Conference Names New Associate Conference Minister
We are delighted to announce our call to a new settled Associate Conference Minister. The Reverend Kelly Gallagher will begin her ministry with the Minnesota Conference UCC on January 10.
Rev. Gallagher will move to Minnesota from Massachusetts, where she previously served for eight years as Associate Conference Minister in that Conference. She brings with her deep experience in supporting congregations and their leadership and leading Committee on Ministry work. She also brings demonstrated commitment to the work of racial equity and the prophetic witness of the Church.
“I am overjoyed to be joining the staff of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ,” Rev. Gallagher said. “I truly felt the Holy Spirit in this process as I learned about the Conference, discussed the possibility with friends, and entered into conversation with the search committee. In my discernment, I found myself awed and humbled over and over by the work of the Conference and the churches on racism, the environment, and faithful presence in the world. I look forward to meeting everyone as I settle in, and dreaming together about the future of the church in the Minnesota Conference.”
Conference Minister Shari Prestemon said, “The Search Committee was prayerful and discerning in its work and was unanimous and enthusiastic in recommending Rev. Gallagher as our ACM candidate. She is personable and engaging, loves the local church, works hard to build relationships, and will bring gifts to our staff team that will enrich and strengthen us. Her passion for racial justice and other issues we also care about deeply in the Minnesota Conference is authentic and deep. I’m extremely excited to welcome her to our staff team and know she will be a blessing to us.”