Reprinted from the Northwest Association newsletter

On September 22, Plymouth United Church of Christ in Eau claire caught fire from a lightning strike. The building was completely destroyed, even the sanctuary that they thought might be saved sustained such extensive smoke and water damage has been determined to be a total loss. Demolition and removal of the building's remains will soon take place and the congregation will be making decisions based on a vacant piece of property.

The loss of the building has been painful; it was a place of vibrant ministry and spiritual history for its members and community. Also lost in the fire were many personal belongs, the church's records and important artifacts. There were no fire proof cabinets in the building. Since the fire, many churches have been talking about getting fire proof cabinets to preserve their history and vital records.

The congregation is renting office, meeting and worship space at Grace ELCA in Eau Claire. Pastor David Huber said this is working extremely well. Pastor David said that they have strong insurance coverage and don't have any immediate financial needs. Because the congregation is just beginning to think about their space needs going forward, they do not know whether they will have financial needs in the future. However, Pastor David did say they have requests for people  who wish to assist the church:

1. Plymouth has a quilters group that makes quilts for the homeless, all their fabric was destroyed and they would welcome 100% cotton fabric from donors
2. Plymouth has a night ministry in Eau Claire and the items this ministry offers to assist people were destroyed; as winter approaches this ministry needs donated sleeping  bags, warm socks, winter boots, coats, mittens, hats, scarves and about 75 small Bibles.
3. Plymouth is also in need of about 50-75 New Century Hymnals if any church has ones that they would want to contribute.  

Pastor David said those interested in making donations can contact the church at 715-835-5475, or him at 715-497-8448. As Plymouth grieves the loss of their building they continue to feel and see how God is with them. They are asking where God is leading and they continue to reach out in love through their ministries of care. Plymouth UCC is on a journey along an uncharted path. Let us keep the people of Plymouth and Pastor David in our prayers.

Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC

The tension between religion and the public authorities goes back to the earliest days of Christianity. But what does that mean for us today, living in a democracy, but where resentment seems to be the coin of the realm this year. How might we find paths to living as followers of Jesus or from other faith perspectives while still acting as engaged citizens in our nation?
Rev. Phil Haslanger of Fitchburg Memorial UCC, gave this presentation as Lakeland University's Mission House Lecture on October 18, 2016.
Read Phil's presentation

Sunday, November 20 , is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It's an opportunity for your ONA congregation to honor your trans neighbors--here and abroad--who lost their lives in the past year to violence and suicide. Your congregation can send a clear message to your community: yes, there is a church where trans people are wanted, valued, and safe. Many congregations read the names of the victims while ringing a bell: it's a powerful way to remember.

The UCC Disabilities Ministries Board's Nominations Committee is seeking people who are passionate about disability ministry who would like to serve on their Board. The Board is made up of people with disabilities, professionals who work in the disability field, and family members of people with disabilities. Their mission is to encourage our denomination to create worship and meeting places, programs, and leadership that are accessible to all (A2A) and welcoming and inclusive of all persons with disabilities. Nominations must be received by December 9, 2016.
More information 

Hospitality. Worship. Faith development. Mission and service. Generosity. These are practices that have been undertaken by churches for generations. But how would your church be renewed by radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity? The Wisconsin Conference's Church Renewal Program seeks to help churches renew and grow their congregations by teaching churches the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.

Renew your congregation! Register for this important program by January 9, 2017. More details are available at wcucc.org/fivepractices. You can also access a flyer about the event to share with others, and here is the link for online registration.  

 

The national United Church of Christ offers scholarships in four areas: Ministry Education, Program Grants, Leadership Development, and Global Ministry. Applications are accepted starting December 1, 2016. You can find out more about these scholarships on the scholarship page at ucc.org.