Minnesota Conference 60th Annual Meeting

June 10-11, 2022
College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN, with an online option

• Register by June 2
• Please read the new Covid guidelines approved by the Conference board of directors on May 7

We have been apart for far too long. We have adjusted, and adjusted again, to ensure the health and well-being of all those we are called to care for. We have stayed home. We have worshipped in front of computer screens. We have wondered, “What next?”

And yet…we have learned how strong we are. We have engaged in new ways to experience community and connect with God. We have drawn from a deep well of spiritual strength and resilience. We have held fast to our faith.

Holding all of that is a lot. Too much, sometimes. Therefore, for this upcoming gathering of the Minnesota Conference, the Annual Meeting Planning Work Group invites you to participate in a meeting focused on Renewal and Restoration. While we will ensure the work of the Conference is done, we will also engage in thoughtful and restorative conversation. We will leave lots of space to catch-up with friends new and old. We will worship. We will laugh. We will pray. And we will rejoice in being together again.

We are excited to hear from our keynoter Diana Butler Bass, theologian and writer who has engaged deeply in the work of finding rest for the weary soul. In addition, we will once again have table-top conversations, worship, have a celebratory banquet, and gather for social time. Workshops led by members of the Minnesota Conference will be offered on Zoom in the days leading up to the meeting.

The intention is this Annual Meeting will be hybrid. While the primary focus will be on gathering in-person, all plenaries and worship will also be streamed on Zoom for delegates to participate from home. While we hope people will choose to join us in-person, we also understand that an online option is of great value to many people. We will be following Conference COVID guidelines.

Workshops

• Ministerial Standing in the MN Conference UCC – Monday, June 6 at 10 am, presented by Committee on Ministry
• Ambiguous Parables: Coping Well with Uncertainty – Monday, June 6 at 10 am, presented by Ted Bowman
• Becoming a WISE Congregation for Mental Health Diversity and Accessible to ALL – Monday, June 6 at 1:30 pm, presented by Revs. Cannata & Rock
• Art Bright, a program for declining memory – Monday, June 6 at 1:30 pm, presented by Paula Benfer of Art Bright
• Working Together to Eliminate Medical Debt – Monday, June 6 at 6:30 pm, presented by Rev. Danielle Bartz
• Moderator’s Gathering and Training – Monday, June 6 at 6:30 pm, presented by Rev. Kelly Gallagher, Associate Conference Minister
• Called to welcome the stranger and set the prisoner free – Tuesday, June 7 at 10 am, presented by Diane Haines & Nancy Hassett
• Strengthening Our Four-Way Covenants – Tuesday, June 7 at 10 am, presented by Beth Donaldson, Beth Faeth, Bryan Olson
• Planned Giving – A Roadmap for Individuals & Churches – Tuesday, June 7 at 1:30 pm, presented by Rev. Andy Debraber
• Protecting God’s Earth and Its People with Electrification – Tuesday, June 7 at 1:30 pm, presented by Dwight Wagenius
• Your Church’s Financial Covenant Matters! – Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30 pm, presented by Rudi Anders & Bob Olsen
• Is Your Church Struggling or Facing an Uncertain Future – Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30 pm, presented by Rev. Cindy Mueller
• Community/Church Based Resettlement – Wednesday, June 8 at 10 am, presented by Dr. Jill Sanders & Rev. Charlotte Frantz
• Church Consolidation – Wednesday, June 8 at 1:30 pm, presented by Revs. Itzin & Rock

Hearings

• Hearing on a resolution Protecting God’s Earth and Its People with Electrification – Wednesday, June 8 at 10 am
• Hearing on a Resolution Supporting Public School Educators, Academic Freedom, and Equity Efforts in Schools – Wednesday, June 8 at 1:30 pm
• 2023 Budget Hearing – Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 pm
• 2023 Compensation Guidelines Hearing – Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 pm