Iowa Conference UCC

Iowa Conference UCC Leadership Matters! We believe great leaders make vibrant churches. Come here for leadership resources, events and more. See: www.iowaucc.org

The members of the Iowa Conference of the United Church of Christ welcome you in the spirit of Christ! In these pages, may you find an invitation to worship and service in one of our congregations; information to support your congregation in its ministry; and inspiration for the journey we share: transforming churches and transforming lives.

Musings of a Traveling Nebraska South Dakota Iowa Conferences Minister of the United Church of Christ.By Rev Roberto Och...
08/31/2026

Musings of a Traveling Nebraska South Dakota Iowa Conferences Minister of the United Church of Christ.

By Rev Roberto Ochoa
August 31, 2026

A Time to Reflect, Discern, and Re-Imagine the Tri Conference Ministries

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Hola My Friends of the Nebraska South Dakota Iowa Conferences of the United Church of Christ and beyond:

I send you greetings in the Name of Christ in these dog days of summer just before Labor Day.

Since becoming the Conferences Minister, I made a commitment to be transparent and expect transparency from all those that lead in the Tri Conference Ministries. And in the spirit of that transparency, with the help of God and the Nebraska Conference, I share the following developments to the wider Church.

On Monday evening, August 17th, the Nebraska Conference’s Board of Directors voted to submit a resolution at this year’s Nebraska annual meeting in Sioux Falls, SD to “authorize a comprehensive and objective review Of the Tri-Conference Ministry partnership” to be completed no later than February 28, 2027. Furthermore, the Nebraska BOD directed me to inform all Nebraska congregations, Associations, and Authorized Ministries that this resolution will be on the conference annual meeting agenda for review and vote on September 19, 2026.

The Nebraska BOD also directed me to inform the Iowa and South Dakota Conferences’ BODs of their planned action, encouraging the conferences to do the same. I have done so, prompting Iowa and South Dakota conferences to include the Nebraskan Resolution 2026 in their annual meeting agendas.

This resolution, if passed on September 19th will have an impact on the Tri Conference Ministries, as we know it, going into 2027-2028.

The TCM staff was informed of this development on Tuesday morning, August 18th, at a specially called meeting, as a courtesy so not to be blindsided by the news. Please keep our staff in your prayers, as it was made clear that this was not a reflection of the hard work of our conferences’ ministerial and administrative staff. The proposed resolution makes that very clear.

As the Executive Conference Minister for TCM and for Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences, I am in support of this resolution. I do believe that this type of discernment and assessment is long overdue. I trust that God will be with us through the compassion of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit on this journey of faith together.

I encourage all eligible delegates to the South Dakota Iowa Nebraska Conferences to attend their annual meetings either live or virtually on Saturday, September 19th to have your voice heard and vote counted. Registration is required and at no charge if attending online.

Please reach out to me with your questions, concerns and feedback. I ask for your prayers during this crossroad moment for the Tri Conference Ministries and for the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ.

See you in Sioux Falls, South Dakota – September 17-20, 2026.

Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto

Musings of a Traveling Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences Minister of the United Church of ChristRev Roberto Ochoa –...
08/24/2026

Musings of a Traveling Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences Minister of the United Church of Christ
Rev Roberto Ochoa – August 24, 2026

Saints and Sinners

“I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim 1:12-14 – NRSVue)

My Friends of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ and beyond:

Greetings in the Name of the Jesus that shows us the Way to our Creator with faith and love!

This past Sunday, while at my home base in Iowa Falls, I was able to have the privilege of spontaneously visiting a local UCC congregation for the joy of worship and hanging out. So, I called my dear friend Rev Laura Renault a couple of days before and asked if it was okay to come visit the good folks at Zion UCC in Hubbard. Pastor Laura gave me an enthusiastically thumbs up. It turned out she was having an orientation meeting with the confirmands (eight of them), their parents and chaperones coming to the Confirmand/Youth Rally in Sioux Falls, SD. Timing of the visit couldn’t have been better.

I’ve been to Zion UCC on a few occasions, even participating in one of the confirmation classes last December, so the confirmands know me and I have always been received well by the congregation. I was tickled to see the excitement these young women have on coming to the youth rally. I am especially touched by the Zion UCC congregation’s commitment to their children’s faith formation to generously subsidize most of the expenses to make their attendance possible. On behalf of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences, thank you Zion UCC for your support for the Confirmand/Youth Rally this year.

Earlier, in her sermon on “Saints and Sinners”, Pastor Laura’s reflection on 1 Timothy’s first chapter on the gratitude for mercy, was a great reminder for me that we all fall short as God’s people. I appreciated Pastor Laura’s take on the text, that as Christians we are “sinners AND saints not sinners OR saints” and framing our faith journeys as “saints in progress”. Affirming that when we sin or get separated from our relationship with God, our faith in Christ provides reconciliation and forgiveness through an unconditional grace. Which is sometimes difficult to accept if we have made bad choices that have done harm to others or often to ourselves. Paul is that model of how a sinner becomes a saint (though never perfect) through mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. That everlasting hope that all of us have value and potential for good and worthy of love.

I believe in that merciful hope, faith, and love. And I believe that all of it will be present at our Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) as we explore what it means to live as neighbors in Christ together. I am so excited to see our young people being engaged in the life of the Church, meeting others as themselves of what it means to be part of the United Church of Christ. Today more than ever, the adults that make up our UCC conferences, associations, and local churches are called upon to be examples of what it means to love our neighbor and to demonstrate merciful grace in a world that seems to advocate hate and violence. Pastor Laura’s question for us to ponder this week was “What kind of people is God shaping us to be under grace? And how do we manifest it to the world? For we need each other.”

Church, we need each other as the United Church of Christ, which is why a gathering of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota UCC congregations and pastoral leaders is so important…to be present…to see each other…and most importantly to pray for one another. Let us be examples for our young…that we are not alone during fearful times of turmoil…for we follow a God that is merciful and powerful through the love of Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

There is still time to register for JAM and the Confirmand/Youth Rally. See you in Sioux Falls – September 17-20, 2026.

Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto

JAM info: https://ucctcm.org/jam-2026/
Confirmand/Youth Rally info: https://ucctcm.org/jam-2026-youth-rally-celebration/

*Photo description: Confirmands of Zion UCC, Hubbard, Iowa, their chaperones, parents, and Pastor Laura as they gather for an informational orientation to their trip Sioux Falls, South Dakota to participate at UCC Confirmand/Youth Rally Celebration. September 18-19th, 2026.

TCM Musings of a Traveling Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences Minister of the United Church of ChristBy Rev Roberto ...
08/17/2026

TCM Musings of a Traveling Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences Minister of the United Church of Christ
By Rev Roberto Ochoa – August 17, 2026

A Church and Society “Hairspray” Moment for the Tri Conference Ministries (TCM)

“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“you can try to stop the paradise we’re dreaming of…but you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay…cause you can’t stop the beat” (You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray the musical)

Dear Friends of the South Dakota Nebraska Iowa Conferences of the United Church of Christ and beyond,

This summer, being the musical theatre nerd that I am, I decided to listen to Broadway musicals while on the road. What I love about musicals is that they are story telling in song and often based on true events. There is something truly poetic when music is used to describe a story, especially with those with tragic themes, like the Titanic, N**i Germany (Cabaret), Hamilton (the death of Alexander Hamilton), or Jesus’ crucifixion (Godspell/Jesus Christ Superstar) …yet the music and lyrics somehow are still able to communicate hope and inspiration in the light of such tragedies.

And then there are those “historical” musicals that one who is of a certain age (like me) recognizes and lived through, such as “Hairspray”. The musical takes place in the American mid-20th century decade of the sixties, often agreed as one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. history. It was a time of when racial and ethnic identified people, women, and Gay Le***an, Bi Transgender populations found their collective voices and began to push back against the systems of oppression demanding equal civil rights in the areas of housing, employment, healthcare, reproductive rights, education, along with dignity and respect. Movements oftentimes met with violence from those that wanted to keep the status quo. Christian churches found themselves struggling with how to interpret biblical and moral teachings to address the societal issues, whether to decide on sticking with tradition or sound the prophetic call of change, in the name of Jesus Christ.

The “Hairspray” story is simple, it was about a young girl “Tracy Turnblad” who wanted to dance and be loved, and in her quest, she, her family, and friends are thrust on an adventure that would expose them to various types of injustices and a system that attempts to deny the humanity and justice for all. For Tracy and the others, it turns out to be powerful awakening and motivates them to fight for change. They do so with determination, hope, and joy, finding love in the process. The finale is an explosive moment of celebration on what humanity can look like.

Mark Twain has been quoted of saying, “The past does not repeat itself, but it rhymes” (though there isn’t any real evidence he actually said that). However, when I compare what happened in the 20th century sixties to what is currently happening in our communities and churches, I see and feel that rhythm happening; powers are trying to turn back the clock to a time where the dignity and rights of many were denied. And we are being stirred to action, for it has become clear that silence today towards the injustices happening in our country means being complicit. What are we being called to do as the Church? As people of faith in the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ, how are we to respond as we strive to live together as neighbors in Christ? Like the sixties, we are at a spiritual and moral crossroads in our churches and nation today.

That is what the Joint Annual Meetings (JAM) is going to be about in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Sept 17-20, 2026. Front and center will be the discernment of the future of the Tri Conference Ministries, as we reflect, discern, and decide the next steps of this joint ministry of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences. I am calling our local church leaderships to at least attend their respective annual meetings, if not physically, then be present online. Each conference will be making decisions that will impact local church and Associations alike, and your voice and vote is important. The Tri Conference Ministries is at a crossroads, and we pray to God for the guidance through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and Love of Jesus Christ as we embark into a new season and time under heaven.

Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto

P.S. – “You Can’t Stop the Beat” – Hairspray Musical Finale (enjoy):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2KQGAiVec0&list=RDH2KQGAiVec0&start_radio=1

‼️JAM PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS - ARE YOU REGISTERED⁉️Are you an authorized minister, congregational leader, etc.? If so,...
08/16/2026

‼️JAM PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS - ARE YOU REGISTERED⁉️
Are you an authorized minister, congregational leader, etc.? If so, have your registered for the PRE-CONFERENCE Workshops and Trainings on Thursday, September 17th?

Boundary Awareness Training and Mental Health Training are two options available on Thursday, September 17th. For more information on these workshops and others being offered, please follow the link: https://ucctcm.org/workshops/

REGISTER HERE: ➡ https://triconf.my.salesforce-sites.com/default/CnP_PaaS_EVT__ExternalRegistrationPage?event_id=a2CPH0000090Oef2AE
Separate registration fee: $ 75.00 (includes lunch)

Musings of a Traveling Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences Minister of the United Church of ChristBy Rev Roberto Ocho...
08/03/2026

Musings of a Traveling Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences Minister of the United Church of Christ
By Rev Roberto Ochoa
August 3. 2026

Living Together as Neighbors in Christ

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 22:37-40 – NRSVue)

Dear Friends of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the UCC and beyond.

Blessings in Christ be upon y’all this summer.

One of the joys of serving as Conferences Minister is the privilege and opportunity of meeting the good folk of our local UCC churches throughout the conferences, whether it be during a milestone celebration of clergy installation or congregational anniversary or at an Association gathers of local churches, I love learning about individual church history and finding out the congregational passion within their communities.

Often, I’ll ask what are some of the things the local church does to engage the community as neighbors. It is amazing how many of our churches support local food pantries, offer free dinners, create backpacks for school children and childcare services in their communities, offer spaces for AA and NA gatherings, and some support homeless shelters. Volunteering within the community is a common practice for local church members, youth and those with abundant years alike. And during emergencies, many have provided relief in supplies and cash for victims of fire, tornadoes, floods, as well as those experiencing gun violence, beyond their communities and providing prayerful vigils for communities to gather to grieve and hope.

Yes, I see much evidence that being a good neighbor in Christ is a primary mission of our UCC local churches.

A follow up question that I always ask of the local church, how can the Conference be a good neighbor to local churches. The most common response is, be present, listen and provide pastoral support from the United Church of Christ.

For ten years, the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences have been partnering as neighbors in Christ through the Tri Conference Ministries. This year each of the conferences approved the creation of a Conference Minister’s Task Force to Reflect, Discern, and Re-Imagine the Tri Conference Ministries. A twenty-one member task force (7 from each conference) will assess the effectiveness of the TCM over the next two years through thoughtful reflection, discernment and prayer and make recommendations about its future in 2028. A special worship service to commission the Task Force will be held during the joint annual meetings (JAM) of the conferences in Sioux Falls, SD, Sept 17-20.

I believe being good neighbors is reciprocal. The Associations and Conferences in Iowa Nebraska South Dakota need the presence of the local churches to its gatherings to hear the voices of affirmation and concerns in our common ground ministry of spreading the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Sioux Falls, the JAM planning team is producing an ambitious regional UCC gathering of local UCC churches and pastoral leaders in South Dakota Nebraska Iowa Conferences to ponder the question, how do we live together as neighbors in Christ? How do the individual conferences of Nebraska South Dakota Iowa live together as neighbors in Christ? How does the local churches live together as neighbors in Christ within Associations, Conferences, and the National Ministries of the UCC? And most importantly for me how are we teaching our youth to live with one another as neighbors in Christ? All of us asking, who is my neighbor that Jesus has commanded us to love?

I’d like to acknowledge that in our world today, in our country, and in our communities, the concept of loving the neighbor has been under enormous pressure due to the current turbulent times we are living in. It is my prayer and hope that the voices of faith to follow Jesus’ teachings of loving and living together in Christ Love will prevail. I am praying the JAM gathering in Sioux Falls will be one such example. Please come Sept. 17-20, to worship together, to learn together, and celebrate together as the United Church of Christ Iowa Nebraska South Dakota. Send your confirmand age youth (12-16) to the special Youth Rally…and bring the whole family, for there is much to do in Sioux Falls. https://ucctcm.org/jam-2026/

Below are the workshops being offered during JAM 2026:(subject to change)
New Earth Literacy
How do we live faithfully in a changing world? Through practices of listening, lament, and hopeful action, participants will explore spiritual disciplines that deepen our relationship with creation and inspire faithful responses to environmental challenges.

Called to Serve? Exploring Lay Ministry and Ministry Education through the Leadership and Ministry Program (LAMP)
Curious about where God may be calling you? Learn about lay ministry opportunities, educational pathways, and leadership development available through LAMP and the Nebraska Conference. Whether you're discerning a call or encouraging others, this workshop offers practical next steps.

Talk Saves Lives
Learn the warning signs of su***de, how to respond with compassion, and ways congregations can support mental wellness in their communities. This workshop offers practical tools, current information, and hope for faithful ministry in difficult conversations.

A Place at the Table: A Presentation by Evangelical Conservative Orthodox or Traditional Ministries (ECOT) of the United Church of Christ
Healthy churches create space for honest conversation across differences. Explore practical tools for facilitating respectful dialogue, building understanding, and strengthening relationships within diverse congregations.

Open and Affirming in Small Town and Rural Churches
Hear stories from Open and Affirming congregations serving rural and small-town communities. Panelists will share their journeys, lessons learned, and practical insights, followed by an extended question-and-answer session.

Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM)
Learn about the ministry and mission of the Council for American Indian Ministry, its partnerships within the Dakota Association, and opportunities for churches to deepen relationships through Neighbors in Need and Indigenous ministries.

(Tentative) Understanding the Heart of the UCC
Ever wonder why the UCC functions the way it does? Explore how our history, theology, and polity continue to shape our identity today. Discover what makes the United Church of Christ distinctive and why our covenantal way of being church still matters.

Strengthening Our Connections
The Local Church, Association, Conference, and National Setting each have unique gifts to offer. Explore how these ministries work together, discover available resources, and strengthen partnerships that support the whole church.

Artificial Intelligence: A Reader's Digest Introduction for the Church
Artificial Intelligence is changing how we live and work—but what does it mean for ministry? This accessible introduction explores the opportunities, challenges, ethical questions, and practical uses of AI for congregations and church leaders. No technical background is required.

Empowering the Sheep: Thriving in Bi-vocational Ministry (Tentative)
As more congregations move toward part-time or bi-vocational ministry, new models of shared leadership are emerging. Explore practical resources that help pastors and congregations thrive together in changing ministry contexts.

Growing Hope Ministries: Rural Churches Changing the World
Rural churches are uniquely positioned to make a global impact. Experience The Global Farmer Experience, an interactive simulation that reveals the daily challenges facing smallholder farmers around the world. Discover how your congregation can respond to global hunger while celebrating its own rural identity, strengths, and mission.

The Marks of Faithful and Vital UCC Churches
What makes a church unmistakably UCC? Drawing from the Manual on Local Church, we'll explore the Marks of Faithful and Vital UCC Churches—not as a checklist, but as an invitation to deeper discipleship, courageous community, and faithful witness. Through conversation and shared reflection, you'll discover practical ways these marks can shape your congregation's identity, strengthen its ministry, and inspire hope for the future.

Living Together as Neighbors in Christ…I pray to see you in September.

Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto

📣📣Have you heard about the Workshop Opportunities being offered at JAM 2026 this year?  The following Workshops are bein...
07/29/2026

📣📣Have you heard about the Workshop Opportunities being offered at JAM 2026 this year? The following Workshops are being offered to all attendees on Friday, September 18th and Saturday, September 19th. To learn more about these workshops and the additional opportunities being offered at JAM, visit our website: https://ucctcm.org/jam-2026/

Haven't Registered for JAM Yet❓ Get registered at the following links:
➡JAM 2026 - https://triconf.my.salesforce-sites.com/default/CnP_PaaS_EVT__ExternalRegistrationPage?event_id=a2CPH000008z8qT2AQ

➡Youth Rally - https://triconf.my.salesforce-sites.com/default/CnP_PaaS_EVT__ExternalRegistrationPage?event_id=a2CPH0000090HLR2A2

Amoeba MinistryTrinity United Church of Christ, MarengoJuly 12, 2026Installation of Rev. Daniel LuepkeLuke 4:16-21; Acts...
07/27/2026

Amoeba Ministry
Trinity United Church of Christ, Marengo
July 12, 2026
Installation of Rev. Daniel Luepke
Luke 4:16-21; Acts 2:42-47

(Today's Reflections is shared by Rev. Dr. Bob Molsberry. It is the sermon he gave for the installation of Pastor Daniel Luepke to Trinity UCC in Marengo, IA. Rev. Dr. Bob Molsberry is a Conference Deacon for the Iowa Conference of the UCC.)

In 1994 my family returned to Iowa after serving 3 years in Nicaragua with the Mennonite Central Committee and 3 years in Guatemala in the Peace Corps. I had sensed that during my absence, ministry in the United Church of Christ had changed, and as I talked with the Iowa Conference staff about serving a local church, I proposed some radical, creative forms of ministry. I asked the Conference Minister if he thought that was a good idea. He said, “Bob, I have no idea what works anymore. Everything has changed. We’re making it up as we go along. Whatever you want to do, give it a try. Let me know what you learn.” And those were the wisest words of advice I have ever received.

Raised up in churches in the 1950s, trained in professional ministry in the 1970s, everything I ever knew or learned about ministry has been rendered obsolete. The only skill I learned that has lasting value is the practice of learning how to learn as I go along.

Back in the 1950s, those optimistic years following WW2, churches and other organizations were booming. The Lions, the Elks, the Kiwanis. Churches. It was assumed that “if you build it, they will come.” Big new church facilities were built on cheap land at the edge of town. Older buildings added four-story educational wings. And filled them every week with kids!

But demographics and cultural norms have changed since then.

Think of the changes right here in Iowa County since the founding of the three German Reformed congregations here in 1888. The intrepid pioneers planted three small congregations to serve the local settlers, mostly farmers. St. John’s, St. Paul’s, and Zion. The Marengo Charge. The families they served clumped around the congregations on small family farms. When I met with some of you here a couple of years ago, we calculated that there might have been 10 farms of a few acres each within a mile walk of the church, and some of these families might have had 10 kids each. Think of the Sunday morning worship gatherings and Sunday afternoon picnics and Wednesday night prayer services when all the neighbors got together! Folks just walked across the field or down the road to get here.

But then: CHANGE! Farms needed to get bigger to be economically viable. 40 acres and a mule would no longer cut it. Rural populations declined. Schools consolidated and kids were bused into town. During my lifetime the interstate was cut right through middle of Iowa farmland and communities, cutting off neighbors and small towns. Churches learned to cooperate and then to consolidate just like the schools. The three Iowa County Reformed churches became one. The denominations merged: the German Reformed denomination merged with the German Evangelical Synod to become the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and then in 1957 joined with the Congregational and Christian Churches to become our United Church of Christ. And now, here locally you are sharing ministry and pastoral leadership with First Lutheran Church of Conroy.

The changes might not have felt neutral. For many people it has felt like loss. There has been a significant decline in numbers of members and congregations, and a significant shrinkage in state and national administrative structures that I’ve experienced over nearly 50 years of ordained ministry. Some people look back over that history with a sense of nostalgia and even grief over what has been lost. Ministry needs a radical reboot to address current needs and trends.

But let’s go back a little farther in history, to the very beginning of a fledgling church in Jerusalem. We read in the book of Acts about the birthday of the church on Pentecost. Members met weekly in homes. They shared all things in common. They met the needs of their neighbors. They shared with gladness so that the saints of the church were cared for. They followed in the way that Jesus had pioneered for them: feeding the poor, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, releasing the captive, healing the sick.

In that sense, nothing has changed about ministry in the last 2000 years. Now and forever, world without end, ministry is the same animal it was 2000 years ago. Neighbors gather to worship and break bread together. To reconnect with one another and remind each other about the love of God which passes all understanding. They learn from the Bible about Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation, justice, compassion, and welcome to which Jesus devoted himself. And they pledge to dedicate themselves to that same ministry.

You do that same ministry in countless creative and entrepreneurial ways, through Bible studies over coffee, after school programs, supplying food pantries, showing up for a small town parade, worshiping with your neighbors across the county, whether in your church or your neighbor’s church, raising mission money for natural disasters in Venezuela or human disasters in Sudan, visiting the sick, praying for your neighbors and nation, singing in a choir, supplying clothing closets, sending kids to church camps, cleaning up litter on the roadsides – you know the drill. Whatever it takes to build up the Kingdom of God, as God might have imagined it for the world, that’s what you do, together, with joyful and gladsome hearts. We pray it every Sunday: “Thy kingdom come on earth,” and then we get busy BEING the Kingdom, as best we are able, along with our neighbors.

I like to imagine ministry in this changing environment like an amoeba. Do you remember watching amoebas under the microscope in high school biology class? The way they explore their environment is by extending a pseudopod out into the world to test the waters, so to speak. If they encounter a barrier or a toxic or hostile environment, they withdraw the pseudopod and strike out in a different direction. Until they find a more productive, fruitful direction in which to travel.

Be an amoeba. Play with various ministries. They won’t all work, but don’t be afraid to fail. Even Caitlin Clark misses more shots than she makes! Frequent failure is the price of success.

You know how your GPS tells you where to go? “At the next stoplight, turn left.” And if you deviate from her chosen route, she will redirect you back to the original route. But if you really get lost, she says, “recalibrating.” She’s planning a whole new route for you to get to the original destination from the new place that you’re at.

That’s what church is doing these days. Recalibrating. It’s a unique starting point now, because we’ve never been here before. We are not on the same route we were on 50 years ago, or 2000 years ago. But the destination, the goal, is that same it’s always been. We are seeking to be faithful to God’s invitation to discern and to live the Kingdom of God right here in our midst.

The sweet spot for creative, effective ministry is when your skills and passions meet the world’s needs. That’s where effective change happens. And that’s when God smiles.

May God smile on the pastoral leadership of Rev. Daniel Luepke and the ongoing ministry of Trinity United Church of Christ!

Photo description: Pastor Daniel Luepke, Rev. Dr. Bob Molsberry and Rev. Ann Molsberry at Pastor Luepke's Installation at Trinity UCC, Marengo, IA.

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4126 Ingersoll Avenue
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