Fall Outdoor Ministry Events Announced

Outdoor Ministry is back in full swing with overnight retreats! Spaces are limited so be sure to register early!

We are again partnering with a number of wonderful host sites around the state of Minnesota. Due to requirements of our host sites, we must adhere to the registration deadlines listed on each event page. If you try to register after the deadline, we cannot guarantee lodging availability or accommodation for specific dietary needs or requests.

Covid-19
Your health and safety remain our top priorities, and we will continue to examine and modify policies in accordance with most current science-based recommendations from the CDC and MDH, along with requirements from event sites.

We are working to finalize our COVID-19 safety protocols and participant guidelines. We hope to have this information available early in August. We will provide this information via COMMAntary and direct email to all registered participants.

Registered participants will receive additional emails with any changes or updates to the COVID-19 or other participant guidelines prior to the event start date. Thank you for your support and cooperation during this time.

Hemp and Food Health Day: Saturday, September 11
Cotter Farm, Austin | 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Cost: $15/person + $5 to ride the bus from Falcon Heights UCC church parking lot.
REGISTER by September 3

Tom Cotter and friends invite you to join them for a day on the Cotter Farm to learn more about the science of hemp farming and production, soil conservation, and natural growing methods that can be used in gardens big and tiny. Read more

Women’s Wilderness Retreat: September 24–26
Camp Amnicon
$200 (actual cost of event), $150 subsidized price, $100 subsidized with added scholarship, or contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more scholarship funding (there is an extra $25/ night for single rooms, limited to the first four requests)
Age requirement 21+. This has a maximum of 14 participants so act quickly.
Registration for this adventure is directly with Camp Amnicon by September 10. Click on Adventures and scroll down to “Join a Group.” You will be prompted to create an account and fill out all necessary fields. The Group ID Code is UCCGLAMPING21. Payment for this trip is being collected by the Minnesota Conference so you must also click HERE to pay. Please be sure to complete both steps of the registration.

Take a break from the chaos and stress of daily life, and unplug into adventure! This weekend-long getaway will be full of fun, laughter, meaningful connections, and new experiences…all without compromising on style! Each day will bring a different kind of adventure while we hike and paddle on the South Shore of Lake Superior. Each evening you’ll enjoy gourmet foods and beverages around the fire before falling asleep in a real bed to the sound of the waves on The Lake. You’ll go home feeling refreshed, with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Read more

Men’s Retreat – Overwhelmed by Life: An Invitation to Reconnect and Remember
September 24–26 (start time 4:00 pm, end time 11 am)
Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, Sandstone
$200 (actual cost of event), $150 subsidized price, $100 subsidized with added scholarship, or contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more scholarship funding (there is an extra $25/ night for single rooms, limited to the first four requests)
REGISTER by September 10
Participation maximum is 15

The poet Christian Wiman wrote, “How does one remember God, reach for God, realize God in the midst of one’s life if one is constantly being overwhelmed by that life?” If these words have resonance for you or seem to describe your experience during this season, please make plans to be part of this retreat. Join other men from around the Minnesota Conference for a weekend to pause amid the chaos and overwhelm of life. The retreat will be co-facilitated by Rev. Kevin Brown, Associate Conference Minister for Faith Formation, and Hans Peterson. Read more

Women’s Retreat: October 15–17 (start time 4:00 pm, end time 11 am)
Camp Onomia, Onamia
Cost: $200 (actual cost of event), $150 subsidized price, $100 subsidized with added scholarship, or contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more scholarship funding. There is an extra $25/night for a single room, limited to the first four requests.
Participation maximum is 30, so REGISTER early.

Set amongst the trees and Lake Shakopee, this retreat will be a time of rest and renewal as Rev. Sheri Nelson and Rev. Claire Klein bring inspiring music and conversation around the Wisdom of women and power of equity through the circle of gender. There will also be time to take a long walk in nearby Kathio State Park, participate in some nostalgic camp arts and crafts, and take a nap.

Conference Youth Event: October 8-10 (start time 5 pm, end time 11 am; no dinner served first night)
Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, Sandstone
Cost: $100/youth, $75/adult leader (Some scholarship money is available upon request. Contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more information).
REGISTER by September 24.
Open to all youth grades 6-12 and adult leaders