The UCC Church in Hutchinson Minnesota has been on quite a journey.  After the retirement of longtime pastor, Brian Brosz, the church decided to take time to examine themselves and their church rather than immediately form a search committee for a new minister.  Under the guidance of Pastor Cindy Mueller, the congregation participated in the New Beginnings Assessment Service.  As an Intentional Interim Pastor, Cindy had just the training needed to help them through the transition.  Changes started filtering into the church through its new puppet theater and its nontraditional Christmas pageant.

Kim Schutt, moderator, said that through the New Beginnings program, the congregation grew closer.  "The small groups were absolutely essential." she said.  "I was surprised by the number of people who signed up.  It was really great how they embraced it."

Small groups used the New Beginnings curriculum to take a thorough look at themselves, and in October of 2014 the congregation made the decision to restart and revitalize their mission.  The restart included not only a new incorporation, but also a new name.  New Journey was selected because it reflects the process and future growth and change.

On January 8, First Congregational United Church of Christ took time to celebrate the congregation's 154-year-old legacy.  Longtime members shared their thoughts about the church and its history.

On January 10, 2016, New Journey United Church of Christ began their ministry together with a new look forward, the dedication of the church's new name and the installation of the Rev. Jill Warner as Revitalization Pastor and Partner.

Rev. Warner is excited about the partnership.  "This vital congregation recognizes that simply telling the story in the old way doesn't work anymore," Warner said.  "Imagine, question, doubt, follow....that's how faith grows.  I can't wait to see where the Spirit will lead us."

The United Church of Christ is looking to turn to a fresh page by finding ways to offer more support for refugee-welcoming congregations across the wider church.  The project became even more important on Wednesday, January 20, when a bill that would have paused the resettlement of refugees from Syria and Iraq was blocked by the Senate, opening the doors to thousands who are fleeing persecution in their home countries.  The UCC is especially working to collect a list of congregations that have welcomed refugees who have been persecuted and fled their home countries for safety.  In order to add your name to the list or to read the article, you can read the full story on the UCC website.

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Congregations of the Minnesota Conference UCC are invited to sponsor a week or weekend at Pilgrim Point Camp. Each day we provide two all-camp, cross-generational programs - and are willing to work with you to make them as meaningful as possible for your congregation. We offer worship planning and support for the Vesper's leadership (done once a day as all-camp), providing as little or as much of the worship or music you request. Don't worry - there will still be plenty of time for relaxing, playing at the beach on one of our new water slides, playing in the ball field or creating your own experiences!

• May/Early June | Camp service opportunities that are open to ALL interested congregations! Contact Camp Director Gigi for more info. 
• June 17-19, 2016 | All facilities available
• June 24-26, 2016 | Annex, North Shore, POEM Cabins, Campground
• July 8-10, 2016 | Annex, North Shore
• July 22-24, 2016 | Annex, North Shore
• August 5-7, 2016 | All facilities available
• August 12-14, 2016 | North Shore, POEM Cabins, Campground
• August 26-28, 2016 | Lodge, Annex, North Shore, Campground

• National UCC Events
• National Youth Event (NYE) is scheduled 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. The Minnesota Conference is arranging a delegation for this event.
• Sacred InterSexTions - Bodies, Culture, Sexuality & Spirit is a retreat offered by the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ at Oak Ridge Conference Center near Minneapolis/St. Paul, March 31 - April 3.  Speakers are Rebecca Voelkel and Phil Porter.

• Local Church Events