|
FAQs Regarding Search & Call in Minnesota
|
How long does it take get a new settled Pastor?
- It depends. Based on recent searches, between 10 and 24 months. Longer if there are significant issues for an Interim Minister to address, or if a church really likes its Interim Minister. Churches that really like their Interims tend to take longer with their searches.
How many applicants will the search committee get?
- In the metro area, 30-50 is typical. Fewer if the position is not full-time.
- In greater Minnesota, 10-30 for a full-time position. Fewer for part-time.
What kind of applicants will we get?
- Many will be seeking their first call to qualify them for ordination. These people may be young or not so young, first career or 2nd- or 3rd-career.
- Others will be more experienced. Note: 54% of all active (non-retired) UCC clergy are over 60 years of age. 83% are over 50 years of age.
- ONA churches get more applicants. Based on recent searches, about 25-30% of applicants may be lesbian or gay.
Click here to keep reading...
|
|
Annual Meeting 2015: Deadline for Resolutions
|
Please note that resolutions proposed for the Annual Meeting must be submitted to the office of the Minnesota Conference by March 9, 2015. A great place to look for guidance in this process is the "Call for Resolutions" letter that was sent out in December and this document on "The Resolution Process". Please submit your resolution to the Conference Office:
MN Conference of the UCC
122 W. Franklin, Suite 323
Minneapolis, MN 55404
If you have questions regarding the resolutions procedure or need further help in the process, please contact Mark Hannan or any member of the Annual Meeting Planning Working Group.
|
|
MN Conf. UCC Welcomes Newest Staff Member
|
Last week the office of the Minnesota Conference welcomed our newest staff member. Alison Bents left her work with the MN Conference at the end of 2014. She is greatly missed. To serve as Administrative Assistant to the Conference Minister, the Conference has just hired Mark Hannan. Next time you call the office or drop by be sure to give Mark a hearty UCC welcome!
Please send all future COMMAntary
Mark is returning to Minnesota after five years working in Chicago, IL with a consortium of Midwest seminaries called SCUPE. This non-profit offers theological courses for seminary students interested in ministry in the urban context. In 2009, Mark was a student there himself as a part of coursework and an internship toward an Urban Ministry degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.
Click here to keep reading...
|
|
2014 Tax Info for our Donors
|
We know many of you might be looking for a summary of your 2014 donations to the Minnesota Conference for your tax preparation.
Should you require a copy, please email Mark Hannan at markh@uccmn.org and we will prepare a copy and send it to you.
Thank you for your continued support!
Annalese Wright, Development Officer
|
|
Want to join our team? We're hiring!
|
Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats, a life-changing ministry of the Minnesota Conference UCC located in Alexandria, MN, has a job opportunity for Assistant Director of Pilgrim Point. This position provides significant oversight of the site and hospitality ministry ensuring a welcoming, safe and hospitable environment for all campers, volunteers and staff.
Please share this opportunity with anyone you believe would be interested and qualified. Read the job posting and description here. We will be accepting resumes until Thursday, February 19th.
|
|
Next Generation Leadership Initiative - Target 2030!
|
Hopefully you have heard by now about the investment in young transformational leaders and the church of the future through the Next Generation Leadership Initiative. The Pension Boards is seeking to contribute to the greater good by encouraging, equipping and sustaining young clergy for service in local congregations of the United Church of Christ.
Here's a video that tells the NGLI story:
|
|
Joys and Concerns
|
- An Ecclesiastical Council for Michael Fritz will be held Friday, February 13 at noon at Bethlehem UCC, 400 County Rd. 37, in Maple Lake. Lunch will follow the ecclesiastical council. To ensure a quorum, please contact the church at (320) 963-3118 or bethuccml@gmail.com. If you plan to stay for lunch, please so indicate at that time.
-
A Service of Installation in Covenant for Rev. Carol Heckmann, Chaplain at Oak Meadows Senior Living, will be held Sunday February 15 at 10:30am at Community UCC in St. Paul Park. Rev. Heckmann, who has served Oak Meadows since 2009, has entered a 4-way covenant with Oak Meadows, Community UCC and the Minnesota Conference UCC. The church is located at 1145 Summit Ave. in St. Paul Park.
-
Rev. John Fiscus will be installed as Pastor of Peace UCC in St. Cloud on Sunday, February 15 at 3:00pm. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red or rainbow stoles. A reception will follow the service of installation and all are welcome. Peace UCC is located at 400 S 8th St in St. Cloud.
- A Service of Installation in Covenant for Michael McCann will be held on Sunday February 22nd at St. Luke's UCC in Eitzen, MN from 11:00am-1:30pm. The church is located at 23995 Minnesota 76 in Eitzen, MN.
- The Congregational Church of Excelsior (UCC) is pleased to announce that at its Annual Meeting on Feb. 8, it voted to call Rev. Tom Porter as its Pastor. Rev. Porter has been serving the church for a little more than a year in an acting capacity.
|
|
Notices
|
- Register Now for BOUNDARY TRAINING - February 2015 and April 2015 !
Two sessions of Boundary Training have been scheduled for early 2015: - Tuesday February 24 at Rosemount United Methodist Church (14770 Canada Ave. W., Rosemount)
- Tuesday April 14 at First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud Region (1107 Pine Cone Rd. S. in Sartell)
Registration is open for both sessions. The cost is $50. Space is limited. Follow the links above to register today.
-
Peace & Justice in Israel-Palestine
A working group to help build a partnership in the Minnesota Conference for peace with justice in Palestine and Israel will meet on Sunday, February 15 from 3-5pm in Rex Knowles Room of Macalester-Plymouth United Church in St. Paul. We welcome all interested members and friends of MN Conference UCC congregations!
-
Conversations With Friends (CWF) Volunteer OpportunityCWF, whose ministry focuses on visiting and supporting detained immigrants, is looking for a qualified volunteer treasurer. Basic duties will include setting up a simple book-keeping system, managing donations and other purchases supporting detained immigrants, preparation of reimbursement checks, monthly reports, etc. To apply, email a simple one page or less letter of introduction describing your qualifications and your interest to CWF lead John Guttermann at intpasj@mac.com. For more information call 651-485-3104.
-
UCC Young Adult Service Communities (YASC) Internships
Calling young adult candidates for the national Young Adult Service Communities network! Six YASC communities around the country are working hard to get ready to welcome young adult leaders on behalf of the whole church for a year of meaningful engagement at the intersection of congregation and world. Read more, talk to current participants and apply online at www.ucc.org/volunteer_yasc.
-
Celebrate Seminary Sunday on February 22nd!
Our UCC seminaries are filled with faithful, committed students seeking the skills and wisdom necessary to lead the church in the 21st century. Our congregations need these students. Help Support and lift up the work of our three UCC seminaries by celebrating Seminary Sunday on February 22nd (or any other Sunday that works for your congregation). More information here.
- Clergy clusters in the coming week:
- Southwest Cluster: Thursday, February 12, 11:30am
First Congregational UCC, Mankato
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
- Minnesota Conference Events
- Minnesota Conference Open and Affirming Celebration, St Paul's UCC, Saint Paul, February 14, 2015 (more info)
- Global Partnership Update, Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis, February 22, 2015 (more info)
- Minnesota Conference Youth & Faith Formation Events
- Winter High School Youth Event, Camp Koinonia, South Haven, March 13-15, 2015
- 4th Thursday Leader Gathering, MN Church Center, Minneapolis, February 26, 2015
- Our Whole Lives (OWL) Facilitator Training, Levels 7-9/10-12, Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis, February 27-March 1, 2015
- OWL Facilitator Training, Levels K-1/4-6/Adult/Young Adult, Pilgrim Point Camp, Alexandria, May 29-31, 2015
- National UCC Events
- Regional Opportunities
- UNITE on the National Day of Prayer: Throughout history, movements of God have birthed through united prayer. We believe this is such a time in the Twin Cities. We are asking you and your church to consider joining for the UNITE Pastors Gathering where we will pray, worship and eat together. Come on March 11 from 11:30-1PM at Substance Church in Roseville, MN, to hear about how your church can be involved in the vision of UNITE on the National Day of Prayer on May 7 in the Twin Cities. RSVP by March 6.
- Global Opportunities
- 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, efernandez@unitedseminary.edu or 651-255-6131.
|
|
