Ministry Together
Clergy Resources from the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest
March | 2022
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The monthly book study with clergy from across the Region will continue on Thursday, March 24, 2 pm. The book study is a zoom meeting. The link is sent the morning of 3/24. To participate please send an email to liz@uppermidwestcc.org.
The first book of the year will be Right/Wrong: How Technology Transforms Our Ethics by Juan Enriquez. "Most people have a strong sense of right and wrong, and they aren't shy about expressing their opinions. But when we take a polarizing stand on something we regard as an eternal truth, we often forget that ethics evolve over time. Many shifts in the right versus wrong pendulum are driven by advances in technology. Our great-grandparents might be shocked by in vitro fertilization; our great-grandchildren might be shocked by the messiness of pregnancy, childbirth, and unedited genes. In Right/Wrong, Juan Enriquez reflects on what happens to our ethics as technology makes the once unimaginable a commonplace occurrence."
For discussion on March 24 please read chapters 3, 4 and 5 of the book. Your participation will earn continuing education hours plus join your colleagues in engaging conversation.
March and April will be devoted to conversation of Right/Wrong. If you have a book recommendation for upcoming months of book study, please submit the recommendation to Liz Woodward, liz@uppermidwestcc.org.
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Important Ways to Connect in Regional and General Church |
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Celebrations
Robert Freed has been called as pastor of First Christian Church, Cedar Falls, IA. Bob will begin ministry with the congregation on June 1.
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Prayers for Clergy Colleagues
Prayers for congregations, pastors and chaplains as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect life.
Dawn Ingram on the death of her father on March 21, 2022.
Gary Sneller on the death of his brother-in-law.
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Looking to Serve? Lots of Positions Available
Each month, we list the congregations in the Upper Midwest who are in the search and call process. Currently, the list is long and has several congregations seeking part-time professional ministry.
- Are you retired or between calls and interested in a part-time position?
- Are you serving in a position that would allow you to add responsibilities (and compensation) from another congregation?
- Do you know someone who might be a good commissioned minister serving in a part-time congregational context?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, we would appreciate your help. Our regional staff is having difficulty identifying 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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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 move through transition with hope and grace.
However, several of these congregations are small which impedes the search process. If through prayer and discernment you would be ready to serve one of the smaller congregations, please let one of the Regional staff know.
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Noelridge Christian Church, Cedar Rapids is in the search and call process. Cindi McKee is preaching for the congregation.
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Mitchellville Christian Church will begin the search and call process. Lynda Carlson is preaching for the congregation.
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Marshalltown First Christian Church is in the search and call process. Dianna Clark is filling the pulpit.
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Altoona First Christian Church called Lisa Grace as interim.
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Albia First Christian Church is in the search and call process.
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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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Indianola Heights Christian Church has arranged pulpit supply with Sheldon Henderson.
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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 called Tim Johnson as interim.
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Lake Harriett Christian Church called David Cobb as interim.
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Plymouth Creek Christian Church is in the search process.
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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, has called Nick Green as interim.
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Central Christian Church, Boone, has called David Clark as interim minister.
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Other Continuing Education Opportunities |
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Convergence
What is the future of spirituality?
Online summit, April 4-8
free and pay options
Multiple recorded presentations will be available each day for free. Expanded access and programs are available with paid registration.
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Transylvania University
Moosnick Lectures in Judaic Studies
online, Mar. 30 & 31
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Luther Seminary
Finding Energy in the Face of Burnout
Online, Mar. 28, 11am, free
This session will explore what is so challenging for church leaders right now and suggest a different set of expectations for pastoral work.
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Luther Seminary
2022 Festival of Homiletics
May 16-20
online and Denver, CO
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Luther Seminary
Processing the Pandemic for Ministry
3 online sessions beginning in April, $75
The online program will offer dedicated time to process recent experiences and set more realistic goals.
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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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