Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
February 1, 2023
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Green Bay congregation carries Underground Railroad
legacy forward
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Feb. 1 marks the start of Black History Month, a time set aside each year to remember the myriad contributions, and the existential struggles, of Black Americans since Africans arrived in North America in the early 17th century.
For Union Congregational UCC in Green Bay, however, every day provides an opportunity to reflect on Black history: The church is listed on the National Network to Freedom, a database of sites with links to the Underground Railroad that is maintained by the National Park Service.
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In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
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March 1 is the deadline for congregations to get WISE |
There’s still time for your congregation to get WISE, as in 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.
WISE is an official designation offered through the UCC Mental Health Network to congregations, conferences and other faith communities and organizations. The Network offers a number of resources for WISE Certification:
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Return to Sacred Ground: UCCI camp registrations are now open |
Return to Sacred Ground and discover which camp is right for you.
From Executive Director Jim Schleif: The challenges and transitions of the past couple of years can make it feel like the world is spinning out of control. Return to Sacred Ground lifts our collective need to return to solid ground. To find a small piece of stability. To be reminded that we do not control the world. Outdoor ministry truly offers a grounding, and a hope and healing that is hard to find in other settings. Our commitment to love and provide safe and welcoming spaces is unwavering.
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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.
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Creation Care Team to host author talk
Looking to jump-start your congregation’s conversation about faith and the environment? Register now for this week’s discussion with Wisconsin UCC pastor Daniel Cooperrider, author of the new book “Speak with the Earth and It will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible.” The event is hosted by the Wisconsin Conference Creation Care Team.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 2
Time: 7 p.m.
National Gathering of UCC rural, small town churches and ministries
Pastors and lay leaders, conference and association staffs, seminarians and others interested in rural and small town ministry are invited to a virtual gathering called “Nourishing the Seeds of Faith,” presented by the Coalition of UCC Rural Ministries. The event is one response to concerns that some rural congregations and clergy feel disconnected from the denomination’s national setting. Among the speakers: the Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros, conference minister for the UCC Oklahoma/Kansas Conference and a former associate conference minister in Wisconsin.
Dates: Feb. 9-11
Time: 3 to 6 p.m. Central
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.
Book Discussion: How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
This NY Times #1 bestselling book is a deeply researched exploration of the legacy of slavery and its imprint on centuries of American history. This is Smith’s first non-fiction book, and it deftly illustrates how some of our nation’s most essential stories are hidden in plain view—whether in places we might drive by on our way to work, holidays such as Juneteenth, or entire neighborhoods like downtown Manhattan, where the brutal history of the trade in enslaved men, women, and children has been deeply imprinted. Informed by scholarship and brought to life by the story of people living today, this book offers a new understanding of the hopeful role that memory and history can play in making sense of our country and how it has come to be. This discussion will take place via Zoom and a link will be sent out prior to the first session.
Dates: Feb. 15, March 1 and 15
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
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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.
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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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Wider Church Searches
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Education for Faithful Action Ministries, Minister for Economic Justice. Details
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Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA), Minister for Ministers in Specialized Settings and Endorsement Coordinator. Details
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Communication and Development, Communications Specialist. Details
In Memoriam
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Verna Faisst, wife of the Rev. Ralph Faisst, died on Jan. 14. 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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