Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
June 15, 2022
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‘Spiritual solidarity’ is the source of Wisconsin Conference strength, delegates are told |
Comparing the Wisconsin Conference to an Earth buffeted by climate change, Conference Minister Franz Rigert told Annual Meeting attendees that despite the hurdles posed by the pandemic, the UCC in Wisconsin is poised to thrive.
“It would be fair to say – here in the ecosystem of the Wisconsin Conference – we are also enduring plenty of climate change,” he said. “A tornadic disruption of Church as we have known it; a wildfire of fear; a drought of available ministers; a volcanic eruption of opinions around masks and protocols; an institutional tsunami that chased a lot of people away – running for the cover of home and the comfort of other Sunday-morning options.”
Amid the challenges, however, there is good news.
“We are not mere survivors in an uncertain chapter of Church,” Franz told the 300-person gathering in Green Lake. “We are resilient explorers, nimble navigators, courageous apostles of the living Christ, assigned to a daunting task we didn’t ask for: partnering with the Holy Spirit to discern the future of the United Church of Christ and co-creating our way there.”
One of the underlying strengths of the Conference and the wider UCC is what Franz called “spiritual solidarity,” a value traceable to the denomination’s motto: “That they may all be one.”
“We belong to each other and we continually seek to widen our circle of inclusion,” he said, “so much so that we proclaim, ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.’” The ever-widening circle extends to those different from ourselves.
“If we are to fully practice the extravagant hospitality of Jesus, it needs to extend back to those who aren’t quite as progressive as we might like, and forward to those who share deep experiences of the sacred beyond the walls of the institutional church,” he said, adding, in a nod to the Annual Meeting theme:
“‘You belong’ is not a phrase that lends itself to caveats or carve-outs. We share this road of faith with all. Such genuine spiritual solidarity ‘Builds up the Beloved Community.’”
Franz noted that UCC values such as care for the Earth, honoring of Indigenous peoples, dignity afforded to all, advocacy for the marginalized and welcome for immigrants resonate with all people of good will.
“These values find exponential impact when embraced in the sweet space where the secular and the sacred come together,” he said. “When we partner our spiritual values with those beyond the Church, we build a bigger Beloved Community.”
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In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
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Delegates approve WISE study |
Annual Meeting delegates adopted a resolution committing the Wisconsin Conference to engage in a year of study and reflection that could lead the Conference to become a WISE Conference for Mental Health. The Conference WISE Team – the acronym stands for Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged – will provide study materials and support to congregations as they consider whether to become WISE for mental health. If 30 percent of congregations in the Conference study the issue in the coming year, a resolution declaring the Conference WISE for Mental Health will be voted on at the 2023 Annual Meeting. For more information about WISE, contact Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice issues.
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Franz Rigert re-elected as conference minister |
The Rev. Franz Rigert, first called to serve as conference minister in 2014, was unanimously elected to a third four-year term. The vote was 157-0.
Before the vote, he told Annual Meeting attendees that an important goal for his third and what he said would be final term would be to diversify the ranks of Conference leadership.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve another term as conference minister and thank Conference delegates for their vote of confidence,” Franz said. “While these are challenging times to be the church, God’s grace is with us and the possibilities for transforming lives and contributing to a more just world are abundant.”
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Recommended reading: Interview with Raven Chacon |
National Catholic Reporter published an interview with Navajo composer Raven Chacon, whose “Voiceless Mass” recently won a Pulitzer Prize for music. “Voiceless Mass” was made possible in part by a Catalyst Grant from the Wisconsin Conference UCC. The piece premiered in November at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.
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Voting Rights, Race, and Faith
We’ll look at the racial justice issues at stake in the current fight for voting rights, hear about threats to voting rights in specific Wisconsin municipalities, and receive concrete ideas for how our members and congregations can advocate for robust voting rights for all. Event flyer
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Date: June 28
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: July 27
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We have big news for little campers: Tenderfoot Camp is back by popular demand! This four-day, three-night camp is the perfect event for first-time campers.
Session 1 is July 10-13, and session 2 is Aug. 14-17.
Experience all of your favorite activities: crawfishing, canoeing, Fitness Before Forks, polar bear swimming, arts and crafts, nature activities and archery. Of course, your camping experience would not be complete without a campfire and s’mores.
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Make plans now for OWL training |
Clergy and lay leaders who plan to offer an Our Whole Lives program in their congregations are invited to three days of facilitation training from Aug. 26 to 28 at the Daycholah Center in Green Lake. Our Whole Lives, or OWL, is a comprehensive human sexuality curriculum for elementary-age children through older adults, developed by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association. The August training is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin and Minnesota conferences, in partnership with the national setting of the UCC.
Cost is $375 for a shared double-occupancy room, meals and training for UCC participants and $450 for non-UCC participants. A limited number of private rooms are available for $475 for UCC participants and $550 for non-UCC participants. Commuter rate (meals and snacks included) is $275 for UCC participants and $350 for non-UCC participants.
Facilitator training will be offered at the elementary, youth and adult levels. Each participant may participate in training for just one age level, so consider sending a team to be trained to start or expand the OWL program in your church.
Questions? Contact Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries.
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Pride Sale for webinars from the ONA Coalition |
During Pride month, three of our most popular webinars are on sale. For just $35, an unlimited number of members of your church can participate from their own computers or devices. ONA 101 and ONA and the Bible are for congregations taking their first steps toward, or just curious about, an Open and Affirming Covenant. Bending Gender is for both ONA and not-yet ONA churches: with transgender and nonbinary Americans under attack in many states, it's time for congregations to understand how to welcome trans and nonbinary seekers into their congregations.
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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
New calls
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Rev. Brad Brookins has been called as interim pastor at First UCC in Sauk City, effective May 31.
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Mary Jo Laabs has been called as interim pastor at Hope UCC in Sturgeon Bay, effective June 1.
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Rev. Susan Stull Carr has been called as interim pastor at Congregational UCC in Mineral Point, effective June 1.
Installations and ordinations
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Uriah Williams was installed at Peace UCC in Shawano on June 5.
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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Tending 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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Note: The Parish Paper will end after the June 2022 issue.
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Photo of Franz Rigert at Annual Meeting by Robert Van Ess.
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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