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COMMAntary

The newsletter of the Minnesota Conference UCC

Volume 24, No. 26 | July 9, 2026

Equipping a courageous Church alive with Christ's transforming love

Getting to Know Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, Our New Interim Conference Minister

"I am a person who believes in hope, in justice, in compassion and kindness. Those words anchor my life."

The Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates joined the Conference staff July 1 as Interim Conference Minister. She also arranged her schedule quickly to attend the Annual Meeting. We are so glad to have her on board. She took a few minutes in her first days to answer a few questions to help the Conference get to know her.

What attracted you to this interim position?

I have noticed the important work of the Minnesota Conference and noted the grief, stress and challenges of the internal work of the conference and the wider communities in Minnesota. I feel I have gifts to offer which might help the Conference move into its preparation for calling a settled Conference Minister

Have you ever been to Minnesota, especially in January?

I have been to Minnesota a couple times, but not in winter. I grew up in eastern upstate New York only 15 miles from the Canadian border so I am familiar with winter, which is actually my favorite season of the year!

What are you most excited about after your time at the Annual Meeting and one whopping week in your position?
The excitement and enthusiasm of the staff and the volunteers so impressed me, in both of my interviews and in my attendance at the Annual Meeting. The ability you have all exemplified in these difficult times is so wonderful and rewarding to see and experience. The commitment to the church and to excellence is evident.

You have a very interesting and diverse professional background. Tell us where you started and how you ended up in seminary.

I began my professional work in non-profit organizations focused on program, training, volunteers, and human resource development. I loved that work. The organizations I worked with served children and then later adults with disabilities. I loved that work. I also taught in a graduate human resources development program which prepared me for higher level HR positions. As I continued that work, I argued for a few years with God about going to seminary. While that arguing was going on, I continued to be active in my local church, the association, and the conference in a variety of education and governance roles. As I continued that work I felt the need to speak with people about their broken spirits, something I couldn’t do in my professional roles. That led to my decision to go to seminary.

I have served local congregations as both an interim, licensed and then ordained pastor, and as an Associate for Congregational Vitality and Development, and finally as the Conference Minister for the Northeast Pennsylvania Conference of the UCC (now a part of the Keystone Conference). I love the church. I love change. I love learning. I love the ability to coach and lead and provide spiritual support to individuals and groups. I have found my niche.

Share any info about your family.

I have one son, Samuel, married to a wonderful woman, Kim. I have five grandchildren: three boys and two girls. They range in ages from 4 to 24: Kiel (24), Jakob (17), Emma (9), Ella (7), and Jackson (4). Kiel lives in Rochester, NY, and works in the dental implant manufacturing field. Jake begins college at Western North Carolina University in August. Sam and family live in Louisburg, NC, which is where I moved after my formal retirement.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am an avid reader, mostly of mysteries. I love to walk and play with my Yorkie mix dog, Tuki. I love music, singing in the church choir, attending live theater and concerts.

Do you have a favorite Bible passage or words that are important to you on a daily basis?

It’s hard to pick a favorite bible passage and there are so many that speak to me. From the Hebrew scriptures, I am drawn to Isaiah 43: 18-19: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it spring forth, do you not perceive it?” From the Christian scriptures, I love Matthew 22:36-40: “Teacher, what commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ And Philippians 4:6, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Jesus."

I am a person who believes in hope, in justice, in compassion and kindness. Those words anchor my life.

What is your work schedule?
I will be working in a hybrid fashion, 7-10 days per month in Minnesota and the rest of the month from my home in North Carolina. I expect to be moving around the state and staying in a variety of locations – primarily where I can visit with multiple congregations and pastors during my time there.

Welcome, Bonnie! We are so glad to have you.

Conference News & Events

A Report on the Annual Meeting

Reflections from Rev. Jane McBride

This year, we sought to create an atmosphere of collaboration that allowed everyone’s voice to be heard and woven into a common vision. In the past we’ve had a keynote speech and Q & A session. This year, we had a “thought partner," Jessica Vasquez Torres, the Transitional Executive Director of Crossroads Anti-Racism and Training. She walked with us throughout the whole meeting, sharing insights, telling stories, asking questions, and inviting us into table conversations. 

Jessica summoned us to follow Jesus into the deep water, into the unknown, beyond the moment of collapse we find ourselves in. Grounded in the work of indigenous Zen teacher Norma Wong, she prompted us to take our bearings in the present from a far horizon story, a story we hope people looking back will tell about our faithful collaboration with God and each other to birth something new.

Reflections from Rev. Danielle Bartz, incoming Vice Moderator

Ready to learn and learn again. Ready to embark and embark again. Ready to trust and trust again—in the One who loves us through every new beginning. 

The Annual Meeting was a deeply meaningful gathering once again. Jessica Vasquez Torres did an extraordinary job of leading all of us in conversation throughout the gathering. It was our first time moving away from the traditional keynoter model and I believe it was a success. To be able to hear from her and consider her guidance about what it means to go deeper into the work of ministry throughout the meeting created a thruline that connected ministry with the work of the Conference.

The discussions around the budget and the resolution were thoughtful and impactful. There was a clear sense in the room (either in-person or virtual) that these things are not arbitrary but reflective of who we are and where we hope to go together as a Conference.

Worship and music was once again led by The Many, who are always a favorite and create a worshipful atmosphere!

We celebrated the service of two members of the Executive Committee who completed their terms: Moderator Sara Morse and Treasurer Bob Sicoli. Both have served on the Board with integrity, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to the Conference. During the tremendous upheaval brought on by Conference Minister transition, they were stalwarts in ensuring that the work of the Conference continued so there was never any gaps in the ministry that was needed. Most importantly, they rotated off the Board of Directors in such a way that the Conference is in a stronger place than before. It was a joy and privilege to work with them.

Excerpts from the "State of the Conference" presented by Rev. Kevin Brown, Rev. Kelly Gallagher, and Moderator Rev. Sara Morse

Out of the turbulent waves of this season, the waters have stirred with vibrant new life: the Board and staff have partnered to expand our team. We have emerged from this transition more resilient, proving that even in the midst of fully cast nets and a massive learning curve, unexpected growth can take root when a community is willing to learn, adapt, and row together…

…So much happened in this last year, yet the first four months of 2026 have defined us, brought out the best of our ability to hang what needs to happen on the scaffolding of what already exists. These months, in the midst of so much chaos, we turned our boats back out into the deep and threw our nets in.

As the eyes of the world turned toward us, you, church, responded. From Moorhead to Medford, from Glencoe to Winona, from Duluth to Mankato and all across the Twin Cities. The stirrings of what it means to be the people of God moved us as one to respond to the actions of an authoritarian government attempting to unravel the fabric of who we are as people of faith. That is revolutionary work, faithful work. Clergy gathering, movement chaplains, mutual aid, school patrol, a gift of $50,000 sent from the National setting for churches across the state to respond to the needs of their communities in need …

…With curiosity and courage our UCC organizers among us worked with Groundworks legal to bring a case against the federal government because people of faith were being blocked from providing pastoral care to detainees at the Bishop Henry Whipple Building, and our Board of Directors said, "Yes, this we must do." And we won. 

…Being called into the deep has taught us that we cannot do this alone. We need each other. We are blessed with a resilient staff, a dedicated Board, and local churches banded together under the wide net of the Minnesota Conference. We know all too well that the waters can be rough, but we also know that the One who invites us not to be afraid is always present to offer a lifeline.

See more photos from the Annual Meeting on the Conference's Facebook page.

Conference Youth Head to Washington, D.C.

This Sunday, July 12, 20 youth and 10 adult leaders from congregations across the Conference will travel to Washington, D.C. for Youth Voices: Bold Faith, a week-long immersion in faith-based advocacy, justice, and community. Together, they will explore how faith calls us to speak truth to power, stand up for what’s right, and work toward a world where all can thrive. Participants will:

• engage with leaders making change on Capitol Hill and beyond;
• learn practical tools for organizing, advocacy, and public witness;
• engage in Youth Leadership Development;
• build deep connections with peers who share their passion for justice and hope for the world

Watch for reflections from participants in upcoming editions of COMMAntary.

Save the Dates for the Fall Clergy Retreat

Registration opening soon!

Location: Dunrovin Retreat Center

Dates: October 27-29, arrive 5 pm Tuesday & depart 11:30 am Thursday

Cost: $250 (scholarship support is available; MIDs receive a $200 registration discount)

All authorized ministers of the Minnesota Conference UCC and members in discernment are invited to be part of this year’s clergy retreat. Plan to pause from the rhythms and demands of daily life with a community of colleagues in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley.

Emergency Grant Money Still Available

Through a generous grant from the national UCC and additional donated funds from churches around the country, the MN Conference was able to respond to needs that arose from Operation Metro Surge in our communities.

There are still unspent funds available dedicated to this purpose. Some uses this generosity has funded to date supported food shelves, rent assistance, fuel cards for delivery drivers,

culturally appropriate perishable groceries, diapers, menstrual supplies, leader empowerment programming and supplies for healing ministry.

Congregations that have already received an initial grant are eligible to reapply for the same amount they were first granted. Congregations that are applying for the first time are eligible to receive up to $2,000.

May God bless all the ministries these grants empower. APPLY HERE.

Joy as Resistance and Refugia

We are living in a collision of crises right now. Amid that collision, the Minnesota Conference UCC is offering a series of three in-person retreats – Joy as Resistance and Refugia – between August 2026 and February 2027. Each retreat stands on its own and is related to the other two in the series. All three retreats will be hosted at Camp Onomia in Onamia, Minnesota. The registration fee for each retreat is $175, and participants who register for all three will receive a 25% discount for all three retreats.

Retreat 1 – Reconnections

August 6-8, 2026

Retreat 2 – Rest and Resilience

November 17-19, 2026

Retreat 3 – Remembering New Beginnings

February 12-15, 2027

Registration opens soon! Watch for more details in the next edition of COMMAntary. Questions? Contact David Coleman at davidc@uccmn.org.

Save The Dates: Embodied Antiracism 4-Week Intro Series for White Clergy

What: The times we're in continue to call for courageous and resilient leadership and solidarity. This embodied professional development offering for white clergy is a chance to build authentic relationships with peers around the messy work of racial justice, becoming more familiar with our embodied white patterns, grow our capacity for loving accountability, and gain embodied practices that can support greater alignment with our values under pressure.

This series grows out of a deeper-dive embodied antiracism cohort learning for white clergy that Rachel Svanoe Moynihan + Allyson Green have been offering for several years. This fall we're offering a shorter intro version to make this work accessible to more people. 

Who: White clergy longing to embody their racial justice values with greater integrity and resilience

When: Four Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 pm (Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19); First Thursday is 1:30-4:30 pm

Where: A TBD church in Minneapolis

Cost: Suggested range of $300-$500 (please reach out if cost is a barrier)

• Questions? Reach out to Rachel at racheljoysomatics@gmail.com.
• To Register: See full details and registration here.
• Sign up here to stay in the loop for future offerings. 
• Background: More about this ongoing embodied antiracism work here. 

The Damascus Project Offers Online Confirmation Program

The Damascus Project Living Faith Online Confirmation Program is designed for 8th graders in Minnesota and Wisconsin UCC churches. Learners attend classes by Zoom twice a month, choosing from Sunday or Wednesday evenings. Learners work with a mentor identified from their congregation and meet with their mentor regularly in person, as an additional learning resource during the program.

Class begins September 2026 and culminates with a statement of faith and the decision to be confirmed in the learner’s home church in May 2027. REGISTER

Instructors are:

Rev. Uriah Williams, a graduate of United Theological Seminary who currently serves as Executive Director of the Shawano Area United Way in Shawano, WI; and Rev. Sana Del Corazon, a graduate of United Theological Seminary who currently serves as Interim Pastor of Zion UCC in Le Sueur, MN.

Churches or families wishing to learn more may attend an information session via Zoom on: 

• 7/22 at 6:00 pm
• 7/26 at 6:00 pm

Register for an information session here. You may also direct inquiries to Rev. Williams at uriah@the-damascus-project.org.

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.