Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
Feb 15, 2023
|
|
Youths learn about race, and grown-ups' eyes are opened |
Amid the national debate over the best way to teach the United States’ fraught racial history to school-age youngsters, a UCC pastor in suburban Milwaukee is leading an initiative aimed at empowering a rising generation of racial justice advocates.
Anti-Racism for Youth, spearheaded by the Rev. Laura McLeod (right), pastor of Brookfield Congregational UCC, launched late last year with a retreat at America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee. Monthly meetings will continue through May with homework assignments in between. The project was supported by a $3,000 Catalyst Grant from the Wisconsin Conference.
The effort is personal for McLeod, who has an adopted 22-year-old son of mixed African and Native American descent. McCleod is a UCC-certified facilitator of Sacred Conversations to End Racism.
|
|
In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
|
McFarland UCC to host racial justice video series, discussion |
McFarland UCC is inviting members of Wisconsin Conference congregations to watch and discuss the video series “The Color of Compromise,” which explores how some people of faith have worked against racial justice by creating and maintaining racist practices and ideas. The three-part video series will be offered in person at McFarland UCC and on Zoom for those who would like to join from remote locations. Participants will watch one episode each beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays Feb. 28 and March 7 and 14, then break into in-person or virtual discussion groups using a set of study questions. The evening will conclude by 8 p.m.
To sign up, send an email to [email protected] and include “The Color of Compromise” in the subject line. You will receive the Zoom link and password several days before the event.
|
|
UCC seeks donations to earthquake relief |
The United Church of Christ is appealing for financial support for efforts to provide relief to those in regions of Turkey and Syria affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that ripped through the region last week. News outlets now are reporting more than 36,000 dead. Donate now. You can also text UCCDISASTER to 41444.
|
|
Madison offers hybrid study of white Christian nationalism |
Orchard Ridge UCC in Madison will host an eight-week hybrid study group on the challenges posed by white Christian nationalism. The series will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. David Anderman, a UCC pastor and Orchard Ridge member. The group will gather from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from Feb. 28 through April 18.
Participants can attend in person or by Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, email [email protected]. The in-person gatherings will take place in the Swan seminar room at the church, located at 1501 Gilbert Road in Madison.
|
|
Trost Center farewell open house |
UCC members and friends can say goodbye to the Trost Center in DeForest, longtime home to the Conference office, during an open house from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15. The Conference office will move to Daycholah Center at Green Lake in April.
The open house will provide an opportunity to share memories and to participate in a liturgy of farewell as the Wisconsin Conference enters a new phase. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served, and there will be time to peruse the many books and artifacts that need a new home. All are welcome.
|
|
Learn about safe surrender movement
The Wisconsin Council of Churches will host an informational session on Zoom for congregations interested in the movement to encourage the safe surrender of firearms. Twelve congregations around the country, including Midvale Community Lutheran Church in Madison, held safe surrender events last June. Jeff Wild, a retired Lutheran pastor and blacksmith who lives in Madison, turns the surrendered firearms into garden tools.
Date: Thursday Feb. 23
Time: 11 a.m.
Changing Landscape of Giving: What we can learn from Millennial and Gen Z Donors
Rev. Dr. Colie Bettivia of Grace UCC in Two Rivers, Wis., will discuss insights and ideas the Church can learn from Millennial and Gen Z Donors.
Date: Wed., March 22
Time: 6:30 p.m.
|
|
Yearbook deadline is March 1 |
The Data Hub is open and will be available until March 1 at midnight (Eastern time).
All churches are required to submit their data online. To avoid potential delays, please be sure to enter your information as soon as possible. For instructions and all pertinent and helpful documents, click here.
If you have any problems or questions, please email Susan Taylor. Please do not contact the National Office. Deadline for reporting: March 1.
Thank you for your time and effort with this project and for providing this important information.
|
|
Changing Lives mission grants |
The Mission Team of the Southeast Association Wisconsin Conference is offering grants of up to $250 for programs or projects related to the work of justice and/or community building. This could include programs or projects connected to a congregation’s local community or any of the justice issues as outlined on the Wisconsin Conference website. This grant may be for current or startup programs and projects. Congregations may apply for more than one grant! Past grant recipients may apply annually.
The link to the online form for the Changing Lives Mission Grant is found here.
|
|
WISE responses due March 1 |
March 1 is the deadline for your congregation to notify the Wisconsin Conference whether you plan to study issues surrounding mental health. It’s part of the process of helping the Conference become WISE – Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged for Mental Health.
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 submit the report form indicating they spent time engaging the issue by March 1, 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 March 1 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.
|
|
Camps resistrations open; brochures available |
Registration is Open!
2023 Camps and events are open for registration!
We are pleased to share the UCCI 2023 schedule of camps, retreats, and events with you. Start here and happy planning!
Do you need brochures?
Churches, organizations, and individuals may use this handy form to request printed materials.
|
|
Faith Formation youth retreats |
Feb. 24-26 or March 3-5
Grades 6-12 • Daycholah Center
Faith is a journey. We often have questions along the way…
- Is my faith fully formed?
- Am I on the journey?
- Where have I come from?
- Where am I going?
- How do I get there?
All of these questions, and more, are explored during the Youth Faith Formation Retreats. Together, we’ll explore faith through some of the journeys in the Bible, the journey of the United Church of Christ, and our own personal journeys. These retreats are appropriate for confirmation classes but are open to all youth who want to explore their faith with other youth and supportive adults.
The weekend includes plenty of time for having fun relaxing with friends, playing games, and the Daycholah Center dance party.
$180 through church | $50 through Association
Note: Bring one adult chaperone for every five youths. If you are a leader for a church or confirmation class and would like to bring a group of kids to one of our faith formations, please contact us prior to registering at 920-745-4746 or email [email protected].
For questions about the program, contact Lisa Hart at 608-438-1571.
|
|
Wider church invited into ‘play space’ with the GMP – interactive, creative sessions on future issues |
When you get some new technology — a new phone, a computer upgrade or this year’s automobile — don’t you want to play with it to see what it can do?
That’s the idea behind a series of one-hour sessions that the United Church of Christ National Setting is calling “Create Playspace with the President.”
|
|
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
|
|
Searching Churches
No churches recently began a search. To see all searching churches, click here.
Wider Church Searches
- The national office of the UCC has a variety of positions open. View them here
New Calls
-
Peter Morris has been called as interim pastor at First Congregational UCC in Platteville, effective Jan. 20.
-
The Rev. Joshua Simon has been called as pastor at Emanuel Church UCC in Hales Corners, effective Feb. 6.
The Conference Transitions feature appears in each issue of Wisconsin Conference Life. Please share your transition information, including church anniversaries, with the newsletter editor by emailing Nola.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Ignite Your Fire, Feed Your Soul,
Build Your Faith... In Nature's Sanctuary
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
