On this second Sunday in Lent, we will read Matthew 18: 15-35. In this passage, we learn that even the early followers of Jesus had some familiar struggles when it came to living in community. How do we handle conflict? How do we hold each other accountable? When, how, and why do we forgive one another? We will consider these questions through the lenses of relationships, church life, and our wider social contracts. Come for music, prayer, silence, word, and a few surprises... 

During Lent we are using a different version of the Lord's Prayer, the Prayer of Jesus from the New Zealand Prayer Book. Instead of the more familiar, "forgive us our sins," this version states, "in the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us." Somehow this is easier to hear for those of us who were brought up in churches or homes where confessing our failure or sin triggers old tapes of shame, not being good enough, or unworthiness. How ironic that the very message meant to free us from a sense of shame has been used in a way that can deepen shame.  Perhaps one way we can translate this message is into acts of forgiveness. We hurt each other in our homes, work places, extended families, friendships, and of course, our churches.  How great it would be if church was the place where we could practice saying "I'm sorry," knowing that we will hear, "you are forgiven."

Living into our new governance model, the church council adopted its first two policies to guide us in our trial year:  a philosophy of governance statement, and a provisional mission statement. These are working policies that will be discussed with the congregation throughout the year.

1. 1.       Philosophy of Governance Statement:

Elected by the congregation, and in conversation with the congregation, the focus of the council will be on the long term mission and wellbeing of the congregation, not on administrative detail. It shall respect the distinction between board governance and ministry. As much as possible, the board shall delegate management and decision-making and devote its attention to discernment, strategy, and oversight. 

The council intends to govern primarily by: 

• Discerning and articulating the congregation's mission and vision of ministry           
• Setting goals and making strategic choices
• Creating written policies to guide the congregation's ministry, and
• Monitoring and evaluating the pastoral leadership, the congregation's leadership and the work of the council itself.                       

1. 2.       Provisional  Mission Statement:

We SEEK to understand the mysteries of Christ and the Triune God. 

We  SHARE our faith, our gifts, and our lives. 

We SERVE our local and global communities.

The church council looks forward to creating opportunities to dialogue with the congregation as we experience a different kind of church structure.

Lastly, we are exploring a Capital Campaign in the coming year, and will interview two prospective consultants on March 19 and 20. The council, trustees and ministers, along with anyone who is interested in working on a capital campaign, will meet with each group to listen to their proposals. Later, there will be a congregational meeting to decide whether to move forward with a capital campaign. If you are interested in working with a great group of people on the Capital Campaign for First UCC, please contact Pastor Todd or Pastor Abby.

            Hope you can attend the congregational meeting after worship this Sunday, March 16, to vote on solar power for our church.

May you intentionally create spaces for stillness as you journey through Lent.

--Mary Carlson 

Calling all First UCC Parents!

The annual Parent Potluck will be held on Saturday, March 15th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the home of Regi and Amy Haslett-Marroquin (4597 315th St. West). This is an adults-only event where parents have an opportunity to socialize with one another in a fun and informal setting. This is always a great time, and we'd love to have you join us! Please bring your own beverage and a dish to pass: 

• A - J = Side dish (veggies, bread, fruit, salad)
• K - Q = Main Dish
• R - Z = Dessert

Please RSVP TODAY to Carrie Menk.

This is always a fun and enjoyable evening! We hope to see you there!  

-Sponsored by the Children's Faith Formation Committee

 

Exploring Membership sessions for those interested in joining First UCC as members will be held immediately following worship on Sundays, March 30  and April 6 in the church parlor. Child care will be provided.  If you are interested in finding out more about First UCC or are wishing to join, please plan to attend one of these times. New Member Sunday will be on April 27, 2014 during Worship followed by a reception in the Assembly Room.  If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Todd, 507-645-7532 or Jean Haslett, 507-650-0753.  

If our Lenten meditation program whets your appetite for mindfulness practices, there will be a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction opportunity offered at the Northfield Buddhist Center. The program, which costs $335 and meets on Tuesdays from 3/25 through 5/13, enables participants to develop their own base in mindfulness practice integrated into everyday life. The course includes eight weekly classes, an individual interview with the instructor, a Saturday retreat, the book Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, four CDs, and handouts. To sign up go to: http://nfld.k12.mn.us/communityservices/ click the "Registration" button, and enter 2997 in search bar.