News for the Common Good 9/8/2021
September 8, 2021
In this Issue
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
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
Equipping Faith Leaders
Navigating the Pandemic
Beyond Our Region
CCDA Conference
News
Better Future Conversations
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
- 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.
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.
Sabbatical Grants for Researchers
Up to $40,000
Apply by November 1, 2021
Other grants
Building Air Quality Grants, match up to $10,000, ongoing
Facility Completion Grants, average $7,500, ongoing
Greater Minnesota Antiracism Grants, up to $2,000, ongoing
Employment
Jobs at MCC
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
- CHUM Chaplain (pdf) (FT or PT), Churches United for Ministry, Duluth
- Communications and Design Coordinator (PT), Bethlehem Lutheran, Minneapolis
- Hospitality and Events Coordinator (FT/PT), Bethlehem Lutheran, Minneapolis
- Lyndale Campus Administrator (FT/PT), Bethlehem Lutheran, Minneapolis
- Conference Coordinator (Contract), Ecumenical Advocacy Days, DC
- Youth Ministry and Outreach Coordinator (PT), Falcon Heights UCC
- Emergency Rental Assistance Coordinator (FT), Align Minneapolis
- Marketing and Communications Coordinator (PT), Judson Church, Minneapolis
- Minister of Worship Arts (FT), First Universalist, Minneapolis
- Custodian (FT), Bethlehem Lutheran Twin Cities, Minnetonka
- Senior Director of Operations and Administration (FT), Westminster Presbyterian, Minneapolis
- Youth and Family Ministries Director (PT), Northfield UMC, Northfield
- Coordinator of Music (PT), New Life Presbyterian, Roseville
- Director of Youth and Family Ministry (FT), First Lutheran, Brainerd
- Contemporary Worship Leader (PT), St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Bloomington
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.
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