Data Request: All Table data and 2010 apportionment pre-calculation corrections MUST be to BJ Olsen in the conference finance office by July 15. If you have any questions please contact her immediately at (612) 230-6138.
Mission Team Guide for Church Groups: A new advocacy guide for church mission teams traveling internationally, Getting Ready to Come Back, has been prepared by Bread for the World in conjunction with its religious partners, including the UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Church World Service. It helps in understanding the root causes of hunger and poverty as well as give tools for preparing for a trip, reflecting on experiences, and taking action once back home. Copies can be ordered or donloaded from www.bread.org/advocacyguide.
Ethnic Local Church Grant: This grant aims to strengthen ethnic UM churches through education, advocacy, or leadership training and development as they engage in social justice. Two funding periods are available for consideration: Aug. 10 is the deadline for the October cycle and Jan. 10 for the March cycle. For further information, contact Rev. Neal Christie at the General Board of Church and Society at ( 202) 488-5611.
September is Open House Month: Start planning events to invite your neighbors. Visit rethinkchurch.org and click on "welcoming ideas" for inspiration.
Did you know? There's an official UM computer, preloaded with office resources, software, UM logos and official forms, internet links, and other effective tools to solidify your congregation's relationship with the connection. For information on this and other products visit the TechShop, the technology for ministry hardware store of the UMC, at www.techshopministry.org or call (888) 346-3862. This is a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
__________________________________________________________________________
Training and Equipping Events
Interfaith Dialogue: Enjoy speakers and learn more about world religions at this discussion series at Messiah UMC (17805 County Road 6, Plymouth) sponsored by their young adults. All sessions are from 7 to 9 p.m. Contact Pastor Carrie Binnie at (763) 473-6968 for further information. Complimentary childcare is available for all sessions with advance reservation.
- Hinduism, July 6
- Islam, July 14
- Buddhism, July 22
- Judaism, July 27
School of Christian Mission (SCM): July 14-19, St. Johns University, Collegeville. Weekday (July 14-17), weekend (July 17-19), and drive-in (July 16) options available. Contact Elizabeth for more information. Register with Marge, (507) 278-4167.
Congregations Caring for Creation Networking Event: July 16, 5-8 p.m., St. Joan of Arc Church (4537 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis), includes a light supper. Learn about what congregations are doing to care for creation. Contact Susan Mullin at (952) 687-1386 for further information.
Focus 2009: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: July 21-24, Indianapolis, Ind., with pre-conference events on July 20. A quadrennial conference for all people in ministry with children sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship. Focus 2009 provides attendees with innovative workshops, unique worship experiences, inspiring preachers, dynamic speakers, relevant resources, and networking opportunities that will support them in creating, renewing, and revitalizing ministries locally and globally. Register before July 2. For further information contact Mary at (877) 899-2780, ext. 1760.
Courage to Lead/Circle of Trust Retreat: July 28-30, the ARC Ecumenical Retreat Center, Cambridge, for congregational leaders and clergy, based on A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life by Parker J. Palmer. For information visit www.wichurches.org/couragetolead.html.
Heart of the Artist Retreat: July 31-Aug. 1, Rosemount UMC. Noted songwriter, speaker, church leader, consultant, and author Rory Noland will be in the Twin Cities to lead this retreat. Rory has taught hundreds of workshops around the world related to arts and ministry as well as spent twenty years as music director at Willow Creek Community Church. This retreat is specifically designed to meet the spiritual and community needs of your team. The goal of the retreat is to help artists connect with God and with each other. Topics include Guidelines for Authentic Community; Servanthood vs. Stardom; Excellence vs. Perfectionism; How to Resolve Relational Conflict; The Artist and Solitude; The Power of the Arts; and How to Keep Your Passion Alive. $50 per person includes lunch on Saturday. Register with Terry at Rosemount UMC (Attn: Heart of the Artist Retreat, 14770 Canada Ave., Rosemount, MN 55068), (651) 423-2475, ext. 216.
Five-day Academy for Spiritual Formation: Aug. 9-14, Waterloo, Ia. See www.iowa5day.org or contact Jerry Oakland at (712) 732-5458 for more information.
NCJ Division on Ministries with Young People Convocation and Legislative Assembly: Aug. 28-30, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. For youth, young adults, and their adult leaders. Watch the web site for more information and registration.
Boundaries Training: Sept. 19, 8 a.m. to noon, First UMC (403 E Ave., Red Wing), $10. For anyone who works with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Recommended for all Sunday school teachers and youth leaders. Rev. Diane Olson will be the presenter. Register at https://events.minnesotaumc.org.
Twin Cities United Methodist Women Annual Meeting: Sept. 19, Brooklyn UMC, Brooklyn Center; save the date.
Money Matters: Financial Freedom for All God's Children and All God's Churches: Sept. 21, Rosemount UMC (14770 Canada Ave., Rosemount). Michael Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, will be here to talk about money and the transformation of ministry in the congregation. $25 if registered before Sept. 14. For further information contact Val at the Minnesota UM Foundation at (612) 230-3337.
Race to Reach Out Seminar: Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sebeka UMC (100 Jefferson Ave. S., Sebeka). This seminar will help congregational leaders to understand the unique and important ministry of hospitality and assimilation of newcomers to help them experience a life transforming encounter with Jesus Christ. Led by Doug Anderson.$20 includes lunch. Register by Sept. 24 at http://events.minnesotaumc.org. For further information contact Rev. Alan Bolte at (320) 763-6795.
Exploration 2009: Nov. 13-15, Dallas, Tex. An event for high school seniors through young adults age 24, considering a call to ordained ministry as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church, sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Visit www.gbhem.org/exploration to learn about this event and for registration.
__________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Fellowship Events and Celebrations
UMC Youth Connect: July 10-11. Join UMC youth on a trip to a Minnesota Twins game and a day at Valleyfair! Contact Janet Bebernes at (507) 236-0254 for information, cost, and ticket availability.
UM Day at the Dome: July 29, 7:10 p.m.; the Minnesota Twins take on the Chicago White Sox. Each church has received a mailing from the Twins office. Contact Adam at (612) 375-7512 for further information.
Minnesota UM Softball Teams Wanted for Tournament
The annual Minnesota UM Softball Tournament, which raises funds to enable young people attend Minnesota UMC camps, takes place Aug. 21-23. Your church team can take part in this fun event that makes possible a life-changing camp experience for young people. If you want to pull together a team to participate, contact Don Enberg at dlenberg@netscape.net, or call him at (612) 598-8361.
Grant Writing Workshop: July 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Community UMC (950 Gould Ave. NE, Columbia Heights). Learn the fundamentals of writing a succssful grant proposal. In addition, you will hear from a panel of funders on their processes on accepting proposals. $20 includes lunch. Register by July 10 with Becky at (763) 788-9009.
Great Camping opportunities still available! (for all ages)
- Boundary Waters canoeing
- Mission trips
- Retreats
- Travel
See www.campminnesota.org for selections, dates, cost, and registration.
Star Lake Camp Open House: Aug. 7-9, 10992 Star Lake Camp Dr., Pequot Lakes. Free camping and fun activities in the wilderness (does not include food). Contact the camp for information and registration at (218) 543-4871.
__________________________________________________________________________
Focus 3: Global Health and Connection
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alex Awad Luncheon: July 22, noon to 2 p.m., Hennepin Avenue UMC (511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis), $5 contribution suggested. Alex Awad and his wife, Brenda, are UM Missionaries and return to Minnesota periodically to tell their stories and provide updates on the enduring conflict and prospects for peace in Palistine and Israel. Alex will make a presentation and field questions at this luncheon. Call (612) 871-5303 to make reservations.
Mission Caravan: Meet Our Neighbors in the Twin Cities Area: Aug. 12-13. An opportunity to learn more about UM-related missions and have hands-on experience. $50, meals and transportation included. Register by July 20. For further information contact Mary Ann at (763) 241-9541.
Ministry and the Mis-Wired Mind: July 21, 7-9 p.m., St. Michael Lutheran Church (1901 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington), Caring Ministry and Mental Illness presentation is sponsored by BeFriender Ministry and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Minnesota chapter. Registration, cost, and further information is available on the BeFrienders web site or by contacting Joanne at (952) 767-0244.