COMMAntary E-Newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 37 
September 16, 2015 
In This Issue
Minnesota Conference UCC Core Values and Strategic Priorities
This Fall, our Associate Conference Ministers will be sharing their take on our Core Values and Strategic Priorities adopted by the Board of Directors on August 18, 2012.  Today, Rick Wagner speaks to "Leadership Development".

Leadership development for clergy and laity:  Minnesota clergy and laity are ready and equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world.

"What I've learned since seminary!"
No matter how good one's seminary education, clergy continually encounter situations for which their training or education is incomplete. People may joke about the church being a place where only "eternal truths" are spoken, but the reality is that even the church needs new ideas. And while the internet may be a remarkable source of information, there are times when only a timely

Church on the Move is BACK!

How do we express an extravagant welcome within our diverse culture? 
Come find out at this Fall's Church on the Move event! 

What: Church on the Move Extravagant Welcome
When:  Saturday, October 24 (9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Where: Peace UCC, Rochester
Guest Speaker:  Jin S. Kim, founding pastor of Church of All Nations in Minneapolis
Workshop Leaders:  Rev. Norma Rae Hunt of St. Paul's UCC in St. Paul discusses the "Turnaround Church!" How did they do it?  Discover.  Rev. Steve Boorsma, ACM of our Minnesota Conference presents "Who Do You Say I AM?"  A discussion on developing positive first impressions for your congregation from the web to the narthex.
Cost: $10/person includes lunch

For more information check out our flyer.
Practicing Medicine in East Timor
The Minnesota Conference has been blessed to engage in global ministries in a variety of ways through the years. 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).
________________________________________________________________
 
-By: Monica Liddle, ND, LM
When I served as doctor in Clinic Immanuel in Lospalos from 2009 - 2012 through our Global Ministries partner, The Protestant Church of East Timor, our clinic treated an average of 60 patients daily.  Diarrhea, worms, fungal skin infections and a variety of respiratory illnesses were the usual daily diagnoses.  But every week, challenging situations present through our doors.
What is a PSC and is it for me?
 What is a Periodic Support Consultation?  It is an informal meeting between an authorized minister and a member of the Covenant sub-committee of the Committee on Ministry. The conversation is focused on the minister's assessment of his or her ministry, and how the Minnesota Conference might be of help. 
Joys & Concerns
  • The Minnesota Conference welcomes Rev. Cynthia Riggin, Senior Pastor at Lynnhurst Congregational UCC in Minneapolis, whose first Sunday there was September 6.  Rev. Riggin most recently served Northshore UCC in Woodinville, Washington.
  • Rev. Susan Lester, who has ministerial standing in the Minnesota Conference, will be installed Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. as pastor of SouthCross Community Church in Burnsville.  All clergy are invited to wear robes and rainbow stoles.  Rev. Lester was most recently the pastor of First Congregational UCC in Sherburn.  A reception will follow the service of installation.  The church is located at 1880 County Rd. 42 E. in Burnsville.
  • Rev. Howie Tobak will be installed Sunday, September 27, at 3:00 p.m. as pastor of First Congregational Church UCC in Winona (161 W. Broadway).  Clergy are invited to robe and process.  A light supper will follow the service of installation.  Please RSVP to the church via email.
Clergy Clusters
Clergy Clusters in the coming week:
  • Northwest Cluster: Tuesday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. at First Congregational, Moorhead
Upcoming Events
  • Minnesota Conference Events
    • Fall Clergy Convocation: Join us at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN on October 8 & 9 for a special time for our Conference's clergy leadership to gather in a beautiful setting, enjoy fellowship with each other, and reflect together on our ministries, our calling, and our challenges. Our keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Robin Meyer. Deadline for registration is Friday, September 25.
    • Back Bay Mission Trip: The Minnesota Conference UCC is sponsoring a mission trip to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi January 31-February 6, 2016. 
    • Women's Retreat of the Minnesota Conference UCC - "Finding Our Voices" with Maren Tirabassi on September 25-27 at Pilgrim Point
    • A UCC Chaplains Gathering will take place on September 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Minnesota Church Center, 122 W. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis in Conference Room 1.  This is open to all who identify their primary ministry as chaplaincy.  Please email Sandy Peterson by September 22 if you will be attending.
    • Church on the Move: Join us at Peace United Church of Christ in Rochester on October 24 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. as we look at Extravagant Welcome.
  • National UCC Events
    • The Spirit Awakening the Church with Diana Butler Bass will be offered on two dates (September 19 in Eau Claire or September 20 in Watertown) by the Wisconsin Conference's Christian Education/Faith Formation Commission.  Registration is required. 
    • Widen the Welcome Conference hosted by UCC Mental Health Ministry + UCC Disabilities Ministry, Hartford, CT, Sept 24-26, 2015.  Early registration ends soon so register today!
    • Creating Sacred Space: A Discussion: this panel discussion will be live streamed from Cleveland on October 27.
    • National Youth Event (NYE) is schedule for July 26-30, 2016 at Walt Disney World in Florida. Mark your calendars! We encourage local churches to begin the fund raising process early. Registration to open in the coming months. 
Notices
  • ASDIC Metamorphosis is pleased to announce a community racial dialogue circle for Fall 2015.  There will be ten Saturday morning sessions from September 26 - December 12 and this is open to everyone.  For details, view their flyer.
  • Living the Sacred Trust: Boundary and Ethics Training is being offered on Thursday, November 12 at Hylands United Methodist, 9920 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington.  Space is still available but is filling quickly.  This training satisfies the requirements of the Minnesota Conference Committee on Ministry for clergy. If you are unsure whether your boundary training is due for renewal, please contact Marita in the Minnesota Conference office.  For more information and to register, view their flyer.  
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