Maine Conference
United Church of Christ

Member in Discernment Scholarship Application

The Maine Conference United Church of Christ awards scholarships to Members in Discernment (MID) preparing to become Authorized Ministers.

Most recipients will be seminary students.  However, MIDs following multiple paths to ministry and those not engaged in a seminary degree programs are also encouraged to apply.

Awards will be sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution in August for the academic year beginning in the Fall.

Requirements:
1.	Verification that you are a member in good standing in a local UCC congregation in the Maine Conference.
2.	Verification that you are a Member in Discernment (MID) with a Maine Conference Association.
3.	Documented evidence of successful completion of prior academic work (transcripts or other information that documents prior work).
4.	Intention to seek a call to serve as an Authorized Minister in the United Church of Christ.
5.	Documented financial need.
6.	Letters of reference from local church pastor, education representative, someone who can attest to your leadership skills.
7.	Timely submission of all application materials.

Applicant Name:  _______________________________________________________________

Address:   _____________________________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Contact:  _____________________________________________________________

In what Maine UCC church are you a member:  _______________________________________

Describe your involvement and contributions to your local church:  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In what Maine Association are you an MID:  _________________________________________

By what education program are you pursuing Authorized Ministry:
_____ Seminary (name:  _________________________________________________________)
_____ Regional Theological Education Program (name: ________________________________)
_____ Other (name:  ____________________________________________________________)

On a separate sheet of paper, provide detailed information regarding your finances.  List all sources of income and any benefits that you receive (include loans, grants, scholarships, and family contributions); indicate person(s) that you are supporting; provide information regarding all your household and living expenses; list your educational costs; indicate how you plan to finance your educational plans, and; list your current educational and financial indebtedness.

On a separate sheet of paper, answer the essay questions listed below.  Prepare your answers to these questions with the calling body of ministry that you currently have in mind. Demonstrate skills, anecdotes, experience and lived beliefs. Use the questions provided to communicate your story, your unique style, and your vision for practical ministry.  No more than 350 words for each essay.

1.	Spiritual Foundation for Ministry:  My sense of being called by God and the church to authorized ministry.
2.	UCC Identity for Ministry: Active membership in a local church of the UCC. (Share a story of appreciation for the impact that your local church has had on your faith journey).
3.	Personal and Professional Formation for Ministry: The ability to take initiative in leadership, and to frame and test a vision in community. (What hymn or song resonates with your understanding of community? Why?).
4.	Knowledge and Skills Specific to Authorized Ministry: A thorough knowledge of, and personal engagement with, the Bible. (How do you practice scriptural study for the work of ministry?).

Please return your application and all required materials no later than May 31st to: Maine Conference United Church of Christ, 337 State Street, Suite 3, Augusta, Maine 04330-6122 or by e-mail to conference@maineucc.org.  Scholarships will be awarded in August, and you will receive notification via e-mail.