Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
October 5, 2022
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UCC launches emergency appeal after devastating hurricanes |
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The United Church of Christ has announced an emergency appeal for funds to support relief and recovery efforts after two hurricanes battered Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cuba, Florida, the Carolinas and Atlantic Canada. Proceeds from the Hurricanes 2022 appeal will aid victims of hurricanes Fiona and Ian, both of which struck during the last two weeks of September, and additional storms that develop during the 2022 season.
“The hurricane season is just ramping up and we are seeing damages in the Caribbean from Fiona and now here in the United States from Ian,” the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC associate general minister for Wider Church Ministries, said in an article published at ucc.org. “We will continue to respond with partners in supporting the emerging needs of those whose lives have been disrupted and to embark on the journey to rebuild which is a long-term effort.” Read the full article here.
Click to donate online to the Hurricanes 2022 appeal. If you prefer, you may mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ to P.O. Box 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194. Write “Hurricanes 2022 Fund” in the memo section.
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In this issue: scroll down to find these articles |
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Seminar Debt Repayment Grants are available
Clergy who are new to Wisconsin or recently ordained may qualify for Seminary Debt Repayment Grants made possible by the Wisconsin Conference Forward in Faith capital campaign. These grants, designed to help clergy manage their seminary debt, will be based on need and amount of funds available. The process is confidential.
Funds will be awarded based upon the recommendations of the associate conference ministers and must be approved by the Commission on Church and Ministry and presented to the Conference board of directors. Download the application now. Send your completed application by Nov. 7 to Mary Gross, Wisconsin Conference grants and scholarship coordinator. Mary also is available to answer questions about income guidelines.
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Pastor offers resources for study of Israeli-Palestinian conflict |
The Rev. Steve Davis, interim pastor of Zwingli UCC in Paoli, has created a list of resources for clergy and laypeople interested in staying up to date on conditions in Palestine. He became interested in Palestinian issues in 2019 when he traveled to the Holy Land with an ecumenical clergy group, a journey arranged by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center in Lombard, Illinois. The trip opened his eyes to the wide disparity in living conditions between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors.
Davis plans to return to the region in 2024. In the meantime, he stays up to date by attending weekly Kumi Now webinars from Palestine and using resources from the monthly UCC Palestine Israel Network’s e-newsletter, plus other sources. Click to access his full list of resources. |
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The Wisconsin Conference is launching the Leadership Forward Campaign, designed to support good leaders in our congregations and equip them for creative ministry. The campaign will strengthen leaders through the Damascus Project, expand the Catalyst grants available to congregations, and care for clergy in every stage of their pastoral careers. Area Meetings around the Conference will provide an opportunity for pastors and lay leaders to learn more about the campaign. Together, we can make a difference in strengthening the UCC in Wisconsin because Leadership Matters.
Meetings are scheduled around the Conference:
River Falls: First Congregational UCC, 12-1:30 p.m. Oct. 22
Janesville: First Congregational UCC, 12-1:30 p.m. Oct. 26
Oshkosh: First Congregational UCC, 12-1:30 p.m. Oct. 27
Merrill: St. Stephen’s UCC, 12-1:30 p.m. Oct. 29
Kewaskum: Peace UCC, 12-1:30 p.m. Nov. 3
Milwaukee: Bethel Bethany UCC, 12-1:30 p.m. Nov. 10
Sheboygan: Ebenezer UCC, 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 10
Madison: First Congregational UCC, 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 15
Virtual presentation 1: 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 16
Virtual presentation 2: 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 30
Hartland: First Congregational UCC, 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 13
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Planned Giving to Support Mission and Ministry
While significant wealth transfer occurs as each generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. Through this webinar, you will learn key concepts and create an action plan for your congregation or ministry.
Date: October 26
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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Wisconsin Conference, UCCI set youth events |
The Wisconsin Conference and Daycholah Center are excited to welcome youth and youth leaders with several retreats this fall and winter. The popular Knock Knock retreat for middle school youths will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving. We are still looking for a few high school youths willing to serve as small group mentors for this retreat. To volunteer, or to nominate a youth mentor, please contact Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries. New this year is the Winter Soulstice Retreat, scheduled for Jan. 6-8 for high school and college-age young adults. The retreat will combine winter camp fun with contemplative practices that provide space to explore our faith. The Youth Faith Formation retreats are for any youth in sixth through 12th grade. While open to all, the program is designed to be appropriate for confirmation classes. There are three opportunities to attend a YFF retreat: Nov. 11-13, Feb, 24-26 and March 3-5. For more information click here.
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UCCI seeks managing director for Daycholah Center |
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Are you passionate about outdoor ministry? Here's your chance to shape the future of that ministry and have a significant impact on the lives of youth campers, retreat guests and staff as you lead Daycholah Center into the future. Ideal candidates will be motivated, business-oriented, passionate about summer camp, and people-centered with proven leadership skills in a collaborative environment. Daycholah Center's location on the shore of Green Lake requires waterfront experience.
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ONA webinars to grow your church |
Whether your church is taking its first steps towards an Open and Affirming covenant, or you’re already ONA and looking to revive your commitment to LGBTQ+ justice, we’ve got a webinar for you. You can register with a season pass for all webinars or for just one or two. Discounted rates make it affordable for large or small groups from your church to attend. Our introductory webinars will teach how to lead churches to an ONA decision in ways that build consensus and reduce the risk of conflict. Our ONA NEXT webinar shares best practices for church growth. New this fall: tips for ONA advocacy.
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The UCC is launching a national art contest for children and youth that will be part of a larger campaign that will generate hope in making a difference when confronting the climate crisis.
Here's how to participate: Draw or paint about climate hope, environmental justice or protecting the Earth. Sunday school class and youth group participation is encouraged. Winners will be selected in November.
The art contest winners will have their art displayed on the UCC's Climate Hope postcards. UCC congregations will then collect thousands of postcards to pressure Congress and the White House to take sufficient action to combat the ongoing climate and environmental justice crises.
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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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Parents and caregivers as sexuality educators |
Who are the primary sexuality educators of our children? Parents and caregivers. And who is best positioned to help them teach children what constitutes healthy sexuality? It might be you.
If you’re a pastor or youth minister, part of a faith formation team or a volunteer in your congregation’s family ministry, plan now to attend a one-day workshop offered by the Wisconsin and Minnesota conferences where you’ll learn how to implement a new resource to help parents and caregivers explore their roles as primary sexuality educators of their children. The workshop is set for 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Carondelet Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Download the free resource and click to register now. The $25 fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. Questions? Contact Contact the Rev. Kevin Brown, associate conference minister for faith formation for the Minnesota Conference, or Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries for the Wisconsin Conference.
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Searching Churches
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First Congregational UCC in Oconomowoc is searching for a senior pastor. Details
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To see all searching churches, click here.
Installations and Ordinations
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Rev. John Cofield was installed at the United Church of Christ in Pittsville on Sept.18. He also serves St. Pauls, Marshfield.
In Memoriam
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Dorothy Mohr, wife of the late Rev. George Mohr and mother of Rev. Jim Mohr, died on Sept. 20. Obituary
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Howard Dale "Howie" Gloff, husband of the Rev. Kathleen Gloff, died Sept. 28. 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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