If your congregation has an idea for an innovative ministry that reaches beyond church walls to address an unmet community need, the Catalyst Grant program is for you. Grants are available to support short-term initiatives lasting up to one year, long-term projects lasting up to three years, and community conversations that nurture discussions around sensitive topics. The best Catalyst projects involve partnerships with community organizations. The next Catalyst application deadline is Sept. 30. Questions? Email our Conference grants coordinator, Mary Gross, or call her at 262-271-8990.



Learn more and apply for a Catalyst Grant.

The Green Team at Middleton Community Church UCC will host a Drive $mart Wisconsin Meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the church. The event will include a display of electric and hybrid vehicles whose owners will be on hand to answer questions about the benefits of going electric. Drive $mart Wisconsin is a two-decade-old organization that teaches fuel-efficient driving skills. One of its programs, Driving in God’s Garden, places the message of D$W in the context of faith for individuals who believe they are called to be good stewards of Earth.

Download the flyer.

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

Plymouth UCC in Milwaukee is seeking a 15-hour-a-week ministry intern to lead youth and young adults in faith formation activities and community engagement activities. Other duties include serving as the staff liaison to the Plymouth Justice Network and preaching once a quarter. The position is designed for an individual who has completed or is enrolled in a program of theological study or is a member in discernment. The ministry intern will engage with a pastoral mentor, have opportunities for theological reflection, and receive practical leadership experience.

Learn more.

The Wisconsin Conference Creation Care Team is partnering with the Waukesha County Creation Care Network to host Celebrating Care for Creation, an interfaith event planned for 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at Redeemer UCC in Menomonee Falls. Oct. 4 is the feast day of St. Francis. The event will include an outdoor prayer service, breakout sessions, and resource-sharing opportunities. A bulletin insert is available to help congregations promote the event.

Download the bulletin insert.



Register for Celebrating Care for Creation.

Wisconsin Conference disaster preparedness coordinator Bridget Hill will provide practical information to help prepare your congregation to respond effectively if a disaster occurs in a webinar set for 6 p.m. Sept. 22. . . . Signup has begun for all 2026-2027 Youth Faith Formation events. . . . Registration is open for 2026-2027 Communities of Practice. Sign up here for a clergy group and here for a Christian ed/faith formation group. . . .The fall retreat of the Great Lakes Association of United Church Educators will take place Oct. 6-8 at Waycross Camp and Retreat Center in Morgantown, Indiana. . . . The Wisconsin Conference will convene by Zoom at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, to approve the 2027 Conference budget.

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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. Donate to the General Fund

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, 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