It’s New Year’s Day, and that means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. We asked members of the Conference staff to put their own spin on the old tradition for 2025. Here is some of what they had to say:



Conference Minister Franz Rigert: My New Year’s wish for the Wisconsin Conference UCC is that we will live into new ways of connecting and supporting one another. In our many conversations about the future of our wider church life, two desires became very apparent: fostering new relationships and sharing ministry resources. We are developing a graphic that displays our Conference-wide network of working groups and resource hubs. The vision is to further develop this network for the strengthening and vitality of congregational life.”

Rachel Bauman, associate conference minister for southwest and southeast Wisconsin: This New Year, my intention is to deepen my contemplative practice through intentionally integrating The Welcoming Prayer into my day. Through this I hope to grow my capacity to notice God’s presence and respond with love, compassion and wisdom (rather than fear, judgment and reactivity) to all that the year may bring. 

Michael Jones, associate conference minister for northwest Wisconsin: It's my hope for 2025 that the Wisconsin Conference continues to offer outstanding support to our pastors and churches, while navigating the discussions and decisions regarding associations restructuring with hope and joy for the future we are creating together. My wish for the National Setting of the UCC is that it strengthens its connection to local churches and the challenges they face, while leading all of us in our continued sharing of the good news. Personally, I hope to be healthier in mind, body, and spirit! 

Nola Risse-Connolly, program and communications specialist: My New Year's resolution is to work on healthy behaviors to improve both physical and mental health, and to hope for a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. May we all feel empowered to seek help and practice self-compassion without fear of judgment.

Andrew Warner, president of the Wisconsin Foundation UCC: As we welcome a new calendar year, the Wisconsin Foundation is sharing a free will-writing tool to help you put your love into action. Creating a will is an opportunity to protect your loved ones and find peace of mind, all while safeguarding the blessings you’ve received from God. This resource is completely free to use. It will prompt you to consider making a charitable gift in your will to your congregation, the Conference, the camps, or another organization that embodies your values. You do not have to make a charitable gift to use this tool. Click here to create your will and put your faith and love into action.

What is your resolution or hope for 2025? Let us know by posting to the Wisconsin Conference Facebook page.

Jan. 1 is the eighth day of Christmas – a perfect time to watch Shawn McDonald’s rendition of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” recommended to us by the Conference Palestine Justice Working Group.

The video that accompanies the carol was filmed at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem by Ethnographic Media for a documentary that follows the story of three men from different faith traditions who grew up in the Holy Land amid constant conflict. Each has pursued peacemaking in his own way.

In recommending the video, the working group said: “This song video shows scenes of Bethlehem today – with a special image of the wall of separation reminding us that Christ’s Light comes even to this land of great suffering. There are many people on all sides of the wars and conflicts in our world who are peacemakers. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’ said Jesus. This video invites us to give thanks for the peacemakers, and to pray and work for peace and justice in our world today. Christmas is the gift of the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World, and his presence is still needed in today’s world.”

If it’s January, it must be time for a new round of offerings from the Damascus Project, our online educational ministry. Here’s a brief reminder of Damascus’ winter-spring menu:

“Here I Am, Lord” is the theme of a Zoom conversation that will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15. The gathering, intended for individuals in the initial stages of discerning a call to authorized ministry, is a first step toward creating a discernment cohort of the same name that the Damascus Project can nurture over the coming year. Email Damascus Project Director Stephanie Perdew for more information.

Congregational Care, a course taught by the Rev. Lex Cade-White, a UCC minister and hospice chaplain, will focus on learning about and reflecting on pastoral care. The course will take place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from Jan. 14-March 4. Register.

God-Talk: Wrestling with Models of God, led by Professor Trish Zimmerman of St. Olaf College, will explore the multiple models of God that appear throughout Christian history. The course will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. on Mondays from March 31-May 12. Register.

Boundary Awareness Training: A Contemplative Approach is designed for members in discernment and authorized ministers of the UCC. Check with your Committee on Ministry to make sure this course meets your boundary training requirements. The course will be offered twice, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 20 and April 24. Register.

Exploring Implicit Bias will provide an introduction to implicit bias for authorized ministers and members in discernment. Taught by the Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and Anna Stamborski, the course will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays April 28, May 5 and May 19. will facilitate an introduction to implicit bias for authorized ministers and members in discernment. Register.     

Morning prayer and reflection for pastors

Join the Rev. Teri Hanson and one of our associate conference ministers for a time of prayer and reflection at 8:30 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month. It’s a good opportunity to start the month with 20 minutes or so of centering yourself in the Holiness of God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Date: Jan. 2

Join in on Zoom

Supportive Ministries conversation

The Supportive Ministries Team offers two opportunities each month to join a discussion on topics raised in its monthly Becoming the Beloved Community newsletter. The next conversations will take place by Zoom at noon and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2. Subscribe to the newsletter.

Register here for the noon discussion

Register here for the evening discussion

Pastoral Support Committee training

Pastor-Parish Relations Committees provide essential leadership in the life of a congregation. And the name has led to some confusion about the focus of their role. In this virtual workshop, the Rev. Tara Barber, UCC minister for ministerial support and accountability, will explore what it means to become a Pastoral Support Committee and share best practices from around the denomination. Open to pastors, lay leaders and judicatory staff.

Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Date: Jan. 8

Register now

Winter Soulstice Retreat

The Wisconsin Conference will host high schoolers and college-age young adults for the annual Winter Soulstice Retreat, a chance to enjoy a weekend of relaxation and fellowship

Time and dates: 7 p.m. Jan. 24 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 26

Where: Daycholah Center

Register now

Monthly Ministry Roundtable

The Monthly Ministry Roundtable led by Associate Conference Ministers Rachel Bauman and Michael Jones will resume in February.

Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Date: Feb. 5

Faith Formation Retreats

Registration is now open for the two Youth Faith Formation Retreats planned for winter 2025. Retreats will take place at Daycholah Center on the weekends of Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 28-March 2. We offer the same retreat both times so that more young people can participate. Our planning team is creating a retreat that focuses on sacred space, sacred rituals and worship. We will have opportunities to explore Daycholah Center, engage in some fun and games, and hang out with old and new friends.

Register for the Feb. 21-23 retreat

Register for the Feb. 28- March 2 retreat

Save the date

Annual Meeting 2025: June 6-7 at Green Lake Conference Center 

Each year, the national office of the UCC asks every congregation to provide annual church information online. Why is this information requested? Here are 12 important reasons.

This year's dates for the Yearbook data collection for churches are a bit later than usual. The Data Hub will open at 11 a.m. on Jan. 22 and will be available through midnight on March 21.

Please keep an eye out for an envelope from the Conference with details on how to report Yearbook data. There are some changes for this year, so please check the information carefully. The Conference also will send an email with the same information closer to Jan. 22.