Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
August 3, 2022
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Catalyst Sunday liturgy offers churches something to rally around |
Looking for an innovative way to mark the September start of your congregation’s program year? The Wisconsin Conference Catalyst Team is eager to help.
The team is offering a Catalyst Sunday liturgy for use on Sept. 11 or a different Sunday of your choosing. The liturgy centers on God as catalyst for action. It is intended as an intergenerational introduction, or reintroduction, to the work God can do through a Catalyst Grant to your congregation. The liturgy was created by the Rev. Beth Abbott, pastor of First Congregational UCC in South Milwaukee.
The liturgy can be used in whole or in part and is easily adaptable by local congregations. Download it here.
“Catalyst day is meant to spark meaningful discussion in every congregation of the conference on what local need to take a new chance on – in time and effort, in partnerships with other local organizations, and funds – to make more of a difference in their community,” said Wesley McDermott, chair of the Catalyst Team and a member of First Congregational UCC of Eau Claire. “Out of those discussions, new good works can flow that creatively and vibrantly live out the values of Jesus. Some of those projects could use a boost from a conference Catalyst Grant.”
The Wisconsin Conference’s Catalyst program provides grants of up to $5,000 to support innovative ministries that push beyond church walls, engaging the wider community in work that’s often aligned with the Conference’s social justice mission. It also sets aside funds to be distributed by the Wisconsin Conference Creation Care Team to finance earth-friendly projects around the state, and it provides quarterly grants of $1,500 to fund Community Conversations on sensitive topics. The next deadline to apply for a grant is Sept. 30. To learn more, email Mary Kuenning Gross, Wisconsin Conference grants coordinator.
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In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
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Conference seeks Annual Meeting coordinator |
The Wisconsin Conference UCC is seeking an individual to serve as coordinator of the three-day Annual Meeting in June. This contract position offers competitive pay for approximately 350 hours of work, mostly between September and June. The ideal candidate will be a high-energy individual with strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills.
The Annual Meeting is a cornerstone of Conference life, consisting of three days of worship, business meetings, exhibits and social gatherings, and typically draws 300 to 400 attendees. The coordinator develops an action plan and timelines to ensure a high-quality experience for participants. An understanding of how to leverage events to support organizational mission and goals is key to this position. Click for a full job description. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to Nola Risse-Connolly. Write “Annual Meeting Coordinator” in the subject line.
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Fall Registration for Damascus Project Courses is available now!
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Is this you or someone you know?
- You wish you knew more about the Bible.
- You’re leading in your church but feeling overwhelmed and alone.
- You struggle to understand who God is for you and in your life.
- You feel like you’re the only one who longs to go deeper in faith.
The Damascus Project would love to help.
Check out our fall courses for lay leaders, seekers in faith and clergy.
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- Practice talking about faith and what we believe
- Form a sacred learning community where questions are embraced
- Dive into the world of the Old Testament
- Explore a wide range of thoughts and language about God
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Leading Faith-Filled Meetings (or how to avoid meetings from hell)
- Help your faith community thrive
- Build community while doing business
- Include diverse viewpoints
- Welcome healthy conflict
- Lead efficient meetings with confidence
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Running out of ideas for Advent programming, worship, sermons?
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- Do your meetings last too long? Are they unproductive?
- Could “meetings from hell” possibly be weakening your church?
- Are you curious about how to have more heavenly meetings?
Experience three simple and highly adaptable structured activities that encourage participation in this 90-minute workshop.
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Audit a religion class at Lakeland this fall |
UCC-affiliated Lakeland University in Plymouth is inviting members of the public to audit classes in the Religion Department in the coming fall semester. Anyone is eligible to audit one course in person at the university’s main campus. The cost for UCC members is $100. For non-UCC members the cost is $200. Seating is limited, and participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The courses offered are Old Testament as an Act of Resistance, Religious Diversity in America, Western Religious Traditions, and Religious Thought, Faith, Vocation. For detail about class schedules and to register, click here.
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Building an Endowment
An endowment can support a congregation and its wider mission. But where do you start? This webinar will provide ideas and policies for creating and growing an endowment for your congregation.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Aug. 10
Water and Environmental Justice
Join the UCC’s next Creation Justice webinar and hear from guest Lynn Thorp, national campaigns director for Clean Water Action. She will discuss how we can make effective and equitable strides in reducing water pollution, including exposure to toxic substances such as the highly toxic “forever” chemicals found in the blood of almost everyone in the United States. Can’t make the scheduled time? Sign up anyway to receive a recording of the event.
Time: Noon
Date: Aug. 10
Annual Campaigns 101
Designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign, we will explore ways to create an effective campaign. We will reflect on core purpose of a campaign, discuss practical steps leaders can take, and explore creative ideas to design a campaign uniquely suited to your congregation. Join this webinar to develop and strengthen plans for a successful fall campaign.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Aug. 24
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Mission Dash for Global Ministries |
This August, Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is hosting its very first Mission Dash, and you are invited to join us! Walk, roll, run, jog, advocate, or spiritually sprint wherever you are! You may choose to do the dash with your neighbors, friends, family, church, or on your own. The cost is $25 per person, and each registrant will receive a collapsible water bottle and magnet.
Throughout the 5K month of August, there will be opportunities to participate in climate justice advocacy actions in solidarity with international partners. Part of the registration fee will also support the work of international partners in their climate justice efforts and additional fundraising opportunities are available.
You are encouraged to do the 5K anytime between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31.
Make plans to join us today!
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Communities of Practice for Clergy |
Registration now open for groups starting in September
Note: Previous COP participants need to register again each year to continue in a group
Communities of Practice clergy groups provide the sustenance that your ministry needs in order to be effective well into the future. COP groups are designed to be peer learning groups, focused both on the practice of ministry and your growth in your role as a pastoral minister.
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Join a Christian Education/Faith Formation Community of Practice |
The Christian Education/Faith Formation Commission of the Wisconsin Conference offers a Communities of Practice program for educators similar to the successful COP program for pastors. Lay volunteers or paid staff involved in Sunday school, youth group, or overall education/faith formation are supported and enriched by involvement in a COP with others practicing ministry in similar ways.
Groups will:
- Be composed of about six Christian educators/youth leaders from throughout the Wisconsin Conference.
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Have a trained facilitator who has experience in Christian education/faith formation ministry.
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Meet every four to six weeks for three hours at a day and time that is reasonable for those involved.
- Meet at a central location when possible, or use technology to meet remotely.
If you, or the faith formation leader/staff at your church, would appreciate the support of a network of Christian education/faith formation peers, register today. COP groups for 2021-2022 will start in September. The cost for the year is $250. For more information, read the webpage or contact Lisa Hart. Note: Previous COP participants need to register each year to continue in a group.
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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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Wisconsin Conference UCC searches
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The Wisconsin Conference UCC is searching for an Associate Conference Minister. Details
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The Wisconsin Conference UCC is searching for an Annual Meeting Coordinator. Details
Searching Churches
No churches recently began a search. To see all searching churches, click here.
Wider Church Searches
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University Christian Ministries at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is searching for an executive director/campus minister. Details
New Calls
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Rev. Judine Duerwaechter has been called as interim pastor at St. John's UCC in Sheboygan effective July 25.
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Rev. Micah Schlobohm has been called as pastor at Hancock UCC in Hancock, effective Aug. 1.
Installations and Ordinations
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Rev. Tim Miller was installed at Ely Memorial UCC in Land O' Lakes on July 24.
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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