COMMAntary
Equipping a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love
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Deadlines Approaching for Annual Meeting Registration, Workshops, and Exhibits |
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Time is flying by! With stomachs stuffed full of Easter goodies and hearts warm with celebratory “Alleluias!” we want to remind you that deadlines for registration, exhibits, and workshop signup for Annual Meeting 2022 are fast approaching.
But first an FYI: All forms, registration links, and other materials are available on our website. On this page you will find everything you need to know about Annual Meeting, including deadlines for registration, exhibits, and workshops.
However, just to make sure we are covering all our tracks, here is a quick list:
- Registration deadline for workshops: April 29
- Registration deadline for exhibits: May 1
- Registration deadline for Annual Meeting: June 2
This year registration is being done completely online, whether you are attending in person or via Zoom. If you need assistance with electronic registration or anything else, please contact the Conference office at 612-871-0359.
We hope that you sign up for this year’s Annual Meeting, and if so inspired, offer an exhibit or present a workshop. As we come together for “Rest and Renewal,” the vibrant and gifted work of Our Creator in all of you is what makes Annual Meeting so special. See you all very soon!
God’s Grace and Peace,
Annual Meeting Planning Work Group
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Faithful Groan: Lamenting the Pandemic as Part of Worship Registration Due Sun, Apr 24
May 4-6, 2022
ARC Retreat Community, Stanchfield
Breathe out the grief and pains of life during a pandemic and breathe in a renewed sense of presence in our body, mind, heart, and soul at this special Outdoor Ministry retreat.
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Join In-Person or Online!
April 28; Lunch: 11:30 am | Program: 12:00-1:30 pm
Join us for the return of our in-person FourTHursday gatherings for faith formation leaders! After over two years meeting on Zoom, we will have the opportunity to come together in-person (or online) for a time of connection and conversation with colleagues from around the Minnesota Conference. The primary agenda for the day is to simply be with one another. Rev. Kevin Brown, Associate Conference Minister of Faith Formation for Children & Youth will host our time together and invite participants into a time of wondering, reflection, and story sharing.
Register to join in-person for lunch and conversation or to participate via Zoom. The Minnesota Church Center no longer requires masks for onsite gatherings. All registered participants will receive a copy of the beautiful children’s picture book Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman and Loren Long.
Please note that registration is required for all in-person participants, with a firm registration deadline of April 27. Due to distancing requirements. In-person participants will be required to make a meal selection at the time registration so that individual box lunches may be ordered in advance.
Please contact Kevin with any questions regarding the gathering or the Conference’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines. We look forward to seeing you for FourTHursday.
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Call for Ordination and Church Anniversaries
If you have an ordination anniversary of 50, 55, 60 or 65 years coming up and would like to be included in the celebration booklet for annual meeting in June 2022, please email our Administrative Assistant, See Chang, at [email protected].
We would like to acknowledge and celebrate anniversaries from the last two years at this year’s Annual Meeting. If your church has celebrated an anniversary of 100 years or more within the last two years and you would like to include that in the celebration booklet for annual meeting, please send an email with a short summary of the church’s history (including anniversary year) to our Administrative Assistant See Chang. SEND EMAIL
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Strengthen the Church Resources Available
The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of local UCC congregations. Your support of this offering helps the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries that meet emerging needs of UCC communities. Your generosity will plant new churches, awaken ideas and develop the spiritual life of youth and young adults. Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, June 5. Resources available HERE as a download or as print resources. Click link for details on offering supplies included.
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Upcoming Conference Events |
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The Committee on Ministry will host an Ecclesiastical Council for Mitch Nelson on Thursday, May 12, at 6:30 pm via Zoom. This is an opportunity for our member churches to participate in the Conference’s discernment for our candidates for ordination. Please consider joining in this important process. You can read Mitch’s ordination paper HERE and learn more about him HERE. RSVP to See Chang at [email protected] to receive the Zoom link.
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More Resources & Opportunities |
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Send story ideas, insights and more to [email protected]. COMMAntary is published on Wednesdays; submissions are due the Monday prior to publication at noon.
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The Conference website offers a wealth of resources related to Covid, racial justice, and more.
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Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on news, events, jobs and more. |
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This newsletter is brought to you by generous contribution to Our Church's Wider Mission.
The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) equips a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love. Through advice, support, and resources, we strengthen the 126 congregations throughout the state to do the redemptive work of God in the world.
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