COMMAntary E-Newsletter, Vol. 10, No. 49
December 10, 2014
In This Issue
Mission Bite: from across the Minnesota Conference
from Jerad Morey, Helen Jackson Lockett-El and Mary Walesch,
Minnesota Council of Churches, Graceful Journey Program

Graceful Journey
Every day 10,000 Americans become 65 years old, a demographic trend that will continue through 2029. This "age wave" impacts all sectors of our society, not the least of which is the faith community. How is your congregation strategically planning for the inevitable growing needs of an aging membership? Will your other vital ministries also be sustained? Does the church have a unique role to play in an aging mission field? When it comes to caring for people who are aging and nearing the end of life, we can strengthen our ministry with our Minnesota Council of Churches' Graceful Journey program.
Pilgrims UCC Rummage Sale
As was previously reported, the Pilgrims UCC church property in Maple Grove has been listed for sale. A subgroup of the Board of Directors has inventoried the contents and items are now available for purchase.

All items purchased must be picked up at 8801 Rice Lake Road, Maple Grove on December 20, 10am - 3pm. Buyers are responsible for their own pick-up and delivery. All abandoned items will be disposed of. No refunds are available. Questions? Contact Alison Bents in the Conference Office at [email protected].
You will be enriched...
You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity which will produce thanksgiving to God. - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Already, we have entered into the season of Advent and await new birth and the coming of the Christ child. As we begin to think about Christmas, let us rejoice and be thankful for the blessings and abundance in our lives.

 

At the Minnesota Conference, we are grateful for your support. We count on you as one of our many blessings. As we move forward into Advent, please prayerfully consider how you might be able to further sustain our mission, programs and ministry.

Click here to keep reading. 

Staff Transition
After six and a half years of faithful service to the Minnesota Conference UCC, Alison Bents, Administrative Assistant to the Conference Minister, has announced her resignation effective December 31st. We give thanks for the gifts she has shared with us and wish her God's deep blessings in all that lies ahead.
Joys and Concerns
  • Charles Owens will be ordained Sunday, December 14 at 4:00pm at Union Congregational UCC (3700 Alabama Ave, St Louis Park). Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. A reception will follow the service of ordination.
Notices
  • The Minnesota Conference UCC is pleased to announce the approval of up to $10,000 for congregation micro-grants of $200-700 from the Ashley Endowment. Grants must support the congregation's ministry and work with children, youth and/or families. View and download the grant application here.

  • Resources available! Mayflower Church's Global Justice Advocacy Team traveled to Guatemala as part of a human rights delegation. The Mayflower group has put together both a Readers' Theater-"Portraits of Resilience - in Resistance to Injustice"-that introduces the people and issues they encountered in Guatemala. This can be done as part of a worship service (in lieu of a sermon) and can be accompanied by a justice-focused communion liturgy that they will provide. The group could do a Sunday morning adult forum-"Injustice in Guatemala: Our Lifestyles; Our Government"- that includes concrete actions people can take. This can be offered in conjunction with or as an alternative to the Readers' Theater program. Finally, Mayflower UCC was the launching platform for the award winning film, Gold Fever. That film can be made available as well. Interested? Contact Keith Roberts: [email protected] or 612-367-4616.
     

  • There are no clergy clusters in the coming week.
Upcoming Events
  • Minnesota Conference Events 
    • Annual Minnesota Conference UCC Christmas Open House, 122 W Franklin Ave, Suite 323, Minneapolis, December 17, 1:00-3:00pm - we look forward to seeing you here!
    • Church on the Move, New Brighton UCC, January 31, 2015
       
  • Minnesota Conference Youth & Faith Formation Events
    • Winter High School Youth Event, Camp Koinonia, South Haven, March 13-15, 2015
       
  • National UCC Events
  • Regional Events
    • Mother Mary Come to Me: 400 Years of Stories and Symbols, United Theological Seminary, New Brighton, open Dec. 2 - Jan. 30
    • UCC Habitat for Humanity Mission Trip to Jonestown, MS, February 1-14, 2015. If you are looking for an alternative winter vacation, consider joining us in February when we'll be working on finishing the interiors of two homes. For more information, click here, or email Bob Peterson at [email protected]. The cost is $350/week plus transportation. $250 of that is a donation for materials to HFH.
    • Philippine Immersion Trip: April 30-May 14, 2015. This trip offers participants an opportunity to broaden their understanding of our global realities as well as deepen their commitment to greater well-being in the context of our highly globalized world. In this exposure-immersion trip, participants will have the opportunity to live with Filipino people, listen to their stories, learn about movements, share faith and hopes, engage in dialogue, and explore ways of solidarity. Moreover, participants will be exposed to the Philippine context, the life and ministry of the church, and  global interconnections. Cost: $2,950 (includes airfare, lodging, meals, transportation in the Philippines, honoraria and other expenses). If interested, please contact Rev. Dr. Eleazar Fernandez, [email protected] or 651-255-6131
       
  • Local Church Events 
Employment Opportunities
Check out the employment opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website. Click here to see the listings
Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ | www.uccmn.org
122 W Franklin Ave, Suite 323, Minneapolis, MN 55404

The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) is the state-wide organization that equips UCC pastors to lead, supports congregations, engages in transformative mission and witness, and guides youth and adults on their faith journeys. Get involved.


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