Greetings to our Southern Region Churches and Pastors,

We are pleased to introduce ourselves as your new Southern Region Support Team. We are honored to partner with the 74 congregations of the Southern Region of the Wisconsin Conference UCC, and with the clergy who serve them, in strengthening the vitality and sustainability of our shared ministry.

Our team’s work includes, among other responsibilities:


• Supporting congregations and clergy through seasons of change and discernment
• Attending installations and farewell services
• Conducting exit interviews to support learning and health across the Conference
• Maintaining the regional pulpit supply list
• Supporting New Church Starts and emerging forms of ministry

We work closely with our Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Rachel Bauman, as we seek to support the life and ministry of each congregation. Please know that we hold all our congregations close in our prayers.


As we begin our ministry together, our first priority is to meet with each of our churches and to listen. These visits are designed to support congregational vitality by creating space for reflection, storytelling, and discernment about your church’s present realities and future hopes.


In partnership with the Wisconsin Conference Board of Directors, our goal is to meet with every congregation over the next 18 months. During a 60-75 minute visit, a representative from the Regional Support Team and a member of the Conference Board will meet with the pastor and congregation to explore:


• What is giving your congregation life and energy right now
• Where you are experiencing challenge, uncertainty or transition
• How your sense of mission is taking shape in your community
• What kinds of relationships, resources, or support would strengthen your congregation’s long-term sustainability
  

Within a reasonable time following the meeting, each congregation will receive a concise written summary of the conversation. The summary will reflect what we heard and will include actionable recommendations – both for your congregation and the Conference – intended to support faithful decision-making, leadership development, and sustainable ministry practices.


Please visit this link to sign up for a visit. The sign-up sheet is currently open for February and March; as these dates fill, additional dates will be added. If you would like to sign up now for a date after March, please be in contact directly with Rev. Rachel Bauman (rbauman@wcucc.org).


Below you will find a list of questions we will be exploring together, should you wish to prepare in advance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member of the Regional Support Team. We very much look forward to meeting you, learning from you, and continuing to support the evolving life and ministry of your congregation.


God’s peace,


Rev. Dr. Bob Gross

revbobgross@gmail.com

Tom Stone, PhD

tom.r.stone39@gmail.com

Rev. Todd Hackman

toddstjohns@tds.net

Rev. Kelly Volk

captainbiology@hotmail.com

Rev. Rachel Bauman

rbauman@wcucc.org




Questions

1.    What couple of things have recently made your congregation come alive?

2.    What do you see as your primary mission in your community? Is there a story you would like to share that illuminates this?

3.    How are you as congregation and pastor caring for one another and showing support to one another?

4.    What would a relationship of mutual support look like between your congregation and the wider Conference?

5.    How are you engaged/connected with other congregations (UCC, ecumenical, interfaith) in your area?

6.    What type of ministry resources would most benefit your congregation that our Conference might be able to provide going forward?

7.    What ministry resources do you have that you would like to share with others?