Small Group Communion

Thanks to Rene Mehlberg of Trinity Lutheran, Laporte, MN for sharing this Great Idea! While in-person worship remains on hold, offer small group in-person communion: Offer only as frequently as your schedule allows: don't add something…

Hopeful Innovation Grant Application

Advent & Christmas Ideas from the UMC

Although we won't be able to enjoy packed-full sanctuaries on Christmas Eve, there are a variety of ways to gather safely and to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Twin Cities District pastors recently shared some ideas with each other, and they…

Progressive Christmas Pageant

I've heard a few versions of this from several sources over the past few weeks; I apologize for not giving others the credit they deserve: Orchestrate a "progressive" Christmas pageant in which households choose a character, then decorate…

Election Day – Preparations / Vigil / Aftermath

Tensions are running high across the country. Election results may take days or even weeks to be tallied and confirmed - and chances are good they'll be contested for longer than that. This is a highly contentious and anxious time for many Americans. Christian…

Six New Things – October 26

One Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and burned-out? You are not alone - and there's help. Develop resilience with: Running on Empty (Thurs. Oct. 29), which will address burn-out concerns with pastoral leaders; Cora Brown's Covid Coping:…

4 Great Ideas to Reach, Bless & Serve

Thanks to Christa Meland of the MN Conference UMC for writing up this article highlighting four fantastic ways UMC congregations have gotten creative with caring for their communities and sharing hope in the midst of the pandemic. Read the…

Spirit Stories

Professor Jennifer Awes-Freeman of United Theological Seminary is doing this with the United community - it could be a great community builder and outreach tool for any congregation! Invite your members and neighbors to an evening of storytelling…

Six New Things: Week of October 19

One Cultivate community connection and creativity - and empower your leaders - by Embracing the Gifts of Conflict for Social Change: Turning Toward Each Other: A Conflict Workbook (and attend their workshops: Part 1: Understanding Our Conflict…

Reaching Children Online

Thanks to Messiah UMC, Plymouth, MN for this Great Idea! And to Christa Meland, MN Annual Conference UMC's communications director, for sharing it via MNConnect. The worship and children's ministry teams of Messiah UMC of Plymouth teamed…