Bishop Ough will retire January 1, 2021, and Bishop David Bard of the Michigan Area will assume temporary responsibility for the Minnesota Conference.
It's time to register for the virtual Annual Conference Session, scheduled for 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 29. Here's what you need to know.
The bishops affirm that racism is sin and antithetical to the gospel and commit themselves to antiracism work in their lives and in our church.
While some congregations are collecting food, pet supplies, and essentials, others are attending to mental health needs and engaging in community-building.
Dr. Phil Maynard shares solutions to challenges churches face in the pandemic and post-pandemic era. He focuses on solutions that will help congregations adapt to this time and continue to form meaningful connections with people.
Bishop Ough introduces an opportunity to give to congregations on the frontlines to support ministries of mercy and ministries of racial justice.
Find out how to stay connected to camp this summer and how our area camp ministry is approaching plans for re-opening when it's safe to do so.
Several churches are providing hands-on assistance while exploring how to engage in the longer-term work of addressing the root causes of racism.
Minnesota United Methodists talk about why they marched, what they'll remember, and how they are called to work for justice.
Award-winning pieces inculde the 2019 Camp Minnesota catalog, the New Places for New People booklet, and short videos on churches doing extraordinary ministry.
Some recommended ways, both hands-on and financial, to assist in relief efforts in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Bishop Ough notes that our African-American sisters and brothers are gasping for breath and prays that we will work to make the kingdom in heaven come on earth.
“When we come together as community, the trauma is less and the healing is greater," Rev. Tyler Sit said during the vigil.
Learn how to nurture your existing congregation while also planting a digital aspect of your church that is focused on outreach.
Bishop Ough laments the tragic, racially charged, and unnecessary death of George Floyd and calls us to address this pervasive pandemic of racism.
The 2020 General Conference will take place Aug. 29-Sept. 7, 2021 in Minneapolis; Bishop Ough will continue serving the Dakotas-Minnesota Area through 2020.
In light of Gov. Walz relaxing restrictions for churches’ gatherings, Bishop Ough urges congregations to stay the course, worship online, and remain cautious.
Bishop Ough urges congregations to go slow in resuming in-person gatherings and to adhere to a Minnesota Conference Phased Re-Gathering Plan.
Here are four practical strategies you can use to reach new people in a time when the church is scattered.
Every night at 9 p.m. for nearly 60 consecutive days, somewhere between five and 15 people have gathered online for a devotion, sharing, support, and dialogue.
Dr. Michael Osterholm encourages churches to embrace virtual gatherings, and Gov. Tim Walz said he is committed to partnering on guidance for faith communities.
Learn about some particularly effective and innovative ways that 26 Minnesota United Methodist churches are connecting with people online.
Bishop Ough asks every Minnesota congregation to continue to suspend in-person worship through May 30 and develop a plan for how to return in a gradual manner.
The joint Dakotas-Minnesota Annual Conference scheduled for June has been canceled; instead, the Minnesota Conference will meet virtually for one day in August.
Here are tips from creative worship coach Jason Moore that you can put into action in your church right away.
Apply for a seed grant of up to $1,000 to help your congregation pivot into a virtual church world.
United Methodists across Minnesota celebrated Christ’s resurrection through technology and drive-in worship, and by blessing their communities.
As we embrace the 2020 Annual Conference theme “Be the Light: Live Hope!” we invite you to join us in making masks for all who need them in our communities.
This free four-week study series on creation care for youth includes a bonus lesson on caring for God’s creation at home amid the season of COVID-19.
A big question this postponement raises is: Who will be our bishop between September 2020 and the rescheduled jurisdictional conference? We do not yet know.
Here are the ways the Minnesota Conference office is responding to and resourcing given the coronavirus pandemic.
Five churches are jointly offering an online worship experience that surpassed what any of them could have created independently.
Churches across Minnesota are offering creative virtual experiences to help their congregations stay connected.
The Commission on the General Conference will pursue negotiations to hold the General Conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center at a new date in 2021.
Some particularly unique ways in which churches and individuals have risen to the occasion and tried new methods of caring for others and staying connected.
General Conference will be postponed and will not occur May 5-15, 2020 as planned.
Bishop Ough has asked all Minnesota congregations to suspend in-person worship and offers our membership vow as a template for ministry during this season.
Bishop Bruce R. Ough shares how the spread of coronavirus is being monitored and how faith communities can assist in containing the spread of the illness.
A summary of key information about the election and assignment of bishops as the Dakotas-Minnesota Area prepares to welcome a new episcopal leader in September.
Last year, congregations within the state collectively remitted 83.25 percent of the requested apportionments. Learn about the impact they made.
A mobile commercial kitchen will serve the camp's needs for a season until the construction of the new Tabernacle, which will contain a kitchen and dining room.
The ELI Project pairs college-age leaders with clergy mentors, giving each an opportunity to lead, grow, and learn.
Its desired outcome is to remain a Minnesota Conference in the continuing United Methodist Church and bring as many people and congregations as possible.
Rev. Susan Nienaber reflects on the past six years, and Rev. Brenda North shares her call to ministry and why she’s excited about her new role.
Several Minnesotans share key takeaways from a pre-General Conference briefing in Nashville, where they learned about key proposals.
A look at how the Minnesota and Dakotas Conferences will celebrate eight years as an Area at a joint Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, June 10-12.
A letter containing accurate and important information about The Grove's closure and relaunch in light of recent publicity.
Under Rev. Nancy Manning's leadership, the congregation has become more outward-facing and increased worship attendance by more than 50 percent.
“I have always sought to handle complaints with integrity, compassion, confidentiality, and guided by our Methodist rule to 'do no harm,'” said Ough.
Join the Dakotas and Minnesota Cabinets for a Lenten study around the book “Reckless Love: Jesus’ Call to Love Our Neighbor” by Rev. Tom Berlin.
Rev. Emily Meyer, an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has a broad and holistic understanding of faith formation.
Bishop Ough talks about the “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation,” which aims to address The UMC’s longtime impasse over human sexuality.
The plan would preserve The United Methodist Church and allow traditionalist congregations to form a new denomination, get $25 million, and keep properties.
Team members served 11 families and collectively spent 274 hours volunteering in disaster-torn areas of Minnesota in 2019.
Four new ministries in the Dakotas-Minnesota Area are helping people with addiction to find recovery, community, and hope.
Isaiah Friesen, Elizabeth Joncas, Brad Neuhauser, and Riva Tabelisma were affirmed in their call to the ministry of creation care.
The grant, which follows a $1 million Lilly grant received in 2016, will enable the continuation of efforts focused on financial health and well-being.
Another 500 to 600 hospitality volunteers are needed! Check out this FAQ to learn more about this fantastic opportunity.
The church bought out a theater and invited neighbors to a movie. “We need to choose new ways to show what it means to be the church,” said Rev. Robert Braudt.
Thelma Boeder created a 658-page PDF document containing information about thousands of Minnesota congregations, and their antecedents, over nearly 200 years.
They called for a moratorium on complaints, charges, and trials related to same-sex marriages and LGBTQIA+ credentialing and greater freedom for ministry.
The Nov. 1-3 event drew youth from 32 United Methodist churches across Minnesota to explore the theme “Something New,” based on 2 Corinthians 5:17.
“I have a stronger connection to God now than I ever have in my life,” said Michael Coyne, who joined the church and has become one of its primary evangelists.
Some of the inspiring and heartwarming stories behind the making of the scarves, which will be gifted to all who attend General Conference 2020 in Minneapolis.
An early look at some key legislation that The United Methodist Church's top legislative body will consider in May 2020.
About 50 clergy and lay leaders gathered to explore how to lead the church in a divergent culture at a liminal time, and how to live into our inclusive vision.
Sheilah Kyburz, who has supported four bishops over nearly three decades, announced plans to retire Aug. 1, 2020.
At the ConneXion retreat, participants spent time discerning and clarifying their purpose and path as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Sixty-two Minnesotans attended the event, which served as a forum for discussion and strategizing about the future of The United Methodist Church.
Heartwarming testimonies about finding faith, working toward financial freedom, giving lives to Christ, and praying for students starting a new school year.
How could you reach new people and live into God’s mission for your congregation with the help of a grant? Applications are due Oct. 15.
The church, now called Roots & Branches, will dedicate 50 percent of its budget to internal ministries and 50 percent to share with the community.
The new Tabernacle, with capacity for more than 300 people, is expected to open in time for the 2020 summer camp season.
“My greatest hope is to have all the community come together—not only the Haitian community but the community around the church,” said Rev. Mickson Deronvil.
Area pastors with 10 years of ministry or less who have completed approved financial education can apply by Sept. 30.
The program gives kids an opportunity to learn about the natural environment in a fun and engaging way.
Seven college students have completed a summer internship with The ELI Project. More than half plan to pursue vocational ministry.
Revs. Cindy Gregorson and Carol Zaagsma answer some questions and reflect on what inclusive vision we adopted at the 2019 Annual Conference means for us.
Nine Minnesota clergy just graduated from the program, now in its second year, and 11 more just began.
Those starting their first appointment in the Minnesota Conference share their gifts and passions, what they're looking forward to in their new roles, and more.
Sheri Meister—who possesses more than 30 years of fundraising and nonprofit experience—is the Minnesota United Methodist Foundation’s new leader.
Annual Conference attendees named Holy Spirit breakthroughs ranging from innovative outreach to new worship experiences to sharing God’s love with children.
Two camp directors who received awards talk about their vocation and faith, and share some thoughts about leadership.
On behalf of children suffering along the border and around the world, there are three things we can do to make an impact now.
Three days of annual conference turned into a summary of key points to share with members of your congregation!
"Go to the well," Bishop Ough said. "Tell everyone you can where they can find the living water.
Conference members voted on several key pieces of legislation—and elected delegates to represent them at the 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
Teaching session speaker, Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale, broke down fears and stereotypes to show that we can all be effective evangelists.
Annual Conference members voted 491-86 to adopt the vision and 446-108 to adopt a statement against the General Conference-approved Traditional Plan.
Conference preacher Rev. Bill Eaves invites us to think about how we can build bridges with those around us and embody a “both/and” church.
Those being licensed or ordained are “prisoners of hope...trusting in a future none of us see, but one they believe God is even now creating,” Bishop Ough said
Attendees celebrated Holy Spirit breakthroughs in our midst—ways in which Minnesota United Methodists are daring to reach new people and love boldly.
More than 130 Minnesota United Methodist churches have communicated their values with the help of a grant.
Five of the participants reflect on the three-day national gathering and what's next in their effort to build a more inclusive church.
The summit brought more than 300 attendees to Minneapolis to collaborate on a vision of the church that centers people of color and queer and trans individuals.
An endowed scholarship in the Oughs' names will provide an annual scholarship to a Hamline University student discerning a call to vocational ministry.
The Rev. Richard Ormsby Secondary School in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone, will open its doors in September and enable 800 children to graduate from high school.
The Ministry Lab fosters experimentation, innovation, and creativity for churches as they seek to remain vibrant and relevant.
At a recent training, 30 people reflected on God’s call to care for the planet and learned skills for organizing their communities around environmental justice.
Two delegates will represent Minnesota at next year's General Conference, and four will represent us at the North Central Jurisdiction Conference.
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
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