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A Pastoral Letter from the Conference Minister
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-From Shari Prestemon, Conference Minister
 Raising Our Voices in a Messy World
"There is no fear in love, but perfect
love casts out fear." I John 4:18
It has been a devastating, mind-numbing week. Last Thursday, suicide bombings in Beirut left at least 43 dead and over 200 more wounded. The very next day, 129 souls perished in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris. In both cases, the so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility.
The world seemed to have a simultaneous response of stark contrasts. On the one hand, there was an outpouring of support and prayer by countless elected leaders world-wide and love and prayers flooded social media. (It should be noted here that the trauma and loss experienced by Beirutis was only belatedly acknowledged.) On the other hand, some quickly reacted with utter
mercilessness and prejudice, as governors and others declared their 'doors' shut to all Syrian refugees. Horror turned to panic; sympathy morphed into blame.
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UCC Responses to the Events of the Past Week
| Church leaders urge U.S. not to close borders to Syrian refugees.
 With recent deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut and Baghdad prompting a debate in the United States over the country's decision to accept additional Syrian refugees, national leaders of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are strongly urging lawmakers to resist a knee-jerk reaction to close the door and the border to innocent victims of the war in Syria.
Global Ministries statement on France and Lebanon  In recent days, the world has witnessed heinous acts of violence in Beirut and Paris. These horrible attacks have claimed the lives of more than 170 people, and traumatized so many others physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the aftermath of this violence, we observe a time of silence and offer our fervent prayers for all who have suffered this week. |
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Thank You for Supporting Us on Give to the Max Day!
|  Thank you to everyone who supported us on Give to the Max Day. Together, we raised $6,115, with $1,000 of those donations being designated to Pilgrim Point Camp. These gifts will have a lasting impact throughout the year to support our clergy and lay leaders in all of our church communities. If you didn't have a chance to make your gift and would like to do so, it's not too late. You can still donate today to support our vital ministries. Thank you for your support! |
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Thanks to Churches Supporting East Timor Mission
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 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).
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By: Monica Liddle
We would like to recognize the churches in the Minnesota Conference who have expressed interest in our Global Ministries mission appointment to East Timor, both through financial support and through invitations to share with congregations about our past and future service. Peace UCC Duluth, our home church, has provided unending spiritual and financial support for our work since our first assignment to East Timor in 2009, and they continue to generously give. Deepest thanks, Peace.
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Upcoming Events
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- Minnesota Conference Events
- Church on the Move: Saturday, January 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton. Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the UCC, will be our keynote speaker. Come and hear what he has to say about the future of the UCC. This event is $10/person (sign up 5 people and the 5th one is free).
- 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. Registration is still open.
- Regional UCC Events
- Recharge - A Ministry of Youth Leadership is a one-day multi-denominational conference to inspire and equip church staff and their volunteers serving in children's, youth, and family ministry. Sign up now for their Twin Cities, Duluth and Fargo conferences that will take place in January.
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Joys & Concerns
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- Rev. Dr. Carla J. Bailey will be installed as Senior Pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis (directions) on November 22 at 10:30 a.m. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles.
- Bethlehem UCC in Maple Lake is pleased to announce that they have called the Rev. Marc Nagel as Pastor. Marc is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological Seminary, ordained in the United Methodist Church, and has served in many church and non-profit capacities.
- Rev. Hilda Graciela Jortack died November 16. Funeral services will be Thursday November 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Zwingli United Church of Christ in Berne, where her husband, Rev. Victor Jortack, is pastor. Rev. Graciela Jortack had a varied ministerial career and was most recently the bereavement coordinator at Heartland Hospice. Rev. Jortack is survived by her husband, children and step-children, as well as ten grandchildren. Full obituary is available. Our condolences to the Jortack family.
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Clergy Clusters
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- Southwest Cluster - Friday, November 20 at 6:00 p.m. at Shogun Sushi & Restaurant, 1901 Madison Ave., Mankato
- Northwest Cluster - Tuesday, November 24 at 10 a.m. at First Congregational, Moorhead
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Notices
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- Youth and Children's Ministry resources are available for your church. R.E.A.D.Y. for a new discovery of yourself, the church, your community, and the world? You and your youth can begin the journey of experiencing mission in new ways with this curriculum created by Global Ministries. Kids to Kids VBS Curriculums include several free downloads. All of them are directly related to Global Ministries of the UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
- The Middle East Initiative of UCC Global Ministries is excited to announce a special webinar opportunity with Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann who will be joining us December 9th at 12:00 CT to discuss his new book "Chosen?: Reading the Bible Amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict". Visit the Global Ministries website for more information and to register for this event.
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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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