Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
November 16, 2022
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Update on Conference purchase of Daycholah Center |
Progress continues toward the Wisconsin Conference’s eventual purchase of Daycholah Center from United Church Camps Inc., an investment that will transform our Outdoor Ministries by alleviating UCCI’s debt, paving the way for a long-term post-pandemic resurgence of camp and retreat programming. Work on the contract is nearly complete, with closing expected to take place by mid-December.
At the same time, the Conference staff is beginning to prepare for the eventual move from our current home base in DeForest to Daycholah on Green Lake, where we will occupy offices in the lower level of Spring Grove Lodge. Although most of our work will continue to take place remotely, and most meetings will occur virtually, we are excited about the prospect of holding in-person events in the beautiful Ley Chapel.
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The Trost Center, home to the Conference offices for the past 30 years, has been listed for sale, a difficult decision for the board of directors. Although we recognize that the rise of remote work has significantly reduced our use of the office, letting go of this hallowed space will be painful. We are planning a time for all who have loved the Trost Center to gather for a time of sharing and a litany of departure.
If you have questions about the Daycholah transaction or the plans for the Conference office, please email Conference Minister Franz Rigert.
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In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
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Getting WISE with Ebenezer UCC |
It only takes a spark to get a fire going, the song says.
Turns out it takes just one person to spark an entire congregation to get WISE – Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged -- for Mental Health, too. At least that was the experience at Ebenezer UCC in Sheboygan, where one lay member caught WISE fever after attending General Synod and never looked back.
Becoming WISE is “more of a shift to an openness than a radical change in the way you do things,” says the Rev. Lorri Steward, pastor of Ebenezer, the first Wisconsin Conference congregation to earn WISE designation. “As a congregation we are intentionally seeking to become a safe space for people struggling with mental health issues. Even if it’s not you suffering personally, it’s someone in your family.”
The result: Ebenezer has become a haven for those struggling with mental health challenges and their loved ones, a place where it’s OK to acknowledge you’re not OK. Continue reading article
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Mark your calendars for two fond farewells |
Please plan to join us in December as the Wisconsin Conference says goodbye to two cherished colleagues, Damascus Project Director Tisha Brown and Associate Conference Minister Rob MacDougall. We’ll honor Tisha as she enters the next phase of her vocational journey in an online-only gathering at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. Rob, who is retiring, will have a hybrid send-off starting with a farewell worship service at 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at First Congregational UCC of Menomonie. A reception will follow the service. Watch Wisconsin Conference Life for details about how to participate online in these milestone events. |
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Sign up for Damascus Project Q&A, receive a discount |
It’s no secret that congregations often struggle to recruit and retain effective lay leaders. That’s why the Damascus Project is so important to the life of the Wisconsin Conference – lay people who participate in the Damascus Project return to their congregations excited about ministry and ready to lead, primed with fresh theological insights and leadership skills.
Are you a pastor looking for ways to energize lay leaders in your congregation but still have questions about the Damascus Project? Sign up today for a question-and-and session just for pastors at 11 a.m. on Nov. 29. Register here. The Zoom link for the session will be emailed the day of the event. And here’s an extra incentive: A special Damascus Project course discount will be provided to members of congregations whose pastors attend.
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Unlock the mysteries of faith in Faith Foundations,
a 12-week learning intensive from the Damascus Project
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Jan. 12 – April 20
Cost: $325
(Use the Discount Code EARLYBIRD for 20% off until Dec. 15)
So much has changed in the past three years that it is easy to feel adrift or alone in faith. What do I believe? Does God care? Who is Jesus, really? If God is a loving God, what do I do with all this chaos and loss?
If this sounds like you, then consider joining the winter cohort of Faith Foundations. This 12-week learning intensive focusing on the topics of Reading the New Testament and Exploring Christian History starts Jan. 12.
Those who participate will:
- Gain tools for reading and interpreting scripture.
- Meet like-minded believers on a similar journey of faith.
- Connect events from the past with God’s dream for our future.
- Ground faith in scripture and tradition within a vibrant, hybrid (online and on Zoom) learning community?
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Click on the video below to watch the New Testament instructor Matt Mardis LeCroy describe the course.
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Becoming a Creation Justice Church
Creation Justice Churches is a program of the United Church of Christ that guides congregations in discerning how they can best embody a commitment to care for God’s creation. As Christians, this is our first calling in the Bible. It is also a calling that has been integral to the DNA of the UCC as a denomination and the historic role played by the UCC’s Commission for Racial Justice in launching the environmental justice movement.
Date: Nov. 17
Time: 2:30 p.m. Central time
Youth Ministry Gathering
Join us for our monthly meeting for everyone engaged in children's and youth ministry. In November we will have a free session where you are invited to share concerns, questions, resources or anything else on your mind. We will also be able to share children's and youth programing that is coming up in 2023.
Date: Nov. 28
Time: 4 p.m.
WISE for Mental Health
The United Church of Christ adopted the WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) for mental health covenant as a denomination in 2015 as part of our commitment to mental health justice. Join representatives of the UCC Mental Health Network for practical resources for what UCC members and congregations can do to become WISE for mental health and create a more just world for all.
Date: Dec. 15
Time: 2:30 p.m. Central time
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Winter Soulstice a chance to reflect for youths, young adults |
By January, you’ll be looking for a way to beat the winter doldrums, right?
If you’re in high school or are a college-age young adult, the Wisconsin Conference and United Church Camps Inc. have just what you need – Winter Soulstice, a fun winter camp experience scheduled for Jan. 6-8 at Daycholah Center. You’ll experience faith in community, silence and time for prayer, connect with new people and hang out with old friends, and be inspired by the worship and music led by Nashville-based singer and songwriter Andra Moran. Register today for this exciting faith formation event.
Questions? Email Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries.
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After successful retreat, Creation Care Team looks ahead |
The Wisconsin Conference Creation Care Team is on a roll. The team’s Creation Care 101 retreat earlier this month at the Daycholah Center drew 40 participants who shared resources and ideas, and left them wanting more. “It’s not a one-off,” said the Rev. Bob Ullman, one of the leaders of the team.
Lynn Miller, a member of Zwingli UCC in Mount Vernon, appreciated the opportunity to meet others with an interest in Creation Care. “It helped clarify for me the urgency to be proactive in caring for God’s creation,” he said.
The retreat also provided also gave the team an chance to loop people into the Damascus Project, where a Creation Care Cohort now has more than 20 members. Join the cohort.
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Racial Justice Task Force seeks members |
Passionate about racial justice? The Wisconsin Conference Racial Justice Task Force wants you. The task force is looking for individuals who want to work for racial equity at the local level. Click to share more about your interest.
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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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Parkside Community UCC in Saukville is searching for a pastor. Details
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To see all searching churches, click here.
Wider Church Searches
- The Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC is searching for an executive director. Details
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Daycholah Center is searching for a managing director. Details
Installations and Ordinations
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The Rev. Robert Van Ess was installed at Pilgrim UCC in Fond du Lac on Nov. 5.
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The Rev. Teri Hanson was ordained at First UCC in Colby on Nov. 13.
Anniversaries
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First Congregational UCC in Baraboo celebrated its 175th anniversary on Nov. 13.
In Memoriam
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The Rev. Arthur W. "Chris" Christofersen died on Oct. 24. 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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