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Annual Meeting - June 12-14, 2015
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Rev. Dick Fylling, member of the Annual Meeting Planning Work Group, reflects on signs of hope that point to the potential for a world free from racism. This coming June the MN Conference Annual Meeting will gather around the theme of "Going Deeper: Trusting in Sacred Conversation" which developed out of a resolution adopted at last year's annual meeting, "Dismantling Racism and Creating Diversity in the Minnesota Conference".
Signs of Hope 
During worship at Hutchinson on Sunday, March 15, our Pastor, Rev. Cindy Mueller, passed out blank cards and asked those who were willing to write down something we fear. I took a card and immediately wrote, "I fear that the cancer that is racism will never be eradicated in this society.
Nine days later, I have realized there are signs of hope in our midst, if we only look for them - or if we let them find us - and for us to be open to them when we do.
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Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) Testimony
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OCWM Subcommittee Chair Bob Peterson (member, New Brighton UCC) shares his personal perspective on individual and congregational giving. He thinks giving to missions and Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) should be a congregation's first priority. What is your congregation's approach to giving?
Is Missions your Church's Number One Priority?
Christians who use the "Share, Save, Spend" priority system to manage their money decisions find they make better decisions on their spending when they share with others first. The "Share, Save, Spend" priority system is based upon the fact that all money decisions we make are decisions based upon emotions, not on logic. The goal is SHARE- first, whether that is support of church or other charities; SAVE - second, whether that is for retirement, a new car, a different home, etc; and finally SPEND - third, to spend the rest of their money any way they want.
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New Initiatives Grants Available
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Is there a bold new ministry you'd love to try if only you had a little money to get started? The Minnesota Conference is once again announcing the availability of grants from the New Initiative Fund in the 2015 calendar year. This could be your opportunity to try that new thing! The New Initiatives Fund encourages experimentation and innovation throughout the Conference, in keeping with our core values of 'innovation' and 'empowerment'. Applicants may include congregations, groups of congregations, or other recognized ministries of the Conference. Grant requests of up to $2500 are accepted. So what are you waiting for? See guidelines and the grant application here: http://uccmn.org/resources/grants/
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Peace Fund Grants Available
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 The Peace Fund Grant Program empowers the Prophetic Voice of the Minnesota Conference UCC through grants to local congregations!
How do I apply?
Fill out and submit the Peace Fund Application Form by July 1st What is a Peace Fund Grant?The Justice and Witness Team is working to move UCC congregations toward a path of advocacy. As the prophets of old spoke out against social injustice, local UCC congregations must join together to speak as one voice for justice for all.
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Boundary Training: April 14
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This training will go beyond the do's and dont's and explore the organic and dynamic nature of relationship and boundaries, power and authority.
If it has been 3 years or more (2012 or earlier), since you have taken Power and Boundary Training - required for all ministers (unless exempt) - you can bring that training up to date at this upcomiing Power and Boundary training:
Tuesday, April 14 at First United Methodist Church in Sartell
*Space is limited. Register by April 7
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Joys and Concerns
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- Tom Liddle will be ordained Saturday March 28 at 11am at Peace UCC (1111 N. 11th Ave. E. in Duluth). A reception will follow the service of ordination. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. Please RSVP to office@peaceucc.org if you plan to attend. Tom has been called to serve First Congregational UCC in Cannon Falls.
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Notices
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Vanuatu Emergency Relief
The small island nation of Vanuatu in the South Pacific was hit by one of the strongest storms in recent history on March 14. Already one of the poorest nations in the region, Vanuatu suffered devastating damage and loss of life as Cyclone Pam, a Category 5 storm, made landfall. The UCC has a long history of responding to disasters and providing aid. Please consider a donation to the International Relief Fund.
- Clergy clusters in the coming week:
- There are no clergy clusters in the coming week.
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Upcoming Events
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- Minnesota Conference Youth & Faith Formation Events
- 4th Thursday Leader Gathering - "Genderqueer-friendly Ministry", MN Church Center, Minneapolis, MN | March 26, 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
- Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreat Events
- Environmental Justice Training | May 27-29, 2015
- OWL Facilitator Training, Levels K-1/4-6/Adult/Young Adult, Pilgrim Point Camp, Alexandria, MN | May 29-31, 2015
- Summer Youth Camp, Pilgrim Point Camp, Alexandria MN
- Wayzata Children & Youth Camps | June 6-July 8
- July Family Camp hosted by Union UCC in St Louis Park | July 12-17, 2015
- August Family Camp hosted by St Anthony Park UCC | August 2-7, 2015
- Save the Date: Quilting Work Weekend | May 29-31, 2015
- Save the Date: Youth Ministry Training | August 28-30, 2015
- Save the Date: Women's Retreat | September 25-27, 2015
- National UCC Events
- Annual Conference: UCC Office Support Staff Network (UCCOSSN), Ft. Wayne, IN, April 9-11, 2015
- Unexpected Places! General Synod 30, Cleveland, OH, June 26-30, 2015
- Widen the Welcome Conference hosted by UCC Mental Health Ministry + UCC Disabilities Ministry, Hartford, CT, Sept 24-26, 2015
- Regional Opportunities
- 2015 Guy Stanton Ford Lecture Series: Bryan Steveneson will speak on the title "American Injustice: Mercy, Humanity, and Making a Difference" on Tuesday, April 7 at 2pm at the Carlson Family Stage at Northrop Auditorium. Stevenson is an attorney, human rights activist, and leader in the movement against mass incarceration in the US. The Lecture is free and open to the public.
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Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ | www.uccmn.org 122 W Franklin Ave, Suite 323, Minneapolis, MN 55404 |
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Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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