Rev. Sheri Nelson, Director of Outdoor Ministry/MN Conference is currently serving her first term on the Outdoor Ministry Association-UCC Board. At the first in-person meeting, there was a great deal of discussion on a proposal from the PCCCA (Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association) to partner in an exclusive move, which will merge the associations into what will be called the Campfire Collective.
After hours of discussion, it was decided that OMA-UCC, with 38 camps, retreat centers, and the MN Conference, will spend its energy to develop stronger partnerships within the UCC, such as conferences without camps and National, especially around youth, young adults, and justice issues.
Though ecumenical partnerships have advantages, the United Church of Christ typically plays a smaller role than it should. We are a small but mighty denomination with much to share. Our identity as a social justice-oriented body is crucial in these times when government entities want to strip away the rights from so many humans and the earth itself.
The Outdoor Ministry/ MN Conference will work to ensure that Creation Justice and Youth and Young Adult Leadership will be at the forefront of these discussions and actions, as OMA looks to grow its membership and partnerships within the United Church of Christ.
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