FAQs
What is CUE?
CUE is a collaborative fundraising organization that actively encourages and facilitates congregational support for the UCC’s three midwestern seminaries: Chicago, United and Eden. CUE operates as an independent 501(c)3 outside of the United Church of Christ. We raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for seminary education each year on behalf of the seminaries, distributing funds equally among them and supplementing their ability to raise funds directly.
Why CUE?
Collaboration makes us stronger, extends our reach, and demonstrates our shared commitment to theological education on behalf of the United Church of Christ. Our UCC seminaries transform lives and faith communities. Speaking with one voice, we communicate the importance of seminary education to the congregations and communities who benefit from the trained leadership our seminaries provide.
How does CUE operate?
CUE’s Board of Directors is composed of conference ministers and seminary presidents. Development staff at seminaries also support the work of the Board, which meets at least quarterly. Vandersall Collective provides communication and strategic support for our fundraising efforts. Our part-time bookkeeper works from St. Paul, MN.
What is your budget?
We have two budgets. Our operating budget is approximately $45,000 a year and covers the expenses needed to maintain our basic infrastructure. Contributions received for seminary support is approximately $300,000 and is divided and sent directly to Chicago, United and Eden.
Who funds the operating budget?
We request annual minimal operating support from 16 conferences, our seminaries and the national church. This is separate from funding from conferences and congregations, which goes directly to the seminaries themselves.
How are operating budget requests calculated for conferences?
Requests for support were based on operating expenses of our conferences. That said, in 2018 the Board of Directors decided to no longer increase operating fund requests.
How many conferences does CUE relate to?
Sixteen, representing Illinois, Illinois South, Indiana/Kentucky, Iowa, Kansas / Oklahoma Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri Mid-South, Montana/Wyoming, Nebraska, Northern Plains, Ohio, Rocky Mountain, South Central, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
How can my church support theological education at these seminaries?
Churches are encouraged to make support for theological education a priority in their annual budgets and/or take a special offering in support of theological education each year. All gifts may be sent through each local conference or mailed directly to:
CUE FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Kelly Rink
PO Box 120357 St. Paul, MN 55112
email: kelly@cueseminaries.org
How can we arrange for a speaker from one of these seminaries to come to our conference, association or local church gathering?
Please contact the CUE regional seminary staff representative at each seminary:
Chicago Theological Seminary
Chad Schwickerath
Annual Fund & Alumni Relations Manager
phone: 773-896-2434
email: chad.schwickerath@ctschicago.edu
United Theological Seminary
Cindi Beth Johnson
Vice President of Advancement
phone: 651-255-6137
email: cbjohnson@unitedseminary.edu
Eden Theological Seminary
Sandi Boehlein
Director of Development
phone: 314-918-2691
email: advancement@eden.edu
What can my church do to help someone considering a vocation in ministry?
Individuals who are interested in pursuing a vocation in ministry are encouraged to browse each seminary's website and contact the admissions offices of our seminaries for more information. The links below also might be helpful in a discernment process.
Chicago Theological Seminary
Contact: Jason Frey, Director of Recruitment and Admission
phone: 773-896-2413
email: jason.frey@ctschicago.edu
United Theological Seminary
Contact: Ronny Bradtke, Director of Admissions
phone: 651-255-6119
email: rbradtke@unitedseminary.edu
Eden Theological Seminary
Contact: Sonya Vann, Director of Admissions
phone: 314-918-2501 -or- 877-627-5652
email: admissions@eden.edu