First Congregational UCC, Lake Geneva, was the host of a Common Ground presentation on the State of Lake Geneva: Our Schools, Our Lake, Our Government. They will also be the host of a Common Ground presentation, "Grounded in Walworth County."

First Congregational UCC, Hartland, had a Vacation Bible School, including hands-on crafts and Bible stories.

They also highlighted their VBS in their first participation in the community's parade.

First Congregational UCC, Madison, Memorial UCC, Fitchburg, Middleton Community UCC and St. John's UCC, Merton. had Summer Sunday Schools.

Memorial UCC, Fitchburg, has a "stump the pastor" Mystery Box during their children's time in worship on many Sundays. Plymouth Congregational UCC, Madison, also uses a "challenge the pastor" item occasionally in their children's message.

McFarland UCC highlighted the role that volunteers play in their church.

As a way to honor Pride Month (June), Walt Jackson, the Moderator of McFarland UCC, reflected on his personal experience of being publicly outed and rejected by another church.

First UCC, Belleville, clarified that they are still considering becoming an Open and Affirming congregation..

As a way to celebrate Pride Month, McFarland UCC will tell stories of the well-known environmentalist, Rachel Carson

Middleton Community UCC will feature a drag queen in their July 29 concert.

The pastor of Communty of Hope UCC, Madison, has alerted her congregation of a series of round table discussions, in which they are considering the future of their church..

Redeemer UCC, Sussex, had their 7th annual Praire Fest--a celebration of nature, sustainability, creativity, connection and community.

The Wisconsin Conference UCC has notified us that members of Lake Edge UCC, Madison, are now members and are worshiping at Common Grace, a federated congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Moravian Church with a strong outreach and ecumenical misson, since selling their building in Madison.

First Congregational UCC, Platteville, and First Congregational UCC, Madison, were also hosts for Make Music Plattevile and Make Music Madison. Plymouth Congregational UCC. Madison, is taking a break from it.

The Union Grove Congregational UCC is another congregation that provides a comunity meal.

McFarland UCC observed the summer solstice with a festival and fire ceremony.

Engaging Wisdom: Finding Meaning, Purpose and Connection with God as We Age.will continue throughout the summer at Memorial UCC, Fitchburg.

The Wisconsin Conference calls attention to Madison's Big Ride for Palestine will take place on July 19, from 10:00 to 12:00, leaving from Olin Park. Bikers are asked to wear their kufiya. a cultural garment worn by people of various faiths across the Middle East. It is a symbol of solidarity with the Palestine cause and resistance against oppression.

They also encourage us to support the Al-Ahli Hospital, one of the few remaining medical facilities in Gaza.

A member of McFarland UCC explained that their church has a historical connection with Palestine, as they have supported the hospital.

First Congregational UCC, Janesville, will have an Art Day in which they will make origami birds

First Congregational UCC, Fort Atkinson, has put out the call for volunteers to help build a Habitat for Humanity house

Zwingli UCC, Paoli, has encouraged members to reflect on their Star Words, including the use of songs, imagery and qotes.

As a part of the celebration of the church's 90th anniversary, Middleton Community UCC invited their members to a storytelling event.

The Women's Fellowship of Redeemer UCC, Sussex, featured a professor speaking on Move for You: Building a Strong Body and; Mind at Every Stage of Life.

Orchard Ridge UCC, Madison, has again offered their summer Pen Pal program. Redeemer UCC, Sussex, has a Heart to Heart ministry designed to build friendships across generations thrugh notes and shared experiences.

First Congregational UCC, Madison, invites members to take a penguin--a symbol of community--with them on their summer travels and to take a pebble back to their church. MCC/ Communiity of Hope UCC, Madison, invites their members to take a mini-Jesus with them on their summer travels and to share photos when they return.

Salem UCC, Verona, is concerned to make their church a safe place, such as locking their doors when persons are working in the building, installing a First Aid kit, and creating a Safety Comiittee. A Safety Team has also been created by Windsor UCC.

Redeemer UCC, Sussex, is having a Narcan/Naloxone training as a way for persons to learn how to respond to an overdose emergency.

MCC/Community of Hope UCC, Madison, will again welcome the children of Lussier Community Center in their Kids in the Garden program, to walk in the church's garden and learn about gardening.

Members of McFarland UCC have displayed their photos of the North Shore of Lake Superior in the church's community room.

Rev. Tamy Martens of Windsor UCC shared her reflections on Progressive Christianity as an alternative to Christian Nationalism.

As the hot weather postponed the original date, First UCC, Belleville, will provide a stand at Music in the Park on July 13.

As July 26 marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),, Salem UCC, Verona, will focus on the role that act has played..

Recognizing that a fire or natural disaster could destroy many of their records and documents, Zwingli UCC, Paoli, has taken steps to deal wth the issue.

The pastor of Zwingli UCC, Monticello, will provide hours of availability in local parks.

The women of the church are providing root beer floats to residents of local nursing homes.

The Williams Bay Congregational UCC will have an Open Mic night during the summer.

First Congregational UCC, Hartland, noted that the United Church of Christ celebated their 69th anniversary this summer.

An Ecclesiastical Council will be held at Salem UCC, Verona, for Lisa Hari on Sunday, July19, 2:00. Following Lisa's reading of her ordination paper.and discussion, a vote will be taken.

The Committee on Ministry of the Wisconsin Conference, UCC

Invite all members, friends and clergy of the Wisconsin Conference and the Southern Region to the



Installation of

Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown

Sunday, July 26^th, 2:00 p.m. 

Hosted by

Zwingli UCC of Mt Vernon

1693 Washington Street

Verona, WI 53593

(608) 832-6677

Ministers' choice to robe or not. Wear a favorite stole

or just come as you are!



An offering will be received for the  

Wisconsin Conference Member in Discernment Scholarship Fund. 

The Committee on Ministry of the Wisconsin Conference, UCC

Invite all members, friends and clergy of the Wisconsin Conference and the Southern Region to the



Installation of

Rev. Benjamin J. Barlow 

Sunday, August 2nd, 3:00

Hosted by

First Congregational UCC, Janesville

54 S Jackson Street

  Clergy are invited to robe and wear a favorite stole.

An offering will be received for the  

Wisconsin Conference Member in Discernment Scholarship Fund.

THE CROSSING IS LOOKING FOR BOARD MEMBERS

Do you have an interest in college students and the desire that they be aware of progressive Christianity? Then you may be one who would like to support The Crossing by serving as a board member. If so, contact them.

DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE A PARISH NURSE?

Churches that do not receive the Wisconsin Conference newsletter may not be aware tht a request has gone out. If your church has a parish nurse you are asked to contact Lisa Hart at the Conference office.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

The Congregational UCC, Williams Bay, is discussing The Green Grocer, on the art of neighboring.

The Seekers group of First Congregtional UCC, Janesville, is reading The Power of Kindness, by Piero Ferrucci.

The Book Group of Memorial UCC. Fitchburg, is reading The Rolling Pin Bakery,

.