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COMMAntary

The newsletter of the Minnesota Conference UCC

Volume 23, No. 9 | April 30, 2026

Equipping a courageous Church alive with Christ's transforming love

Together Again

As I write this, I am gathered with members of the Annual Meeting Working Group, the Board and the staff for a less-than-24-hour-retreat as we work out the schedule for Annual Meeting. We have laughed and shared about past meetings. Mainly we have wrestled with how to bring all the pieces of business, fellowship and worship into a meaningful flow while also leaving space to be together – to have time for conversation, reflection and healing.

As a Conference, state, and nation, we have had a difficult year. We were gathered together at Annual Meeting last year when we heard the news of the murder of Melissa and Mark Hortmann. From there we experienced the shooting at Annunciation, the surge of ICE across the state, the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. There is economic instability affecting so many, especially our farming community as we come into another growing season with an unpredictable market. Within our own Conference we grapple with leadership transition. There is so much more on our collective and individual hearts. We have had a difficult year.

It can be incredibly tempting to isolate in times like these – to turn inward, to not expend the extra energy to be with other people. And yet it is more important than ever that we come together in times like these as the Body of Christ – to see one another, hug one another, laugh, sing and worship together. We need to come together to remember who and whose we are as beloved children of God that we might be refreshed to bring that blessing back out to the world. It is important to come together to remember, yes, and it is important to come together to celebrate. Joyful and beautiful things have happened, too. Let us remember that as well.

Your Annual Meeting Working Group is working tirelessly alongside Do Good Events to create a space where you can come as you are – joyful, tired, frustrated, expectant, hopeful, overwhelmed – and be welcomed into this body of Christ. Last year’s theme was “Together” – and now, together, we will go “Into the Deep.”

This Annual Meeting there will be time for conversation and reflection about what it means to be church together at this time. There will be spaces for celebration, for healing, for laughter and grief. And most importantly, there is space for you, wherever you are on your journey. I look forward to seeing you in person or online as we dive deep into our lives together as the Minnesota Conference, as the Body of Christ, as beloved children of God.

—Rev. Kelly Gallagher, Associate Conference Minister

Conference News & Events

St. Mark's UCC in Bloomington Shares its Gifts in Closing

When St. Mark's UCC in Bloomington made the difficult decision two years ago to close its doors, the congregation spent many hours identifying organizations that had been important to the church over the years. From the proceeds of the sale of the church to the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the congregation was able to make 21 gifts of all sizes, including $88,000 to the Conference for its 21st Century Fund. The fund supports activities of the Conference that contribute to the vitality and renewal of Conference congregations.

In place of the church, up to 16 affordable single-family homes now will be built, a happy outcome for St. Mark's. "Our process allowed us to make faithful and thoughtful decisions before we were forced to do so," says Rev. Jennifer Jaimez, who served St Mark's for many years. "We were able to take the time to consider the most effective use of resources."

St. Mark's also made significant donations to the scholarship fund at United Theological Seminary, VEAP food shelf, Loaves and Fishes, and Every Meal. "Our church has always been about feedlng people, literally and spiritually so it made sense to give our food partners gifts that will benefit our community in the years to come," says Jaimez.

St. Mark's also re-homed everything in the church, including beautiful stained glass windows, pews, mid-century light fixtures, cabinets, and more.

"Not everything is meant to last forever," says Jaimez. "Church is the people, so where the people are, the church is also there. Walking together, our church has left a significant legacy."

The Conference expresses its profound gratitude for this gift and for the ministry of St. Mark's UCC over decades.

Cultivating Generous Congregations is May 30

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and the Minnesota Conference of the UCC are offering a one-day workshop on congregational fundraising, a partnership made possible by a denomination grant.

Cultivating Generous Congregations maps the new landscape of religious giving and stewardship and provides you and your team with tools for building a culture of generosity unique to the congregation’s needs and challenges. The seminar will help participants:

• Rethink their role in church/meeting finances;
• Become better stewards of their donors’ gifts; and
• Awaken an ongoing spirit of generosity within their communities.

An early bird discount of 10% is available if you sign up by May 1. LEARN MORE or REGISTER.

Dr. Elaine Pagels to Speak in Minnesota

Union Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Louis Park invites you to hear Dr. Elaine Pagels, New York Times bestselling author and professor emeritus of religion at Princeton University. She will give a keynote at 11 am on Saturday, May 30, at 3700 Alabama Ave S in St. Louis Park. Following the keynote, Dr. Pagels will be available for book signing. Her latest book, Miracles and Wonder: the Historical Mystery of Jesus, has been studied by a number of UCC congregations across the country. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity. Tickets are free but required. Send request for tickets to: info@unionslp.com.

The Minnesota Conference is pleased to help sponsor this event.

Attention Church Musicians and Staff!

How can church musicians collaborate effectively with pastors and staff? What are the best practices for music directors managing multiple staff musicians? How can directors support volunteer musicians from the congregation? You are invited to join a one-hour webinar, "Sweet Harmonies: Church Music Staff Relations" on April 25 at 11 am CT. Join Eric Dundore, United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA) and President and Minister of Music at St. Paul's UCC in PA, and Amanda Udis-Kessler, UCCMA Director of Member Education and pastor/musician at Vista Grande Community Church in Colorado, for a discussion on church music staff relations across various church sizes. LEARN MORE

Registration Now Open for Annual Meeting

June 12-23 | College of St. Benedict
REGISTER

LEARN MORE

We invite you to join us in person or via Zoom as we explore "Into the Deep" – defying division and celebrating our strength, unity, and resolve as Minnesotans and children of God. Jessica Vazquez Torres is our guest speaker. Worship will once again be led by The Many.

Call to a Special Meeting of the Thirty-Fifth General Synod

On January 12, 2026, the United Church of Christ Board voted to call a Special Meeting of the Thirty-Fifth General Synod (UCC Bylaw 188). Notice is hereby given the meeting will take place on May 9, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT, and is expected to conclude by 9:00 pm Eastern Time. All delegates1 will attend the meeting remotely through communications equipment (UCC Bylaw 191).

The purpose of the meeting is to elect an Associate General Minister to an unexpired term.

No business may be transacted at a special meeting other than what is specified in the call (UCC Bylaw 188).

Conferences must transmit notice of this call to their Local Churches (Bylaw 190). Further details of the meeting, including information on the candidate, will be communicated in advance of the May 9 meeting.

Delegates to the Special Meeting of the Thirty-Fifth General Synod are the delegates who served at the regular meeting of the General Synod in 2025, as delegates are elected for a term of General Synod which extends from the opening of one regular meeting of General Synod to the opening of the next regular meeting of General Synod (UCC Bylaw 187). If delegates have

resigned or are unable to serve, Conferences and HUGs may fill unexpired delegate terms according to their governing documents and policies.

New Freshwater Faithworks Summer Program Explores the Intersection of Water and Faith

Freshwater Faithworks is a new summer program focusing on the intersection of freshwater ecology and faith. Two experiences are offered. Both will provide a combination of hands-on service-learning, education, exploration, and reflection to help participants experience freshwater sources in a wholistic way, inviting them to fall in love with water and empowering them to fight back against climate anxiety with tangible action. Freshwater Faithworks is a collaboration between the Minnesota and Wisconsin Conferences of the United Church of Christ.

A two-night intergenerational camp (June 28-July 1) will explore the importance and sanctity of our water sources and how human activity affects the health of our waterways for better or worse. Held at Daycholah Center in Ripon, WI. Learn more.

A four-night middle school adventure will explore the importance and sanctity of our water sources and how human activity affects the health of our waterways for better or worse. Held at Creekside UCC in Minneapolis and First United Church of Little Falls. Learn more and register.

Nominating Work Group Seeks Candidates for Conference-wide Positions

The Nominating Work Group asks for your help in identifying folk to serve in Conference-wide, elected positions. Currently there are multiple openings including:



• Board of Directors: the governing Board of the Conference (subject to action taken at annual and special meetings of the Conference), providing guidance, oversite and support to staff and committees.
• Committee on Ministry: responsible for the oversite of all authorized ministers in the Conference, including those seeking ordination, Dual Standing, Privilege of Call, Licensure, and other forms of specialized authorization.
• Committee to Dismantle White Supremacy: our newest Conference Committee, working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, committees and work groups to ensure they remain aligned with the Conference’s anti-racism work.
• Finance Committee: prepares and monitors the Conference budget, makes and monitors investments, assesses and monitors risk, obtains insurance, and manages Conference funds.  
• Development Committee: promotes the financial development of the Conference, and reviews and implements the Conference’s fundraising plan.
• Personnel Committee: provides oversight and establishes policies in relation to employment, staffing and other human resource matters.
• Annual Meeting Planning Work Group: oversees all matters related to the annual meeting.
• Nominating Work Group: nominates persons to fill elected positions in the conference.

If you or someone you know is interested in serving in an elected position, please contact Eliot Howard, Chair of the Nominating Work Group at eliothoward930@gmail.com. Your support is greatly appreciated.

News from Partners

ConNext Summit 2026:
Beyond Belonging - Branching Out - Bringing In - Building Together

October 11-13, Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center

REGISTER (early bird registration until May 31)

Faith leaders strive to create places of deep belonging. We long to branch out beyond belonging to bring into the center children, youth, and adults forced to the margins so that together, we can build a more beautiful community in which all God's beloveds flourish. How can we develop more emotionally- and systemically-aware mentors – adults and peers –capable of more joyful and meaningful welcome for children and youth whose identities place them on the margins and increasingly in danger? In the face of Christian Nationalism and other radicalizing ideologies, how do we create communities in which vulnerability, compassion, and gracious conversation are norms that shape open, compassionate, gracious children, youth, and families?

News from United Theological Seminary

UTS is thrilled to share the news that it has selected Dr. Ginger Morgan as its new associate professor for pastoral and spiritual care and program director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. Dr. Morgan, who will join the faculty on July 1, is a highly qualified program director and chaplain with experience in healthcare, campus ministry, and higher education. She holds a PhD in Religion and Psychological Studies from Iliff School of Theology, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Vanderbilt Divinity School. Read more.

United also announced that it has secured a $30,000 grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion to help spiritual and religious teachers process experiences from Operation Metro Surge. The grant will fund a two-year project led by Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis titled “Teaching and Learning in the Midst of Government-Sponsored Violence.” Read more.

Joys & Concerns

Employment Opportunities

The Conference maintains an up-to-date listing of authorized minister, interim minister, and other positions available in Minnesota, as well as positions with the UCC National setting. This site is frequently updated. See the current listings.

More Resources & Opportunities

STORY IDEAS: Have a story or idea to share in COMMAntary? Send an email to communications@uccmn.org. COMMAntary is published every other Thursday. Submissions are due Tuesday prior to publication at noon.

PROGRAMS & SUPPORT: Check out the wealth of resources available on the Conference's website for authorized ministers, local churches, and faith formation leaders.

EMPLOYMENT: Check out the employment opportunities page on the Conference's website for all open positions.