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COMMAntary
The newsletter of the Minnesota Conference UCC
Volume 23, No. 1 | January 8, 2026
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Equipping a courageous Church alive with Christ's transforming love | | | | |
New Year's Greeting from the Conference Minister | | |
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other, but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help…And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12
Whatever your call to ministry, whatever your expression, however you connect to that deeper sense of what it means to serve God and be a disciple of Jesus, it matters. It matters to me, it matters to the Conference, and it absolutely matters to the world. You are a cherished individual in your call and the expression of that call.
There are a couple of things that are important to keep in mind as we enter into this new season of 2026. These are things that I have done in my 18 years of ministry that have worked for me to keep me spiritually grounded and connected to my loved ones.
- Take all of your time off, if you have access to it. Take spiritual time to let go of the stresses in your job and in your life. Do your best to take at least one day off a week, if not two.
- Connect and stay close with your chosen family. Don’t neglect your family. When you stay connected to your family, you will be more effective in your ministry setting.
- Be sure and find a spiritual practice that works for you, one that you find rejuvenating. For me that is yoga. Make sure you do not neglect yourself.
- Develop deeper friendships with people who understand what you are doing. Connect with your colleagues. Spend time with them, not just on work, but connect with them personally. Meet them in person if you can.
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I hope this accompanying video message (recorded on New Year's Day) greets you with joy.
I have deep gratitude for the ways that you share love in the world and the ways you keep showing up when you are discouraged. Your ministry is saving lives. I am deeply grateful for you.
God bless you and Happy New Year!
Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan
Conference Minister
Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ
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Peace, Peace, There is No Peace in Minneapolis | | | | |
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Mark Your Calendars for this Year's Annual Meeting June 11-13
We are planning three days packed full of trainings, worship, and connecting with friends and colleagues we haven’t seen all year.
Our theme is “Into the Deep.” Some of you may recognize this theme from the 2025 General Synod last July. The Minnesota Conference is taking a dive deeper into what that means for us here in Minnesota.
Two Clergy training sessions will be offered on June 11: one in boundaries and the other in anti-racism. Then, over the next two days, we will learn and grow together, attending workshops, joining together in fellowship, and discussing the business and future vision of the conference.
We have “The Many” joining us again this year to lead us in worship, and we are looking forward to hearing from our new Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan.
Workshop applications and resolution forms will be available soon. Watch your email and COMMAntary for frequent Annual Meeting updates.
We look forward to spending time together jumping “Into the Deep.”
Torri Vande Zande
Chair, Annual Planning Work Group
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It's Time for Clergy to Complete the Annual Information Review Form
Clergy are required to fill out an Annual Information Review (AIR) form yearly so the Conference can maintain the most up to date ministry setting and contact information. It is also an opportunity to report on other standing requirements as well as request contact or other information from the Conference.
Fill out the AIR form online.
Download and complete AIR form.
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Free Stewardship Webinars Offered to Help Congregations Increase Generosity
The Damascus Project will offer a 2026 Stewardship Webinar Series, organized by the Rev. Andrew Warner. These free webinars are held from 6:30-7:30 pm on select Thursdays throughout the year. Topics include financial best practices, storytelling, narrative budgets, donors relationships, and more. LEARN MORE & REGISTER
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Check out Power & Boundary and Racial Justice Trainings Offered in 2026
Numerous options for trainings in 2026 are now listed on the Conference's Standing Requirements page. Check out what The Damascus Project, Enkei Resolutions, The Conference, and others are offering.
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Year End Gifts Deadline Due by January 15, 2026
Thank you for your generosity that helps us equip a courageous church! To receive proper credit for church contributions, we kindly request that gifts be made by January 15, 2026, so we may create accurate year-end giving statements.
For individual donors desiring to make 2025 charitable donations, those gifts must be received by December 31, 2025, for tax filing purposes. May God multiply all our generous efforts for the good. DONATE HERE.
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From Ash to Action: Even the Stones Cry Out
A Congregational Lenten Toolkit
In preparation for ISAIAH's Palm Sunday Path and the 2026 EcoFaith Summit of the Upper Midwest, this toolkit developed by the Ministry Lab in collaboration with ISAIAH and the EcoFaith Summit will equip congregations to organize, advocate, and reshape communities to more fully reflect God's preferred future in which the hungry are fed, the sick are healed, strangers are welcomed, and all creation sings with joy.
Elements include:
- Sermon prep text reflections from Working Preacher
- Embodied organizing practices from David 'Agape' Scherer
- Intergenerational fiery text reflections & discussion prompts from Dn Dr. Diane Jacobson
- Spiritual practices, liturgical elements, and children's book ideas from Rev. Emily Meyer
- Music suggestions from Bret Hesla
Prepare to organize, march, and advocate on behalf of our neighbors along the Palm Sunday Path (March 29, 2026). Advocate for all creation at the EcoFaith Summit of the Upper Midwest (April 18, 2026). Both call on congregations to become organizing hubs for the sake of the Gospel: for thriving communities and a flourishing planet.
Watch HERE for updates.
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2026 UCC Climate Action Commissioning Service
Wednesday, January 14, noon CT
As we enter a year of critical importance in the struggle for climate justice, the UCC is holding a Climate Action Commissioning Service. Gather with us as we faithfully prepare ourselves to take action in the coming year. Our preacher will be the Rev. Jim Antal, author of "Climate Church, Climate World." Rev. Antal currently serves as the Special Advisor on Climate Justice to UCC General Minister and President. Even if you cannot make the live event, still register, and we will send you a recording. REGISTER
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Applications for the Richard and Helen Brown Endowment for Church Leadership Now Open
Established through a generous $5 million bequest by Richard and Helen Brown in the 1990s, the Brown Endowment supports the development of faithful and well-prepared pastoral leaders within the United Church of Christ (UCC). UCF serves as trustee, managing both investment of the endowed funds and allocation of over $300,000 each year for individual scholarships and sponsorships to support theological education. The endowment provides funding for students seeking a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree or equivalent. Potential Brown Scholars must demonstrate at least a year of active membership in a UCC church and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. VIEW THE APPLICATION
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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 | | | | |
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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.
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