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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Wade Zick, Associate Conference Minister
of Faith Formation for Children & Youth
Fourth Thursday Gathering
 Faith formation and youth ministry leaders (clergy, staff and volunteers) gather 6 times a year over lunch for discussion and networking for the "Fourth Thursday" program sponsored by the MN Conference. There is a program element that pertains to that month's focus and we try to give some kind of new resource to assist with implementing the theme in the local church setting. This past month 30 of us gathered to discuss the theme of Disability Ministry and to think about how we can continue to be addressing this important aspect of ministry.  We heard about two "Best Practices" around Disability Ministry. Three members of Robbinsdale UCC church shared about providing an hour-long session around Autism and accommodations for special needs. They have members of their congregation that work in this area who were able to help the nearly 60 people that attended know better how to volunteer and deal with a variety of situations with people of varying needs. They shared how this has now led to congregation members being more willing to volunteer and has provided a more welcoming atmosphere for everyone at church.
We also heard from Rev. Leslie Neugent of Wayzata Community Church (WCC) about their weekly "Parables" worship service that welcomes and involves those of all kinds of ability levels. This service has been a powerful ministry for many families, both members and visitors, who are looking for a different kind of place to worship and of welcome. Click here to see a short video with more information about their very exciting Parables worship service. We are also pleased to have Rev. Neugent presenting a workshop on Parables ministry at our MN Conference Annual Meeting in June. In April, the Fourth Thursday gathering will focus on integrating mystical practices into faith formation and youth ministry. We will share in a Taizé worship time, have opportunities to walk a labyrinth and hear about other resources from the Resource Center for Churches. For more information on Fourth Thursdays or to register for April click here. Blessing and Peace, Wade Zick Associate Conference Minister of Faith Formation for Children and Youth
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Joys and Concerns
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1. Lauren Baske Davis will be ordained on Sunday, April 6, 6:00pm at St. Anthony Park UCC (2129 Commonwealth Ave, St. Paul). Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. Refreshments will be served after the ordination service. Lauren is serving Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Owatonna as Associate Pastor.  2. Saint Anthony Park UCC in St. Paul has joined in solidarity with our sister church, Old South Church UCC, in Boston, in creating scarves to enfold runners with visible prayers of love and courage to help healing from last year's Boston Marathon tragedy. Old South Church is about 100 feet from the finish line! Each year, the church offers a Blessing of the Athletes. As part of that blessing, the church will give scarves to runners at their Easter worship (the day before the marathon). Saint Anthony Park UCC has created, blessed and sent 20 scarves to add to Old South Church to be distributed on Easter Sunday. With the scarves we send our best wishes, thoughts, and prayers for peace.  3. I had a great time at the Justice LED (Leaders Engaging and Developing) training held on March 22nd at Union Congregational Church in St. Louis Park! The task of condensing twelve hours of information into a one-day presentation was like making a headline out of 50+ years of history, but the best part of the day was the 7 participants: their interactions with the material brought it alive making it relevant and important for our churches. THANK YOU all! And thank you, Justice and Witness Team of the Minnesota Conference for making space to share this amazing curriculum, Justice LED, and for spreading the witness of God's justice to those with ears to hear. If your church is interested in hosting a training or learning more about how to use this curriculum in your setting, contact John Guttermann, intpasj@mac.com or 651-485-3104.
from Rev. Barbara Martin, co-leader  4. The UCC contributed strongly to the local observance of Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath on March 16. Rev. Eliot Howard, Linden Hills UCC, chaired the event. Rev. Oby Ballinger hosted the event at Community UCC, St. Paul Park, and gave warm welcome and hospitality. Rev. Shari Prestemon, Minnesota Conference UCC Conference Minister, shared an opening reflection on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Beloved Community" in relation to the experience of a resident of Newtown, Connecticut, who is also an alum of Sandy Hook Elementary School. Sponsors and participants included the Imam of Masjid an Nur, Vic Rosenthal of Jewish Community Action, Rev. Grant Stevenson of ISAIAH, and members of the ELCA Joint Peace with Justice Committee; it was a wonderful interfaith event. For more information on gun violence action see the Protect MN website and the national UCC webpage. 5. First Congregational UCC in Brainerd hosted a concert on Sunday, March 23rd featuring local bluegrass band, Hans Blix and the Weapons Inspectors. The concert was a benefit for the Brainerd Food Shelf for Minnesota Food Share's March Campaign. Their incredible turn-out wound up raising more than $3,000 and 295 pounds of food! |
April Ordination Anniversaries
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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. Herb Rotunda - April 2002
Rev. Bridget Haefner - April 2005
Rev. Sheryl Stowman - 01 April 1984
Rev. Jennifer Amy-Dressler - 01 April 1994
Rev. Michael Wasylik - 09 April 2005
Rev. JoClaire Hartsig - 11 April 1983
Rev. Beth Donaldson - 18 April 1993
Rev. Joel Greenfield - 19 April 2004
Rev. Sandra Dodson - 22 April 1995
Rev. Kitty Burbo - 23 April 1989
Rev. Sue Hamly - 28 April 1991
Rev. Jane McBride - 28 April 2002
Rev. Kathy Gibson Christensen - 29 April 1984
Our best wishes for continued and flourishing ministry to all celebrating their ordination anniversaries in April!
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2014 Annual Meeting - Strangers no more
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The 2014 Annual Meeting is coming up!
You won't want to miss it - June 13-15, 2014
Registration is now open.
 Important information:
- Take a look at the Call to the Meeting materials that were sent out at the beginning of March - 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.
 Three items that will be up for vote at the Annual Meeting have been sent out and are now posted. Click here for the 2014 packet materials. As items are ready, they will be added to the gallery. The gallery currently includes:
- 2014 Resolution in support of an end to the DHS/ICE daily detention level mandate
- 2014 Resolution to support dismantling racism and creating diversity in the MN Conference
- Proposed change for the 2015 compensation guidelines
Questions? Contact Alison Bents in the Conference Office at alisonb@uccmn.org or 612-871-0359.
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Upcoming Staff Leave
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Beginning in the next few weeks, Alison Bents will be out on leave and will return immediately following the Annual Meeting on June 16, 2014. Her tasks are being covered in-house, so please bear with us as we cover the gaps. Generally, questions should be directed to Marita Karlisch at maritak@uccmn.org, and questions specific to the COMMAntary should be directed to Zac Norenberg at zacn@uccmn.org. There may be a week or two at the beginning of April that will be missing a COMMAntary, but never fear! We'll be back for sure on Wednesday, April 16th. |
Affinity Groups on Stewardship & Social Media
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 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 per congregation for the three months. Please contact Anita Bradshaw in the Conference Office if you have questions or want to sign up (anitab@uccmn.org or 612.871.0359). We are targeting each group to begin on May 1 and end on July 31.
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Carol Howard Merritt to come to Minnesota!
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 Date Change!
Rev. Carol Howard Merritt
coming to the Minnesota Conference
We are delighted to bring Carol Howard Merritt back to the Minnesota Conference on Thursday, June 26, 2014. Carol is the author of Tribal Church and Reframing Hope, as well as a regular columnist to in the Christian Century. She has pastored churches in Louisiana, Rhode Island and Washington, DC. More details to follow. Rev. Howard Merritt comes to us as part of our work with the Center for Progressive Renewal.
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Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship
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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 kwash@thebackbaymission.org with the subject line 'Shari Prestemon Internship' no later than April 30, 2014.
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Volunteer at Pilgrim Point in 2014!
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 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!
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2014 Justice & Witness Recognitions
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It's time! 2014 Justice & Witness Recognitions
Final deadline is May 2, 2014
 There are five recognitions given yearly at the Annual Meeting by the MN Conference Justice and Witness Team: ALL congregations are eligible, both first-timers and repeaters. Click here to complete the online application. Not sure if your congregation is eligible? Complete the application and your questions will be answered.
To complete your application, please remember to provide three digital photos showing your work! Please send photos to mnconfjusticewitnessteam@gmail.com or to Rev. John Guttermann at intpasj@mac.com. "Action" photos showing your congregation doing justice and that are easy to interpret are best. View last year's recognition video (and other resources) at the Justice & Witness Team page.
There are five Justice and Witness Team recognitions:-
Accessibility: ex: large print bulletins, adding a ramp, elevator
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Earthwise: ex: green church efforts that save energy, protect the environment, etc.
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Just Peace: congregations that have become Just Peace congregations and for which that is an important part of their identity
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Prophetic Voices: congregations have organized and engaged in advocacy
- Peace Fund Support: (not on the application) congregations have contributed to the Justice & Witness Peace Fund
Questions? Email or call Rev. John Guttermann at intpasj@mac.com or 651-485-3104.
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UCC Justice Resources
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from your MN Conference Justice & Witness Team
UCC Justice Resources
 The national Justice Witness Ministries website is a good source for information: check it out or, on occasion, 'poke around' at the site for more information: www.ucc.org/justice.
Sign up for the weekly Justice and Peace Action Network bulletins: use the above link then scroll down to enter your email address to subscribe.
Host a conversation or study of one or more of the national UCC resolutions (also, local/state resolutions or issue conversations related to Minnesota's Joint Religious Legislative Coalition). In some cases there are subject matter experts within the the MN Conference who can assist, facilitate, or do related presentations. This is a link to the General Synod 29 resolution page: www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions. Many 'past' resolutions continue to be active issues nationally or locally. Bible studies are also available by clicking here.
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Save the Dates: EAD 2015 National Gathering
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from your MN Conference Justice & Witness Team
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
2015 National Gathering and Lobby Day
Ecumenical Advocacy Days Executive Director Douglas Grace announced at the concluding Sunday Banquet of the 2014 National Gathering that EAD would reconvene on the dates of Friday, April 17 to Monday April 20, 2015 at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton Washington, D.C. - Crystal City for the organization's 13th annual National Gathering and Lobby Day. Grace encouraged participants to spread the word and save the dates. Plans and theme for the 2015 gathering will be announced in the late summer or early fall of 2014, Grace said. Be sure to check the EAD Website at AdvocacyDays.org/2015 for more information as it becomes available.
In 2014, one Minnesota Conference UCC member attended on a scholarship from your Conference Justice and Witness Team. His report will appear soon.
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A Pelican of the Wilderness
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 A Pelican of the Wilderness: Depression, Psalms, Ministry, and Movies by Bob Griggs was published last week. Bob has served Minnesota Conference churches since 1979, and is currently interim pastor at Union UCC in St. Louis Park. In the book Bob tells how he was hospitalized for major depression and anxiety disorder, what the experience on a locked psych unit was like, and important lessons he learned in his recovery and return to his profession. His engagement with the Psalms played a major role in Bob's spiritual recovery. Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar, writes about Bob's book: "It is remarkable that the Psalms are transportable from ancient context to contemporary context. Robert Griggs has deftly transported them into his own story of depression, anguish, and recovery of health, life, and faith. This book offers honest, courageous testimony, the telling of a life that will encourage others to tell their lives with truth and to live in hope."
Copies are available online at www.barnesandnoble.com,
www.amazon.com, and www.wipfandstock.com Bob will be signing books at our Conference Annual Meeting.
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Northern Clergy Cluster: NO CLUSTER MEETING THIS MONTH
Twin Cities West Clergy Cluster: Wednesday, April 9, 12:00pm
Parkway UCC, Minneapolis
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Register now for Boundary Training:
May 2014 AND September 2014
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 Two sessions of Boundary Training have been scheduled for 2014: Tuesday May 6 at Hilltop United Methodist Church (108 S Manitou Dr, Mankato) and Tuesday September 30 at UCC New Brighton
(1000 Long Lake Rd).
Registration is open for both sessions. Space is limited. 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.
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BEHOLD! The 2014 ONA Celebration
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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 at Peace United Church of Christ, Rochester. 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.
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OWL Facilitator Training at Pilgrim Point
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 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. More information about OWL is available here.
The Minnesota Conference UCC has established the following OWL Faciliator Training this Spring at Pilgrim Point for Grades 7-9 & 10-12 Curriculum
Where: Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats
When: Friday, May 16, 3:00pm until Sunday, May 18, 2:00pm
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.
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Environmental Justice Retreat
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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)
Register now!
Registration deadline: April 30, 2014
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
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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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Quilting Service Weekend
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Quilting Service Weekend | May 30-June 1
Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats
 Calling all quilters - and all those who have ever wanted to quilt! Come to Pilgrim Point Camp on beautiful Lake Ida to participate in this weekend service retreat. Our goal: to make 30 twin sized quilts for special event campers to use at Pilgrim Point!
You can help by:
- Contributing 100% cotton fabric, thread and/or twin sized quilt batts
- Bringing along a working sewing machine
- Coming to camp to help create quilts!
Come and enjoy Pilgrim Point during this special weekend opportunity to connect, serve, quilt and rejoice!
Register by: May 19, 2014
Participants will be housed in the Lodge and we're asking for a $30 donation to help cover the cost of meals.
Questions about registration? Contact Zac Norenberg. Questions about program or accommodations? Contact Gigi Nauer and Robin Raudabaugh.
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Youth Camps at PPC!
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Strengthen Your Youth Ministry -
Go to Camp Together!
Whether you have one youth in your church or many, attend camp together 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: $100Find answers to common questions: FAQ for 2014.
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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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Safe Schools Act to be voted on tomorrow!
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The Minnesota Senate will vote on the Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act tomorrow! It's a crucial time to show your support!
The Senate is scheduled to convene at 12:00pm on Thursday, April 3rd to debate and vote on the Safe Schools Act, which would protect all Minnesota students from bullying and provide them with a safe place to learn and grow. We are expecting a long floor debate. Let's show our support. The more Safe Schools supporters attend, the more powerful we'll be together. Our own UCC General Synod took a stance against bullying this past summer by passing a resolution against bullying and discrimination. Our own UCC General Synod took a stance against bullying this past summer by passing a resolution against bullying and discrimination.
Although the hearing is set for 12:00, there is a small chance that the time will change to begin earlier. For the most up-to-date info, click here.
Even if you can't make it to the Capitol tomorrow, you can still contact your senator to ask them to vote in favor of the Safe Schools Act. Click here to find your Senator.
Contact your Senator even if he or she already supports the Safe Schools Act. Senators can make powerful statements by announcing that large numbers of their constituents spoke out in support of the bill.
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Upcoming event at United Theological Seminary
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 Celebrated artists Chuck Hoffman + Peg Carlson-Hoffman are bringing the exhibition "Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Layers," inspired by their visit to the Holy Land and other peace-challenged areas, from April 4 to June 18 to United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.  There will be an opening reception with the artists on Friday, April 4, as well as two hands-on workshops led by Chuck + Peg: "Painting Prayer: Common Threads" on Thursday, April 3, and "Painting as Prayer: Reconciliation" on Friday, April 4. Don't miss these excellent events!
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Free Finance Webinars!
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 Nonprofits Assistance Fund has recently decided to provide its webinars for free. There are a couple coming up that Conference Treasurer, Phil Hatlie (New Spirit UCC, Savage) recommends to churches of the Conference.
Below is the link for all upcoming trainings. The "Build a Better Budget" webinar is free as is the webinar on May 14th "Cash is King" (projecting cash flow). While these webinars are geared for nonprofits of all kinds, the financial concepts are very relevant to churches.
https://nonprofitsassistancefund.org/programs/trainings/attend
Bonus: For anyone who is wanting to know more of the financial side of the nonprofit world, the "Fundamentals of Nonprofit Finance" on April 15th is a great workshop. There is a cost of $95.00 for this 3-hour training.
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2014 Washington Island Forum
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2014 Washington Island Forum
June 23 - 27, 2014
Join us and enjoy four and one half days of worship, plenary presentations, small groups, discussion and spiritual renewal in an ecumenical setting at the tip of Door County, Wisconsin.
Why the Church Needs to Ask More
Questions Than It Answers
Forum Presenters:
The Revs. Lillian Daniel & Martin Copenhaver
Click here to learn more about the forum and here to register.
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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, April 2: Community Education Series on Mental Health: In Our Voice, First Congregational UCC, Anoka
- Wednesday, April 2: On the Road with the Zealot, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
- Sunday, April 6: Iona Service with Prayers for Healing, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, April 9: Fare for All Express, Hazel Park UCC, Saint Paul
- Wednesday, April 9: On the Road with the Zealot, Living Table UCC, Minneapolis
- Sunday, April 13: Evensong Service with Harp & Dulcimer, St. Paul's UCC, St. Paul
- Wednesday, April 16: On the Road with the Zealot, Living Table UCC
- 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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