COMMAntary: e-newsletter of the
Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ
  

brought to you by generous contributions
to Our Church's Wider Mission

Vol. 10, No. 11

12 March 2014

Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
from Rev. Jeanne Bringgold-Pro, chair, OCWM Subcommittee

One Great Hour of Sharing 

When we give to One Great Hour of Sharing, we are actually participating in relationships. When we give to this special offering, we participate in other people's lives, lives that have been devastated by disasters. Your One Great Hour of Sharing dollars help support a global network of relief organizations such as Church World Service and ACT Alliance that work every day in disaster recovery relief. When you give, you become part of relationships that act as the real presence of God with people as they rebuild their lives after earthquakes rumble and tsunamis flood homes and towns. Relationships are also built and nurtured through mission personnel who work through Global Ministries and connect with local churches and organizations. On the ground, they help people and communities rebuild after unthinkable heartbreak and destruction.

One Great Hour of Sharing is also about much more than disaster relief. OGHS dollars also help support and empower people in community development projects as they develop their economic capacity and strengthen community well-being. "We are ONE" is the 2014 One Great Hour of Sharing theme. We are indeed one in our commitment to compassionate help by sharing resources and working together in partnership, serving God and each other. Yes, funding is about relationships and it changes lives. The recommended offering date for One Great Hour of Sharing is March 30. Let us work together to join with God in this important mission effort.

 News and Information


Board of Directors Meeting Summary

The MN Conference Board of Directors (BOD) gathered at St. Peter's UCC in Stillwater, MN this month where Transitional Pastor - the Rev. Nancy Swanson - greeted us and led us in worship. We had a full agenda (as usual) with a great deal of reading required in preparation for the meeting. At the meeting, as an act of the covenant we have with our smallest churches (those with less than 100 member), we voted to help underwrite the registration costs of their delegates at this year's MN Conference Annual Meeting in St. Joseph, MN.

 

We also discussed the fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget that will go before the Annual Meeting in June and the possibility of funding a number of new initiatives identified as opportunities by the staff.

 

We discussed the New Initiatives Fund and how these new dollars might be accessed in the near future by our congregations on innovative and experimental endeavors (especially if done in collaboration with other UCC churches). We also approved the application form and the maximum grant a congregation can apply to receive.

 

We heard from our Conference Attorney regarding Pilgrims UCC (Maple Grove) and All Nations Indian Church (Minneapolis).

 

Our Conference Minister, Shari Prestemon shared with the BOD about the status of the National setting of the church after having recently attended the Conference Minister's Council meeting. In general, our national church is experiencing continued stresses due to a shortfall of income. Our national staff has shrunk from 290 employees to 140 over the last several years and matters are being reviewed that will involve a total re-examining of how our national offices function. Innovation and experimentation will need to be hallmarks of our denomination's future. It appears neither the national setting of the church, nor the MN Conference is immune to the many changes and shifts currently transpiring in the church. Our local churches have been feeling it for some years now, but the impact is hitting especially hard on the other settings of our beloved United Church of Christ. Let us pray we all have a propensity for change and adaptation so that the good news can continue to be heard/experienced though all settings of the UCC.

 

We were reminded of a resolution passed at the 2013 Conference Annual Meeting urging divestment in fossil fuel companies. There was discussion about how we might go about following through on living this out as a conference.

 

Having evaluated our contract with Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR) it was decided that we would extend our contract with CPR for an additional 6 months which will include a clear set of deliverables we expect and the development of vitality objectives for the Conference.

 

Although we are saddened that Pilgrims UCC in Maple Grove has voted to close, we were pleased to hear of conversations taking place to reimagine a ministry in Maple Grove utilizing the current site. It was also encouraging to hear about the renewing sense of ministry that is coming out of our church in Mendota Heights.

 

The ministry of our Mission Connections was discussed and the role the BOD plays in their oversight and support. We are working to shore up our role in that partnership.

 

Lastly, a status report was given on the search for an Associate Conference Minister. With the deadline for applications quickly approaching, all will be interested in hearing about the Search Committee's progress in the near future.

 

With the Greatest of Hope,

Rev. Cindy Mueller, Vice-Moderator of the BOD

2014 Annual Meeting - Strangers no more

The 2014 Annual Meeting is coming up!

You won't want to miss it - June 13-15, 2014 

Registration is now open.

 

Important information:

  • Workshop submission deadline is coming up on April 1. Share your knowledge - get your application in! Workshop applications are available here.
  • Take a look at the Call to the Meeting materials that were sent out last week - just click here.
  • The early bird discount ends on May 5, so be sure to get registered before that!
  • Does your church have 100 members or fewer? If so, the first registrant from your church qualifies for a Small Membership Church discount! Just use this form to register the first person from your church.

Questions? Contact Alison Bents in the Conference Office at [email protected] or 612-871-0359.

Affinity Groups on Stewardship & Social Media

Want some coaching, resources and support around the areas of stewardship and/or social media? The Conference will be offering an Affinity Group on each topic as part of our contract with the Center for Progressive Renewal. An Affinity Group is a three month coaching experience that gives your congregation access to a number of CPR's best consultants and coaches. You meet once a month in a coaching group consisting of the pastor and up to five lay leaders in each congregation participating. This is a live audio conversation online.  

 

In addition to the once a month coaching session, each topic area will have a website where you can access recorded webinars, videos, booklists and other key resources. These resources are available to everyone in your congregation. You can use them at Council/Consistory or other Committee/Team meetings. You will also have access to the coaches through sending questions to the facilitator who will get a personalized answer on your questions from the various coaches and consultants involved in the Affinity Group.  

 

Each group is limited to 10 congregations and the cost is $75.00 for the three months. Please contact Anita Bradshaw in the Conference Office if you have questions or want to sign up ([email protected] or 612.871.0359). We are targeting each group to begin on April 1 and end on June 30.

Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship
The Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship
Back Bay Mission is pleased to announce that applications are available for the 2014 Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship!

 

The Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship provides a member of the United Church of Christ between the ages of 19 and 35 with a unique opportunity to participate in a 10-week summer program tailored to their interests. Drawing on the Mission's long experience in community engagement and advocacy for justice, the internship will nurture participants' passion for social justice and develop their appreciation for the church's role in seeking social justice.

 

In order to attract the highest quality candidates, interns are generously provided for while at the Mission. Interns have the cost of their travel to and from Biloxi covered by Back Bay Mission, stay in Mission housing while in Biloxi and receive a stipend of $250 per week. During their time at the Mission, interns will work in each program and engage in reflection with Mission staff.

 

Applications are available on the Back Bay Mission website. Completed applications should be sent to:

Kenney Washington, Director of Client Services 
Back Bay Mission 
1012 Division Street, Biloxi, MS 39530

Or emailed to Kenney Washington, Director of Client Services at [email protected] with the subject line 'Shari Prestemon Internship' no later than April 30, 2014.

Carol Howard Merritt

SAVE THE DATE: CAROL HOWARD MERRITT  

COMING TO THE MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

We are delighted to bring Carol Howard Merritt to the Minnesota Conference on Wednesday, May 22, 2014. Carol is the author of Tribal Church and Reframing Hope, as well as a regular columnist in the Christian Century. She has pastored churches in Louisiana, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. More details to follow. Rev. Howard Merritt comes to us as part of our work with the Center for Progressive Renewal. 

Volunteer at Pilgrim Point in 2014!
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 Point 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!   

 

Read Camp Co-Director Gigi's full message to volunteers


Please contact Gigi ([email protected]) with any questions about volunteering.
 
Fast 4 Families comes to Minnesota!
Fast for Families Across America is coming to Minnesota on Friday, March 14 to engage Minnesota's 2nd district Congressman John Kline in a dialogue about the moral crisis caused by our broken immigration system and encourage him to add his voice to those seeking fair, compassionate, and comprehensive immigration reform. Learn more about Fast for Families at www.fast4families.org.

 

Share the fast!

Be a part of Minnesota's March 14 Fast4Families:

  • Be a solidarity faster
  • Constituents call Congressman Kline and Paulsen, telling them that you are fasting and asking them to support comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship.
    • Call Congressman John Kline (2nd district constituents only) at 952-808-1213.  
    • Call Congressman Erik Paulsen (3rd district constituents only) at 952-405-8510.
    • ALL call Speaker John Boehner (202-225-0600).
  • JOIN us at 5:00 pm on March 14 at the Waite House, 2320 13th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a public event with the Fast for Families tour as we mobilize to pass the Immigrant Drivers' License Bill in Minnesota.

Continue the fast and continue the calls! Every Wednesday beginning March 19, fast for immigration reform. Join the fasting community - sign up here.

  • Fast weekly through the Christian Lent (ends April 19)
  • Fast until immigration reform passes
  • Are you a faith community leader?  Including mention and prayers and readings for immigrants and immigration reform in your faith community gatherings.
  • Suggestions for prayers and other resources here: fast4families.org/campaign-materials
  • Most faith organizations have resources at their national and other websites.
For more information, contact Rev. Paul Erickson, 651-224-4313 or [email protected] or Rev. John Guttermann, 651-485-3104 or [email protected]
R.E.A.D.Y.!

 

Global Ministries is pleased to announce a new justice oriented, free, online youth curriculum called R.E.A.D.Y! (Revolutionary, Engaged and Driven Youth). In four sessions, R.E.A.D.Y. takes youth on a journey of self-discovery to broaden their view of themselves, the church, the community, and their place in the world. Get a hold of it by clicking here.

 

Session 1: Challenging our assumptions and prejudices

Session 2: Redefining mission in the context of increasing diversity

Session 3: Discovering differences and similarities to people in different cultures

Session 4: Realizing God's mission requires a constantly evolving world view


The Global Ministries Mission Education team welcomes your feedback and has provided a link at the end of Session 4 ([email protected]).
Typhoon Haiyan Update
from your Global Partnerships Team

Typhoon Haiyan Update 

Remember the typhoon that hit the Philippines last November?  The one that had the highest wind speeds ever recorded in a tropical storm?  As you can imagine, the devastation was widespread, and there are still many relief needs to be met in that area.  We want to direct your attention to this update page from Global Ministries, which provides a good summary of the current situation and a very specific summary of what still needs to be done. There is also a link for donations, if you should be so moved. Thank you!


 Upcoming Events


Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
Southwest Clergy Cluster: Thursday, March 13, 11:30am
United Church, Mapleton 
Boundary Training - May 2014

Boundary Training has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 at Hilltop United Methodist Church, 108 S Manitou Dr, Mankato. To register, go to events.minnesotaumc.org where it is listed as "Living the Sacred Trust." Choose "other" for district and church. For a flyer and more information, click here

Justice LED is back in Minnesota - Register Now!
"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: Friday, 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, [email protected] or 651-485-3104.

Sponsored by the Justice & Witness Team, MN Conference UCC 

BEHOLD! The 2014 ONA Celebration
2014 Minnesota Open and Affirming Celebration 
Saturday May, 10th 
Workshops at 1:00 PM | Worship at 2:30 PM
Parkview UCC, White Bear Lake 
 
Engaging Workshops 
ONA 101: members of churches share their steps to becoming Open and Affirming and what it has meant to their congregation and the community. 
Youth Impact of ONA: a panel of youth who identify as queer share their experience of coming out and some parents responses.

Fabulous Worship 
Celebrating all the Minnesota Open and Affirming settings. Challenging preaching by the Rev. Kayla Bonewell, Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Young Adults at Peace United Church of Christ - Rochester, MN. The choir from Edina Morningside Community Church, UCC will be providing music.

Hope you can join us in the celebration!
Find and share an event poster here.
Faith Formation Leader Luncheon
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 [email protected]

Future Fourth Thursdays: April 24, 2014
OWL Facilitator Training at Pilgrim Point

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a sexual education program with resources written by professional sexuality educators that equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information to help them make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. OWL provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants clarify their values and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.

 

OWL Faciliator Training this Spring for:

Grades 7-9 & 10-12 Curriculum

 

WherePilgrim Point Camps & Retreats | 2059 Pilgrim Point Road NW, Alexandria, MN 56308

When: Friday, May 16th (3PM) until Sunday, May 18th (2PM)

Cost: $125 (without resource)

 

Register for this Training Now

 

Questions about OWL Training? Email Zac Norenberg or call the Conference office at 612-871-0359.
Environmental Justice Retreat

How can people of faith work for environmental justice for all? How can we create Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s beloved community - one that is sustainable, healthy, and inclusive? This train-the-trainer workshop will explore these questions with the goal of empowering conversation and actions around environmental justice that will continue far beyond the initial workshop.

 

When: 5PM on Wednesday, May 14 thru Noon on Friday, May 16

Where: Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats, near Alexandria, MN

Cost: $90.00 (includes six meals, housing, and training/program)

 

Registration opens next week! 

Registration deadline: May 7, 2014  

Download the EJT Flyer or watch this video for more information.

Questions? Contact:
 

Meighan Pritchard, Minister for Environmental Justice, for questions about the curriculum

Gigi Nauer, Co-Camp Director, for questions about accommodations 

Zac Norenberg, Registrar, for questions about registration

Cert School
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
Scholarships up to $1,000 are available!
Register now for Northern Cert School!
May 18-23 & Nov. 7-9, 2014

Learn about the benefits of Cert School.
Questions or want more information?
Email Zac Norenberg at [email protected].
Youth Camps at PPC!
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 - $350
Adult Church Leader cost: $100
Register 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.

If you have questions, please email the PPC&R Registrar,
Zac Norenberg at [email protected].
Spring Middle School Youth Event 2014
Spring Middle School Youth Event

The 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 [email protected] or call 612-871-0359.

 Local Church Events


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.

Want to see your event listed on this calendar? It's simple! Just email Alison at [email protected]. Thank you! 


 Classifieds

Employment Opportunities
Check out the Employment Opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website. Click here to see the listings.

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In This Issue
Mission Bite
Board of Directors Summary
2014 Annual Meeting
Social Media & Stewardship Groups
Social Justice Internship
Carol Howard Merritt in MN
Volunteer at PPC in 2014!
Fast 4 Families in MN
R.E.A.D.Y.!
Typhoon Haiyan
Clergy Clusters
Boundary Training - May 2014
Justice LED is back!
BEHOLD!
Faith Formation Leader Luncheon
OWL Facilitator Training
Environmental Justice Retreat
Cert School
Youth Camps at PPC!
Spring MS CYE
Local Church Events
Employment Opportunities

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Right now: Finding unconditional love. 

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UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns 

 

Right now: Are you a future ONA Church? 

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Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ

 

Right now: Jon Barnes was recently appointed as Mission Interpretation Executive in Indianapolis. 

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Association of United Church Educators 

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Congregational Vitality 

 

Right now: Remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines. 

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Justice & Witness Ministries 

 

Right now: Are you participating in Community Supported Agriculture? 

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Council for Health and Human Services Ministries 

 


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