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.
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?
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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.
Four people shared TED-style talks, a difference-maker was honored, and members approved several pieces of legislation.
Remembering those who have died, honored retiring clergy, and celebrating licensed local pastors and those being commissioned and ordained.
Discipleship begins when churches reconnect with the “why” of their processes and develop mature disciples that can repeat the processes with others.
Bishop Ough explores the signs that our congregations are growing in vitality and talks about what it means to be an Acts 2 Congregation.
Like Paul and Silas, modern church leaders who hope to turn the world upside-down must be confident risk-takers, secure in their identity as children of God.
Rev. Jeanine Alexander and Denise Hoek were each recognized with a Denman Award for Reaching New People.
Rev. Jeanine Alexander, Denise Hoek, and Aitkin UMC were recognized for the ways they have impacted their communities and reached new people for Christ.
Annual Conference attendees learned about and celebrated a variety of Holy Spirit breakthroughs in our midst.
"Let us continue to strive for the day when truth and justice are neither delayed nor denied for any of God’s children."
After attending a workshop led by Hilltop UMC, First UMC launched 11 small groups last fall; 85 people between the ages of 12 and 90 participated.
An archive online catalog contains documents, photographs, and other material that brings the conference's rich history to life and makes it accessible.
Bob Lucas, vice president of operations at Smith Engineering and member of Delano UMC, is living out the call to “heal a broken world” in a unique way.
The Apple Valley campus, located inside a movie theater, has consistently been averaging about 100 in worship since its Feb. 12 launch.
By listening to the needs and desires of a Liberian couple in the congregation, Fridley UMC launched a new service to reach out to its Liberian neighbors.
The Judicial Council said the consecration of a gay bishop violates church law, and Bishop Ough responded by urging United Methodists to pray and trust God.
The meeting, set for Feb. 23-26, will be limited to acting on a report by the Council of Bishops, based on proposals from the Commission on a Way Forward.
Dozens of members of the Monticello church stop what they're doing at the same time each day to pray, and amazing things have started happening.
Meet the 2017 class of ELI Project interns. The ELI Project identifies, encourages, and supports young adults who are exploring a call to ordained ministry.
The awards were given by the United Methodist Association of Communicators. Members of the secular media served as judges.
Owen will oversee the implementation of a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. that was awarded to the area late last year.
On March 8, two Minnesota staff members transitioned to an area-wide function. People can still contact either conference about camping.
In 2016, Minnesota churches remitted 87.7 percent of the requested apportionments, enabling life-changing mission and ministry locally and worldwide.
Bishop Ough and several other Minnesota United Methodist leaders braved the cold and jumped into frigid Lake Koronis to show their support for Camp Minnesota.
At the 2017 Annual Conference, we will focus on what it means to be an Acts 2 church and to fully claim our identity as people of Pentecost.
Seven Minnesota United Methodists were recently commissioned as Earthkeepers and have begun working on projects to transform their communities and the world.
Church planter Josh Meyers describes North Summit as “a community of weird people” and a place for them to “work out their faith and become stronger in Christ.”
“Today, I stand with colleagues...to strongly denounce President Trump’s widespread attack on immigrants and refugees.”
Sydney Colton invited 15 friends to a camp-themed birthday on Jan. 7. They were instructed not to bring gifts and instead invited to donate to Camp Minnesota.
The 2016 Love Offering is helping adolescents in the Dominican Republic grow and become vital members of the community.
After spending a year exploring the possibility of joining forces and becoming a multi-site church, the two churches voted unanimously to combine.
“HCI encourages a climate of possibility,” said Rev. Heather Klason. “HCI helps you be really creative to reach people for Jesus Christ.”
Rev. Barb McKewin spends Wednesday afternoons leading kids using a Sunday School curriculum, and seven youth participated in a Christmas program.
Applications are being sought for 2017 interns and host churches—and will be accepted through Feb 15.
God is constantly seeking to interrupt our lives; commanding our attention; disorienting us; calling us to make room for God in our hearts and our lives.
The funding will be used for financial literacy training and debt-reduction grants, and to equip clergy to foster a theology of generosity.
"We must stand against the meanness and hatred that is upon us. We must stand for what is best in us as people of God."
Nuckols will take part in re-forming the Common Table and helping the conference live into the recommendations from the FACT report.
On behalf of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Ough wrote a congratulatory letter with a prayer and a plea for the nation to unite to President-elect Donald Trump.
Clergy from Minnesota said they went to bear witness and to stand with their Native American brothers and sisters who are seeking to protect their sacred land.
The youth, who came from 36 churches, were reminded that they are gifted by God and that they are blessed to go out into the world and serve others.
More than 20 families are now participating in the life of the Maplewood church—and as a result, the congregation’s Sunday School has doubled in size.
Hundreds of clergy from a range of faith traditions are gathered for a “Stand with Standing Rock” event featuring singing, prayers, and readings.
The Council of Bishops set forth actions to involve the whole church in prayer and conversation.
“I believe it is critical that this Commission begin with relationship-building, trust-building, and deep listening,” said Dave Nuckols.
Jody Thone will be responsible for creating and delivering a comprehensive system of leadership development from recruitment to deployment.
There are three types of certification that laity can pursue; training sessions are offered all year.
Prayers, financial donations, meals, and health kits are all needed in the areas impacted by Hurricane Matthew, which has taken the lives of more than 1,000.
The Minnesota Council of Churches is partnering with tutoring and mentoring programs to encourage congregations to mentor children not thriving at school.
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
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