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Ministry Together
Clergy Resources from the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest
September | 2023
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Important News and Resources | |
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Celebrations
Celebrating with Marion Christian Church as 180 years of ministry were marked Sept 16-17. They received some local TV news coverage.
Congratulations to Stasia and Scott Fine as they become parents to Dominic (age 8) and Colby (age 7). Stasia serves First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids.
Congratulations to Gregory and Kathryn Chambers on the upcoming birth of a child in early 2024. Prayers for a healthy pregnancy for mother and child. Gregory is pastor at Noelridge Christian Church, Cedar Rapids.
Celebrating with Pam Gibbs and Urbana Christian Church, Urbana, on the upcoming service of commissioning as Pam has completed the Commissioned Ministry Education Program. The service will be Sunday, October 1.
Prayers for Clergy Colleagues
Prayers for Jill Michel the death of her uncle, Dean Raddatz. Jill and Tammy Buseman led the service on Sunday, September 17 in Center Point.
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.
For your reflection, Searching for the Sacred, Cameron Trimble:
Sacred One,
In the face of great need
When the work feels huge
And I feel small
May I learn the power of the mustard seed.
May I trust that my showing up,
Taking root,
Growing branches,
be enough to do
small things that heal the world.
Amen.
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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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Mitchellville Christian Church is in the search and call process. Alice Bolen is serving as interim.
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Altoona Christian Church is in the search and call process.
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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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First Christian Church, Hampton has regular pulpit supply.
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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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Nichols Christian Church is seeking pulpit supply.
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Bondurant Christian Church is seeking an interim.
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Marion Christian Church has called Tammy Buseman and Gary Sneller as co-interim ministers.
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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 beginning the search process.
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First Christian Church, Adel has called Tim Johnson as interim.
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Bloomfield Christian Church is beginning the search process.
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Davis Street Christian Church, Ottumwa is seeking an interim.
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First Christian Church, Muscatine is seeking an interim.
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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, 4th Thursdays, 2pm, Online | |
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Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann is the next book the Upper Midwest clergy book study will read and discuss. The book investigates a series of murders of wealthy Osage people that took place in Osage County, Oklahoma, in the early 1920's after big oil deposits were discovered beneath their land. A film directed by Martin Scorcese based on this book is scheduled to be released in October
The Clergy Book Study for this book will meet online Thursdays September 28, and October 26. Participation in this book study can be used for anti-racism/pro-reconciliation continuing education hours.
The second session on Thursday, September 28, 2 pm, will discuss Chronicle Two: The Evidence Man.
Everyone interested in participating in this Clergy book study please contact Liz Woodward. A link to the zoom meeting will be sent the morning of the meeting day.
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Continuing Education Opportunities | |
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Interfaith Alliance of Iowa
Challenging Christian Nationalism Forum
Oct 5, 2 pm, Plymouth Cong. Des Moines
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush will address the rise and impact of Christian Nationalism
More info.
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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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