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Black Lives Matter: Conversation with Black Church Leaders
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 People of faith reflect and discern our part in the movement for racial justice after the Ferguson, MO and Staten Island, NY grand jury decisions, I-35W shut down and Mall of America protest. Come hear the stories of two local Black pastors and join in conversation around the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
All welcome -- refreshments served! March 1 from 3-5pm at First Congregational (500 Southeast 8th Ave., Minneapolis). The event is free but please RSVP through our website.
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UCC Philippines Pastor & Scholar Available to Preach or Speak at Local Churches
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Rev. Benemerito (center) with Rev. Henderson and Rev. Lippert at First UCC in Northfield, MN
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On three recent Sundays, Rev. Leah Benemerito, of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), and Campbell Scholar at United Theological Seminary for the 2014-15 academic year, has spoken at Minnesota Conference churches. Her sermon was titled "A Dream of Real Partnership."
Pastor Leah is presently serving as mission personnel from UCC-Minnesota's partner jurisdiction, the Southeast Mindanao Jurisdiction of the UCCP, while she studies at UTS. She is available to preach or speak at churches on Sunday mornings, or weekday evenings, through May 17th.
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Local Commemoration of 1965 Selma March
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50 years ago, members from diverse faith communities marched against racism, segregation, and for civil rights.
Join us in an interfaith march on Sunday, March 8 commemorating the 1965 Selma March that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Meet at the State Capitol at 2pm. The half-mile march will end at Central Presbyterian with a program to follow.
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Joys and Concerns
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- A Service of Farewell for Karen Evenson will be held Sunday March 1 at 9am at First Congregational UCC (716 W. 3rd St., Graceville) and at 10:30am at Congregational UCC (4 SE St., Ortonville). Karen has been serving the two congregations as a licensed minister since 2002.
- Rev. Barbara Martin will be installed as Pastor of Union Congregational UCC on Sunday March 8 at 3 pm. Clergy are invited to robe, wear red stoles and process in together. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service. Please RSVP for the reception to info@unionslp.com by Thursday, March 5. The church is located at 3700 Alabama Ave. S. in St. Louis Park.
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Notices
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- Rev. John Dorhauer Named Candidate to Become UCC's 9th General Minister and President
The General Minister and President Search Committee has identified a candidate to become the ninth leader of the United Church of Christ. The Rev. John C. Dorhauer, conference minister of the Southwest Conference of the UCC, is the search committee's candidate, named Friday, Feb.13, chosen to lead the nearly 1-million-member denomination into the future. Read more here.
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March Forth for Literacy
March Forth for Literacy will be a day for a concentrated focus on literacy awareness throughout the UCC. It will offer congregations the opportunity to share with the wider church their involvement in literacy issues locally and nationally, and will give individuals the chance to share their experiences, either as volunteers with literacy organizations or persons who have struggled with literacy themselves. Please take a few moments to read about and to share this opportunity with your church and wider community. Learn more here.
- Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) 2015
Come to Washington, DC, April 17-20, 2015, for the 13th Annual National Gathering of Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice titled, "Breaking the Chains: Mass Incarceration and Systems of Exploitation." More information here.
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HABIT Study: Prevent of Delay DementiaPlymouth Church in Minneapolis is preparing to host a Mayo Clinic study, HABIT, that aims to prevent or delay dementia. Study leaders are seeking people with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. More criteria and information here.
- Clergy clusters in the coming week:
- Southwest Cluster: Tuesday, March 3, 11:30am
Peace UCC, Rochester - Twin Cities West: Wednesday, March 4, 12pm
Parkway UCC, Minneapolis (All are welcome to attend)
"An explanation of UCC history through hymnology" presented by Rev. Anita Bradshaw and accompanied by David Lohman. - Twin Cities East Cluster: Wednesday, March 4, 12pm
Cherokee Park United Church, St. Paul
"What makes a Clergy Gathering compelling enough to set aside the time"? (Please use the Manomin St. entrance) - Northeast Cluster: Thursday, March 5, 11:30am
First Congregational UCC, Brainerd - Southwest Cluster: Thursday, March 5, 11:30am
First Congregational UCC, Mankato
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Upcoming Events
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- Minnesota Conference Events
- Black Lives Matter: A Conversation with Black Church Leaders, First Congregational Church, Minneapolis, MN | March 1, 2015 | 3-5pm (more info)
- Local Commemoration of '65 Selma March | March 8, 2015 | Meet at the State Capitol at 2pm (more info)
- Minnesota Conference Youth & Faith Formation Events
- Winter High School Youth Event, Camp Koinonia, South Haven, MN | March 13-15, 2015
- 4th Thursday Leader Gathering, MN Church Center, Minneapolis, MN | February 26, 2015
- Our Whole Lives (OWL) Facilitator Training, Levels 7-9/10-12, Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis, MN | February 27-March 1, 2015
- Spring Middle School Youth Event - "Why?", Pilgrim Point Camp, Alexandria, MN | May 15-17, 2015
- OWL Facilitator Training, Levels K-1/4-6/Adult/Young Adult, Pilgrim Point Camp, Alexandria, MN | May 29-31, 2015
- National UCC Events
- Regional Opportunities
- Day On the Hill - Tuesday, March 10, 2015: Come be a part of faith-based commitment to social justice and legislative advocacy for the common good at this year's Day on the Hill. Register to participate.
- 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.
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2014 Tax Info for our Donors
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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
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