FlairO’Boneba has been performing together for over ten years. The top half of the ensemble is that of a woodwind quintet. Mankato Symphony members Kris Raaen (flute) and Martha [...]]]> The wind ensemble FlairO’Boneba and organist Stephen May will be joining forces to perform a concert at First UCC at 7:00p.m. on Saturday, November 5.

FlairO’Boneba has been performing together for over ten years. The top half of the ensemble is that of a woodwind quintet. Mankato Symphony members Kris Raaen (flute) and Martha Lindberg (oboe/english horn), joined by Faribault clarinetist Phyllis Bongard, are the woodwind part of the ensemble. Mankato Symphony member Al Tonn (tuba) and Faribault musician Joel Raaen (trombone) form the brass quintet bottom of the ensemble.  All the ensemble’s music is specially transcribed for its unique mixture of sounds.

Stephen May received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Cornell University, studying composition and organ. Since 1997, he has been organist and choir master of the Cathedral of our Merciful Savior in Faribault, where he has invited FlairO’Boneba to perform his numerous arrangements for winds and organ. It is this repertoire that will be featured at their November concert, with selections of Bach, Handel, Haydn, Franck, and a seldom-heard group of Bagatelles by Dvorak.  May will also perform on solo organ, and FlairO’Boneba will perform unique arrangements of the American gospel tunes “Blessed Assurance,” “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” and “We’re Marching to Zion.”

There will be no admission charge for the concert, but a free-will offering will be taken to help defer expenses.

On Thursday, May 19th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Northfield High School Auditorium, world-renowned parent/teacher/child educator Kirk Martin and his teenage son, Casey, will be coming to Northfield. 

Martin, the founder of Celebrate Calm, LLC,  is a behavioral expert, author [...]]]> MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Behavioral Expert and Educator Kirk Martin Coming to Northfield

On Thursday, May 19^th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Northfield High School Auditorium, world-renowned parent/teacher/child educator Kirk Martin and his teenage son, Casey, will be coming to Northfield. 

Martin, the founder of Celebrate Calm, LLC,  is a behavioral expert, author and radio host.  Kirk’s advice is designed to provide parents and educators with practical tools that can be used to sidestep power struggles and improve behavior and focus of a child at home and school.   This practical, humorous and life-changing workshop is free and open to the public.  Please don’t miss this wonderful opportunity, made possible by a coalition of local community businesses and organizations. 

For more information about Kirk and his work please visit www.celebratecalm.com.

1st Annual 1st UCC Retreat to Pilgrim Point -  All Generations welcome! Save July 22-24, 2011 and RSVP with interest now to ensure bed capacity! 

Pilgrim Point Camp is our MN Conference UCC Camp on Lake Ida near Alexandria.  Historically the camps have [...]]]> “Playing & Living Joyfully” this summer at…MN Conference Sponsored Youth Camps!  www.pilgrimpoint.org

1st Annual 1st UCC Retreat to Pilgrim Point -  All Generations welcome! Save July 22-24, 2011 and RSVP with interest now to ensure bed capacity! 

Pilgrim Point Camp is our MN Conference UCC Camp on Lake Ida near Alexandria.  Historically the camps have been tailored to youth and special interest camps.  While some of the traditional conference camps will continue, there now are opportunities for congregations to do week or weekend retreat camps. 

An opportunity to introduce many to the facility.  In addition to the programming offered by the camp, volunteers are stepping forward to lead vespers, programs, etc.  This will be a wonderful retreat (or, Advance as some would say) for First UCC friends and members of all generations to gather together in a beautiful and spiritual setting. 

We reserved July 22-24 (Friday dinner-Sunday noon) for the lodge (http://www.pilgrimpoint.org/?page_id=73), N. Shore Cabin, and the campground. 

It is a camp (not luxury!), but is comfortable, clean, and includes a dining hall, as well as, a common area in our lodge with sofas, game tables, kitchen, etc.  It is on a point extending into the middle off the lake, with waterfront activities (including lifeguards) and a large recreational area.

This will be affordable (lodging @ $15/night plus reasonable meals with scholarships available if needed). We have also applied for an Outdoor Ministries Grant to offset some expense. 

More detail to come, but looking for initial show of hands/interest for you/your families as leaders…  Please email me to indicate interest, how many might attend, and any comments or questions.  philkasten@gmail.com

 We will need volunteer help as well.

Peace, Phil Kasten 663-7067 

Other Camps:

Middle School Week: July 10 – 16, 2011 (Sunday thru Saturday)

Senior High Week: July 31 – August 6, 2011 (Sunday thru Saturday)

AND…

July Family Camp

sponsored by Union, St. Louis Park UCC:

July 17-22  

Click here

August Family Camp:

sponsored by Mayflower & St. Anthony Park

August 7-12 

Click here

Wayzata Church Sponsored Camps (open to all)

Senior High: June 11-17

Junior High: June 18-23     

Children’s: June 24-27 or June 27-30 
Cross Generation: June 30 – July 2

Click here 

 This Fall’s MN Conference Retreats: 

Men’s Retreat: September 9 – 11, 2011

Women’s Retreat: September 16 – 18, 2011 

Click here  

with Rev. Bryan Sirchio

Where: First United Church of Christ

When: Friday, February 25

Time:   5:30 p.m. Youth Pizza party, (RSVP to Cher Langley by 2/20 so we know how much pizza to have! Thanks!)

7:00 p.m. [...]]]> Please join us for an evening of Songs of Faith, Justice and Haiti ~

with Rev. Bryan Sirchio

Where: First United Church of Christ

When: Friday, February 25

Time:   5:30 p.m. Youth Pizza party, (RSVP to Cher Langley by 2/20 so we know how much pizza to have! Thanks!)

7:00 p.m. Concert

Cost:    $5 students; $10 adults, ticket sales will go to support the ‘Whatif’ foundation www.whatiffoundation.org   in Haiti, Haiti Allies, and the Haiti Justice Alliance of Northfield.

            Purchase at 1^st UCC before or ‘at the door’

• ·         Bryan Sirchio, www.sirchio.com/ is a gifted UCC minister and musician.  He will have just returned from Haiti on February 18, where he has been involved as an activist for about 20 years.
• ·         Bryan will also be participating in the Haiti Human Rights week from February 20-25, sponsored by the Haiti Justice Alliance, St. Olaf Relief Efforts, Haiti Relief Carleton, National Lawyers Guild and First UCC.

For information about the other events, please see the brochure on the church bulletin board (across from office) or contact: haitijusticealliance@gmail.com

Dear Friends:

At this time of year it is appropriate to be thankful for all God has given each of us, especially a roof over our heads to keep out the snow and rain. That is still not the case for millions around the [...]]]> c/o Robert L. Peterson
1200 McKinley Drive, Hudson, WI 54016

Dear Friends:

At this time of year it is appropriate to be thankful for all God has given each of us, especially a roof over our heads to keep out the snow and rain. That is still not the case for millions around the world and even here in the US.

For the 24th year, Barb and I will be taking UCC members from Minnesota and friends to help Habitat for Humanity build homes for people in need of a decent home. This will be the 22nd year that work campers will travel to Coahoma County, Mississippi to build houses. During the past 23 years Minnesota UCC members and friends have worked on over 100 different homes in Mississippi, 8 other states and Winnipeg Canada. Members from over 20 churches in the Minnesota Conference have participated in one or more of these work camps.

In 2011, Barb and I will be in Mississippi for two weeks in February. We invite you to join us for either or both of the weeks, January 30-February 5, or February 6-12, 2011. Complete the application and return as soon as you know your plans for this winter.

Barb and I will be signing up for a Global Village HFH Camp for the fall of 2011. If you are interested in joining us, please let us know your interest and if you have a preference of where you go. Barb and I hope to do one Global Village Trip each year and we are interested in visiting and helping in many different places in the world; New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Eastern European countries, Spain, Portugal, as well as Central and South American countries. Where we select to go will depend if anyone else is interested in going also.

If there is enough interest, I would put together a HFH work camp to either the Rockies or Northeastern US. Let me know if you are interested in a summer work camp to either of those areas.

If you have questions please contact me: 651-792-5262 or rpeter446@aol.com.

Bob Peterson, member of UCC New Brighton