The program, Respite for All, uses a straightforward model: four hours of respite for caregivers while a local church hosts their loved ones in a community of others affected by the early to moderate stages of dementia, alongside a group of volunteers drawn from the congregation. The network now has sites in more than half a dozen states.

To learn more about Catalyst, the kinds of projects likely to receive funding, and what makes a strong application, go here. Deadline to apply for the next round of grants is Sept. 30. Apply here. Questions? Email Mary Kuenning Gross, grants and scholarship coordinator for the Wisconsin Conference.

It’s not too late to sign up for this month’s colloquy with representatives from the Union of Evangelical Churches in Germany and the Reformed Church of Honduras, who will travel to Wisconsin for four days of discussions to be held Sept. 26-29 at Daycholah Center. The talks will use a theological lens to examine global migration, its effects on the Church, and potential ways the faith community can address the crisis. The event will be hosted by the Wisconsin Conference UCC German Partnership Team. Participants can attend for one day or all four days. Cost for meals and lodging for the full four days is $440.70 for double occupancy and $630.75 for a single room. Click for more information and to register.

Seven guests each will join us from Honduras and Germany, and host families are needed for them from the afternoon of Sept. 29 through the afternoon of Oct. 1. Members of the German group speak English, but the Honduran visitors need hosts who speak Spanish. If you are able to host one or more of our guests, or have other questions about the colloquy, e-mail Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries or the Rev. David Gaeth, chair of the Wisconsin Conference German Partnership Team.

The first gathering is scheduled for Friday and Saturday Sept. 29-30 at Moon Beach, one of the outdoor ministry sites operated by United Church Camps Inc. Keynoter will be John Bates, a naturalist and author who sees his professional mission as helping people to develop environmental literacy. The retreat at Moon Beach will include opportunities for worship and networking, along with workshops that will provide ideas for individuals and congregations that want to exercise care for God’s Earth. Click for more details and to register for the Sept. 29-30 retreat at Moon Beach. Registration deadline is Sept. 21.

The second retreat, planned for Friday and Saturday Oct. 13-14, will be at UCCI’s Daycholah Center on Green Lake. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Daniel Cooperrider, a UCC pastor, writer and teacher. He writes at the intersection of theology, environmental ethics and climate justice and is the author of “Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You,” which will provide the theme for his talk. The rest of the program will mirror that at Moon Beach. Click for more details and to register for the Oct. 13-14 retreat at Daycholah. Registration deadline is Oct. 5.

Fresh Expressions, which emerged two decades ago out of Anglican and Methodist churches in England, describes itself as “a global movement of churches following the Spirit.” It took root in the United States in 2010. The cross-denominational effort helps established churches identify fresh ways to reach new people with new kinds of Christian communities. Click for more information and to register.

Date: Sept. 13

Time: Noon Central

Date: Sept. 27

Time: 6:30 p.m.

The program will feature Nikki Anderson, owner of Change Boutique in Madison that offers ethically produced clothing, jewelry and other items, and Adrian Gonzalez of Café Justo in southern Chiapas, Mexico. Café Justo is a grower-owned coffee cooperative whose mission is to deliver high-quality, organic, environmentally conscious coffee to customers at a price that is fair and just and thereby provide incentives for people to remain on their family lands. Learn more about Café Justo.

Register today for the Sept. 28 workshop.

The Conference office, all four Associations and the Wisconsin Foundation UCC all have a new address. The automatic forwarding period has passed, so all incorrectly addressed mail will be returned to sender. The new address for each of these is: W1000 Spring Grove Road, Ripon, Wisconsin 54971.

Full-day participation is $59; half-day participation is $35. The cost for groups of five or more who register for full-day participation is $30 per person. Register today.

Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a global partner of the Wisconsin Conference UCC, will host a virtual fundraising gala at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. Bright Stars is a nonprofit that raises awareness of and support for Dar al-Kamina University, the only institution of higher learning in Palestine devoted to arts and culture.

Gala attendees will enjoy a virtual trip to Palestine told through the stories of university students. The evening, whose theme is “Be the Hope,” will include appearances by special guests, an update on the university and a raffle. Register today.

Chaperones and group leaders should contact Daycholah Center for your Reservation Code. Call 920-745-4647 or email [email protected].

For questions about the program, call Lisa Hart 608-438-1571, or email her at [email protected].

Click for more information and to register.

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

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.

The Wisconsin Conference UCC is an Open and Affirming Conference, and an Immigrant Welcoming Conference.