Settled facilitates building tiny homes in conjunction with Minnesota congregations. State legislation passed in May now allows churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship to create sacred communities of tiny homes on their property for persons experiencing chronic homelessness. While the tiny homes are not fully plumbed, the congregations provide bathrooms, showers, laundry, and kitchen. Youth from the four congregations toured a new tiny home site with six houses created by the Mosaic Christian Community in St. Paul.

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for all participants, and face masks and physical distancing may be required in some spaces throughout the event. You will find the Conference’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines here. Please contact Rev. Kevin Brown, Associate Conference Minister, for more information and with any questions.

Rev. Dr. Martha Brunell has been in ministry since the 1970’s as a local pastor in the United Church of Christ, primarily in marginal urban settings, as a hospice chaplain, as a founding director of a domestic violence agency, as adjunct faculty at Eden Seminary and Aquinas Institute of Theology, as a spiritual director, as a writer and facilitator of writing groups, as a retreat and workshop leader, and as someone who lives at the crossroads of spirituality and the earth. Martha was once described as “a contemplative who knows how to pick up the telephone and get things done.” She lives in Chicago and currently maintains practices in spiritual direction, writing group facilitation, and retreat and workshop leadership. She is also trained as an advanced certified labyrinth facilitator and as a Soul Collage facilitator and is in training now with the Association of Forest and Nature Therapy to be a guide for Forest Therapy Walks.

Richard Bruxvoort Colligan is a composer, musician, and teacher of psalms. He serves across denominations inviting a perspective of lifelong spiritual formation to community singing. He also loves dumb jokes and is always ready to hear one. He has recorded several albums of original worship music, and his hymns have been published by the UCC, ELCA, UMC and PCUSA. He serves the Olive Branch community in Rochester, MN, and lives with his family in Strawberry Point, Iowa. 

Who doesn't need a few days of time in nature to reconnect and reboot?!

The Minnesota Conference UCC Outdoor Ministry invites you to join the Men's Wilderness Retreat at Camp Amnicom or Women's Retreat at Camp Onamia September 9–11. Women are also invited to the Women's Wilderness Retreat at Camp Amnicom September 23–25.

Are your meetings boring? 

Do they last too long? 

Do you wish more people would speak up? 

Do only a few people make most of the decisions? 

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, we invite you to experience A Taste of Heavenly Meetings for yourself. Heavenly meetings occur when everyone participates and moves through the agenda efficiently, and care, lightness and curiosity are the norm. You can get A Taste of Heavenly Meetings in one of two identical workshops: 

Saturday, October 8 – Peace UCC, Duluth | REGISTER

Saturday, November 12 – First Congregational UCC, Alexandria | REGISTER

Designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign, this webinar will explore ways to create an effective campaign. We will reflect on core purpose of a campaign, discuss practical steps leaders can take, and explore creative ideas to design a campaign uniquely suited to your congregation. Join this webinar to develop and strengthen plans for a successful fall campaign. REGISTER

UTS will kick off its 60th anniversary with a special event for students and alums, current and former faculty, and other members of the community on September 28. The theme for the celebration is “Many Voices United," an homage to the ecumenical origins of the seminary and its ongoing dedication to educating leaders for the church and society. UTS will take time to honor the past, remember seminal faculty and students, and lay the groundwork for an even brighter future.

Who should attend? Rural clergy, spiritual and faith leaders, including chaplains, elders, deacons, sisters, youth pastors, parish nurses, church board members, church staff, and congregational suicide prevention advocates.

September 27, 2022, 8:30 am – 4 p.m. at Evangelical Free Church Bemidji | REGISTER–September 29, 2022, 8:30 am – 4 p.m. at Mankato Event Center Mankato, MN | REGISTER

If you still care about your Self — as a clergy person or faith formation leader — and the people you serve (children, youth, parents, middle-agers, elders, anyone), join with colleagues at ConNext Summit 2022. Gracious Idleness awaits those who are tired, and seek inspiration; Scrappy Transformation is fueled by leaders who have found joy in reimagining ministry; Radical Belonging is yours amidst multi-denominational colleagues from around the state as we laugh, learn, rest, Zumba, and explore God’s desired future together.

Register by August 31 to receive the early bird pricing. Find details and registration HERE.

Grace United Church of Christ in Millville invites you to the celebration of installation of Rev. Ana Wilson, M.Div., BCC as pastor on Sunday, September 11, at 2:00 pm at 300 Division Street, Millville, Minnesota. Clergy are invited to wear the stole of their choice. Masks will be available at the entrance but are not required for the in-person service. A light lunch and time of fellowship will follow the service at the Millville Valley American Legion Hall (one block east of the church). RSVP to Lesley Balcome or call or text (507-226-4193 by Friday, September 2. The service will also be available on Microsoft Teams meeting.

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.