You’ve probably heard of Drive $mart Wisconsin, the two-decade-old organization that teaches fuel-efficient driving skills. But did you know about the UCC connection of founder Bradlee Fons? He’s a member of Hope UCC in Jackson and has a passion for creation care. “As Christians, we’re supposed to be good stewards,” he said. “That affects how we drive and what we drive.” In 2016, he adapted the basic curriculum to create a new program, Driving in God’s Garden, which places the message of D$W in the context of faith for individuals who believe they are called to be good stewards of Earth. Since then, the group has presented to scores of congregations and other organizations and has had a regular presence at the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference. 

Read more about Bradley Fons and D$W.



Arrange for a presentation of Driving in God's Garden at your church.

If you’re wondering how your congregation can engage boldly in the public square this election season, check out a UCC webinar called Prophetic Not Partisan: Election Engagement 101 for Congregations, scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. The webinar will cut through the confusion around 501(c)(3) status and IRS guidelines and provide practical guidance for how your congregation can engage legally this election season. Speakers will be UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel; the Rev. Michael Neuroth, director of the denomination’s Office of Public Police & Advocacy in Washington; and Rushad Thomas, domestic policy advocate in the Washington office.



Register today for the Aug. 11 webinar.

A few places remain available for individuals interested in participating in next year’s pilgrimage to Iona Abbey in Scotland, led by Associate Conference Ministers Jane Anderson and Rachel Bauman. Scheduled for June 4-11, the pilgrimage invites participants to learn about the impact of the abbey’s founder, St. Columba, who has inspired generations of people seeking a deeper connection with their faith and the wider world. Pilgrims will follow the rhythm of life in the abbey and explore Columba’s legacy through reflection, conversation, contemplative practice and sacred music.

Learn more and register.

The Wisconsin Foundation UCC has come up with a great way for you to support the Wisconsin Conference’s Creation Justice initiatives—and get a little exercise in the process. It’s the Creation Care 5k, a virtual fundraiser to support seed grants to congregations for projects such as solar panel installations, energy efficiency improvements, and pollinator gardens. Just run, walk, or roll wherever you are sometime between Sept. 1 and 30. It’s a worthy cause: From 2020 to 2025, the Kairos Call to Action Team awarded $44,545 in 49 grants to 37 congregations in 29 communities across Wisconsin.



Learn more and register.

Registration for 2026-2027 Wisconsin Conference Youth retreats will open by Sept. 1. The retreats:



• Youth Faith Formation Retreat I (grades 6-12), Nov. 6-8
• Knock Knock Retreat (grades 6-8), Nov. 20-22
• Winter Soulstice Retreat (grades 9-12), Jan. 15-17
• Youth Faith Formation Retreat II (grades 6-12), Feb. 26-28
• Youth Faith Formation Retreat III (grades 6-12), March 5-7

The same program is offered at each Youth Faith Formation Retreat. All retreats take place at Daycholah Center. Additional details will be forthcoming. Questions? Email Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries or call her at 608-438-1571.

Those retreats provide an important space for youth and adults to explore their faith and take a break from the rhythm of their everyday lives. It takes a team of clergy and faith formation and youth leaders to plan and lead them. If you’re interested in joining the team, email Lisa Hart or call her at 608-438-1571

If you are a faith formation leader or pastor, mark your calendar now for the fall retreat of the Great Lakes Association of United Church Educators, scheduled for Oct. 6-8 at Waycross Camp and Retreat Center in Morgantown, Indiana. Keynote speaker and worship leader will be the Rev. Dr. Karen-Marie Yust, professor of Christian education and director of the Children’s Spirituality Hub at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. The retreat is designed for anyone who works with children, youth, or adults, whether paid staff or volunteer. Questions? Email Lisa Hart.

We're looking for creative volunteers to serve on the Planning Committee for the 2027 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference. To learn more and sign up, email Jaime Craig by Aug. 15. . . . There’s still time to join the Damascus Project’s Rooted and Growing in Faith Spiritual Formation Cohort, scheduled to launch in late August. Email Damascus Project Director the Rev. Stephanie Perdew with questions. . . . Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 Living Faith online confirmation program designed for eighth-graders in Wisconsin and Minnesota UCC churches. . . . Registration is also open for 2026-2027 Communities of Practice. Register here for a clergy group and here for a Christian ed/faith formation group. . . . Living Well, Leading Well is the theme of this fall’s clergy retreat, which will take place from 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, through 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Daycholah Center. 

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The Wisconsin Conference UCC is an Open and Affirming Conference, WISE for Mental Health Conference and an Immigrant Welcoming Conference.

Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ

W1000 Spring Grove Road, Ripon, WI 54971

mail@wcucc.org

www.wcucc.org