COMMAntary E-Newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 28 
July 15, 2015 
In This Issue
Global Ministry in East Timor: A Passion to Serve, an Invitation to Give

Did you know that the United Church of Christ is engaged in global ministries through partnerships in 84 countries around the world? Did you know that we have 140 mission personnel serving on our behalf?

 

The Minnesota Conference has been blessed to engage in global ministries in a variety of ways through the years. We have enjoyed our partnership with the SE Mindanao Jurisdiction of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines since 1987, and Don and Mary Jane Westra (Fergus Falls) are currently serving as mission personnel in Honduras. Now we have a wonderful opportunity to financially support the missionary appointments of two of our own, Rev. Tom and Dr. Monica Liddle (members of Peace UCC- Duluth).

UCC Announces 2015 Matching Grants for CWS Kits
UCC Disaster Ministries' CWS Kits Matching Grants are Back!

For the second year in a row, the United Church of Christ is offering $250 matching grants to its congregations to assemble Church World Service Kits.  Kits can be crucial to the recovery process following an international or domestic disaster.  Here are the details as well as an application form for the grant.
Minnesota Churches Pray for Mother Emanuel AME Church
The Minnesota Council of Churches invites you to choose a Wednesday evening in the next 12 months to join in a statewide effort to pray for families of the Mother Emanuel 9, to pray for the Mother Emanuel AME congregation, to repent of systemic racism and to pray for the healing of our nation. In addition to the wonder of prayer, one of the values is to keep this experience in front of one another as it is an opportunity for witness and change.

This evenings (Wednesday, July 15) vigil is being hosted at Central Lutheran, 333 S. 12th St., Minneapolis at 7:00 p.m.   

 

Many congregations have already signed up to participate in and support this year-long vigil of remembrance, repentance and healing.  Congregations can reserve a Wednesday here.

Joys & Concerns
  • An Ecclesiastical Council for Rev. Timothy Usset, will be held on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00am at Robbinsdale UCC (directions). Lunch will follow. Rev. Usset, a minister ordained in the International Ministerial Fellowship, is seeking Privilege of Call in the UCC. To ensure a quorum for the Ecclesiastical Council, please email Robbinsdale UCC or call (763) 537-6965 if you plan to attend.

  • A Service of Farewell for Revs. Sharon and Chris Fazel will be held Sunday, July 19, at 9:30am at First Congregational UCC in Anoka (directions). The Fazels have served the church in Anoka since 2000.

  • A Service of Farewell for Rev. Tom Ewald will be held Sunday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at Macalester Plymouth United Church (1658 Lincoln Ave. in St. Paul). A potluck salad reception will follow at 11 a.m. Rev. Ewald has served as Associate Pastor at Macalester Plymouth since October 2005.
Notices
  • Lowrey Holiday Deluxe Organ to be donated.  It is in good working condition.  Measurements are: 44" wide x 44" high x 27" deep.  For information call 651-636-8677 or email Thelma. 
Upcoming 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
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