Rev. Susan Lester as Pastor and Teacher on Sunday March 9 at 10:30 a.m. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. A potluck lunch will follow the service. Rev. Lester has served the church since 2011. The church is located at 212 N. Prairie St. in Sherburn.
3. Michael Fritz, a graduate of Andover Newton Theological Seminary, is now serving as the Interim Minister of Bethlehem UCC in Maple Lake. Michael is a Member in Discernment of the Minnesota Conference. He was baptized and confirmed in Bethlehem UCC, and began as their interim minister on March 1st.
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March Ordination Anniversaries
| On the day of an ordination, the people of God gather together to celebrate the call of an individual into ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. In that ceremony, the people pledge to uphold and support the new Reverend's ministry in and with the church. As such, you are encouraged to celebrate the following ordination anniversaries this month with and in honor of these individuals:
Rev. Barbara Jackman - March 1998
Rev. Matthew Jackson - 03 March 1996
Rev. Adam Blons - 03 March 2002
Rev. Lindy Purdy - 04 March 2004
Rev. Carolyn Hendrixson - 05 March 2002
Rev. Victoria Wilgocki - 06 March 2008
Rev. Brian Brosz - 10 March 1985
Rev. Kay Welsch - 12 March 1989
Rev. Paul Van Antwerp - 18 March 2012
Rev. Randall Hachfeld - 29 March 1996
Our best wishes for continued and flourishing ministry to all celebrating their ordination anniversaries in March!
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The Search Has Begun!
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The Search Has Begun! Deadline this Friday!
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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Northern Clergy Cluster: Tuesday, March 11, 11:00am
Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Duluth
Twin Cities East Cluster: Wednesday, March 12, 12:00pm
Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
Southwest Clergy Cluster: Thursday, March 13, 11:30am
United Church, Mapleton
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Be a justice advocate - Register Now!
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For legislative advocacy training
Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 6:00-8:30pm
Mayflower UCC, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN
 Learn more about
being a justice advocate!
Rev. Eliot Howard, Linden Hills UCC, attended last year: "I found the pre-training offered by the Justice and Witness Team
extremely valuable. I was given up to date information, guidance on how to engage legislators in respectful and relevant conversation. It was fun and inspiring; I felt better prepared. You'll be glad you attended this event."
Prepare with other UCCers for JRLC's Day on the Hill, 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!
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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 "I have a passion for learning which gets reinforced by sharing knowledge with others. I also love the UCC and its extensive witness in all things 'justice.' So the Justice Leaders Engaging & Developing curriculum clicks all the boxes! I can hardly wait to offer it in my church. We're learning that leadership development is critical to growing the church's witness in the world; this curriculum is the ideal place to start! What's not to love?"
- Rev. Barbara Martin, pastor,
First Congregational UCC, Cannon Falls
 The Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (Justice LED) program is a faith-based, biblically grounded curriculum and leadership training resource. It is designed to support local church members - laity and clergy - who wish to develop and strengthen their congregation's justice ministries. The one-day training includes Bible study and theological reflection, socio-cultural exploration and practical tools for building justice into existing ministries and mission.
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.
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
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Faith Formation Leader Luncheon
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Register Now!If you have questions or are unable to make a Fourth Thursday but would like resources shared at the event, please contact Zac at zacn@uccmn.orgFuture Fourth Thursdays: April 24, 2014
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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
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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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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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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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Office Support Staff Network Annual Meeting
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The United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network (UCCOSSN) is a national organization whose mission is to strengthen the ministries of those who work "behind the scenes" supporting the ministries of churches, associations, conferences, and the national setting of the United Church of Christ. Each year, the UCCOSSN members gather together for professional development and networking.
This year's annual meeting will be held April 24-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the theme, " The Power To Be You." We encourage you to attend or send a representative from your support or administrative staff to the annual meeting. The knowledge shared in these three days will strengthen you and your staff's skills, in order to better support the ministries.
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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. - 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
- Wednesday, March 26: 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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