The Conference Needs Your Talents!

The Nominating Work Group is seeking individuals to fill immediate and urgent openings on the conference Finance Committee, Personnel Committee and Annual Meeting Planning Working Group.

While distinct in their specific focus, these two committees and work group share something in common -- an impact that spans the entire ministry of our conference. Taken together, sound stewardship of finances, solid support of staff, and a dynamic annual gathering contribute significantly to the capacity of the Minnesota Conference to support congregations, their members and all authorized ministers in their various settings. 

We encourage you to read more about the Finance Committee, Personnel Committee and the Annual Meeting Planning Work Group. Follow this link to the descriptions for the committees, work groups, and teams of the Minnesota Conference UCC. If you are interested in serving in any of these capacities or you wish to nominate another person (with their consent), follow this link to complete the Volunteer Opportunities form, or send an email to info@uccmn.org expressing your interest. A member of the Nominating Work Group will then contact you regarding the opportunities and next steps. 

Each of us on the Nominating Work Group is pleased to be serving in this capacity. While this work obviously requires some time in our already full lives, we are enjoying our time together and the benefits of the "cross conference" connections the work group provides us. We hope future members of the Annual Meeting Work Group, Finance Committees and Personnel Committee will experience similar benefits while serving the conference. We are eager to speak with anyone interested in these committees and work group. 

Eliot Howard, Liz Mahan, Jeff Palmer & Howie Tobak 

Apply Now for a Re-Imagination Grant

“Re-imagination is a core strategy for our future, a tool for noticing and seizing the new thing God is longing to do in this 'Age of the Spirit'," says Conference Minister Shari Prestemon. "We need to re-imagine what it looks like to 'be Church' in this historical moment for the sake of a Gospel and a witness that this world and our communities sorely need.”

Applications are now being accepted from congregations for “Re-Imagination Grants” to support this faithful, creative work. A single congregation applying may request up to $1,000; two or more congregations applying together may apply for a maximum of $2,000. Applications are being accepted now through December 25 and will be reviewed as they are received. Grants will be awarded until all money allocated for these grants has been depleted. These grants are being funded by the Conference’s 21st Century Church Fund and the Ashley Fund.

Review grant guidelines and all details, and find the application form HERE.

Boundary Training: Beyond Don't Sleep with the Sheep!

Friday, Nov 10

Open to all, $50

REGISTER

As clergy folks... or people who want to be... it is essential that we are attentive to the power and positional authority— as well historical impact— our roles have. How we show up in our congregations, our community and our commitments is reflective of our calling. Attend this 5- hour Boundary Training Certificate class to think critically about who you are in the work, and who you want to be. Come prepared to learn about power and oppression, clergy ethics and ministerial boundaries: online, in the public square, and in the congregation. Participants will leave with a personal code of ethics based on ministerial codes.

Register for November Fall Clergy Retreat

November 14–16, Christ the King Retreat Center

REGISTER

We are excited to gather again this fall for our Clergy Retreat. This year we are blessed to have Dr. Jean Chagnon leading us through our time of “Reimagining Our Connection to Self and Spirit.” Together we will seek to reconnect spiritually in a time where many feel ungrounded, lost, and overwhelmed. Using ritual, experiential exercise, and meditation we will focus on developing skills and strategies to help us be more centered and aligned even amidst polarization and chaos.

Partner News & Events

Chaplaincy & Reproductive Justice: A Conversation on Intersections

November 9, 6:00 pm

REGISTER

This conversation, led by Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape, creates space for spiritual care providers, chaplains, and chaplaincy students to explore the intersections of spiritual care and a critical and timely topic in social justice: reproductive justice. The reproductive justice framework advocates for a person’s right to have a child, the right to not have a child, and the right to raise children in safe and healthy environments. In this presentation, we will explore how the reproductive justice framework informs the spiritual care practices of professional spiritual care providers in healthcare and community-based settings.

FREC Overcoming Racism Conference 2023: Reclaiming History and Paying What is Due

November 10 & 11

Metro State University

Keynote speaker: Dr. Yohuru Williams

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

This year's conferences focuses on two themes: 1) Historical Recovery – reclaiming movements, strategies, approaches from the past that could be useful in our current work—if they were known, and; 2) Paying What’s Due to those harmed by oppressive acts sanctioned by government and every other sector in our society in which primarily Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities were stripped of their land, rights and ability to create generational wealth. Black and Indigenous people also experienced cultural genocide, of which the after effects are still felt today.

Joys & Concerns

You are invited to a service of ordination for Natalie Owens-Pike this Sunday, October 29, at 3 pm at Mayflower UCC in South Minneapolis. Clergy are invited to robe with red stoles. Please arrive by 2:45 to process. RSVP at this link (including to receive the livestream link).

• November 6: Power & Boundary Training for Retiring & Retired Clergy
• November 14-16: Fall Clergy Retreat

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