Embracing God's love, finding a church home, reaching youth through an after-school kids club, and 16 baptized one Sunday are among these uplifting stories.
Bishop Ough told attendees that the way for us to be the church now and in the future is to stay in love with union.
Evans describes three events from her youth that defined her life’s direction and recounts how she came to recognize and embrace her God-given gift of writing.
Eight great ideas to help you reach new people through evangelism, discipleship, social media, new services and sites, and more.
Access to all the news articles, videos, and speaker presentation materials from Reach 2018!
For Rev. Kali Christensen, ministry success is measured by the answer to one key question: How much of the love of Christ has been shown?
In the final Reach keynote address, Weber told attendees: Know your "why," be the real you, and connect Jesus to reality.
Armstrong talked about the importance of listening to your community, opening the loop for new people, being intentional, and asking for help.
“You know what’s amazing about your story? It points back to God,” said Picardo. “It’s not just your story, it’s God’s story.”
Getting back to an outward focus means being clear about your purpose, embracing change, going out into deeper water, and trusting God, Nixon said.
Bishop Ough urged courage that maintains integrity to one’s true self and to the gospel of Jesus while transcending personal preferences for the sake of others.
Leaders of four churches that recently began the Healthy Church Initiative talk about what they're doing, learning, and discerning.
The conference received a grant and plans to identify areas where there’s indigenous leadership, passion, and energy for new Hispanic-Latino ministries.
Piedra Viva is focused on kids and families; its signature ministry is a guitar program that teaches youth a skill that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
Take a look at what we've accomplished together in the first five years thanks to your support of this initiative to start new churches and revitalize existing churches.
Isaiah Friesen, a full-time conference intern, looks forward to recruiting and rallying people to “the hard work of discipleship to God’s creation.”
Delegates from the North Central Jurisdiction gathered in Chicago for learning, discussion, worship, and fellowship in preparation for General Conference 2019.
Even if you can't attend REACH!, please pray for the gathering and its participants. Bishop Bruce R. Ough wrote a prayer that's available in bookmark form.
Twenty-four clergy received a $5,000 debt-reduction grant, and another round of grants will be given out this fall.
Catie Levenick and Sami Tierney will organize two high-impact youth events each year and hope to create a network for youth leaders to share ideas.
"As we break ground, we are affirming we are still in the business of building on the sure foundation, which is Jesus Christ," Bishop Ough said at the groundbreaking celebration.
Church members opened their hearts and building to a stranger, and in doing so, showed him Christ's love and inspired him to become a follower of Jesus.
Picardo offers five key pieces of wisdom from his experience planting churches and reaching new people for Christ (hear more from him at REACH! Oct. 5-6).
The new format helped double the number of kids attending. It all resulted from Rev. Robert Moorlach's experience as a part-time school bus driver.
All four said they are more confident in their potential for ministry work in the future, with three intending to pursue vocational ministry.
She talks about trusting God through a difficult pregnancy, deciding to raise her daughter in faith, and seeing God at work in her life and her daughter Elsa's.
After completing his Ph.D., Emmanuel Adeyemo will return to Nigeria and use his education and training to help increase food production there.
More than 100 people gathered in Minnesota to discuss environmental stewardship and explore specific ways in which they are called to care for the planet.
Bishop Ough will host 15 gatherings to continue the Conversations on A Way Forward as the denomination prepares for the special General Conference session.
Grace UMC in Paynesville began a worship service on boats that is reaching new people.
Two emergency response teams collectively contributed 310 hours repairing flood-damaged homes in two areas of the state hit with heavy rainfall.
The program will provide clergy with business acumen, along with training in fundraising, organizational leadership, and human resources.
Tracy Kiebler started nonprofit ApparentPlan, which advocates for older adults. “Caring for aging adults is our opportunity as Christians,” she said.
The team rebuilt and painted fences, repaired a community playground, hauled gravel, and built a porch.
A detailed look at the three plans considered by the Commission on a Way Forward—and resources for churches to understand them and prepare for 2019.
Plans call for a new year-round, multi-level, multi-use worship and meeting center but support is needed to bring it to fruition.
Three days of annual conference turned into a summary of key points to share with members of your congregation!
Hundreds gathered to remember those who have died, recognize those retiring, and celebrate those entering a new phase of ministry.
Members voted to approve a 2019 apportioned budget totaling $6,327,706. It includes funds to help 10 churches double and to start a clergy residency program.
Several outstanding faith communities and individuals received awards in recognition of their discipleship and evangelism work.
Votes to move 2020 conference, increase minimum clergy salary, adopt resolutions to prevent gun violence and advocate for children under Israeli occupation.
Here are some thought-provoking quotes from TED-style Talks shared by Rev. Carol Zaagsma and Rev. Rachel McIver Morey.
In Brown's teaching sessions, he implored attendees to stay connected to the vine that is Jesus, to focus on evangelism, and to do discipleship differently.
On Wednesday afternoon, Annual Conference attendees learned about and celebrated ways in which we are shaking things up and changing lives.
Love First congregations live the United Methodist way, tell their Jesus stories, and generate Love First fruit.
Meet the 2018 class of ELI Project interns. The ELI Project identifies, encourages, and supports young adults who are exploring a call to vocational ministry.
Try your hand at various creative arts stations hosted by talented artists, then stay for a concert with singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer!
Every seven years, clergy have a "Shmita" year in which they attend a retreat, read and discuss books, journal, take a sabbatical, and plan for the future.
Two of the five possible amendments, both addressing the equality of women in the church, fell short of the required support from annual conference voters.
Having considered the work of the Commission on a Way Forward, bishops will recommend the "One Church Plan" to the 2019 General Conference.
“Rochester is our parish,” said Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay. “What’s more powerful than touching the lives of children?”
“If we fight and retreat to our various corners and turfs, the church will follow our example and fight,” Bishop Ough said in his presidential address.
Youth caring for homeless, new people coming to know Christ, a student feeling called to become a pastor—just a few transformative stories shared by churches.
Rev. Olu Brown, who started Impact Church and grew it to more than 2,000 in weekly worship, will lead two teaching sessions at annual conference.
Several thousand Liberian refugees who have been legally living in the U.S. for many years face the looming possibility of being deported.
Youth from across Minnesota grew in their faith and explored how they are called at a recent Confirmation gathering and a Southern Prairie District retreat.
In 2017, congregations within the state collectively remitted 89.9 percent of the requested apportionments—the highest rate since 2006.
During the 2019 Lenten season, the Minnesota Appointive Cabinet will lead the conference in a study around the book “The Balancing Act: A Daily Rediscovery of Grace” by Bishop Robert Schnase.
For each of the six main sections of the book, there is a study guide to lead you through a discussion of it, as well as a video featuring a Cabinet member talking about the section’s topic.
An Oct. 5-6 conference will prepare Dakotas-Minnesota clergy and laity to authentically and practically share their faith stories and reach new people.
Drawing on John 15:1-17, the 2018 Annual Conference will focus on the pathway to a deep, well-lived life that comes as we abide in Jesus.
Rev. Tyler Sit, pastor at New City Church in Minneapolis, will be working in 2018 to help shape the way Wespath Benefits and Investments serves The United Methodist Church in the new Young Leaders Advisory Board (Y-LAB).
Camp Minnesota is eager to share this summer’s camping opportunities with families and churches. Registration for 2018 Summer Camping programs is now open!
Clergy, we want to help you experience the day when you feel free of the stress of student debt. The Dakotas and Minnesota Annual Conferences are the recipient of a Lilly Endowment’s grant to address the economic challenges our pastors are facing. This is a grant designed to educate and support our clergy’s ability to decrease their debt and the subsequent fears and financial uncertainty. Starting April 2018, clergy appointed for ten years or less can apply for Student Debt Reduction grants.
Randy Koppen was just starting as the new pastor at First UMC in Redwood Falls as it was just about to celebrate its 150th anniversary. He felt that God was tapping him on the shoulder to invite the church to mark its anniversary by giving $150,000 to the community. Amazing things can happen when we don't limit God!
Churches need passionate young leaders, and young leaders need opportunities to discover their gifts for ministry. Since 2014, The ELI Project has been pairing college-age leaders with clergy mentors giving each an opportunity to lead, grow, and learn.
South Maple UMC in Rapid City, South Dakota is reaching new people and making new disciples with this unique ministry. Learn all about Waffle Church!
North Highland UMC in Aberdeen, South Dakota, was faced with a dilemma. Their annual coats and snow pants drive for children was expected to have more demand than donations. Should the church focus only on coats, or should they ask Jesus to multiply their resources like he did with the five loaves and two fish?
![New tax reform law and end-of-year church giving [Bulletin Insert]](/files/tables/content/10407637/fields/primaryimage/7c7efe7670b24df9a058de3657283eee/tax+finance.jpg?width=180&height=180)
The new tax law may affect individual's plans for 2017 end-of-year giving. Please share this new information with your congregation before 2018 begins.
Early Response Teams from Minnesota traveled to Texas to be the hands and feet of Christ for people who are recovering from the August hurricane.
Emma Norton Services has walked alongside thousands of women in need and their families in Minnesota for the past 100 years.
The Wesley Foundation, a campus ministry at the University of Minnesota, is thriving with two new leaders on the staff. Students are preaching sermons, serving the community, and exploring their faith.
The Why Water Matters Summit, planned by Native American clergy and laity, was held in Minnesota because the state contains the headwaters of the Mississippi. Over 100 United Methodists and Native Americans from across the country met to discuss theological, social, and scientific foundations for environmental action and to learn of the relationship between racism and environmental degradation.
Over 320 middle school youth attended the annual youth gathering. Youth grew in faith with friends from all over the Minnesota Annual Conference.
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More than 1,300 United Methodists in the Dakotas and Minnesota have been in conversation with Bishop Bruce R. Ough about the work of the Commission on A Way Forward.
The Minnesota Conference has been reproducing at a rate of about half of 1 percent annually. The goal is to increase that to 3 percent.
The Flames group started in 2010 with about four participants. Now, there are about nine—and two were recently confirmed.
Laura and Brent Cottington are planting a church in St. Michael, which has one of the largest percentages of families with school-age children across Minnesota.
About 50 leaders gathered to explore together how to change the culture in the Minnesota Conference and become equipped to share our Jesus stories.
The church is established for the purpose of the kingdom—but too often, our narrative is church-centric. Kingdom leaders share these characteristics.
She is a missionary who is training lay people throughout Vietnam, and she's started three programs to meet needs in areas with extreme poverty.
Hubbard UMC hosted a “Breakthrough Renewal Institute” that welcomed 200 from 70 churches across Minnesota. It included worship and workshops.
Ten churches just received grants to bring their innovative ideas to life. How could a grant help your church dream new dreams? Applications due Oct. 15.
Laura Eiesland will promote the camping ministry and tell stories of churches committed to the camping program and lives changed through it.
Webster, who runs Mujila Falls Agricultural Center, has played a key role in creating a robust local economy that feeds people and provides them income.
Bishop Ough encourages United Methodists to offer funds, spiritual and emotional support, and practical help to the people of the Gulf Coast and Sierra Leone.
You can assist through prayer, by making relief kits, and by making a financial donation to UMCOR's relief and recovery efforts.
"This summer, I was reminded of God’s vibrant presence on earth," said 2017 ELI intern Grace Corbin. "God’s kingdom is here and now."
A multi-generational week of service brought families together, taught kids the value of service, and reached the community in new ways.
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Conference closed on a $2.5 million sale of Decision Hills Camp in Spicer, which has been on the market for nearly three years. The buyer, Open Door Christian Church, will move to this larger facility.
Bishop Ough urges United Methodists to examine their own hearts for prejudice and be bold in their witness against racism and white supremacy.
The Cabinets distributed food to families in need, enjoyed worship, and did yard work and gardening at Spirit River Community in Isanti.
Conference representatives are in conversation with Dakota tribal elders and have begun identifying a process for returning the Red Rock to the Dakota.
Five years ago, 42 attended Evangel UMC’s VBS. The next year, the church tried something different. Its annual Mega Kids Camp attracted 270 kids this year.
"This internship allowed me to use my passion for writing and prayer to better the lives of my neighbors, to spread my love for God...throughout my community."
Active clergy are invited to be part of Soul Leaders—a five-retreat series that includes time for journaling, listening, building community, and silence.
ELI intern Hannah Lundberg reflects on what she's experienced and how she's grown through her time at Woodbury Peaceful Grove UMC.
Two of the four Fourth Precinct police chaplains talk violence, grief, and why despite it all, they love life on the Northside.
Embrace Church does one thing each month to show the love of Christ, and Messiah UMC supports an international mission with funds and time.
Wondering how to summarize three packed-full days as you report back to your church? Here are some highlights.
Members voted Thursday to approve a 2018 apportioned budget totaling $6,177,090, representing a 1.2 percent increase over 2017.
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
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