Highlights from the 2024 Annual Meeting

Last week, the Minnesota Conference held its Annual Meeting at the College of St. Benedict, with many participants also joining along online. The theme of "Sacred Re-imagining" was woven throughout Annual Meeting in multiple ways.

Here are just a few highlights:

• The Many brought worship leadership throughout the Conference, both in music and in liturgy. 
• Keynoter Tabitha Montgomery encouraged us all to ground our stewardship of our church buildings in the sacrificial spirit of the early church.
• Transitional Conference Minister David Lindsey shared that the State of the Conference is hybrid, urging us to close the digital divide to be the Conference our leaders believe we are called to be. 
• The proposed bylaw change to create a standing committee dedicated to dismantling white supremacy was approved.
• The search committee for the settled Conference Minister was introduced.
• Reimagination grants helped our local congregations initiate new and creative ministries this past year.

Thank you to the hardworking committee, Conference staff, and others who made this Annual Meeting and its many workshops and trainings happen!

Important Health Note: It has come to the attention of the Conference Office that at least one in-person attendee at the Annual Meeting has since been diagnosed with COVID. Please consider testing yourself, especially if you are feeling unwell, and quarantining as necessary. Be safe, everyone!

Get Ready for Twin Cities Pride!

This year the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ will celebrate our presence at the Pride Festival with a vendor booth. We are looking for volunteers to staff the booth, share the extravagant welcome of the UCC and the Minnesota Conference, and bring your own little sparkle! SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER.

If anyone wants to schedule a "Seed Packing Party" to create seed packets to hand out at Pride, contact Kelly Gallagher at kellyg@uccmn.org.

Vote for Climate Hope Campaign Kicks Off June 18

On June 18, the UCC will launch its second Climate Hope card collection campaign that will build upon the success of the more than 8,000 postcards we delivered to the senior officials of the EPA last year.

This year the art of 12-year-old Charlotte from Glenside, PA, will be on the cover of our Vote for Climate Hope Pledge Cards. Between now and November 1, UCC churches from across the country will be collecting the pledges of those committed to voting their values in November. We know people are more likely to vote when (a) it is connected to a cause they care about, (b) they make a commitment to others vote, and (c) they get a reminder to vote near the time of the election.

LEARN MORE at the online kickoff event on June 18 at 2 pm CT/3 pm ET.

COMMAntary Goes to Summer Schedule

COMMAntary will go to an every-other-week publication schedule now through Labor Day. Publication dates are Wednesdays, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21. The deadline remains the Monday before the Wednesday publication date. Send story ideas, insights and more to communications@uccmn.org.

UCC Partners with FreeWill to Offer Free Estate Planning

The United Church of Christ National Ministries and the Pension Boards have partnered with FreeWill to offer the UCC community the opportunity to create an estate plan, at zero personal cost. FreeWill removes the costs associated with writing a will and provides our community the opportunity to align our legacy with our values. FreeWill’s easy-to-use estate planning tools have been used by more than 800,000 Americans to create their legally valid will in 20 minutes or less online.

Ready to learn more about how FreeWill can benefit your Conference? You’re invited to a webinar where FreeWill Strategist Chris Hall will share a theological and pastoral framework for legacy giving and give you the tools you need to empower your conference and ministry. REGISTER

Mark Your Calendars for June 23 & 30

Sundays, June 23 & 30, are a wonderful opportunity for churches to celebrate Pride and their commitment to open and affirming ministry. We would love to hear about your plans and activities for these special days. Please share your celebrations with us by emailing ona@openandaffirming.org.

In addition, we encourage churches to send in their ONA financial gifts to support and bless our ministry. Your contributions are vital to our ongoing work and advocacy.

We are also thrilled to announce our first in-person national gathering in Cincinnati, OH, September 18-22. This year's theme is "Resistance and Persistence: Hope Reigns," a powerful call to embrace hope, patience, and perseverance in our journey of faith amidst challenging social, political, and economic times. There are just 34 days left to save money with early bird registration, so don't miss this opportunity! REGISTER

Partner News & Events

Generative Artificial Intelligence for Churches

June 18, 1 pm CT via Zoom

Heather Kimmel, General Counsel for the United Church of Christ, will discuss the potential and pitfalls of AI in faith-based communities. Join the Insurance Board for an enlightening presentation on the risks and rewards of using generative artificial intelligence in churches and gain valuable insights into policy development for mitigating potential risks. REGISTER or download a flyer.

Joys & Concerns

Our sympathy to Associate Conference Minister Kevin Brown and his family as they celebrate the life and grieve the death of Kevin's father, John Brown. Read John's obituary here.

A Service of Closure and Farewell for Rev. Jean Boese will be held Sunday, June 16, at 10am at St. Paul's UCC, 12925 County Road 9, Eyota, MN 55934.

Upcoming Conference Events

• July 17-20: Regional Youth Event
• August 11-13: Clergy Family Retreat
• September 13-15: Women's Retreat: You Are a Story
• October 11-13: Fall Conference Youth Event

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