The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) equips a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love. Through advice, support, and resources, we strengthen congregations statewide to do the redemptive work of God in the world.
The collective work and courageous action of UCC congregations statewide transforms our communities with love, justice, and mercy. Together, the 126 churches that make up the Minnesota Conference do so much more together than any could do alone. We are a force for compassion, care, and service, striving to embody the mandate of Micah to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly” with our God. (Micah 6:8)
We believe that God’s word and hope for our lives is continually unfolding; God is still speaking. We believe in extravagant welcome; no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome regardless of race, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or political beliefs. We believe in building a just world for all and invite transformation of our own lives, of systems and policies, of people and places.
Learn more about What We Believe. You can also Find a UCC Church.
The national United Church of Christ is a forward-thinking church of “firsts”: the first Protestant denomination to ordain an African American pastor (1785), a woman pastor (1853), and a gay pastor (1972).
Our Calling, Values & Priorities
Our Calling
God calls the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ to equip a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love.
Our Core Values
- Faithfulness: Seeking to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we live out the shared commitments of the United Church of Christ: continuing testament, extravagant welcome, and changing lives.
- Stewardship: Responding to God’s call to be faithful stewards of creation, we practice generosity and forward-looking, responsible and transparent use of resources. We value each person’s unique gifts of time, talent and treasure.
- Empowerment: Affirming multiple approaches to accomplish God’s work, we identify and develop diverse leaders, share resources and information, and responsibly delegate accountability and authority to act.
- Innovation: Risking for the Gospel, we discover, implement and share new ministry practices. We recognize and celebrate creative and courageous efforts when they succeed and when they fail.
- Justice: Serving with compassion and advocating with passion, we seek a more just and peaceful world. We work to eliminate social, cultural and racial barriers, honoring each individual as created in the image of God.
Strategic Priorities
- Deepening Connections
- Developing Leaders
- Doing Justice and Mercy
- Communicating Our Story
- Stewarding Resources
Download the Conference’s bylaws (updated June 2020).
About the United Church of Christ
The national United Church of Christ (UCC) is a diverse and welcoming community of 1.1 million members across the U.S. We welcome everyone and encourage you to come as you are. We advocate for justice and peace, encourage mission, and embrace innovation.
We are forward-thinking and we are a church of “firsts.” We were the first Protestant denomination to ordain an African American pastor (1785), a woman pastor (1853), and a gay pastor (1972).
- Learn who we are.
- Discover what we believe.
- Learn about UCC Firsts.
Staff
Rev. Sharon (Shari) Prestemon
Conference Minister
Rev. Dr. Anita Bradshaw
Associate Conference Minister
Rev. Kevin Brown
Associate Conference Minister of Faith Formation for Children & Youth
Rev. Sheresa Simpson-Rice
Interim Associate Conference Minister
Rev. Abigail (Abby) Henderson
Director of Leadership Development
Renae Shields
Staff Accountant
Bob Olsen
Development Director
Sandy Kellen
Administrative Assistant to the Conference Minister & Associate Conference Minister of Faith Formation for Children & Youth
Janet Anderson
Administrative Assistant to the Associate Conference Ministers
Rev. Sheri Nelson
Outdoor Ministries Program Director
Brigitte Parenteau & Kathy Graves
Communications Consultants
2019-2020 Board of Directors
Rev. Jane McBride, Moderator, First Congregational of MN, UCC, Minneapolis
Shawn Nuebel, Vice-Moderator, First United Church of Christ, Northfield
Don Fancher, Treasurer, UCC, New Brighton
At-Large Members:
Rev. Oby Ballinger, Edina Morningside, Edina
Rev. Dr. Kent Meyer, Zion UCC, LeSueur
Conee Biggs, Falcon Heights UCC, Falcon Heights
Brad Sleeper, Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata
Rev. Dana Mann, First Congregational UCC, Mankato
Rev. Leslie Moughty, First Congregational UCC, Brainerd
Leslie Amundson, Liaison to the Pilgrim Point Camp Committee, St. Anthony Park UCC, St. Paul
Ray Croaston, Liaison to the Finance Committee, Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis
Rev. Sara Morse, Liaison to the Committee on Ministry, Hazel Park UCC, St. Paul
Julie Champ, Liaison to the Development Committee, Mayflower UCC, Minneapolis
Mike Rice, Liaison to the Personnel Committee, Plymouth Congregational, Minneapolis
Rev. Shari Prestemon, Conference Minister (ex officio)