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Ministry Together
Clergy Resources from the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest
August | 2022
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Pastor Camp, September 26-28 | |
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Join colleagues and friends for a special church camp experience September 26-28 at the Christian Conference Center. Learn with our keynote speaker, Bryan Feille, enjoy conversations in small groups, create and share meaningful worship, rest, enjoy time together on Holy Ground, and end the day around the campfire.
Tiff and Josh will serve as your directors. Camp starts at 2 pm on September 26 and concludes at 11 am on September 28. Registration includes meals, cabin lodging (bring your own bedding!), and a special Pastors Camp t-shirt. Camp cost is $150.
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Upper Midwest All Congregational Gathering, October 15 | |
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Are you and other leaders trying to figure out what to do in your church? Does everything seem harder?
The 2022 All Congregational Gathering will focus on resources to make sense of and adapt to many challenges that the church is facing. In addition to learning, there will be worship and fun as Disciples Together.
Please plan to participate and please promote this to others in your congregation: Saturday, October 15.
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Important News and Resources | |
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Celebrations
Noelridge Christian Church, Cedar Rapids, has been led through the interim season by Rev. Cindi McKee. Rev. McKee's final Sunday with the congregation will be September 25 when she and the new pastor, Gregory Chambers will share worship. Thank you, Cindi, for your service.
Cluster 11 gathered for "a day apart" for participants from the six congregations of the cluster. Our Lady of the Prairie, Wheatland, IA was the gathering place for a focused retreat on Psalm 23. It was a good day to build community as "Disciples Together."
First Christian Church, Albia, has been served during the interim season by Rev. Arlene Johnson. Rev Johnson's final Sunday with the congregation will be Sunday, August 28. Rev. Josha Patty was present on Sunday, August 21, to award Rev. Johnson the Honored Minister's Pin. Thank you, Arlene, for your service.
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Prayers for Clergy Colleagues
With school beginning, summer activities coming to a close, congregational ministries and mission begin to take on a new energy level for pastors and laity. Let's hold one another in prayer as together each congregation faithfully responds to God's leading.
Prayers for congregations, pastors and chaplains as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect life.
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Congregations in Transition
Friends, you will see listed below the congregations in the Upper Midwest in the search and call process. Gratefully many of these congregations have interim leadership, equipping the congregation to transition with hope and grace.
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Mitchellville Christian Church is in the search and call process. Alice Bolen is serving as interim.
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Altoona Christian Church called Lisa Grace as interim.
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Newton First Christian Church is in the search and call process.
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Oakland Christian Church is in the revitalization process, using regular pulpit supply for Sundays.
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Waukee Christian Church is in the search process.
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New Disciples Christian Church, Cedar Rapids has called Sherry Schwab as interim.
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Park Ave Christian Church, Des Moines is in the search and call process with Tim Johnson serving 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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First Christian Church, Hampton is exploring regular pulpit supply.
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New Beginnings Christian Church, Urbandale, is in the search and call process, with Nick Green as the 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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Hedrick Christian Church is seeking pulpit supply.
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Carlisle Christian Church is beginning the search process and seeking pulpit supply.
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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. It is challenging to identify enough pulpit supply, interim, and settled ministers for these many congregations to consider.
Please contact Josh, Tiff or Liz to learn more or share your ideas.
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Clergy Book Study Starts August 25 | |
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The monthly book study with clergy from across the Region will continue on Thursday, August 25, 2 pm. We will begin our discussion of our next book: The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann. This classic work of Biblical theology traces prophecy as a critique of power and source of new vision.
For our discussion on August 25, please read the introductory material, chapters 1 and 2. The book study is a Zoom meeting. The link is sent the morning of 8/25. To participate please send an email to liz@uppermidwestcc.org. Your participation will earn continuing education hours plus join your colleagues in engaging conversation.
This Clergy Book Study will also be held on the fourth Thursdays of September and October. If you have a book recommendation for 2023 book studies, please submit it to Liz.
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Other Continuing Education Opportunities | |
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Greater Kansas City Region
Boundaries and Anti-racism Opportunities
Kansas City region invites clergy to participate in upcoming in-person and online sessions, space permitting. Courses scheduled in August and September.
More info about sessions.
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Luther Seminary
Digital Marketing for Churches
online, on-demand, $49
More info about program.
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National Council of Churches
Christian Unity Gathering
online, Oct. 9-11, $25
More info about program.
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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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