Larry Littlegeorge is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Warrior Clan. He was baptized in 1957 at the HoCak (Hochunk) Church (formerly Winnebago), which is part of the Wisconsin Conference of the UCC. He completed the Wisconsin Conference Lay Academy in 2016 and is currently a spiritual leader of the Hocak Church. Larry has personally felt the effects of racism that he traces back to historic documents like Papal Bulls laying out the Doctrine of Discovery, and he has done a great deal of study and writing on the topic. Rev. Rob McDougall is Associate Conference Minister with primary responsibility for the Northwest Association of the Conference, of which the Hocak Church is part of. Larry and Rob will provide an overview of the Doctrine of Discovery and explain why the issue is being studied by Wisconsin Conference churches prior to considering a resolution to repudiate the Doctrine at the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Free; reservations are requested. Please register online by Feb. 25 on the Lakeland website or contact Linda Bosman at via email or at 920-565-1023 ext. 2151.

For study resources about the Doctrine of Discovery leading up to the vote to repudiate the Doctrine at our Annual Meeting, go to wcucc.org/doctrineofdiscovery. Please let the Conference know when a group in your congregation has studied this issue by returning this response form.

Grounded in Spirit, Called to Action: From First Steps to Next Steps

Thursday, February 21 - 7:00 to 8:30 pm

                

This first webinar in the series will begin with insights grown from firsthand experiences of sharing conversation and meals between a UCC and a Catholic congregation using Pope Francis' encyclical,  Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home. Ideas you can put into practice immediately will be shared. The webinar will continue by exploring how our spiritual ground supports our wisdom, courage, and energy in walking our Christian path with the whole Church. First steps that congregations have already taken for creation care will be shared, while next steps will also be envisioned and empowered.

Continue reading and link to registration

Break The Silence Sunday is an effort to open up a conversation within the church about rape and sexual assault. Within the context of our faith communities we hope to:

Break the Silence Sunday website 

2019 Break the Silence Sunday liturgy materials (PDF)

The Catalyst Team of the Wisconsin Conference invites you to this Taste and See Event to explore three programs designed to support your congregation in taking your next best step.

The three programs are Readiness 360, Coaching for Clergy, and Five Practices.

More information and registration

Join us on January 30! We can work together as a community to help educate ourselves on this issue and fight back against this crime.

Event flyer

Have you ever wanted to be an advocate for issues you care about, but struggle or stumble to put your passion into words? ...or perhaps you're not sure about the most effective way to reach out to your elected and appointed officials. This is an ideal workshop for those who are new to People of Faith United for Justice Advocacy Day, but will be a benefit for anyone interested in being effective in advocating with public officials for policy needs.

This half-day workshop will equip you with a blend of teaching and practical exercises so you're ready to step into the halls of power (even if they're in your own hometown). Our presenter, Breon Wells, is a seasoned policy advocate, former legislative staffer and expert in the field who wants to help you use your political and social capital for transformation. This day will help you think carefully about who you're advocating for and why, and begin to develop your advocacy strategy. Get ready to present yourself as the grounded faith leader you are. Learn how to shape your story for impact, and prepare yourself to speak to the people who can make policy changes happen. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Council of Churches.
Link to register