Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
April 20, 2022
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Liturgy Resources Available for Annual Meeting Weekend |
Do you wonder how you’re going to “do church” while your pastor is attending the Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 12? Not to worry. The Conference will provide liturgy resources for congregational use that Sunday. Included will be a pre-recorded version of the Rev. Kelsey Beebe’s sermon at Annual Meeting Opening Worship. Look for these resources starting the first week of June.
Meanwhile, if you’re planning to attend the Annual Meeting, there’s no better time to register than today. The early registration rate is available through May 13. Click for more information and to register. The Annual Meeting runs from June 10 through 12 at Green Lake Conference Center.
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In This Issue: Scroll Down to Find These Articles |
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First Congregational UCC in Plymouth to Hold Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training |
First Congregational UCC in Plymouth is will hold QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training on May 14. This free suicide prevention workshop, offered by Mental Health America in Sheboygan County, is the most widely taught gatekeeper training program in the United States. QPR covers three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. People trained in QPR learn to recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and learn how to question, persuade,
and refer someone to help.
- QPR is not intended to be a form of counseling or treatment.
- QPR is intended to offer hope through positive action.
- QPR is intended to teach those who are in a position to recognize the warning signs, clues, and suicidal communications of people in trouble.
Training is scheduled for 8:30 to 11 a.m. May 14 at First Congregational UCC, 1405 State Road 67, Plymouth. Registration is free but required. To register, contact MHA at 920-458-3951 ext. 1001.
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OCWM Bulletin Insert for Congregations |
The Conference has created a bulletin insert about OCWM detailing how the gifts of a congregation to OCWM Basic Support make a real difference in the life of congregations across our state. Please share the bulletin insert in an upcoming worship service or e-newsletter from the congregation to members.
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UCC Earth Week Event: The Faith of Prophets — Lessons for the Climate Crisis
Prophets are needed now as much as ever as our world confronts the climate crisis. Yet, we can no longer wait for others to be the prophets that were needed yesterday. We have to find the prophet in each of us. To answer the urgent call for action today, this special online Earth Week event will focus on what the Hebrew prophets can teach us as well as what prophetic actions are currently being taken. The event will consist of three parts: an opening keynote, a panel discussion, and a suggested action for congregations to take in the local community. Can’t make the live event? Sign up anyway, and we’ll send you a recording.
Time: 9:30 a.m. keynote, 11:45 a.m. panel discussion
Date: April 23
3 Best Practices for Increased Giving
Research on stewardship makes clear three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadership and online giving options. The webinar will look at why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Date: April 27
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Damascus Project Workshop to Focus on Conflict |
The Damascus Project is partnering with the Rev. Elena Larssen, the UCC’s minister for volunteer engagement, to offer a four-week workshop called “Conflict Transformation: When Agreement Isn’t Enough.” The workshop, Unit 4 in the Damascus Project’s 2022 Leadership Skills series, features a combination of self-guided work online and six hours of group learning over Zoom. The workshop will take place April 28 through May 26. Live Zoom sessions are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 13, and from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Cost of the series is $154. If you or your congregation is struggling with conflict, this workshop is for you. Click to register today. (Select Unit 4 in Length of Study drop-down menu.) Questions? Send an email, or call 608-516-9170.
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Resources Offered for Break the Silence Sunday |
Suggested date: April 24
Break The Silence Sunday is an effort to open a conversation within the church about rape and sexual assault. Within the context of our faith communities we hope to:
- Acknowledge the reality of rape and sexual violence in our world.
- Support survivors by creating a place where they can tell their stories, feel loved and supported, and find encouragement on their healing journey.
- Commit ourselves to the work of changing the world, creating a future where rape is a memory.
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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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Brookfield Congregational Church is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. Our music program is an integral part of “doing church” at BCC. After 32 years, our organist would like to retire and we are searching for someone to bring out the best in our new (2018) Rodgers Infinity 361, as well as to help shape the future of our music program. To learn more about this opportunity, visit our website.
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To see all searching churches, click here.
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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