News for the Common Good 9/8/2021

September 8, 2021

In this Issue

News  

   Better Future Conversations
   Minnesota's Racial Legacy
   Space for Rent
   MCC in the World
        
Upcoming Events 
   9/11 Day of Remembrance
   Bells on 9/11
   Addiction and Faith Conference
 
   Help Needed for Afghan Evacuees
 
Resources
   Presidents and Scripture
   The Ye-vangelist
   A chaplain on the War in Afghanistan
   Collegeville Fellowships Available
   
Grants
   Sabbatical Grants for Researchers
   5 others
 

Employment    
   Community Engagement Specialist: Mankato
   Refugee Program Specialist: Employment Case Manager
   Refugee Program Specialist: Resettlement Case Manager
   15 others
 

Looking Forward  
   Challenging Islamophobia
   Equipping Faith Leaders
   Navigating the Pandemic

Beyond Our Region  
   CCDA Conference
 

News

 

Better Future Conversations

After a recent Respectful Conversation about Hope and Healing: Our Future Together, 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that "I believe this experience will help me to have better conversations in the future." As Conflict Resolution Quarterly states, employing MCC Respectful Conversations in your community will "continue to improve social relationships and ultimately work toward a stronger, more democratic society." Learn more about Respectful Conversations here.

 

Minnesota's Racial Legacy

September 24-25
Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis

Christine Diindiisi McCleave, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and Dr. Yohuru Williams, founder of the University of St. Thomas Racial Justice Initiative are keynote speakers on Friday and Saturday, respectively, of Minnesota's Racial Legacy, a public truth-telling event organized as part of MCC's Vision for Truth and Reparations. Learn more and register here.
 

Faith-based/non-profit office space for rent

The most recent upgrade to the Minnesota Church Center's HVAC system included CDC-recommended air filters. Consider leasing 1,000-1,500 square feet of office space available in the Minnesota Church Center. Contact MCC's Chief Operating Officer Doug Swanson at (612) 230-3201 for leasing details.
 

MCC In the World

  • October 9: Curtiss DeYoung, "Men's Day Truth and Reconciliation Forum," Third Street Church of God, Washington, DC
  • October 13: Curtiss DeYoung, "Intersection of Racial Justice and Restorative Justice," panelist, University of St. Thomas Law School, Minneapolis
  • October 24: Curtiss DeYoung, Social Justice Forum, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis

    


Upcoming Events

 

9/11 Day of Remembrance

September 11, 7:15am - 10:30am

The “9/11 Day of Remembrance” will feature participation in the national Tolling of the Bells, a reading of names of those killed on 9/11/01 and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, along with a commemorative ceremony at 9:00 a.m. to include an aircraft flyover, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors. Speakers will include Gov. Tim Walz, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson and Mariah Jacobson, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett. Learn more.

 

Bells on 9/11

September 11, various times

As part of our state's official commemoration of the 20th year since 9/11, the Minnesota Department of Veteran's Affairs is inviting congregations are invited to ring their church bells in coordination with the Liberty Bell and a bell on the steps of the State Capitol that day at each of the four times a plane went down:

  • From 07:46 a.m. to 07:47 a.m. (honoring Flight 11) 
  • From 08:03 a.m. to 08:04 a.m. (honoring Flight 175) 
  • From 08:37 a.m. to 08:38 a.m. (honoring Flight 77); and 
  • From 09:03 a.m. to 09:04 a.m. (honoring Flight 93)

If your church plans to participate, please email City of Bells coordinator Rebecca Sundquist at  rebecca@jorgensonsundquist.com.

 

Addiction and Faith Conference

October 7-9
Doubletree Hilton, Bloomington

Faith communities need tools for responding to the addiction crisis. This conference grew out of the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy and provides talks on the prophetic nature of recovery, varieties of recovery, contextual Native American recovery ministry, guilt and shame, and worship. Learn more and register.

 


Make a Difference

 

Help Needed for Afghan Evacuees

While we continue to resettle individuals with refugee status, in September we also expect to receive numerous families evacuated from Afghanistan. Most will be coming to Minnesota having been granted "humanitarian parole," which means that they won't be eligible for all the same financial and program supports as refugees. 
  • Will you help? We need your support to meet families' direct needs and help MCC connect Afghan and refugee families to housing, schools, health care, and the community resources they need to start their lives in Minnesota. You can help by:
  • Donating money. This will help us fill in the gap for families' housing and food needs.
  • Donating household items
  • Contacting us about volunteering or co-sponsoring a family, whether from Afghanistan or another refugee family. Email Kathryn at rsvolunteers@mnchurches.org to let us know if you are interested in co-sponsorship, helping set up apartments, or helping transport individuals to key appointments. 
We know Minnesotans are incredible and we are so thankful to be partnering with you in this rescue operation.


 


Resources


    Presidents and Scripture

    The United States did not exist when any of the Bible’s books were written, although American politicians often employ scripture in relationship to our nation. In a recent example, President Biden cited Isaiah 6:8 in reference to the U.S. military. A reporter compiles some reactions to that reference.

     

    The Ye-vangelist

    Conflicting ideas about repentance, prayer and God permeate Kanye West’s latest album, Donda, which was released online last week. Religion News Service reviews the album because so many of his songs intersect with matters of faith and because the album is sure to reach ears that this Sunday’s sermon won’t.
     

    A Chaplain on the War in Afghanistan...

    A military chaplain who served in Afghanistan writes "The end of our involvement in Afghanistan has come without celebration or fanfare. In fact, it feels as if we have gone back to where we started. Some of us wonder: Was all of this for nothing?" No, she argues; you can find signs of hope.
     

    Collegeville Fellowships Available

    Apply by November 1

    Researchers on religion and contemporary culture who wish to write for a broad lay audience, Pastors and other parish ministers whose writing projects are intended to enrich religious life and serve the church, and North American persons of color who are writing doctoral dissertations may apply for fellowships covering fee-free housing, travel, and privileged living at the Collegeville Institute. Learn more.
     


    Grants

     

    Sabbatical Grants for Researchers

    Up to $40,000
    Apply by November 1, 2021

    The Sabbatical Grant for Researchers (SGR) offers grants up to $40,000 to assist research and writing projects that will advance religious and theological scholarship in ways that also address practical issues concerning Christian faith and life, pastoral leadership, and/or religious institutions. Typically, applicants are fully employed in accredited academic institutions and eligible for up to a full academic year leave from teaching and administrative responsibilities. Learn more and apply.
     

    Other grants

    Grants for Building a Sanctuary, up to $500,000, apply by September 30
    Building Air Quality Grants, match up to $10,000, ongoing
    Facility Completion Grants, average $7,500, ongoing
    Hennepin Recycling Grant, up to $50,000, ongoing
    Greater Minnesota Antiracism Grants, up to $2,000, ongoing

       


    Employment


    Jobs at MCC

    Community Engagement Specialist: Mankato (PT/FT)
    Engage diverse community stakeholders to support the needs of refugees through volunteer engagement and experiential learning opportunities. Enhance positive outcomes for refugees through collaborations with internal team and community partners. Advocate for and organize community around fair lending practices. Maximize program operations and outcomes to promote community inclusion and refugee self-sufficiency. This position works to promote the contributions of refugees and immigrants in our community, advocate for fair lending practices, and connect MCC to community volunteers, organizations and supporters. Learn more and apply.

    Refugee Program Specialist: Employment Case Manager (FT)
    Provide and coordinate services to refugees and asylees which promote self sufficiency and goal attainment in compliance with MCCRS programs and contracts. This position works primarily within employment services to assist program participants to seek, secure, and maintain employment leading to self-sufficiency as early as possible. The position also works to connect participants with needed resources throughout the community. Learn more and apply.

    Refugee Program Specialist: Resettlement Case Manager (FT)
    This exciting position plays an important role in welcoming and serving the needs of individuals arriving to Minnesota with refugee status. This staff member primarily works within the Reception and Placement program of MCC, in which they work directly with individuals during their first 3-6 months in the country, to provide and coordinate services which promote self-sufficiency and goal attainment in compliance with Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services programs and contracts. The position may also provide case management to individuals recently granted asylum status. Learn more and apply.
     

    Other Faith Community Postings


    Looking Forward


    4th Annual Challenging Islamophobia Conference

    October 12, 8:30am to 4:00pm

    The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Minnesota has announced that the 4th Annual Challenging Islamophobia Conference will take place virtually on Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 from 8.30am to 4:00pm. If you purchased tickets for the 2020 event, they can be used to participate in this year's rescheduled conference. To share your thoughts about the upcoming conference, including topic ideas, please complete their SURVEY FORM(via MNMN)
     

    Equipping Faith Leaders to Minister to Suicidal Desperation

    October 26, 8:30am - 4:30pm
    Dakota Medical Foundation, Fargo

    This is a one-day workshop designed to equip faith community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicide. This includes the creation of worship resource, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the how to extend the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories. This workshop engages the question of how to cultivate a soul-safe culture within your congregation.  (via NWMN Synod Northern Lights)
     

    Navigating the Pandemic: Interfaith Perspectives

    November 7, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
    College of St. Scholastica, Duluth

    How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected faith communities? What were the struggles faced during the pandemic? What were the successes? What does the future look like moving forward? What lessons can be learned from the experience? These are just some of the questions faith communities are asking as they continue to struggle with a global pandemic. Explore these questions and more from an interfaith perspective with representatives from Anishinaabe, Jewish, Muslim and Catholic faith communities.

     


    Beyond Our Region

     

    CCDA Conference

    November 10-13
    Kansas City, MO

    Christian Community Development Association’s annual conference has been inspiring, training, and connecting CCD practitioners for over 30 years. Join us for speakers, workshops, worship, networking sessions, and more! Learn more and register.

    Minnesota's Racial Legacy; Help Afghan Evacuees; 100% Better Conversations; A Chaplain on Afghanistan; $609,500 in grants; 15 jobs; Opportunities in St. Paul, Minneapolis, DC, Online, Mankato, Fargo, Collegeville, Falcon Heights, Minnetonka, Northfield, Roseville, Brainerd, Bloomington, Duluth, Kansas City

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    September 8, 2021

    In this Issue

    News  

       Better Future Conversations
       Minnesota's Racial Legacy
       Space for Rent
       MCC in the World
            
    Upcoming Events 
       9/11 Day of Remembrance
       Bells on 9/11
       Addiction and Faith Conference
     
       Help Needed for Afghan Evacuees
     
    Resources
       Presidents and Scripture
       The Ye-vangelist
       A chaplain on the War in Afghanistan
       Collegeville Fellowships Available
       
    Grants
       Sabbatical Grants for Researchers
       5 others
     

    Employment    
       Community Engagement Specialist: Mankato
       Refugee Program Specialist: Employment Case Manager
       Refugee Program Specialist: Resettlement Case Manager
       15 others
     

    Looking Forward  
       Challenging Islamophobia
       Equipping Faith Leaders
       Navigating the Pandemic

    Beyond Our Region  
       CCDA Conference
     

    News

     

    Better Future Conversations

    After a recent Respectful Conversation about Hope and Healing: Our Future Together, 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that "I believe this experience will help me to have better conversations in the future." As Conflict Resolution Quarterly states, employing MCC Respectful Conversations in your community will "continue to improve social relationships and ultimately work toward a stronger, more democratic society." Learn more about Respectful Conversations here.

     

    Minnesota's Racial Legacy

    September 24-25
    Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis

    Christine Diindiisi McCleave, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and Dr. Yohuru Williams, founder of the University of St. Thomas Racial Justice Initiative are keynote speakers on Friday and Saturday, respectively, of Minnesota's Racial Legacy, a public truth-telling event organized as part of MCC's Vision for Truth and Reparations. Learn more and register here.
     

    Faith-based/non-profit office space for rent

    The most recent upgrade to the Minnesota Church Center's HVAC system included CDC-recommended air filters. Consider leasing 1,000-1,500 square feet of office space available in the Minnesota Church Center. Contact MCC's Chief Operating Officer Doug Swanson at (612) 230-3201 for leasing details.
     

    MCC In the World

    • October 9: Curtiss DeYoung, "Men's Day Truth and Reconciliation Forum," Third Street Church of God, Washington, DC
    • October 13: Curtiss DeYoung, "Intersection of Racial Justice and Restorative Justice," panelist, University of St. Thomas Law School, Minneapolis
    • October 24: Curtiss DeYoung, Social Justice Forum, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis

        


    Upcoming Events

     

    9/11 Day of Remembrance

    September 11, 7:15am - 10:30am

    The “9/11 Day of Remembrance” will feature participation in the national Tolling of the Bells, a reading of names of those killed on 9/11/01 and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, along with a commemorative ceremony at 9:00 a.m. to include an aircraft flyover, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors. Speakers will include Gov. Tim Walz, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson and Mariah Jacobson, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett. Learn more.

     

    Bells on 9/11

    September 11, various times

    As part of our state's official commemoration of the 20th year since 9/11, the Minnesota Department of Veteran's Affairs is inviting congregations are invited to ring their church bells in coordination with the Liberty Bell and a bell on the steps of the State Capitol that day at each of the four times a plane went down:

    • From 07:46 a.m. to 07:47 a.m. (honoring Flight 11) 
    • From 08:03 a.m. to 08:04 a.m. (honoring Flight 175) 
    • From 08:37 a.m. to 08:38 a.m. (honoring Flight 77); and 
    • From 09:03 a.m. to 09:04 a.m. (honoring Flight 93)

    If your church plans to participate, please email City of Bells coordinator Rebecca Sundquist at  rebecca@jorgensonsundquist.com.

     

    Addiction and Faith Conference

    October 7-9
    Doubletree Hilton, Bloomington

    Faith communities need tools for responding to the addiction crisis. This conference grew out of the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy and provides talks on the prophetic nature of recovery, varieties of recovery, contextual Native American recovery ministry, guilt and shame, and worship. Learn more and register.

     


    Make a Difference

     

    Help Needed for Afghan Evacuees

    While we continue to resettle individuals with refugee status, in September we also expect to receive numerous families evacuated from Afghanistan. Most will be coming to Minnesota having been granted "humanitarian parole," which means that they won't be eligible for all the same financial and program supports as refugees. 
    • Will you help? We need your support to meet families' direct needs and help MCC connect Afghan and refugee families to housing, schools, health care, and the community resources they need to start their lives in Minnesota. You can help by:
    • Donating money. This will help us fill in the gap for families' housing and food needs.
    • Donating household items
    • Contacting us about volunteering or co-sponsoring a family, whether from Afghanistan or another refugee family. Email Kathryn at rsvolunteers@mnchurches.org to let us know if you are interested in co-sponsorship, helping set up apartments, or helping transport individuals to key appointments. 
    We know Minnesotans are incredible and we are so thankful to be partnering with you in this rescue operation.


     


    Resources


      Presidents and Scripture

      The United States did not exist when any of the Bible’s books were written, although American politicians often employ scripture in relationship to our nation. In a recent example, President Biden cited Isaiah 6:8 in reference to the U.S. military. A reporter compiles some reactions to that reference.

       

      The Ye-vangelist

      Conflicting ideas about repentance, prayer and God permeate Kanye West’s latest album, Donda, which was released online last week. Religion News Service reviews the album because so many of his songs intersect with matters of faith and because the album is sure to reach ears that this Sunday’s sermon won’t.
       

      A Chaplain on the War in Afghanistan...

      A military chaplain who served in Afghanistan writes "The end of our involvement in Afghanistan has come without celebration or fanfare. In fact, it feels as if we have gone back to where we started. Some of us wonder: Was all of this for nothing?" No, she argues; you can find signs of hope.
       

      Collegeville Fellowships Available

      Apply by November 1

      Researchers on religion and contemporary culture who wish to write for a broad lay audience, Pastors and other parish ministers whose writing projects are intended to enrich religious life and serve the church, and North American persons of color who are writing doctoral dissertations may apply for fellowships covering fee-free housing, travel, and privileged living at the Collegeville Institute. Learn more.
       


      Grants

       

      Sabbatical Grants for Researchers

      Up to $40,000
      Apply by November 1, 2021

      The Sabbatical Grant for Researchers (SGR) offers grants up to $40,000 to assist research and writing projects that will advance religious and theological scholarship in ways that also address practical issues concerning Christian faith and life, pastoral leadership, and/or religious institutions. Typically, applicants are fully employed in accredited academic institutions and eligible for up to a full academic year leave from teaching and administrative responsibilities. Learn more and apply.
       

      Other grants

      Grants for Building a Sanctuary, up to $500,000, apply by September 30
      Building Air Quality Grants, match up to $10,000, ongoing
      Facility Completion Grants, average $7,500, ongoing
      Hennepin Recycling Grant, up to $50,000, ongoing
      Greater Minnesota Antiracism Grants, up to $2,000, ongoing

         


      Employment


      Jobs at MCC

      Community Engagement Specialist: Mankato (PT/FT)
      Engage diverse community stakeholders to support the needs of refugees through volunteer engagement and experiential learning opportunities. Enhance positive outcomes for refugees through collaborations with internal team and community partners. Advocate for and organize community around fair lending practices. Maximize program operations and outcomes to promote community inclusion and refugee self-sufficiency. This position works to promote the contributions of refugees and immigrants in our community, advocate for fair lending practices, and connect MCC to community volunteers, organizations and supporters. Learn more and apply.

      Refugee Program Specialist: Employment Case Manager (FT)
      Provide and coordinate services to refugees and asylees which promote self sufficiency and goal attainment in compliance with MCCRS programs and contracts. This position works primarily within employment services to assist program participants to seek, secure, and maintain employment leading to self-sufficiency as early as possible. The position also works to connect participants with needed resources throughout the community. Learn more and apply.

      Refugee Program Specialist: Resettlement Case Manager (FT)
      This exciting position plays an important role in welcoming and serving the needs of individuals arriving to Minnesota with refugee status. This staff member primarily works within the Reception and Placement program of MCC, in which they work directly with individuals during their first 3-6 months in the country, to provide and coordinate services which promote self-sufficiency and goal attainment in compliance with Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services programs and contracts. The position may also provide case management to individuals recently granted asylum status. Learn more and apply.
       

      Other Faith Community Postings


      Looking Forward


      4th Annual Challenging Islamophobia Conference

      October 12, 8:30am to 4:00pm

      The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Minnesota has announced that the 4th Annual Challenging Islamophobia Conference will take place virtually on Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 from 8.30am to 4:00pm. If you purchased tickets for the 2020 event, they can be used to participate in this year's rescheduled conference. To share your thoughts about the upcoming conference, including topic ideas, please complete their SURVEY FORM(via MNMN)
       

      Equipping Faith Leaders to Minister to Suicidal Desperation

      October 26, 8:30am - 4:30pm
      Dakota Medical Foundation, Fargo

      This is a one-day workshop designed to equip faith community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicide. This includes the creation of worship resource, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the how to extend the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories. This workshop engages the question of how to cultivate a soul-safe culture within your congregation.  (via NWMN Synod Northern Lights)
       

      Navigating the Pandemic: Interfaith Perspectives

      November 7, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
      College of St. Scholastica, Duluth

      How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected faith communities? What were the struggles faced during the pandemic? What were the successes? What does the future look like moving forward? What lessons can be learned from the experience? These are just some of the questions faith communities are asking as they continue to struggle with a global pandemic. Explore these questions and more from an interfaith perspective with representatives from Anishinaabe, Jewish, Muslim and Catholic faith communities.

       


      Beyond Our Region

       

      CCDA Conference

      November 10-13
      Kansas City, MO

      Christian Community Development Association’s annual conference has been inspiring, training, and connecting CCD practitioners for over 30 years. Join us for speakers, workshops, worship, networking sessions, and more! Learn more and register.