August 2017

Dear Committee on Ministry colleagues,

The Ministerial, Excellence, Support and Authorization Ministry Team (MESA) is pleased to host Members in Discernment (MIDs) at the Church House in Cleveland on October 5-6, 2017. This annual event introduces MIDs to the national setting of the UCC, builds a foundation for vital and lifelong relationships in ministry, provides resources and information, and provides a space for mutual support among colleagues. Please share this flyer with your MIDs and encourage them to take advantage of this important opportunity!
 
This event is limited to the first 50 qualified registrants, and MIDs may participate in this gathering only once during their process of discernment. Individual MIDs and their Associations are each asked to contribute $100 toward the cost of the event. Please contact Kathleen Sattler at sattlerk@ucc.org for more information about travel scholarships, for the Association Contribution and Support Form, or any additional questions.
 
Registration information may be found here; the registration deadline is September 5, 2017 at 12pm Eastern time, or whenever MESA reaches maximum capacity. The next Member in Discernment Gathering is scheduled for April 11 – 13, 2018.
 
If you missed the opportunity at General Synod to purchase the latest Marks resources for working with your Members in Discernment, check out the Marks Bundle for your copy of the assessment, journal, and playing cards!
 
Other MESA News

Registration is open for the Regional AM21 events being held this fall for all who are interested in discussing the drafted Manual on Ministry. The Philadelphia event (October 23-24) is sold out, but there is still room in Boston (September 8-9) and Denver (September 21-22). We look forward to seeing you at one of these events!

The MESA Team is dedicated to supporting your essential work of ministerial authorization and oversight through regular trainings offered online via Zoom. Delve into our Covenants and Covenantal Relationships on September 12th at 2:00 – 3:30pm ET, and build your Committee on Ministry’s skills related to Fitness Reviews and Response Team work on September 27th at 7:00 – 9:00pm. Each training is hosted by a member of the MESA Team, with space on Zoom for up to 50 participants. No registration is required; simply scroll through the list of online trainings posted here and click on the title of the training you want to attend at the time it is scheduled to start.
 
Finally, if you are new to your role on a COM, taking on additional responsibility, or looking for a refresher on COM work, come to Cleveland for MESA 101 on October 2nd. This day-long orientation event covers all things MESA-related: ministerial formation, endorsement, search and call, COMs, ecumenical relationships, etc. The event is free; attendees are responsible for their own travel and hotel arrangements. Click HERE to register. This gathering is open to any member of the United Church of Christ.
 
Blessings and peace,

Elizabeth Dilley
Minister for Ministers in Local Churches
Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization (MESA) Team
Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christt
ucc.org/ministers