Conference Minister Franz Rigert offers his thoughts on this election eve.

Many of us are anxious as we await the results of the 2024 election. We worry about the outcome -- and about the potential for political and social unrest that could ensue. Some of us fear that our democracy hangs in the balance.

Yesterday, I saw a yard sign that read: “YOU are our neighbors. No matter who you vote for, your skin color, your faith, or who you love, we will be here for you. That’s what community means. So, let’s be neighbors.”

Loving our neighbors near and far is the great commandment and the heart of the Gospel. This fall, at Redeemer UCC in Sussex, the Rev. Julie Eklund preached a sermon series titled “Red and Blue Make Purple.” She invited the congregation to engage in “purple” relationships through these five biblical values: kindness, compassion, humility, respect and love.

Earlier this year, the Rev. Stephen M. Fearing a Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer, set these compelling words to familiar hymn tune:

“Churches live in purple spaces, faithful from the left and right;

Christ made known in many faces, each beloved to God’s delight.

Though we’ve stumbled, sometimes falling, grace is ne’er beyond our reach.

Bless us in our sacred calling as repairers of the breach.”

Whether we are delighted or disappointed by the outcome of the election, we will still be united in God’s love, and God will still expect us to love one another. As Paul wrote in Romans 8: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not hardship or distress. Not sword or peril. Nor things present. Nor things to come.” And not even an election.

Come what may, our work of ministry carries on. We are called to be bridge builders and grace givers. Let’s pray for calm and practice peace. Let’s be humble and gracious in winning and losing, knowing that we are all on this journey of life together. Let’s be patient in waiting and conscientious in remembering that with freedom comes responsibility. Whether it’s the freedom of God’s abundant grace or the freedom of this messy democracy, our response is important.

This second verse of “Churches Live in Purple Spaces” reads like a benediction:

“Jesus calls us to uniting; where there’s hate, we’ll love instead.

Though we’re broken by the fighting, we’ll respond by breaking bread.

When we’re taught to fear our neighbor, we’ll tune out the hurtful lies.

Giving God our faithful labor, we’ll see Christ in others’ eyes.”

Be well, friends, and God be with you.

Franz

We’ve compiled a list of events and other resources from the UCC and elsewhere that can help you navigate the challenging days ahead.

Election Day vigil and prayer service. UCC General Minister and President Karen Georgia A. Thompson and UCC leaders from across the nation will lead a nonpartisan virtual prayer vigil beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The vigil will highlight prayers submitted from across the denomination and will be woven together with music and prayers from UCC leaders. After the vigil, separate breakout rooms will be available for election-related pastoral care concerns, spiritual grounding, and election protection tips. Learn more and register. (Please note: This event may reach capacity. If you find that you are having difficulty accessing the session on Zoom, visit the UCC YouTube channel to watch a live stream of the session.)

Post-election check-in at November Ministry Roundtable: It’s been an intense time for pastors and lay people alike, and the weeks and months to come are likely to bring more of the same. Join Associate Conference Ministers Michael Jones and Rachel Bauman for a time of reflection, sharing, prayer and mutual support. Everyone is welcome – clergy, laypeople and anyone who wishes to process the current political moment in community. The Zoom event will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday. Register now.

Interfaith America:  This group, whose mission is to inspire, equip, and connect leaders and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity, will host a panel of three Interfaith America Vote is Sacred fellows for a discussion of their experience of organizing within faith communities before the election and how faith communities can continue to support democratic processes post-election. The event, co-sponsored by the Princeton Religious Literacy Program, will take place online at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19. Register now.

Danforth Center on Religion and Politics: Based at Washington University in St. Louis, the Danforth Center is a trove of resources exploring the intersection of religion and politics. Of special interest: videos of two panel discussions titled “Realistic Hope: American Democracy and the 2024 Election.” The conversations, moderated by John Dickerson of CBS News, took place in October but will resonate long after Election Day. Panelists are former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and author Valeria Luiselli.

Faith & Leadership Initiative: This project, based at Duke Divinity School, offers a collection of essays, book excerpts, interviews and other resources to help faith leaders and their communities navigate the current political environment. You might start with “What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus in a Divided America?” by journalist and author Bekah McNeel.



Contemplative citizenship. Religion News Service last week reported on a pastor in purple Pennsylvania who is using ancient prayer and meditation techniques to help people learn to respond to political disagreements more constructively. 

Beginning Nov. 7, 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.

Join us on Zoom.

The Wisconsin Conference Coaching Initiative is conducting a survey to explore the interest among ministers and lay leaders in being coached or becoming a coach. This initiative aims to support personal and leadership development within our community, providing opportunities for growth, mentorship and collaboration. The Coaching Initiative also is considering development of a course that would provide basic coaching training.

Your feedback will help us understand how we can best offer coaching resources, whether you're interested in guiding others as a coach or benefiting from the experience of being coached. Take the survey.



For more information, contact Tim Perkins at 414-403-0221.

Orchard Ridge UCC in Madison will co-sponsor a conversation with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St. in Madison. The event will be livestreamed..

A pair of activists, Osama Iliwat, who grew up in the West Bank city of Jericho, and Rotem Levin, a former Israeli soldier who got to know Palestinians during an intensive dialogue program in Germany, will discuss the reality on the ground in the Middle East and a path toward collective safety and liberation. Despite the escalating violence in the region, they believe in the possibility of a shared future of security, equality, and justice for all people. Registration is required for in-person and virtual attendees. Register today.



The conversation with Iliwat and Levin offers an additional opportunity for congregations to engage the issue of a just peace between Israel and the Palestinian people in preparation for the 2025 Conference Annual Meeting, where delegates may vote whether to adopt the Declaration for a Just Peace Between Israel and Palestine adopted at the UCC’s 2021 General Synod.

Damascus Project Director the Rev. Stephanie Perdew is teaming up with the Rev. Kendy Miller, associate conference minister in the Tri-State Conference, to offer “Boundary Awareness Training: A Contemplative Approach,” a course that fulfills the UCC training requirement for authorized ministers. The one-day course will take place on Zoom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3.

The course will take a contemplative approach to the self-awareness needed to uphold healthy boundaries in ministry. Participants will learn two contemplative practices, engage content through case studies, and take part in large and small group discussions. Learn more and register.

Sermon talk

Join Associate Conference Minister Michael Jones for a Zoom discussion of biblical texts and sermon ideas, with the focus on topics for the month ahead. Whether you use the Revised Common Lectionary or the Narrative Lectionary or choose your own texts, this discussion is for you. Sessions take place at noon on the first Tuesday of each month.

Time: Noon

Date: Nov. 5

Register now

Local Church Profile system training

Following the launch this spring of the digital local church profile portal, MESA continues to offer monthly general orientations to the new system for search committees. Church staff members are welcome to attend trainings, too. Email the Rev. Jeff Nelson, minister for ministerial calls and transitions with questions. The training schedule for the rest of the year:

Time: 6 to 7 p.m.

Date: Nov. 6

Register now

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, Nov. 7.

Read the latest newsletter

Register here for the noon discussion

Register here for the 7:00 p.m. discussion

‘Migration, Art, and Hope’ exhibit

First Congregational UCC in Janesville will host an exhibit of welcome quilts created in response to the influx of families seeking asylum at the Southern border, many of whom were greeted at Casa Alitas Welcome Center in Tucson, Arizona. The quilts’ message is one of hope and affirmation. The exhibit also features the artwork of children from the migrant families.

Times and dates: Noon to 3 p.m., Sundays Nov. 10 and 17; 2 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12-Thursday, Nov. 14; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16.

By appointment: Call the church office at 608-752-8716 or email nstabb@charter.net

Virtual boundary training for retired ministers

Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. The Revs. Tara Barber and Melanie Oommen will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. This training meets the Wisconsin Conference Commission on Church and Ministry requirements for boundary training for authorized ministers. 

Time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Date: Nov. 13

Register now

Palestine Justice Working Group

The Wisconsin Conference work group educates UCC members about the state of Israeli-Palestinian relations and advocates for justice for all Palestinians. The group meets by Zoom on the fourth Monday of each month. Meetings are open to all.

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Nov. 25

Register now

Faith Formation Retreats

Registration is now open for two Youth Faith Formation Retreats planned for February. Retreats will take place at Daycholah Center on the weekends of Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 28-March 2. We offer the same retreat twice 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

Winter Soulstice Retreat for grades 9-12: Jan. 24-26, Daycholah Center

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