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Hi Folks:
I have a few things on my mind these days!
1. CAM is coming in less than a month. If you have not registered, be sure to do that!
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Mission Project: The Crow Nation had a devastating windstorm last year;
we are working with FEMA to put together winterizing kits.
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Special Offerings:
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At the Banquet, our keynoter Damien Chase-Begay will be speaking on public health and the church, he has asked that we take a free-will offering for the All Nations Health Center;
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During Sunday worship we will take the UCC’s Neighbors in Need offering. This offering goes to issues of justice both at the UCC National Ministries and through grants across the church. It also funds the Council on American Indian Ministries congregations in ND, SD, NE, WI, and MN
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Conversations with Special Guests! General Minister and President Karen Georgia Thompson, Disabilities and Mental Health Minister Sara Lund, and Generosity Officer James Fouther will be with us all weekend.
2. I Samuel 8 is running through my mind. This chapter is where the ancient Israelite people ask for a king, and Samuel spells out how a king would use the people as his own servants, warriors, and artisans to enhance the lifestyle of the king. The people don’t care and still demand a king, and God, with what can be imagined as deep sighs, gives the people their desire. What was the transition like from judges as the leaders of the 12 tribes to a king who unites Israel and Judah (only to have that union dissolve after only a couple of kings)? What does it mean for the people to become servants to the king, and have their livelihoods go to enhance the king’s lifestyle? What does it mean to be the king’s warrior, or perfumer, or baker?
3. I have created some liturgy and prayers for use in rural settings (I believe all of our churches are foundationally rural and one-generation removed from the ranch.) These are found on the MNWC website under the Resources Tab, and then Conference Resources. They are on the right side of the page. Here is the direct link https://www.mnwcucc.org/conference. There is a liturgy for Epiphany Sunday that will have more explanation coming from one of the teams formed at the Leadership Retreat in May.
4. Our authorized ministers are gathering for a retreat these next 2 days. Please keep us in your prayers!
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Tony
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