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MN Conference UCC Core Values and Strategic Priorities
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 This Fall and Winter, our Associate Conference Ministers have been sharing their take on our Core Values and Strategic Priorities adopted by the Board of Directors on August 18, 2012. Today, Steve Boorsma speaks on Justice. This will be the last article in our series.
Serving with compassion and advocating with passion, we seek a more just and peaceful world. We work to eliminate social, cultural and racial barriers, honoring each individual as created in the image of God.
I was raised on the far northwest side of Chicago. My grandfather's "garden" was as far as my "farming" experience consisted - that is, until years later when I attended college in Iowa and met my future and current wife. Carla was raised on the farm and compared to my grandfather's patch garden, her garden was the size of a Chicago city lot! I quickly learned a lot about farming,
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Church on the Move: Saturday, January 23 - REGISTRATION CLOSES ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 19!
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 The United Church of Christ: Why We Matter
General Minister and President
Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer
How can you say the United Church of Christ has its best days coming when all the statistics would suggest something else entirely?
What are two or three important commitments the United Church of Christ must make in order to remain relevant, credible, and vital in the future?
What: Church on the Move: Continuing Testimony!
When: Saturday, January 23 (9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Where: United Theological Seminary, New Brighton ( directions)
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ Breakout Sessions:- Beyond Resistance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World, GMP John Dorhauer
- Ministry with Millennials, Reverend Kelly Stone
- Islamophobia: Creating a Faithful Response, Jaylani Hussein (CAIR-MN)
- Members in Discernment/Advisors Gathering
Cost: $10/person includes lunch
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Peace Offering in Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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 The Justice and Witness Team of the MN Conference UCC would like to invite local churches to participate in the Peace Offering. Each January, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, local churches have a unique opportunity to be a voice for justice and peace. The Peace Fund Grant Program empowers the Prophetic Voice of the MN Conference UCC through grants to local congregations!
Here are a few ways to get involved:
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Health and Human Service Sunday - January 31, 2016
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 Each year, the UCC designates one Sunday - usually the last Sunday in January - as a day to recognize the ministries in health and human services provided by the members of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) as well as those supported by our local churches, ministries, which respond to human need with compassion and justice. This Sunday is an opportunity for congregations to lift up our common ministry of healing and service to others in Christ's name. Resources to use in worship are available. In the Minnesota Conference, we celebrate covenantal partnerships with three members of CHHSM: Back Bay Mission (Biloxi, MS) Oak Meadow (Oakdale, MN) and Samaritan Bethany (Rochester, MN). |
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Year-End Gifts for 2015
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Happy New Year! As you close your church books for 2015, the Conference office looks forward to gratefully receiving your gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM). Gifts received in our office by Monday, January 15, 2016 will be counted as 2015 gifts; those received after that date will be counted as 2016 gifts. Questions? Either call Lese Wright, Development Officer at 612-871-0359 or email her. Many thanks for your generosity! |
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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. Registration is open until Tuesday, January 19. This event is $10/person (sign up 5 people and the 5th one is free).
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Joys & Concerns
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- An Ecclesiastical Council for David Tillman will be held on Tuesday, January 19 at 11 a.m. at UCC New Brighton (directions) with lunch to follow. To ensure a quorum, please email the church or call 651-633-1327 if you plan to attend. You may indicate at that time whether you plan to stay for lunch.
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Notices
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The Minnesota Conference UCC is pleased to announce the approval of up to $10,000 for congregation micro-grants of $200-$700 from the Ashley Endowment. Grants must support the congregation's ministry and work with children, youth and/or families. View and download the grant application here. - The Upper Midwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) invites Minnesota UCC Clergy to their annual Ministers Institute, which will be held January 25 - 27 at the Christian Conference Center in Newton, IA. This event is being held in conjunction with the Iowa Conference of the UCC. Dr. Andrew Root, Professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul is this year's keynote speaker, plus there will be a variety of workshops and social time.
- Wartburg Theological Seminary is offering the 2016 Rural Ministry Conference to be held in Dubuque, IA, March 6th - 8th. This is an ecumenical conference for those working in small town and rural parishes throughout the Midwest.
- Compassion and Choices Minnesota Chapter is leading the effort to make aid in dying an open, legitimate option recognized throughout the medical field, to reduce unwanted medical interventions, and to increase patient control so that individuals' values and wishes are respected at the end of life. You are invited to support the grassroots campaign. They are seeking passionate clergy willing to speak publicly on the spiritual aspects of aid in dying. Please contact Rebecca Thoman, M.D. for more information or to schedule a presentation.
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Employment Opportunities
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The Minnesota Council of Churches announces an opening for the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition Executive Director position. If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please take time to look at the details of the job description.
Also, check out the employment opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website for all open positions. Click here to see the listings.
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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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