Got sermon feedback?

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May 29, 2025

By Rev. Rick King

Has a sermon spoken powerfully to you recently? Has one fallen short? Do you better understand a passage in the Bible now as the result of a sermon on it? How relevant has a particular sermon been to your current life experience? Have you found a specific sermon hard to follow? What’s more important to you in a sermon: the content (biblical text, stories, illustrations), the application (how to live it out), the power of the speaker’s delivery, or something else?

I want to know whether what I say on Sunday mornings is reaching you or not. I can benefit from your feedback—provided it’s specific, descriptive, and focuses on things I can change to make my preaching more effective. See the link in the TAB to complete the survey after a service.

Thanks to one of the goals our Executive Board and I set for the year, you can now give that feedback in a brief, easy-to-use instant survey developed by the Pastoral Relations Committee. You can fill it out right after worship as many Sundays as you like.

The PRC will meet quarterly to discuss trends in the responses and ways I can use it to increase the effectiveness of these spoken messages in worship.

What feedback have YOU to give? And remember, specific, descriptive and concrete feedback is more helpful than whether one likes or dislikes what is said.

Music Director position open

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Falcon Heights Church is seeking a creative part-time Director of Music who will continue and grow our strong musical traditions.

Falcon Heights Church, United Church of Christ
1795 Holton Street | Falcon Heights, MN 55113

Position Description – Director of Music

Falcon Heights Church, United Church of Christ, is a progressive Christian church in the East Metro area with a strong focus on music and the arts, community outreach, service and social justice. We are an Open and Affirming church and welcoming to all.

Falcon Heights Church is actively in conversation with New Life Presbyterian Church in Roseville, MN about a merger in the year ahead, which we anticipate will provide new opportunities for musical creativity and growth.

The Director of Music Position

We seek a creative Director of Music who will continue and grow our strong musical traditions, working collaboratively with the pastor and the worship team to support the spiritual growth of the congregation, bringing sacred and spiritual music to life. They will use their positive attitude to invite, engage, and equip our multigenerational congregation to glorify God through music.

Responsibilities:

–Direct the adult Chancel Choir and other musical ensembles for participation in Sunday and special services throughout the program year – Sunday after Labor Day in September through the first Sunday in June
–Build a comprehensive music program that educates and engages musicians and church members of all ages in the life of the church, including children and youth
–Participate in and provide leadership for music ministry through special programs and initiatives, including seasonal and outreach activities
–Recruit and hire supplemental and guest musicians as needed
–Purchase choral and instrumental music as needed, maintain the music library, and adhere to copyright law
–Coordinate maintenance and acquisition of church instruments
–Manage the budget for music ministries, working with the treasurer and pastor
–Provide written updates as needed for the weekly newsletter and other communication forums, to keep the congregation informed of opportunities related to music ministries
–Perform other appropriate duties, as needed and assigned

Desired Qualifications:

–Experience in church music, music education, or other related field; Bachelor’s degree in music preferred.
–Demonstrated knowledge of the use of music in worship
–Keyboard instrument proficiency
–Handbell or organ experience is a plus
–Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and perspectives
–Flexibility and openness to change and new ideas
–Computer competency
–Available Sunday mornings for worship and Wednesday evenings for rehearsal and for special events as needed

Compensation & Benefits:

–Salary – from $23,400
–12-month position, average of 12-15 hrs/week (more during the holiday seasons and less in the summer)

Application Instructions:

–Submit resume and letter of interest to: [email protected]
–Please be prepared to provide references upon request.
–Offer of employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check.
–Questions should be directed to: [email protected]
–Review of applications will begin in early June and will continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2025

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $23,400.00 per year

Expected hours: 12 – 15 per week

Benefits:

–Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person

What’s a federated church?

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May 22, 2025

By Rev. Rick King

Last week’s TAB contained news of a great leap forward in our merger process with New Life Presbyterian Church: The Merger Steering Committee has drafted a Plan of Merger which was brought to our Executive Board at its monthly meeting Tuesday night and will go before New Life’s Session at its meeting on May 27. The governing bodies will vote on it June 17 and 24 respectively.

Once the plan has cleared that hurdle, it will go to both congregations for a vote on July 13. Details were emailed May 14 to the TAB mailing list, and you can also read more on the FHC website.

The vote will be to become what’s called a “federated church,” a type of union in which two or more congregations belonging to different denominations unite under a single local church entity.

In the Minnesota Conference, and the United Church of Christ generally, federated churches stand as remarkable examples of unity and collaboration. These congregations, formed from the union of two or more denominations, are regular reminders that despite diverse traditions and practices, our faith remains rooted in the same divine love and purpose.

Fully 17 percent of churches in the UCC’s Minnesota Conference are multiply affiliated, and the majority are federated. A federated church is a single local church formed by merging two or more distinct denominational congregations. In contrast, a yoked church involves two or more separate congregations sharing a pastor, but otherwise maintaining their individual structures, identities, and governing bodies.

The most common mainline Protestant unions of this type are UCC and Presbyterian Church (USA). In the Minnesota Conference, the federated churches are Macalester Plymouth and Cherokee Park in St. Paul, Associated Church in Owatonna, and Federated Church in Fergus Falls. There are also UCC-United Methodist federated churches in Morris, Little Falls, and Glenwood. United Church of Mapleton is UCC and American Baptist.

Federated churches emerged out of a desire to pool resources and strengthen bonds among denominations. The concept gained momentum during the 20th century, particularly in places where congregations faced challenges such as dwindling membership, financial constraints, or the need for reconciliation. By combining efforts, these churches could maintain their spiritual vitality while honoring the distinct traditions of each denomination involved.

Federated churches in the UCC and PC(USA) often embody a mission centered on inclusivity, service, and spiritual growth. We’ve been sharing some worship services since last summer and have shared other events, including a Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday observance, late fall and Lenten Bible studies, and a Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service here at FHC. Our youth groups have been collaborating since last fall.

Provided both congregations vote with two-thirds majorities to federate/merge, in the fall we’ll begin to develop a governance structure, sharing leadership roles, strategic planning, worship and other responsibilities. This collaborative approach can foster a deeper sense of community, allowing us to benefit from the combined strengths of both traditions.

Remember that if you have questions about the merger, you’re not alone. Others may have the same questions you have. You can email those questions to our Merger FAQ email address: [email protected].

An update on the plan of merger

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May 15, 2025

By Rev. Rick King

When our joint Merger Steering Committee met on May 6, I remember being surprised when I realized that we were setting the date of the congregational vote to officially merge with New Life Presbyterian Church.

“Wow!” I said to the group: “We’re really doing this thing.” It’s going to happen July 13 in a special congregational meeting after worship. YES—we’re there! Or we will be, this summer.

For some in both our congregations, the coming vote may feel sudden. Even though we’ve been developing the Plan of Merger for several months, and have been involved in the overall discussion of merger for a year now (remember our unanimous congregational vote on May 18, 2024, in favor of pursuing a merger with New Life?).

For others, it may feel long overdue: “Finally, we’re going to vote on this. What took so long?” This merger has lots of moving parts to coordinate: the Plan, deciding what to do with facility spaces, possessions of both churches, merging worship and program life, governance, and more. AND, since we belong to denominations and are accountable to our members, there are three rounds of approval to this process:

  • Approval by the Executive Board and New Life’s Session;
  • Approval by the two congregations;
  • Denominational affirmation by the Minnesota Conference UCC and approval by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

The deliberate slowness of each of these steps is in keeping with the thorough manner in which both our congregations discerned the merger path we eventually chose. It’s important to bring as many of our congregants along as possible, and to move as a group. (Think of how a good leader of a hike in the woods makes sure the group doesn’t leave anyone behind.)

The timetable going forward? Right now, we’re preparing for the vote. A Special Bulletin went out yesterday to all of you who get the TAB, and it includes all the details, along with the Plan of Union. Our Executive Board has a month to review it between its May 20 meeting and voting on the Plan at its June 17 meeting.

After having thoroughly considered the Plan of Union, each congregation holds a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 13, to approve it as a congregation. Up till now, we’ve been what you might call “merged in practice”; the vote will render us “merged in fact.”
 
After the July 13 vote, we inform the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ of the outcome, and the Minnesota Conference Board of Directors simply affirms our congregation’s vote at their regular meeting on Aug. 9. This is one of the differences between the way the UCC churches govern themselves and the way the Presbytery approves local church decisions. The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area needs to approve New Life’s July 13 vote to approve our Plan of Merger when they meet September 11. They’ll actually be voting on two separate motions: one is the merger itself, the other is the sale of their building.
  
Throughout the fall, we’ll continue carrying out the Plan of  Union’s steps and tasks and, hopefully in January, we’ll celebrate the new church born of this merger.

The most important thing is that everyone looks at the Plan to be clear about what we’re doing in the months ahead. What questions do YOU have about the merger process? You can send them to [email protected].

Merger plan drafted, voting dates set

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The proposed merger of Falcon Heights Church UCC and New Life Presbyterian Church has moved into a new phase. The churches’ joint Merger Steering Committee has drafted a Plan of Union that will be brought forward to the governing bodies of both churches for approval, with congregational votes on July 13.

Read the final draft Plan of Union adopted by both governing bodies.

Three rounds of approval will be needed for each church and denomination:

  • Approval by the Executive Board (FHC) and Session (NLPC)
  • Congregational approval
  • Denominational affirmation (UCC)/approval (Presbyterian)

Once approved by all levels for each church, we will then be free to conduct all the remaining execution activities for our merger and begin operating together as a new church in January 2026.

Timeline of key merger activities

May – Preparing our governing boards/congregations for the upcoming decisions.

–The Plan of Union document is shared with NLPC’s Session and FHC’s Executive Board at their respective board meetings (May 20 for FHC, May 27 for NLPC). Each respective governing body then has one month to review this document.

–Both congregations are also informed of the Plan of Union, the timeline, and of the timing of the Special Congregational Meetings on July 13 (see below).

June 17/24 – The Plan of Union is voted on by NLPC’s Session and FHC’s Executive Board at their respective board meetings (June 17 for FHC, June 24 for NLPC).

July 13 – Each congregation holds a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 13, to approve it as a congregation.

Aug. 9 – After the July 13 vote, FHC informs the UCC Conference. The merger is then affirmed by the UCC Conference Board of Directors at their regular meeting on Aug. 9. (Note: the UCC Conference does not need to vote to “approve” the merger like the Presbytery does; rather, they simply formally “affirm” the approved motion we share with them, and record it into their minutes.)

Sept. 11 – NLPC gains approval from the Presbytery for the merger in their official Presbytery meeting on Sept. 11.

September – December – The two congregations continue to execute the detailed plans described in the Plan of Union (e.g., governance, financials, creation of a new legal entity, merging of committees).

January 2026 – The birth of a new church!

An update on our music director search

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May 8, 2025

By Rev. Rick King

You may have heard the news that Adam Miller, our music director, will be leaving his position sometime before Sept. 1. His full-time job during the week, new as of March, involves a good deal more travel, so he tendered his resignation in March. I explained that in more detail in my column in the March 23 edition of the TAB https://mailchi.mp/falconheightsucc/tab-3-23-25.

I write you this week with good news: The team assembled to write a new position description for the position tentatively titled Director of Music Ministry has concluded its work, and we’re ready to move into the posting, interviewing and hiring phase!

A BIG thank you to the many of you who stayed during coffee hour last Sunday to provide your feedback on what you think we need in the person we hire for this position. And thank you to those who agreed to capture what people shared in notes.

We collected responses from both congregations after our joint service May 4. A summary of those comments and suggestions will be shared with you in a future piece in both churches’ newsletters.

This position will be an “acting” position during the transitional period before the merger vote, similar to the way in which all non-clergy staff positions go through a “provisional hire” period before they become settled positions.

At the same time, we know this position is intended to be part of the staff in the newly-merged church if that goes through. That’s why we had a mix of New Life and Falcon Heights members writing the position description.

The initial hire, though, is for Falcon Heights Church, so the interviewing team will be all Falcon Heights members.

Kudos to the team that wrote the position description:

Cynthia DeVore, the lead from New Life, who plays bells with the Prime Chimers; Nancy Ellias from FHC, who’s a member of the Outreach Team and a seasonal Chancel Choir member; Cynthia Erickson, Prime Chimers director from New Life; Molly Hoffman, FHC Executive Board member and co-financial secretary, who works with the international student office at the University of Minnesota and has human resources experience; and Lynne Meyer, FHC Executive Board and Chancel Choir member. They took a lot of material and crafted it into a useful tool in the hiring process. Thanks especially to Molly, who originated the first draft, and to Cynthia DeVore, who kept the team focused and moving quickly through this work so the position can be posted after Executive Board approval.

The timetable going forward is this:

May 12 – Position description sent to Executive Board to vote on at its May 20 meeting.
May 20 – Executive Board vote on the position description.
May 21 – Position posting with a number of outlets; thanks to Bob Olsen and Cynthia Erickson for providing these. Full position description linked from our church website.
June 10 or 17 – Start reviewing applications, and continue to take applications until the position is filled. The interview team will include Lynne Meyer, who has agreed to stay on from the previous team to provide history and continuity. Gordie Everest has also agreed to be part of this team, and we are looking for one or two more from FHC.
July 15-Aug. 1 – Anticipated start date for the newly hired person, to be onboarded by Adam and others in time for the start of the program year in September.

Later this summer, we hope to be able to celebrate Adam’s ministry with us the past four years and send him off with our prayers and best wishes.

What questions do YOU have about the search?

A worsening clergy mental health crisis

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Fifth in a series: Five disruptive church trends in 2025.

April 30, 2025

By Rev. Rick King

Carey Nieuwhof is the Canadian pastor and trend-spotter I read who annually publishes a list of “disruptive church trends” that he believes will affect churches of all types, even though he writes with a primarily evangelical audience in mind. I’m interested in how we can view this year’s five disruptive trends through the lens of our merger process. Each week, we’ll look at a different trend and see how it applies to us as we try to plant a new church out of a merger of two existing churches facing challenges. Source of the content is Nieuwhof’s blog, but the take on it is my own.

There was a lot of talk in clergy circles during the pandemic about clergy mental health.

During 2020-21, I so looked forward to the weekly Minnesota Conference UCC clergy support calls on Zoom. We shared what was going on in our churches and households, the struggles and victories and what we found helpful in coping with the stress and isolation of COVID.

Clergy mental health has rebounded somewhat from those days. And although the number of ministers who have experienced the impulse to quit full-time ministry has dropped from 42 percent in 2022 to 33 percent in 2023, according to Barna Group, a third of all U.S. pastors still think seriously of leaving ministry.

And get this: 18 percent of pastors have thought about suicide or self-harm in the past year, fueled by loneliness and isolation among lead pastors that is intensifying, not declining.

There’s been a precipitous drop in pastors who say they regularly get the personal support they need to thrive in their field, from 37 percent to 19 percent over the past 10 years! That means 81 percent are NOT getting regular support.

Personally, I’ve worked hard over 35 years of ministry to ensure I have the support I need. And while 21 percent of clergy over the age of 45 say they’re flourishing in their well-being, under the age of 45 only 7 percent say that.

Why does this matter to us, as we move toward a merger? Because the next generation of church leaders is not okay. Not only is there a leader shortage in the church, but those leaders of the next generation aren’t thriving.

Since the new church birthed by our possible merger with New Life will likely be looking for a next generation pastoral leader, this crisis will affect our church directly in the next few years. Economic challenges, global instability, and other factors will push church leaders in ways they’ve never been pushed.

People watching this trend in alarm admit there’s no “fix” for this generational mental health crisis. But as Easter people, we believe that God can bring life-giving wisdom out of death-dealing circumstances. We need to be looking for the new things God can do in the life of our churches and their leaders. Nieuwhof proposes a few:

It comes from the top – Senior leaders of churches can have a positive impact by modeling healthy practices and balanced lives, both in leadership and in their personal lives. Not only regularly taking time off, but cultivating healthy practices for mind, body, soul and spirit to be renewed. No one else can decide to do this, but churches can encourage leaders to do this and fund it in their budgets. Not to do so is short-sighted and a recipe for burnout.

Think of the team – Paid staff in churches need to be encouraged to practice healthy, balanced living, but so do lay leaders. Checking in with each other regularly has been important as our lay leaders go through life crises and other changes in their lives, as well as making sure we share the load with each other and regularly ask each other for help. The mission of the institution is never more important than caring for people.

Live today so you thrive tomorrow – Not survive, but thrive. And that goes for the church, not just the pastor.

What are YOUR thoughts about this? What are YOU seeing and hearing from friends in other churches?

Grow out of your neighborhood soil

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Fourth in a series: Five disruptive church trends in 2025

April 24, 2025

By Rev. Rick King

Carey Nieuwhof is the Canadian pastor and trend-spotter I read who annually publishes a list of “disruptive church trends” that he believes will affect churches of all types, even though he writes with a primarily evangelical audience in mind. I’m interested in how we can view this year’s five disruptive trends through the lens of our merger process. Each week, we’ll look at a different trend and see how it applies to us as we try to plant a new church out of a merger of two existing churches facing challenges. Source of the content is Nieuwhof’s blog, but the take on it is my own.

It’s just after Easter and Earth Day, and also Pope Francis’ death, and I can’t let a moment go by without inviting you to attend our joint Earth Sunday service this coming Sunday at New Life at 10 a.m. Original poetry, a joint choir anthem, a message on healing our relationship with the earth and each other—and special Earth Day activities after church, along with tasty food and drink. See you there?

Now, Disruptive Church Trend #4: Carey Nieuwhof notes that historically, whenever a new model for being church arises, others rush to copy the formula, hoping to attract large numbers of new people and revitalize the church. It’s like there’s a checklist of boxes you have to check if your church is to be successful.

A production model of church, when what we need more of is a gardening model. Get to know your soil, nurture it, and bloom where you’re planted.

The problem is that what’s new gradually becomes less original the more churches that copy it. Back in the 1990s, being an Open and Affirming church in the UCC was novel, and was one of the features the denomination was touting in growing UCC congregations.

Extravagant, radical hospitality is still important, but with more and more churches now becoming LGBTQIA+ affirming, it’s not unique anymore. Becoming more local, getting to know your church’s neighbors and neighborhood intimately, and looking for opportunities to join forces with neighbors in community ministry is far more important than any cookie-cutter approach to being the church.

As we think about the kind of NEW church God will bring out of this merger between our two churches, we need to discern the difference between learning from others and imitating others. Imitating some other church’s formula for success is NOT innovating; it’s imitating. But there are things we can learn from other churches and do well in the new church that comes out of this merger: how to invite people to church, welcome them when they show up, keep in touch and let them know how to get involved, prepare them when they feel ready to make a deeper commitment to the community, etc.

Above all, it’s everybody’s job to get to know our neighborhood, even—and especially—if you’ve been in the neighborhood for a long time. Because there’s turnover happening in this neighborhood and the one around New Life: the people we need most to connect with are not necessarily the ones who were there ten or even five years ago, to say nothing of 25 or 30 years ago.

We are to take root and grow in the soil of our local context, not that of some other church. And that means getting curious, starting conversations with neighbors, and learning about our “local soil.”

What are YOU curious about in our two churches’ surrounding areas?

Three ways to celebrate Earth Day

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