Sandy Johnson to Serve as Bridge Associate Conference Minister
The Reverend Sandy Johnson has agreed to serve as Bridge Associate Conference Minister (ACM) starting August 16 through the end of the calendar year.
Sandy is a retired authorized minister known by many in the Minnesota Conference UCC. She was called as the Senior Minister at First UCC in Northfield, MN in 1997, serving there until 2010. She previously chaired the Committee on Ministry (2003-2006) and currently chairs the Discernment and Preparation for Authorized Ministry (DPAM) Subcommittee of the Committee on Ministry, also serving on the Executive Committee of the Committee on Ministry.
Her thorough familiarity with the Committee on Ministry and the network of relationships she already enjoys in the Minnesota Conference equip her well for the Bridge ACM role, which includes staffing the Committee on Ministry and providing care and nurture to a significant number of congregations throughout the state.
“I’m thrilled that Sandy has agreed to come out of retirement to help us out during this short but very important bridge season in the Conference,” says Rev. Shari Prestemon, Conference Minister. “Her many gifts, her commitment to the health & vitality of all our congregations & pastoral leaders, and her joyful spirit will serve us beautifully.”
Rev. Johnson says, “As a quilt maker, I love the way that pieces of fabric that don’t look at all alike can come together to make something beautiful. That’s how I think about the Minnesota Conference. Our churches, leaders, task forces, and committees don’t look alike, but together they, too, make something very beautiful. I’m looking forward to getting better acquainted with congregations all over Minnesota. I’m glad to be a bridge to help our beloved Conference move forward.”
Rev. Johnson will follow Rev. Sheresa Simpson-Rice, whose interim ministry with the Conference will conclude July 31. The Conference is currently conducting a nationwide search for a settled Associate Conference Minister who would begin in January 2022.