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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Ray Daniels, chair, Justice and Witness Ministry Team
Justice and Witness Annual Report
Members of the Justice and Witness Team include Ray Daniels, Dwight Wagenius, Edi Apelt, Jack Chandler, Rev. Justin Gromoll, Barb Proost, Rev. John Guttermann, Martin Erickson, III, and Rev. Dr. Dana Mann. We meet each month either in person or by telephone conferencing. This was the first year we used teleconferencing - and it worked well.
Jack Chandler, John Guttermann, and Dwight Wagenius have all served on the team for six years and will be retiring from the team this year. They have been faithful members of the Justice and Witness Team during their terms in office; Jack served as secretary and both John and Dwight have chaired the team. Big thanks to Jack, John, and Dwight for their six years of service!
In October 2013, we met for an all-day planning session where the team set our goals for the year. We spent the morning with Kathryn Price, the team's intern, discussing plans for the coming months. We have completed many of the tasks but several tasks were continued until next year. The team plans to continue research and to advocate for responses to teen homelessness in Greater Minnesota.
Over the five years that I have served as a member of the Justice and Witness Team, we have searched for ways to become a Prophetic Voice, assisting local churches be better advocates for environmental and social justice. In Matthew 28, Jesus' followers ask him when they have
 fed, clothed, and visited him in times of despair. Jesus replied that feeding, clothing and visiting those in need are tasks done in his name. Jesus does not limit these tasks to actions of individuals or local churches. The followers of Jesus would never have seen the Roman government as a partner in these tasks. Today, we have a different perspective of government. Individuals, churches, and local, state and federal government should all be part of feeding, clothing and helping people in despair. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, helping people is "The Call of Jesus". We are called to help children in need by becoming better advocates for all children. We must organize to realize and exercise our power. Healthy children, quality education, and a safe environment are Bible-based moral imperatives for all Christians. Peace Fund grants are one way the Team can encourage local churches to advocate for Christian values. We continue to celebrate the role Peace Fund grants are playing in the work of local congregations. We are grateful to the generosity of the many, that over the years, created and sustained the Peace Fund grant program. We also want to give thanks to the congregations which have requested and used these funds for expanding their justice work. The team will recognize all the churches who have contributed to the Peace Fund at the Annual Meeting. For the second year, the Justice and Witness Team joined with the Center for Public Ministry at United Theological Seminary to sponsor an internship program. Aaron Lauer and Kathryn Price have performed admirably in this program and we thank them for their good work. John Guttermann and Barb Martin led a Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (Justice LED) training at Union Congregational UCC in St. Louis Park. Eight UCC members from the area attended the one day training session; the team plans to continue offering the Justice LED training to interested UCC members. The Justice and Witness Team, under the leadership of Dwight  Wagenius, worked with the Conference Board of Directors to bring forward an Annual Meeting resolution calling for the Conference to cease new investments, and to divest, in fossil fuel stocks. The resolution also asks local churches to take a look at their investment portfolios - seeking ways they also can divest.
We continue to invite congregations to engage in the challenge of "greening" and becoming an "Earthwise Congregation" -- as well as becoming "accessible" to all people through our annual recognition program. The Justice and Witness Team continues to recognize "Just Peace" congregations, as well as recognizing congregations for their efforts to be "Prophetic Voices" in their community and state.
These recognitions invite congregations to begin simply - sustain - and add to their efforts year after year. The ultimate goal is to some day recognize EVERY Conference congregation. Once recognized, both maintaining and expanding your congregation's efforts can lead to repeat celebrations of your commitments. Next year, add your name to the expanding list as a sign of your deepening commitment to environmental and social justice.
Ray Daniels - Chair, Justice and Witness Ministry Team
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Joys and Concerns
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 1. Alison Bents, editor of COMMAntary and Administrative Assistant to the Conference Minister, and her husband, Pat, welcomed their son to the world on April 6. August Henry Behm Bents weighed in at 8 lbs 11 oz. and 21½ inches long. Everyone is doing well and August is growing "like a weed."
2. Oak Meadows, the UCC senior living community in Oakdale, Minnesota, is one of 4 recipients of the 2014 Dot.Org awards. The awards are given by the Minnesota Council for Nonprofits and MAP for Nonprofits for innovation in the utilization of technology and communications in nonprofit organizations. Oak Meadows received the award for website re-design. Check it out at: www.oak-meadows.org
3. A Service of Farewell for Rev. Timothy Forester will be held Sunday May 4 at 10:00 a.m. at First Congregational UCC in Winona (directions). Rev. Forester, who is retiring, has served First Congregational UCC since 2010.
4. A Service of Farewell for Rev. Thomas Gard will be held Sunday May 4 at 10:30 a.m. at First UCC in Fergus Falls (directions). Rev. Gard, a Presbyterian minister with Dual Standing in the UCC, has been pastor of First UCC since 2001.
5. The Rev. Larry Pray has a show of approximately 30 paintings and
poems at Springhouse Ministry, coordinated by the Regla De Oro Art Gallery on Lyndale Avenue, which will be on display through the end of May. It features the "Vision" series of paintings and poems Larry did
 after an eye surgery two years ago. Each poem is linked with a painting and speaks to the gift of vision and the various perceptions that arouse when he could not see.
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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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Staff Leave
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Alison Bents is out on leave and will return immediately following the Annual Meeting on June 16, 2014. Her tasks are being covered in-house, so we thank you for your patience as we cover the gaps. Generally, questions should be directed to Marita Karlisch at maritak@uccmn.org. Questions specific to the COMMAntary should be directed to Zac Norenberg at zacn@uccmn.org. |
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 four main Justice & Witness Team recognitions given at the Conference Annual Meeting: ALL congregations are eligible, both "first
 timers" (never applied or been recognized in a category before) and "repeaters" (your congregation is continuing its work in an area of past recognition by either reporting new efforts or affirming that there has been 'no backsliding').
Not sure if your congregation is eligible? Complete the application and your questions will be answered.
After you fill out the on-line application, send three digital photos showing your work. The best photos are "action" photographs showing your congregation "doing justice" and that tell what is happening without commentary or words. Send photos to either mnconfjusticewitnessteam@gmail.com or Rev. John Guttermann, intpasj@mac.com.
Watch last year's recognition video and get information about the Peace Fund and Peace fund grants (as well as other resources).
The four Annual Meeting Justice Witness recognitions are:
1. Prophetic Voices Recognition (for congregations that have done organizing for or participated in advocacy on justice issues - example, through JRLC or ISAIAH)
2. Accessibility Recognition (example, use large print bulletins, built a ramp or added an elevator, etc.)
3. Earthwise Recognition (green church efforts that save energy, protect our environment, etc.)
4. Just Peace (congregations that are, or have recently become, "Just Peace" congregations and for which "Just Peace" designation is an important part of their identity)
Questions? Email the Rev. John Guttermann or call 651-485-3104.
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Oak Meadows at your church!
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 Are you or your congregation interested in having someone come to your church to speak about senior housing? Kim Prayfrock of Oak Meadows, our UCC-affiliated senior living facility located in Oakdale, Minnesota, would love to hear from you! Drop her an email or give her a call at kim@oak-meadows.org or 651-578-0676.
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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There are no clergy clusters in the coming week.
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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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Faith Formation Gathering
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Let us know you're coming:
If you have any questions or if you are unable to make the 4th Thursday, but would like resources shared at the event,
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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.
The Minnesota Conference UCC has established the following OWL Facilitator Training for Grades 7-9 & 10-12 Curriculum:
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 material)
or read the event summary, agenda, F.A.Q, etc.
Registration deadline: April 31, 2014
Meighan Pritchard, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice, with questions about the curriculum and registration
Gigi Nauer, Co-Camp Director, for questions about accommodations
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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?
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Calling all Quilters!
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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!
Deadline to register: May 19, 2014
Participants will be housed in the Lodge and we are asking for a $30 donation to help cover the cost of meals and facility use.
Questions? Contact Zac Norenberg, Registrar, with questions about registration. Contact Gigi Nauer and Robin Raudabaugh, Camp Co-Directors, with questions about program or accomodations
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Youth Camps at Pilgrim Point
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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 - $350
Adult Church Leader cost: $100
Find 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! Registration: $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 event at United Theological Seminary |
United Days: Reunite, Reflect, Reinvigorate
(formerly Spring Convocation)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Exploring the role of individuals and faith communities in caring for the earth -- from theological, prophetic and practical perspectives. This year's topic is "Down to Earth: From Learning to Engagement", featuring two keynotes and a panel of local faith communities representatives sharing practical ideas about their environmental work and/or ministry. Find the schedule, list of speakers/panelists/leaders, meal costs, program cost, and all other details here.
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| One Voice Mixed Chorus: InsideOUT! |
InsideOUT!
In collaboration with Avenues for Homeless Youth
Featuring special guest artist Melanie DeMore
Heart stirring music. Stick pounding rhythm.
Vibrant voices proclaiming freedom in community.
Join our foot-stomping, hand-clapping rhythmic community as special guest artist and Grammy Award nominee Melanie DeMore leads One Voice in a musical journey guaranteed to transform your world and warm your heart from the inside out!
Friday, April 25, 2014 * 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 26, 2014 * 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 27, 2014 * 3:00 pm
Tickets, location, and more info at: www.OneVoiceMN.org
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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. - Thursday, April 24: Rummage Sale, Community UCC, St Paul Park
- Friday, April 25: Trash to Treasure Rummage Sale, Cottage Grove UCC
- Saturday, April 26: Spoken Word and Strawberries, Living Table UCC
- Thursday, May 8: Spring Dinner, Community UCC, St Paul Park
- Saturday, May 10: Plant and Bake Sale, Community UCC, St Paul Park
- Saturday, May 17: Talent/No Talent Show, 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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