Wisconsin Conference This Week | | Berlin volunteer exchange opportunities | |
This year we are fortunate to have Sophie Moldenhouer as an exchange volunteer from Berlin, Germany. The Rev. Kevin and Kelly Mundell welcomed Sophie in their home back in early fall, and she enjoys youth retreats and volunteering at Our Saviour’s UCC, the conference office and in local schools. Sophie also got a Wisconsin driver’s license and completed her lifeguard certification so she can work at the lakefront for Daycholah this summer!
The Berliner Missions Work organization has extended two invitations to the Wisconsin Conference. First is to welcome a new exchange volunteer (Marie, who turns 18 in May) this September. We are in search of a host family from September 2026 to May 2027. Second, they are welcoming young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 to participate in a volunteer exchange in Berlin this coming fall.
If you know of possible host families or young people wanting to experience a year in Berlin, please email Franz Rigert.
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Join us at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference, to be held April 10 – April 11 at the Green Lake Conference Center.
Cultivating Community: Rooted in Christ and Bearing Fruit
Local church vitality can be enhanced through broader, deeper relationships within the Wisconsin Conference UCC. We can network, share stories and resources, and learn from each other. Collectively, we can develop a comprehensive network of ministry “how-to’s” and best practices and make a greater impact on justice and diversity issues by cultivating working teams to resource local congregations better. The Holy Spirit is our connector, and while the work is challenging in these times, it is also joyful and vibrant.
Find details and registration here
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Dr. Edith Guffey is our keynote speaker. She will encourage us to keep the faith, share neighborly love, and advocate for justice in these challenging times. With her deep love for the United Church of Christ, Edith brings a passion for nurturing congregational life and a prompting for serving the wider commitment and mission needs of the world. Read Edith's bio here.
| | Save money - and the environment | | |
"Sustainability Saves: Faithful Choices for Churches" will bring together church properties committees and green teams for a day at beautiful Daycholah Center on Green Lake, Saturday, May 2, 8 am to 3 pm. (with a Friday overnight option) We will gather to encourage one another and learn from experts on energy audits, more efficient lighting and heating, funding sources and how to get started, picking the "low hanging fruit" that will make our church and families' buildings and grounds more sustainable. We can save money for the Savior's mission and save the planet at the same time!
Register here
| | Palestine Justice Working Group action alert | | |
Wisconsin State Senate Bill 445 seeks to codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism into state law. However, this definition does not clearly distinguish antisemitism from criticism of the Israeli government, particularly its horrendous genocidal actions in Gaza and the West Bank. We denounce antisemitism wherever and whenever it is found, but if this bill passes, it could be used to repress individuals and groups engaged in political advocacy on behalf of justice for the Palestinian people. We encourage everyone to call or write their elected state representatives and ask them to oppose SB 445. Find your state legislator here. See a suggested script or learn more about the bill in our latest PJWG Newsletter and/or sign this Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance petition.
| | Data centers in Wisconsin and their impacts on energy and climate and water | | |
Thurs. February 5
7:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register here
This Webinar with Faiths Connect for Climate Action & Faith in Place will explain the impact of new AI Data Centers in our state, and tell us what we can do to address these concerns.
| UCC Webinar: Venezuela, Oil, and U.S. Imperialism | |
Faith communities are actively responding to the U.S. invasion of Venezuela as the U.S. seeks to control Venezuela's oil. In working to expand and strengthen these efforts, what do faith communities need to know about the situation faced? How can they act to prevent U.S. imperialism in Venezuela and other countries? In addressing these questions, our webinar panelists will be Phyllis Bennis from the Institute for Policy Studies, Lisa Sullivan from the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, and Tim Heishman from the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Even if you cannot make the live event on Wednesday, February 11 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT, still register, and we will send you a recording. Register here.
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Searching Churches
- Union Grove Congregational UCC is searching for a pastor. Details.
- Congregational UCC in Amery is searching for a pastor. Details.
- Orchard Ridge UCC is searching for an administrator. Details.
- Plymouth UCC in Eau Claire is searching for a pastor. Details.
- To see all searching churches, click here.
- To see all interim ministry openings, click here.
Wider Church Searches
- The Interfaith Peace Working Group is searching for an Administrative Assistant. Details.
- For current openings at the national United Church of Christ, click here.
Installations and Ordinations
- The Rev. Amanda Edwards was ordained at First Congregational UCC in Ripon on Dec. 7.
- The Rev. Dr. Vicki Wunsch was installed at Peace United Church in Schofield on Jan. 11.
New Calls
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The Rev. Robert Koepcke has been called as interim pastor at Mcfarland UCC in McFarland, effective Jan. 1.
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Robert Charles Mirshak, husband of Carol Mirshak, former Association Admin for the Southwest Association, died on Jan. 16. Obituary.
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The Rev. Dr. Richard “Mitch” Ludwig Behringer, father of the Rev. Beth Petzke, died Jan. 10. Obituary
| | 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 | | |
Image of a mosaic in the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This newsletter is made possible by contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.
The Wisconsin Conference UCC is an Open and Affirming 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
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