Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
December 15, 2021
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Conference accepting donations to tornado relief |
The Wisconsin Conference UCC is accepting financial contributions to support relief efforts in Kentucky and other regions devastated by tornadoes. Mail checks payable to the Wisconsin Conference 4459 Gray Road, DeForest, WI 53532. Write “Tornado Relief” in the memo line. Or click here to donate online. The Conference will forward donations to UCC Disaster Ministries. At least 88 people were confirmed dead as of Tuesday after a series of storms cut through Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois. Seventy-four of the dead were in Kentucky. Click to read more about how faith-based organizations are rallying to help tornado victims.
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In this issue: Scroll down to find these articles |
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Catalyst at work: Grant supports racial healing series in Port Washington |
Wisconsin Conference Life reports regularly on congregational initiatives made possible by support from the Conference.
New relationships. Connections with social justice groups outside the congregation. Potential collaborations with other churches.
Those are among the fruits of an eight-week study series this fall called “Sacred Conversations to End Racism,” hosted by First Congregational Church in Port Washington. The project was made possible in part by a $1,500 Catalyst Grant provided by the Wisconsin Conference. An additional $1,000 was provided by private contributors and in-kind donors. The sessions were led by the Rev. Laura McLeod, pastor of Brookfield Congregational Church and the wife of First Congregational Pastor Scott McLeod.
First Congregational was among six recipients of Catalyst grants awarded in May. Grants ranged from 1,500 to $5,000.
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Register now for leadership training |
What do Enneagram, UCC covenantal polity, community organizing, conflict transformation, and fabulous faith-filled meetings have in common? You'll find out in The Damascus Project's Leadership Skills learning experience, launching in January 2022!
The Damascus Project has extended the deadline to register for its Leadership Skills course to Dec. 20. The training comprises five units spread throughout the year and combines self-guided learning with live Zoom sessions with one or more instructors. The training is perfect for lay leaders in local congregations, volunteers or paid staff members, and others who seek to grow in their roles. Click for more information and to register.
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Creation justice series: Great Lakes Creation Care Collaborative invites you to join the discussion
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The Great Lakes Creation Care Collaborative will offer a series of Zoom webinars designed to help individuals and congregations become better advocates for God’s great gift of planet Earth. The collaborative is a joint effort of the UCC’s Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota conferences. The three-part series was developed in response to threats to our watersheds from fossil fuels and chemicals, and informed by the potential harm to the economic, spiritual and physical health of indigenous peoples. The webinars will approach the issues through the lenses of indigenous rights; corporate divestment; and liturgical language that reflects on the health of the planet. Click here for the schedule and details about each session.
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The Creation Care Team is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2021 Kairos Grants:
Grace Congregational UCC, Two Rivers - $500
Grace’s Earth Care Ministry team plans to build a nature trail and restore a natural area on church property. The congregation has 7.5 acres of land that will be restored by removing invasive species and planting native trees and shrubs. The grant will go toward purchase of trees, fencing to protect the trees from wildlife, and construction of nature trails.
Plymouth United Church of Christ, Eau Claire - $1,000
The Plymouth congregation has been actively establishing a pollinator garden and removing invasive trees and shrubs from the church grounds. This grant will help cover the cost of equipment and professional services needed to continue control efforts. Future work will include more native plantings.
First Congregational Church, Oshkosh - $1,000
The congregation will use grant funds for two projects. The first will help establish native plants in an area currently covered with turf grass and stones. The second will enhance the community food pantry garden through soil improvement and seeds for specialized vegetables favored by World Relief refugee families in the area.
First Congregational UCC, Appleton - $1,000
This grant will help the Appleton congregation host nationally and regionally recognized experts to present on intersecting environmental and tribal issues. A series of webinars is planned to inform, educate and unite communities around the Great Lakes on effective individual and group actions.
The Creation Care Team is seeking funding to provide Kairos grants more frequently, with hopes of starting quarterly in 2022. All congregations are encouraged to take action to care for our earthly home, and our team will work to provide funding to help make your projects possible.
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Help others by donating now |
The General Fund of the Wisconsin Conference helps us connect, support and resource pastors, leaders, and congregations. Your gift allows the Conference to provide relevant and timely help during the pandemic and beyond. Donate to the General Fund
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Searching churches
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Installations and ordinations
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The Rev. Dr. Laurie Lyter Bright was installed at First Congregational UCC in Appleton on Dec. 5.
In memoriam
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Dora Pegel, wife of the late Rev. Erwin Pegel, died Nov. 24. Obituary
The Conference Transitions feature appears monthly in the Wisconsin Conference Life. Please share your transition information, including church anniversaries, with the newsletter editor by emailing Nola.
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The Kairos Call to Action Newsletter was created to support the efforts of congregations, families and individuals who want to be a part of the UCC’s Kairos Call to Action. Through this newsletter the Conference Creation Care Team will provide resources for study and worship, encourage advocacy on behalf of climate justice, and help congregations find and connect with partners who share this common concern and commitment.
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Tending the Soul of the Beloved Community is a communication dedicated to sharing resources and tools, wisdom and insight for congregations and individuals navigating these challenging days. Created by the Conference Supportive Ministries Team, this publication will highlight resources to aid in steering your path forward.
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Ignite Your Fire, Feed Your Soul,
Build Your Faith... In Nature's Sanctuary
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Join the Conference-wide Creation Care Team!
Are you passionate about Creation Care? Want to connect with others who are taking action to care for the earth? The Creation Care Team's primary focus is to encourage, support and provide resources to congregations in the Wisconsin Conference as they do what they can to care for creation. If you would like to be a part of this team, or for more information on the Creation Care Team, contact John Helt. You can also go to the Creation Care webpage to learn more.
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Is your church considering an Open and Affirming Process? The Wisconsin Conference has a committee to help! Please feel free to use us as resources for your discussions and preparations. Contact Laura McLeod of the Wisconsin Conference UCC Committee on Ministry with LGBTQ Persons.
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Get Involved! A Conference-wide Racial Justice Task Force gathers resources and encourages congregations to engage in conversations around race. If you and your congregation are interested in participating in this group, you are welcome. Contact Lisa Hart get involved.
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This newsletter is made possible by contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.
Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ
4459 Gray Road | DeForest, WI 53532
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