COMMAntary
Equipping a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love
|
|
The Power of Relationships:
First UCC Northfield helps build a web of support for LGBTQ youth
When members of First UCC Northfield learned that area youth who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual reported comparatively significantly lower “positive identity and outlook” scores on Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), leaders got to work to make a difference.
Several members of First UCC Northfield who were deeply involved with Northfield Promise put their heads together with Rev. Abby Henderson, now Director of Leadership Development at the Minnesota Conference UCC, then associate pastor at First UCC.They quickly identified a lack of supportive resources and activities for youth who identified as LGBTQ and launched CYAN, a group whose dual meaning is “Community Youth Activity Night” and the color halfway between green and blue.
Over the past three years, more than 60 young people have been part of CYAN, and the latest MSS scores show a significant change for these youth.
|
|
Welcoming the Liddles Home from East Timor
|
|
|
Make your invitation by March 2
|
Did you know that the Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ is present in nearly 90 countries worldwide? In our work with faith-based global partners and through the service of mission co-workers like Rev. Tom and Dr. Monica Liddle the UCC has an amazing global reach!
The Liddles, members at Peace UCC in Duluth, are returning from serving as mission-coworkers in East Timor since 2016. They are available to visit churches exclusively in the Minnesota Conference April 5-27.
All Sundays in April are already spoken for, but their schedule still has plenty of room to meet any other day of the week!
|
|
Conference News & Information
|
|
|
REV. SHERESA SIMPSON-RICE NAMED INTERIM ASSOCIATE CONFERENCE MINISTER
We are delighted that Sheresa
will begin her service with us April 6! She received her Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, where she is also now completing her Doctor of Ministry. She has served small and rural congregations in the Heartland Conference (OH) and in the Penn Central Conference, and has also worked as a mental health professional providing therapeutic services in institutional, clinical and residential settings.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
MN ALIVE!
A call to hope and progressive, faith-based action across MN
Sponsored by a coalition of United Church of Christ Churches
Saturday, February 29, 6–9 pm
In the tradition of religious revivals, the evening will feature uplifting song, inspirational speakers, a call to action and solace for the spirit. Revitalize your commitment to love-led action in a world hungry for hope.
LEARN MORE
|
|
RAISING CARING KIDS: HELPING FAMILIES WEAVE KINDNESS AND SERVICE INTO THEIR BUSY LIVES
Thursday, February 27, 11:30 am–1:30 pm
Presenter: Jenny Friedman, Doing Good Together
We'll meet at the Minnesota Church Center in the Assembly Room, or you can join via Zoom on your computer via
THIS LINK.
|
|
SPRING CONFERENCE YOUTH EVENT 2020
Friday, May 1–Sunday, May 3, Camp Onomia, Kathio State Park
|
|
- An ecclesiastical council will be held for Vanessa Bradby on Monday, March 3, at 10:00 am at Olivet UCC in St. Paul. Delegates from churches and clergy of the Minnesota Conference are encouraged to attend. To ensure a quorum, please RSVP to Janet at the Conference office and include your church of membership in your reply. To learn more about Vanessa, read an introduction and her ordination paper.
- On Tuesday, February 25, Matt Orendorff was unanimously approved for ordination at an Ecclesiastical Council held at Saint Anthony Park UCC. Matt currently serves as a licensed pastor at Federated Church (UCC/UMC) in Morris. Watch for news of his ordination date.
- Carol Schroedel, 83, of Rochester, Minnesota, died peacefully in her home on February 16. Carol was married to Rev. Carl Schroedel, who served at Peace in Rochester and preceded Carol in death. A memorial for Carol will be held June 7 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester. The Minnesota Conference offers condolences and prayers for peace and comfort to Carol’s family. Read about her life here.
- Rev. Clyde Steckel had emergency surgery to deal with an intestinal blockage on February 19 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. He is recovering at the hospital for a few days before moving to rehab. He welcomes visitors, and the Minnesota Conference offers prayers for healing, along with celebration for Clyde’s good humor and graciousness even in the toughest circumstances!
|
|
Notices & Special Invitations
|
|
Associate Conference Contact Info:
Until the arrival of our Interim Associate Conference Minister on April 6, churches in the northern part of the Conference should contact Conference Minister
Shari Prestemon
or Associate Conference Ministers
Anita Bradshaw
and
Kevin Brown
for assistance. Congregations with search and call questions may contact either Anita Bradshaw or Shari Prestemon at 612-871-0359.
Ministry Lab: Leaders from all areas of ministry are invited to join The Ministry Lab for its first annual
Spring Sprout. Renew with a contemplative practice, preview new curricula and worship resources, and be inspired for innovation by UTS faculty. RSVP to
Emily Meyer.
We want your stories! Is your church or someone in your church doing something remarkable or new? Interesting or engaging? We want to hear from you! Please send your story ideas to
communications@uccmn.org. COMMAntary is published on Wednesdays; submissions are due the Monday prior to publication at noon.
|
|
Full information about upcoming camps, retreats, and other faith formation opportunities for all ages is available on the
Conference's website.
|
|
- Twin Cities Clergy Cluster Wednesday, March 4, noon, Robbinsdale Parkway UCC
|
|
There are many opportunities within the Minnesota Conference. Check out the
employment opportunities
portion of our website for all open positions. And be sure to like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on news, events, jobs and more.
|
|
This newsletter is brought to you by generous contribution to Our Church's Wider Mission.
The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC)
equips a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love. Through advice, support, and resources, we strengthen the 126 congregations throughout the state to do the redemptive work of God in the world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|