Gratitude

Rev. Joshua Patty

Regional Minister and President

I hope that many people have taken the opportunity of Ministry Appreciation Month to share their gratitude with you in meaningful ways. Please allow me to add my appreciation for our Upper Midwest ministry colleagues.

Thank you for showing up in hospital rooms, worship services, community events, and the umpteenth meeting of the month.

Thank you for sharing Christian meaning in sermons, newsletter articles, funeral services, and interpersonal conversations in our fragmented and fractious world.

Thank you for adapting to ever-changing advice on safety protocols, to new ways of connecting church folks, to seek justice in your community and remembering that God always has ways for us to grow.

Thank you for giving of yourself through your passion, your hard-earned experience, your time and other resources to improve the lives of so many around you.

Conflict Resolution with Brian Feille

The Fall 2022 Commissioned Minister Education Program Retreat will focus on conflict and resolution and be taught by Dr. Brian Feille. Brian has specifically invited any Upper Midwest minister interested in this topic to come to this overnight retreat.

The retreat will be held at the Christian Conference Center on November 18-19. The cost is $50, which includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday and lodging in the cabins (bring own bedding/linens).  Register here.  Lodge rooms may be available for an additional cost -- contact Lori Krase-Cayton if interested in a lodge room.

New Variation of Gift Card Scam

Earlier this month, I learned of a variation of a common scam involving gift cards. The scammer impersonated a congregational volunteer soliciting gift cards to honor the serving minister for Ministry Appreciation Month.

Please make sure people in your congregation know how you'll contact them if you need help. And please be clear about how you ask for money and gifts -- including gifts for staff members and volunteers.