Nov 9 2025 – A Reflection by Rev. Roberto Ochoa
“And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel of all creation.”
(Mark 16:15)
In the ten months that I have been serving as Conference Minister for the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences, I have been sharing reflections of my adventures driving through the beautiful sites that make up the three conferences. From the breath-taking Nebraska Sandhills to the rolling countrysides of Iowa, the farming heartlands of South Dakota to it’s Black Hills, my travels to our churches and Association gatherings have allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the earth…in a way I have never appreciated before. I’m in awe of the privilege I have being invited to so many spaces with folks seeking connection with the United Church of Christ’s Conferences and Associations.
After a week of attending three conference annual meetings and being installed Conference Minister in two (South Dakota, Oct 3 and Iowa, Oct 11)…I drove from Des Moines immediately after my installation at the Iowa annual meeting held in Plymouth Church to Klemme, Iowa. I was scheduled to preach at a joint worship service for Immanuel Reform and Belmond UCC’s pastored by Rev Dave Boogerd on Sunday, Oct 12th. I was invited to stay with a couple of friends at their beautiful farm in Klemme, the night before worship service, which proved to be so tranquil and restful. The sunset that evening was breathtaking.
Immanuel Reform and Belmond were celebrating a Mission Fest with a luncheon after worship. I would learn of their commitment to mission giving to their local communities as well as globally, especially helping those with food insecurities, collecting blankets, creating health kits for Church World Service (CWS) and as faithful contributors to Our Wider Church’s Mission (OCWM). The Women’s Fellowship of Immanuel Reform had just received a $1,000.00 grant from the Iowa Conference Thank Offering Grant in September to benefit the Hancock County Food Bank.
After a break in Cleveland, OH for a couple of days, I flew to Sioux Falls, SD and drove to Aberdeen the weekend of Oct 24-26 to preach for both Brentford Congregational UCC and the Prairie Lakes Association fall meeting on Sunday, Oct 26th. On Saturday, Brentford UCC’s Pastor Mike Kampa was kind enough to be my tour guide so that I could meet with UCC members in the area and get an in-depth look at rural and small-town life in the East River part of South Dakota. I was able to experience an enthusiastic report of the overflowing children and youth programs happening in Ipswich UCC; the thrill of trunk and treating being held at Plymouth Congregational Aberdeen, and the serenity of country church at Columbia Congregational. The day ended with an amazing ride on a combine harvester tracker…where I got to get a glimpse on how and hard rural America works to feed a nation and the world. “Lannie” a member of Brentford Congregational honored me with a ride as his family completed the harvest for the season and I learned much about his love of the land and of the church.
On Sunday, I had a wonderful time at morning worship and was tickled on how loved Pastor Mike is by his congregation especially by the children, who provided him a special gift of a coffee mug and card for pastor appreciation month. I was also able to sit in a youth group (all boys) bible study and discussion on the second chapter of Acts. The facilitator was very adept in getting the young men to share their perspectives.
A special luncheon was held after worship and before the Prairie Lakes Association to allow overlap and fellowshipping between Brentford members with the Prairie Lakes delegates.
The highlight of the Prairie Lakes Association was the recognition of Rev. Marjie Brewton as the first woman ordained in the United Church in South Dakota in 1978 and Ms. Marilyn Jones’ 68 years of music ministry in Erwin UCC. Also, of interest to the churches attending, was the state of the Dakota Association and the UCC churches on the reservations. I was touched by their concern and joyful that several stepped forward to offer assistance to support the DA. I was able to report that I along with Ms. Libby Fairchild, the Interim Executive Director of the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM), Rev Keith Kraft, pastor of Redfield UCC, Rev Emily Munger, the SD Conference Deacon, and members of the DA were touring several of the churches in the Dakota Association to assess their current needs, November 20-22. I promised that I would provide a full report once the tour is complete.
On Monday, I flew to Washington DC to join my colleagues on the Council of Conference Ministers and staff of the National Ministries of the UCC to promote our national ministry that “Love Knows No Borders”. My colleagues shared the challenges of policies impacting our immigrant/refugee populations in our conferences, we prayed, conducted public vigils, and visited our elected senators and representatives from our conferences. The government shutdown made it challenging to meet with congressional leaders and one can feel the tensions between the political parties as some of the Republicans had pictures of Mr. Charles Kirk on their door, who often mixed religion and politics that are considered divisive and who was killed in Utah on September 10th. Some Democrats had the LGBTQ’s rainbow and trans flags prominently placed at the entry of their offices along with stop ICE posters. Unfortunately, none of the representatives from Iowa Nebraska South Dakota responded to UCC’s request for a meeting with me…however I did leave a few business cards for possible future meetings.
The greatest take away for me that week was the support and fellowship between the Conference Ministers as we shared the joys and challenges of being CM’s and building stronger relationships. That alone was worth the trip.
On Thursday, I flew to Rapid City to be with the South Dakota Conference Youth Rally at Placerville UCC Camp. Arriving one day early allowed me to relax and enjoy precious down time in the camp all to myself for the evening. Waking up to the morning sounds of nature centered and prepared me for the day.
When the youth arrived that evening, it was fun dressing up for Halloween…yet later we had a rousing contemporary concert of Christian music by the Red Sea Pedestrians. The next day, I spoke on remembering our ancestors and the call of Jesus love and justice as UCC’ers and finding where we fit in spreading God’s hope, faith, and love. The youth from our UCC churches in their own way exhilarated me with hope and promise.
I couldn’t stay long as that afternoon I took a flight from Rapid City to Omaha (via Dallas TX) to preach at Northwest Hills UCC. Though I was a little concern as my flight was delayed twice in Dallas…I was able to finally land in Omaha at 12:30 am (and I was so grateful for the extra hour for sleep). My experience at Northwest Hills was a pleasant one and I learned about Northwest Hills’ history of folding in four different congregations over the years and their commitment to mission giving. Pastor Alex Wolf was a gracious host, and the congregation hosted me with a cake and coffee reception.
Wherever I go, UCC in our wonderful diversities share a common thread of mission giving and outlook. From the rural/small town church to the urban setting…contributing to the needs of our local and global communities is an important component in the various ministries of our churches. I am honored to offer this snapshot of my travels and musings of what I find in connecting and building relationships with Iowa Nebraska South Dakota local churches and Associations.
If you are interested in my visiting your local church or attend an Association or church meeting, please contact Ms. Kim Springer, Executive Admin at kim@ucctcm.org as 2026 calendar has opened. We will do everything possible to accommodate your request as best as we can. Please note that I am open to visit during the week as well as weekends for special events.
Thank you, dear friends of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the UCC for opening your churches, your homes, and your hearts…and sharing the love of Christ with me this past year. I am blessed to walk the journey of preaching the inclusive and liberating gospel of Jesus Christ with you to all who will listen. Together may we “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8) through Jesus Christ.
Bendiciones y Paz – Rev Roberto