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Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
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from Lori Alford, chair, Faith Formation Team
Faith Formation Team Annual Report
Members of the Faith Formation Team include Rev. Laurie Crelly, Aaron Lauer, Lori Alford, Rev. Tom Ewald, Mary Gilbertson, Laura Lambert (youth), Beryl Bils (youth), Kevin Brown, Rev. Kayla Bonewell, Julia Kvam, Jodie Nyberg, and Cecilia Baxter.
 The Faith Formation Team of the MN Conference, in it's two meeting this year, focused on how we live out the "Faith Forming Five" initiative. The team used these same criteria created for churches to engage in faith formation: children and youth participating in worship, at home faith practices, intergenerational ministry, service and mission with theological reflection, and lay and clergy leadership development. These meetings consisted of conversation of how we work alongside the Pilgrim Point Camp Committee and most importantly how we use the Faith Forming Five as our guide when discussing conference-wide events and allocating the Ashley Endowment. We want to give a big congratulations to the first FFF congregations: - Robbinsdale UCC
- First Congregational UCC, Hutchinson
- Falcon Heights UCC
- First UCC, Northfield
- Peace UCC, Rochester
- Union Congregational UCC, St Louis Park
Our October meeting at St. Anthony Park UCC began in conjunction with the PPC committee meeting where we discussed how our ministry efforts overlap, but also where they differ. The continued emphasis of intergenerational ministry and strengthening the local church continue to be our largest common goals. On our own, the stewardship and faithful allocation of the Ashley Endowment forms much of our work, as we look to the Faith Forming Five and how best to serve the Conference in living into these markers. Some ideas for further spending of the endowment were: program space at Pilgrim Point Camp, waterfront improvement at camp, increased allotment for micro-grants, create resources for families at home with a UCC theology. In January, our meeting time was extended and our focus shifted to definitions. As a team, we wanted to clarify what our purpose is, considering so much of what we do has to do with our endowment, but also how do we support our local churches in the faith formation programming. Following is the fruit of our efforts, the Faith Formation Team purpose statement: The Faith Formation Team of the Minnesota Conference listens to God's still speaking voice, to discern a vision of how best to equip, empower, advocate, resource and evaluate faith formation in local churches, the Minnesota Conference, and the wider-church utilizing the Ashley Endowment. Discussion of the Ashley Endowment and budget process ensued with careful consideration of our new purpose statement. This is a focused team with much energy and life to give to what we do. Thank you to the Faith Formation Team for bringing presence and wisdom to our tasks!
Lori Alford - Chair, Faith Formation Team
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| Joys and Concerns |
1. 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 (161 W. Broadway). Rev. Forester, who is retiring, has served First Congregational UCC since 2010.
2. A Service of Farewell for Rev. Thomas Gard will be held Sunday May 4 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls (1224 N. Baird Ave.) Rev. Gard, a Presbyterian minister with Dual Standing in the UCC, has been pastor of First UCC since 2001.
3. A Service of Farewell for Rev. Richard Fylling will be held Sunday May 11 at 9:15 a.m. at Granite Falls UCC and at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational UCC in Montevideo. Rev. Fylling has served the churches in Granite Falls and Montevideo since 2008.
4. Oak Meadows, the UCC senior living community in Oakdale has been  announced as a Grand Prize winner in the 2014 ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase competition. The competition, sponsored by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), honors the passion for community and extraordinary talents of seniors in assisted living, independent living and memory care communities across the country. One digital photograph of artwork created by the collaborative efforts of at least three residents was submitted by 158 senior communities. Eight nationwide winners were selected.
5. Once a week, beginning in May, First United Church of Christ in Northfield is expanding the lunchtime choices available to city residents by inviting food trucks to their parking lot. Read the full article.
6. First Congregational Church of Minnesota, UCC, in Minneapolis, will celebrate the ministry of the Rev. Alison Killeen in a service of farewell on Sunday, May 4 at 10:00am. Alison is moving to Portland, Oregon, after serving as Director of Organizing and Practical Theology at the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC). Rev. Killeen will preach, and the church will formally close the four-way covenant under which she has served.
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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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| The Great Vitality Rally (Pre-Annual Meeting) |
Catch Fire: The Great Vitality Rally
June 13, 2014 - 9am to 11:45am
College of St Benedict, Alumnae Hall, St Joseph, MN
An annual gathering on vitality before the Annual Meeting, Catch Fire will be an interactive, energetic morning of a panel of experts from within our own Conference speaking on what they have learned about revitalizing congregations and you sharing what you have learned. The morning will feature idea exchanges, networking, making new friends, and creating sustainable vitality for your congregation.
Register Now!
Registration is $25 per team member and includes the workshop, a continental breakfast, materials, and a vitality goodie bag. For every four team members that attend from your church, the fifth team member can join for free!
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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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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).
Start date extended - there's still time!
We are targeting each group to begin mid-May and continue for three months.
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| Webinars: Engaging Your Neighborhood, Grant Writing, and Appreciative Inquiry |
1. Engaging Your Neighborhood - May 12 - Noon CDST
Your church wants to reach out. Be known in your neighborhood. Be engaged with the community around you. Join this session for strategies for increasing your outreach and visibility in the community. Mike Piazza is Director of Congregational Vitality for the Center for Progressive Renewal
2. Appreciative Inquiry - June 3 - Noon CDST
Learn about the process of Appreciative Inquiry and its value in congregations, especially in making changes. Mark Lau Branson is a Professor at Fuller Seminary and the author of Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change.
3. Grant Writing - June 24 - Noon CDST
Learn strategies for finding and obtaining grant funding for various projects your congregation wants to engage in to provide stronger ministry. Cameron Trimble is the Executive Director of the Center for Progressive Renewal.
Register Here!
Each webinar is $9.99
If you register for all 3, you get them for the price of 2: $19.98
If you are unable to participate on the day and time listed, not to worry. Each webinar will be archived and you can listen to it at your convenience. The advantage to being on the live webinar is you can ask questions, but you can still get the information, whether you are on live or not.
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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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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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| Justice and Peace Action Network |
Act To Reunite Families And Heal Immigrant Communities
Immigrant Rights Sunday, May 4th, is a day to lift up immigrants within our congregations: to learn about their concerns, honor  their contributions to our country and communities, hear their pain, pray for their well-being, and listen to hear where God is leading us regarding issues of immigration.
Every day 1,100 individuals are deported. They are torn from their families, communities, and congregations. There are bold, concrete actions that President Obama can to stop the pain that families and communities face due to deportations. The President has the authority to provide our undocumented community members with an opportunity to stay in the United States without fear of deportation.
As we prepare to observe Immigrants' Rights Sunday, take action by calling on President Obama to stop the suffering and separation of families by utilizing his executive authority to stop deportations!
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Clergy Clusters in the Coming Week
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Southwest Clergy Cluster: Thursday, May 1, 11:30am, United Church, Mapleton
Southeast Clergy Cluster: Tuesday, May 6, 11:30am, Peace UCC, Rochester
Twin Cities East Clergy Cluster: Wednesday, May 7, 12:00pm, Oak Meadows, Oakdale
Northeast Clergy Cluster: Thursday, May 8, 11:30am, Community Church of Walker
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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.
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: May 7, 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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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, 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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