Events In the United Church of Christ, we like to say, “God is still speaking.” At Union, classes, events and programs are happening all the time. Here we cover the latest:
- Congratulations on all of the new church leaders, including Moderator Carolyn Cleveland. What a wonderful job our church leadership has done in the past year, and we look forward to an amazing 2012 under a newly amended and changed constitution. We are also thankful to the Finance Council for presenting an accurate and realistic budget for 2012.
- Join us for the installation of our new pastor, Reverend Christy E. Dew, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. at Union. Refreshments and a celebration will follow in our Fellowship Hall.
- Join Adult Education in the library on Sundays. Jan. 8-Feb. 5: Marcus Borg—Embracing an Adult Faith. In this five-part DVD series, Borg, a well-known author and Biblical scholar, conducts a dialogue with a small and diverse group of adults as they, honestly and sometimes painfully, confront Christianity's most fundamental questions and work together toward their own personal and authentic answers. Feb. 12-26: John Shelby Spong—Jesus for the Non-Religious. Spong, whose books have sold more than a million copies, was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2001. His admirers acclaim him as a teaching bishop who makes contemporary theology accessible to ordinary lay people. This DVD distills Spong's understanding of the God presence in Christ and is a companion piece to his book of the same title.
- Learn how to reduce your exposure to toxins when you attend a discussion led by Jan Hamilton on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Library.
- Prayer shawls bring comfort and healing to recipients. If you know someone who would appreciate a prayer shawl, made by talented Union knitters and crocheters, please contact Jan Hamilton by calling Union's office, 952.929.8566.
- Alcoholics Anonymous meets at Union every Sunday at 7 p.m.
Rev. Christy Dew begins at Union Rev. Christy Dew, her wife, Christina, and their two dogs, Ella and Duchess, said goodbye to St. George, Kansas, last fall and moved to Minneapolis. That's because Union Congregational Church voted to extend a call to Rev. Dew this fall. The call to this United Church of Christ congregation followed a whirlwind weekend that included a Saturday brunch for members of the Executive Council and Search Committee, followed by an informal meet-and-greet event open to all members and friends of the church. On Sunday, Rev. Dew conducted the morning worship service and then fielded questions from members of the congregation before the official vote was taken. The congregation's action was the culmination of an 18-month nationwide search during which more than 100 candidates were considered. Ultimately, the Search Committee recommended Rev. Dew because of her demonstrated skills in all major areas of pastoral responsibility and her successful track record of aiding congregations in attracting new members. According to Betty Wentworth, a Search Committee member, "It was as if the Holy Spirit was guiding us to Christy Dew throughout the process." Rev. Dew says that while she doesn't have all the answers about Union's future, she does know the questions to ask to help the congregation shape a shared vision of that future. Rev. Dew began her ministry the first Sunday in Advent, Nov. 27.
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