Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
January 5, 2023
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'My biggest value is collaboration,'
says incoming ACM Michael Jones
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The Rev. Michael Jones (upper left in photo) will begin his service as associate conference minister for the Northwest Association on Jan. 23. Michael currently serves as pastor of St. John UCC in Arlington Heights Illinois. A native of northeast Ohio, Michael received a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Indiana University, where he was a member of the swim team, and a master of divinity from Harvard Divinity School. He, his spouse, Blake, and their two young daughters will reside in Eau Claire. In an interview with Wisconsin Conference Life, Michael talked about topics including his call to ministry, lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ways in which sports shaped his approach to leadership, and his brush with Olympic royalty. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What was your journey to the UCC?
I grew up in a small, Midwestern holiness denomination that was very different from the UCC. I grew up saturated with church, very involved with the youth group, which met three times a week. During college, I become acquainted with the UCC, introduced to it by one of the “God Is Still Speaking” commercials. The message that you are welcome no matter who you are is something I had never heard before.
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In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
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Longtime pastor-educator to lead Damascus Project |
The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Perdew has been called to be the new director of the Damascus Project, the online learning collaborative of the Wisconsin and Minnesota conferences. A lifelong member of the United Church of Christ, Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and a master of divinity and Ph.D. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.
Stephanie has deep experience as a parish pastor and educator and for the past year has served on the staff of the Illinois Conference UCC as an interim associate conference minister. She is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.
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General Synod registration to open Jan. 23 |
Online registration for this summer’s 34th General Synod will open Jan. 23. The biennial gathering will take place June 30-July 4 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The theme of the synod, “Making All Things New,” is taken from Isaiah 43:18-19.
Among other business, delegates will elect a new general minister and president, vote on the reelection of Associate General Minister Karen Georgia Thompson, and consider amendments to the UCC Bylaws that would change the frequency of General Synod from two to three years. Check the General Synod website for more information.
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Southeast, Southwest clergy invited to retreat at Daycholah |
The Wisconsin Conference Supportive Ministries Team will lead a retreat for clergy from the Southeast and Southwest associations from Feb. 5 to 7 at Daycholah Center in Green Lake. The event, Renewing the Beloved Community: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times, will provide opportunities for renewal, reflection and reconnection as the church emerges from nearly three years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click to learn more and to register. Registration deadline is Jan. 21.
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What is a Sustainable Economy?
Our present economic system is a train barreling toward increasing environmental disaster, but what would a sustainable economy look like? To answer this question from a place of faith and values entails prioritizing matters of equity, justice and the common good. To help us cast an alternative vision for our economy, this webinar will feature Edith Rasell, who recently wrote the book “The Way of Abundance: Economic Justice in Scripture and Society.”
Date: Jan. 11
Time: Noon Central
Creation Justice Zoom Gathering Series
Come learn vital information about the environmental issues in our state as well as the planet. With the help of some amazing speakers, we will learn and discuss legislation and the next Farm Bill, microplastics in the Great Lakes and pollutants from mining. Please register for each event (they are all free) and share with your congregations and friends. Click here for detailed information about each webinar.
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2023 Farm Bill, presented by Land Stewardship Project. 7 p.m. Jan. 12. Register here
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Microplastics in the Great Lakes, 7 p.m. Feb. 9. Register here
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Mining Pollutants, 7 p.m. March 9. Register here
Monthly Youth Ministry Gathering
Join the national office of the UCC for a presentation on youth@synod. Registration is required and after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about accessing the meeting.
Date: Jan. 23
Time: 4-5 p.m.
3 Best Practices: Set a New Year’s Resolution for Increasing Giving
Lee Gagen will discuss the three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadershiphtand online giving options. The webinar will examine why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.
Date: Jan. 25
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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Register now for Faith Formation Retreats |
Youth Faith Formation Retreats (Grades 6-12)
Daycholah Center
Feb. 24-26 or March 3-5
(The November retreat filled quickly, so register early.)
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 youths who want to explore their faith with other youths and supportive adults.
To register, contact Daycholah Center via email or by calling 920-745-4746.
Questions about the program? Contact Lisa Hart via email or by calling 608-438-1571.
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Join the next Leadership Matters Lecture and Conversation
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The Damascus Project’s Leadership Matters Lecture and Conversation series next month welcomes the Rev. Phiwa Langeni, ambassador for innovation and engagement for the UCC’s Center for Analytics, Research & Development and Data. They will speak virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. Central on Jan. 31. Cost to attend is $10. Click for more information and to register.
Originally from South Africa, Langeni has been a pastor and small-business owner. They will share the results of work with congregations and discuss the types of leadership needed by the church today. “I cannot wait to see how God shows up in January,” they said. Watch this video to learn more about Langeni and get a sneak preview of their talk.
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Exploring the Enneagram: A 6-week learning intensive with the Damascus Project |
Exploring the Enneagram is for lay leaders, seekers, authorized ministers and people exploring authorized ministry.
Jan. 30-March 12, 2023
$175 (lay leaders, seekers, authorized ministers)
$350 (if you’re exploring authorized ministry/MiD)
Leadership in congregations today is hard. It is more and more challenging to navigate change and respond with care to competing demands. Understanding your personality -- its strengths and its shadow sides -- is more important than ever before. When we know who we are, we are better equipped to work with others. In Exploring the Enneagram you will identify your unique personality type and gain insight into the personality types of others. This learning intensive on the Enneagram is meant to ground you more deeply in yourself, your relationships, and your connection to God.
By the end of this 12-week learning intensive you will:
- Understand the Enneagram’s 9 Types and the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are the strengths of each type.
- Identify the shadow side of your Enneagram Type and learn tools to move toward greater wholeness.
- Apply your new understanding of yourself to your role as a leader.
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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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Christ Church in Milwaukee is searching for a pastor. Details
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St. Paul's UCC in Menomonee Falls is searching for a pastor. Details
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To see all searching churches, click here.
New Calls
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The Rev. Steve Savides has been called as pastor at First Congregational UCC in New London, effective Nov. 1.
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The Rev. Dana Caldwell has been called as pastor at Congregational UCC in Amery, effective Nov. 6.
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Bonnie Jacque has been called as pastor at St. Paul's UCC in Erin, effective Nov. 14.
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Jacob Nault has been called as pastor at Union-Congregational UCC in Waupun, effective Nov. 21.
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The Rev. Stephen Davidson has been called as interim pastor at St. Paul's UCC in Menomonee Falls, effective Dec. 4.
In Memoriam
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Donna B. Winger, wife of the Rev. Daniel Winger, died on Dec. 20. Obituary
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Donna M. Kahl, mother of the Rev. Kathleen Gloff, died on Dec. 22. Obituary
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Edith Davison, mother of the Rev. Laura Kolden, died on Dec. 23. Obituary
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John E. Hoppert, father of the Rev. James Hoppert, died on Jan. 2. 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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