COMMAntary E-Newsletter, Vol. 12, No. 9 
March 2, 2016
In This Issue
Arson at the UCC in the Philippines

Our partners in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines have been providing sanctuary to indigenous peoples ('Lumad') suffering from persecution and harassment. Despite a recent act of arson that attempted to diminish their witness, their courage stands strong. For the details of this vicious act, read the Statement on the Haran Fire.
Spotlight on Our Minnesota Conference Churches -
Union Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Louis Park  

NEW !  Look for an article about one of the churches in the Conference each week.  Take the time to get to know each other and see how God is working in our mission and ministries. This week, we are spotlighting Union Congregational UCC in St. Louis Park.

Tell about the work you do in your community or in the world.
We actively support our local food shelves, homeless youth ministries, weekend take-home food program for local school children; we cultivate and promote our rain garden, we fly the rainbow flag to show that we are an Open and Affirming Congregation, and we financially support national UCC mission programs.

What do you think is the single, most important, life-giving characteristic of your church?
We pride ourselves on community building in worship and fellowship time -- and we take pride in promoting and actively supporting local, national, and global missions.
UCC Yearbook & Directory Updates Due by Monday!

THANK YOU to the following churches who, as of 1:00 p.m. yesterday (March 1) have already completed and submitted their information for the 2015 Yearbook and Directory.
First Congregational UCC, Alexandria
First Congregational Church UCC, Anoka
First Congregational Church UCC, Austin
St. James UCC, Barnesville
First Congregational UCC, Baudette
United Congregational UCC, Birchdale
Congregational Church, Detroit Lakes
Peace United Church of Christ, Duluth
St. John's UCC, Fairmont
Federated Church, Fergus Falls
First Congregational UCC, Glencoe
United Church of Christ, Granite Falls
First Congregational UCC, Hancock
Zion UCC, LeSueur
Peace United Church, Long Prairie
First Congregational UCC, Mankato
The United Church of Mapleton
First Congregational UCC, Montevideo
The Federated Church, Morris
St. John's UCC, New Albin, IA
United Church of Christ, New Brighton
First Congregational Church, New York Mills
First Congregational UCC, Northfield
Congregational Church UCC, Rochester
Peace United Church of Christ, Rochester
Union Congregational UCC, St. Louis Park
Hazel Park Congregational UCC, St. Paul
St. Anthony Park, St. Paul
United Protestant Church, Silver Bay
Clark Memorial UCC, So. St. Paul
Saint Peter's UCC, Stillwater
Zoar UCC, Waldorf
Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Williams

There may be more of you that completed your information yesterday afternoon or today and still more of you that have every intention of getting it done by the March 7th (THAT'S MONDAY) deadline.  Thank you!  Our goal of 100% participation is in your hands.  Here's the link to get it done!
Upcoming Events
  • Minnesota Conference Events
    • Register Now for Boundary Training in April and May 2016.  Two sessions have been scheduled for spring:
      Registration is open for both sessions.  The cost is $50 and space is limited.
    • Clergy Clusters:
      • Northern Cluster - Tuesday, March 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace UCC, Duluth
    • "Being OPEN and AFFIRMING Changes Lives" will be held at Linden Hills Congregational United Church of Christ, 4200 Upton Avenue South, Minneapolis on April 9 starting at 1 p.m. with workshops followed by worship at 2:30 with Rev. Lawrence T. Richardson, Minister for Digital Evangelism with the church's national setting. This event is sponsored by the Open and Affirming Ministry Team of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ. Everyone is welcome to this celebration.
Joys & Concerns
  • Rev. Jay Thomas George died February 26 at his home in Hopkins.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5 at 1 p.m. at Chapel Hills UCC (directions), with visitation beginning at noon.  Rev. Tom George was a Lutheran pastor for many years before joining the Minnesota Conference UCC through Privilege of Call.  He served The Congregational UCC in Faribault as interim minister before his retirement.  Rev. George is survived by two daughters, their spouses, and four granddaughters, as well as a brother.  Our sympathy to the family.
  • An Ecclesiastical Council for Okogyeamon (Herbert Perkins) will be held on Wednesday, March 16 at 12:45 at Cherokee Park United Church (directions), with lunch at noon.  After a period of examination, there will be a vote on a motion that Okogyeamon be ordained into the ministry of the United Church of Christ.  Voting will be by all clergy with standing and lay delegates from a minimum of seven churches with standing.  To ensure a quorum for the council, please RSVP to the church via email or call 651-227-4275 by Thursday, March 10.  With your reservation you should indicate whether you will be present for lunch.
Notices
  • Following the MN Conference's vote to support last summer's resolution on Just Peace in Israel and Palestine, a working group is exploring creative ways to follow through on our commitment to study on the conflict, relationship building with Global Ministries partners and local interfaith groups, and economic and policy justice work.  We hope that all congregations will engage the opportunities of the coming years, whether through Bible study, getting to know neighbors of other faiths, or even visiting our partners in the region - there is a place for everyone in this ongoing dialogue and action.  Follow updates here in COMMAntary, including the following details about the trip to Israel and Palestine in January 2017!  For questions, contact Rev. Emily Goldthwaite Fries. 
  • Have you always wanted to "walk where Jesus walked"?  Do the complexities of the situation in Israel-Palestine interest you?  Do you long to experience the region that is cradle of three Abrahamic faiths...Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?  Save the date and look for more information for a trip the Minnesota Conference is organizing for January 9 - 20, 2017.  If you are interested in being part of this amazing experience, contact Conference Minister Shari Prestemon.  Exact cost, itinerary, deposit deadline, and other details will be released at a later date.
  • The deadline to input your church's information for the UCC Yearbook & Directory is this Monday, March 7!  Access the Data Hub to report 2015 information.  If you are looking for helpful video tutorials and information sheets to guide your church through the process, they are available.  Our goal at the Minnesota Conference is to have 100% participation in reporting this year so we need your help!  If you have questions contact Sandy in the Conference Office.
Employment Opportunities
Check out the employment opportunities portion of the Minnesota Conference website for all open positions. Click here to see the listings.

This resource is brought to you by generous contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission. 
 
The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) is the state-wide organization that equips UCC pastors to lead, supports congregations, engages in transformative mission and witness, and guides youth and adults on their faith journeys. Get involved.
 
   
  
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