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Ministry Together
Clergy Resources from the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest
April | 2024
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Important News and Resources | |
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Celebrations
Prayers of celebration and support in ministry are offered for colleagues in recognition of moments marking ministry within congregations.
United Church of Christ Atlantic & First Christian Church Panora invite you to the ordination of Casey L. Brown on Saturday, May 18th, 2024. The service is at 2:30p, followed by a meal. While not necessary, we appreciate an RSVP to pastor@panorafcc.org so that we may plan enough food.
The service will be held at:
First Christian Church
102 E Church St
Panora, IA
Clergy are asked to robe and wear red stoles.
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Prayers for Clergy Colleagues
There is a holy and sacred responsibility for each of us to hold one another in prayer. Colleagues of all ages experience health issues, life-altering experiences filled with concern and joy, as well as the fatigue and energy of ministry. Take a moment to offer prayer for one another.
Pamela Gibbs, pastor of Urbana Christian Church, IA shared the news of her mother's death. Darlene Gibbs died on April 18. Please hold the entire family in prayer.
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Darlene Goodrich, who passed away.
Prayers for Arlene Johnson as she continues to recover from surgery.
Prayers for Dianna Clark as she continues to recover from a procedure.
Prayers for Jason Ellingson and his family.
Continued prayers for John Coughron as he journeys the difficult path of ALS. Please remember John's family in your prayers as they support and nurture him during this illness.
For your reflection:
"We have only begun to know
the power that is in us if we would join our solitudes in the communion of struggle. So much is unfolding... so much is in bud."
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General/Ecumenical Church Jobs
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Congregations in Transition
Friends, these are the congregations in the Upper Midwest in the search and call process. Please keep them in your prayers during these transitions.
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Altoona Christian Church is in the search and call process.
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Bondurant Christian Church is seeking an interim.
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Central Christian Church, Boone, is in the search and call process, with David Clark as the interim.
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Highland Park Christian Church is in the search and call process and has called Arlene Johnson as interim.
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Glen Echo Christian Church is in the search process. Aaron Brunner has been called as interim.
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First Christian Church, Adel has called Tim Johnson as interim.
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Davis Street Christian Church, Ottumwa has called Terry Wise as their interim beginning in Jan 2024.
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New Disciples Christian Church, Cedar Rapids has called Sherry Schwab as interim.
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Lennox Christian Church is in the search and call process.
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Trinity Christian Church, Bridgewater, will enter the search and call process.
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Hedrick Christian Church is seeking pulpit supply.
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Union Church, Ira, is in the search process.
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First Christian Church, Muscatine and Nichols Christian Church are being served by Marcy Heil during the process of search and call.
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Central Christian Church, Marshalltown is beginning the search process.
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Pleasantville Christian Church is beginning the search process.
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First Christian Church, Estherville will enter the search process. Doug Burton plans to retire Jan 2025.
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Howard Street Christian Church will enter the search process. Tom Burns plans to retire Aug 2024.
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Looking to Serve?
Each month we list the congregations in the Upper Midwest who are in the search and call process. This month there are 20 congregations in the search and call process. It is challenging to identify enough pulpit supply, interim, and settled ministers for these many congregations to consider.
Please contact Josh or Liz to learn more or share your ideas.
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Clergy Book Study Resumes in Fall | |
The regional Clergy Book Study held on the fourth Thursday, 2 pm, will join together August, September and October of this year. Watch for more details in future Ministry Together newsletters. | |
Continuing Education Opportunities | |
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Lexington Theological Seminary
Preaching in a Climate- Changed World
Apr 23, 5pm, online
Presentations of how sermons can nurture biblical, theological, and ecological imagination
More info and registration.
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Union Theological Seminary
Spirit & Struggle: Acting Towards a Shareable World
May 9-10, Hybrid
2-Day event both in person or online. We are living through perilous and divisive times. The idea of "us" vs. "them" is as much a vexing spiritual and theological problem as it is a social and political one.
For more info and to register.
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Leaderwise
Trauma-Informed Ministry Series
May 8, 10a-Noon; 1-3p Central
May 15, 10a-Noon; 1-3p Central
Online workshop exploring how trauma-informed approaches work.
More info and registration.
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Convergence
Life After Doom
Webinar with Brian McLaren, May 9, 7-8p Eastern
For more info and registration.
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Augsburg University
Festival of Homiletics
May 13-16, Pittsburgh/online
More info and registration.
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Wesley Seminary
Leadership Imagination
Self-guided class on leadership imagination. Free until June.
More info and registration.
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Continuing Education Requirement
All Upper Midwest clergy are expected to complete continuing education each year in order to be granted ministerial standing in the following years. Details on our regional website.
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Christian Church in the Upper Midwest | www.uppermidwestcc.org | |
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