Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
April 19, 2023
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Conference office transitions to Daycholah |
Conference Minister Franz Rigert provides an update on the move of the Conference office:
On April 12 we bid farewell to the Trost Center. After weeks of packing and preparations, Badger Brothers Movers filled a 26-foot truck, delivering most of the items to the new Conference offices, located in the lower level of Spring Grove Lodge at Daycholah Center, then proceeded to First Congregational UCC in Ripon, where we have secured an additional room for storage. Already, the staff is settling in and excited about this expanded partnership with United Church Camps, Inc.
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The sale of the Trost Center, for $1.35 million, is now complete and there is a spirit of gladness that our beautiful conference home will be transformed into a holistic health clinic, bringing wellness and hope to people for many years to come. With this transition, the Conference will complete our investment in Daycholah, providing UCCI financial stability and the promise of a multiyear reboot following the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
We expect some members of the Conference staff to be present at Daycholah each week from Tuesday through Thursday, although all of us are available by email and cellphone whether we are working remotely or on site.
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For those who will attend the Annual Meeting, Sunday morning spiritual options will take place at Daycholah Center, and we will offer tours of the new office space. In this Eastertide, we celebrate a new era in our shared Conference Life.
Photos, from top: Tracy Hauge, from left, Susan Taylor, Nola Risse-Connolly, Franz Rigert and Lisa Hart wave goodbye at the Trost Center; filling the moving van; Nola and Jane Anderson outside the new office at Daycholah Center, with the yet-to-be-installed sign brought from the Trost Center in DeForest.
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In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
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Conversation with the keynoter |
The Rev. Dr. Sarah B. Drummond, founding dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, will deliver the keynote address at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference UCC. Ordained in the UCC, Sarah is no stranger to Wisconsin: She holds a doctorate in administrative leadership from UW-Milwaukee, and she served as campus minister and executive director of University Christian Ministries, an ecumenical outreach at UWM. Sarah is the author of two books on leadership. Her talk, “Sharing Leadership into the Future,” will examine how the UCC’s model of leadership sharing will play out in uncertain times. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Why is your topic important to the church right now?
We’re in the midst of a quickly changing time for religion in North America. We don’t know what God is doing, and that’s OK. We can still be effective leaders, even though we might not live to see what God is up to right now.
I intend to offer a framework for how to think about leadership amid a time when there is no obvious true north. The world is becoming more UCC in approaching leadership: The model of top-down leadership is going away. Except for Jesus, the UCC never operated that way.
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What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus in a world emerging from a three-year pandemic, and where loyalty to institutions like the church can no longer be assumed? Those questions prompted the theme of the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference UCC: “Changing Church: Following Jesus Forward.” Annual Meeting will be held June 9-11 at the Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake. Register now or get more information.
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It’s not too late to get WISE |
There’s still time to notify the Wisconsin Conference whether you plan to study issues surrounding mental health, part of the process of helping the Conference become WISE – Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged for Mental Health. Deadline to submit the report form indicating that your congregation has spent time engaging the issue is April 25. Need a little encouragement? Check out this video (also linked below) from Pastor Kristal Klemme of First Congregational UCC in Plymouth.
Delegates at the 2022 Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting voted to enter into a year of study of and reflection on mental health, and asked congregations to learn about earning the WISE designation. If at least 30%, or 64, Wisconsin Conference congregations report that they spent time engaging the issue, delegates at the 2023 Annual Meeting will vote on a resolution for the Wisconsin Conference to become a WISE Conference. The congregational study can be as simple as a discussion within the leadership team, an adult study group or a book study.
If your congregation hasn’t engaged the issues yet, don’t worry. Simply let us know by April 25 when you plan to begin your study, and your response will be included in the Conference tally. WISE is a designation offered through the UCC Mental Health Network. For resources and to learn more, email Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries.
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Register today for first UCC Earth Day Summit |
Are you concerned about God’s precious, yet fragile, creation? Join other environmental advocates at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, for the UCC’s first-ever Earth Day Summit. The theme is “What’s Possible? Earth Day Stories of Hope.” This 2 1/2-half hour summit will feature a keynote from the Rev. Jim Antal, a panel of inspiring speakers, the presentation of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award, and a video showcasing the uplifting story of Mayflower UCC in Minneapolis. Sign up even if you cannot make the event at its scheduled time, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now.
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Sussex congregation opens doors to May 6 labyrinth retreat |
Redeemer UCC, Sussex, invites you to deepen your spiritual life starting with a one-day retreat on Saturday, May 6. The event, “The Journey Is Home: A Labyrinth Retreat,” will be led by the Rev. Martha Brunell, who is serving the congregation during the pastor’s three-month sabbatical. Participants will explore both the classical and medieval forms of the labyrinth, with walking versions and handheld versions, inside and out if weather allows.
The May 6 event will be the first of three one-day retreats Martha will lead. They’re a response to a request by Redeemer Pastor Julie Eklund to focus on spiritual practices and Earth-centered spirituality, a challenge Martha eagerly accepted. “It was a wise request since both of these are at the heart of who I am and the work I do,” she wrote in a letter to the congregation. Register for the May 6 retreat.
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Rethinking what God calls volunteers to do
The Rev. Bridget Flad Daniels of Union UCC in Green Bay and the Rev. Elena Larssen of the National Ministries will reflect on ways to engage volunteers and hear God’s call to something new when you can’t find volunteers. They will help us think about ways to create more dynamic volunteer experiences.
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Central
Police violence and environmental justice
In Atlanta, faith leaders have been involved in a struggle to confront violence in multiple forms as they seek to prevent the destruction of the Weelaunee Forest for the building of a police training facility in a predominantly Black community. Through their actions for a just world, these faith leaders have additionally sought to honor Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán, who was killed by the Georgia State Police while protecting the forest. This webinar will feature faith leaders from Atlanta as they share with us about this cause of justice. Can’t make the webinar at its scheduled time? Sign up anyway, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.
Date: Wednesday, May 10
Time: Noon Central
General Synod frequency town hall
At General Synod 34 in Indianapolis, delegates will consider amendments to the UCC bylaws that would change the frequency of General Synod from two years to three years. Join this town hall meeting to learn more about the bylaws changes recommended by the UCC board.
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Time: 5 p.m. Central
Create playspace with the president
Part 6: A New System for Members in Discernment
Date: Wednesday, May 3
Time: Noon Central time
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All-church read: 'How to Be an Antiracist' by Ibram X. Kendi |
Ahead of General Synod, Join the Movement is inviting you to join our all-church read. With instructors like the Rev. Dr. Velda Love, Dr. Renee K. Harrison, Dr. Sharon Fennema, and discussion group resources, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Blurring the lines between memoir, history and social analysis, Ibram X. Kendi’s book invites readers into the moment-by-moment work of creating greater racial equity. By sharing stories of his own journey, he helps illuminate how each one of us is being presented with opportunities both large and small, both individually and systemically, to build a more just world through our policies and practices. This is an opportunity to lean into understanding and dismantling racism based on biology, ethnicity, body, culture, behavior, color, space and class, as you equip yourselves for the intersectional struggle for racial justice that addresses overlapping networks of oppression and bigotry.
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Strengthen the Church resources available now |
The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities.
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youths and young adults. Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, but you may consider the week prior as Pentecost falls on Memorial Day weekend this year.
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Summer's on the way, so it's time to sign up for camp |
Summer camp means time for fun -- a lot of fun!
Campers make new friends, have adventures, grow in confidence and independence, and feel safe to be themselves. But more than anything, we hear “The number one benefit of camp is my kids being in the outdoors for a week. They’re removed from screens, phones, and TVs!”
Daycholah Center offers something for all age groups. & Me Camps offer young campers (grades K-2) a few days with an adult they love. Tenderfoot introduces youngsters (grades 2-3) to overnight camp. DC Elements Summer Camp is the timeless, all-around adventure of summer camp with swimming, boating, target sports, campfires, camp songs, all-camp evening programs, arts and crafts, sleeping in cabins, games and cooking over the fire.
Enthusiasts can go deep into a special interest and activity. Con, Night Owl, MADD, Sailing, Green Lake Expedition, and Fishing Camp each offer an immersive experience along with traditional camp activities.
If you’ve been thinking about summer camp, now is the time to register. If you have someone young in your life that would love camp, invite them to Daycholah.
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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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Community UCC in Medford is searching for a pastor. Details
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Middleton Community Church is searching for a faith formation director. Details
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To see all searching churches, click here.
New Calls
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The Rev. Christopher Ross has been called as pastor at First Congregational UCC in Watertown, effective March 1.
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The Rev. David Schnepf has been called as interim pastor at First Congregational UCC in Watertown, effective March 5.
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Jim Langreder has been called as pastor at First Congregational UCC in Hartland and First Congregational UCC in Genesee, effective March 12.
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Herbert Perkins (Pastor Okogyeamon) has been called as pastor at St. Paul's UCC in Ellsworth, effective March 12.
In Memoriam
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Audrey Schowalter, wife of the late Rev. Philip Schowalter, died on April 8. Obituary
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Marcia Yochum, wife of the Rev. David Yochum, died on April 8. 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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Renewing 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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