If you worry about the erosion of democratic values, check out the Palm Sunday Path. It’s a coalition of clergy, congregations, and faith-based groups that seeks to organize Christians to address the challenges tearing the national apart, starting with mass marches in state capitals on the afternoon of March 29 – Palm Sunday. The idea originated with ISAIAH, a multifaith, multiracial community organizing group in Minnesota. “We are living in an emergency, and we need to decide that now is our time to act in a new way,” the organizers write. “Now is our March on Washington moment. Now is our Confessing Church moment.”

Sign up to learn more on a Dec. 9 Zoom call.

UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel is reminding ministry settings across the denomination that they continue to have a First Amendment right to express their religious beliefs and to exercise freedom of speech. Her statement came after questions from conference ministers and other UCC leaders concerned that the federal government could target churches. "Preaching and advocating publicly for a church’s religious beliefs including care for immigrants and refugees, inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, advancement of racial equity, and other justice issues according to the church’s theology are protected by the First Amendment,” she wrote. Read her entire statement.

The Advent and Christmas seasons present a special challenge to individuals who are grieving or lonely or anxious about events in the wider world. If that describes you, consider attending a Blue Christmas service designed for those who don’t have the heart for holiday cheer. We know of two such opportunities: Emanuel UCC in Hales Corners will host a Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. And the Conference Older Adult Ministries Team will offer a virtual Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22.

Download the Emanuel flyer.

Register for the virtual service.

The Wisconsin Conference has begun the search for the next Associate Conference Minister to serve the Northwest Region. The new ACM will replace the Rev. Michael Jones, who is leaving the post at the end of January to become settled pastor of a congregation in Oak Park, Illinois. Details and the job listing can be found on the UCC Ministry Opportunities website.

With the end of 2025 less than six weeks away, please help our finance office by submitting payments in a timely manner. Among them are OCWM Wisconsin Impact, formerly known as Basic Support, special mission offerings, and association dues. The deadlines:

• Individual year-end gifts. Contributions are deductible in the year made. Checks must be made out with a 2025 date and be postmarked by Dec. 31 for credit in 2025.
• Churches’ year-end gifts. These must arrive no later than Jan. 9. Please mark your gift as intended for 2025 by including a 2025 remittance form or by clearly identifying what you are remitting for 2025. Access the remittance form. 



Please send payments to Wisconsin Conference UCC, W1000 Spring Grove Road, Ripon, WI 54971.

“Hope, Fears, and Realities: Religious Leadership and AI” is the theme of the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, to take place Tuesday, Dec. 9, at First Congregational UCC in Appleton. . . . If you’re a high school student or college-age adult, make plans today to attend the Winter Soulstice Retreat, set for Jan. 16-18 at Daycholah Center. An early-bird rate is available through Dec. 12. . . .Mark your calendars for 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, when St. Peter’s UCC in Kiel will host the choirs of four UCC congregations for the annual Sing Joy holiday concert. . . . Dec. 15 is the deadline for all authorized ministers to complete the Annual Information Review form. . . . Dec. 15 is also the last day to sign up for the Wisconsin Conference Civil Rights Tour scheduled for Feb. 1-6. Just six spots remain.

• Conference website homepage
• Online event calendar
• Facebook page

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