The 2026 Annual Meeting is less than six months away, so if you have ideas for workshops or other programming, it’s time to send them our way. The Annual Meeting theme is “Cultivating Community: Rooted in Christ and Bearing Fruit,” and we’re looking for programming the focuses on inspiring faith, fostering community, and promoting justice in today’s world. Workshops will run for 60 minutes, and possible formats include interactive lectures, panel discussions, or creative presentations. Annual meeting will take place April 10-11 at Green Lake Conference Center. Proposals are due by Nov. 15. Learn more and submit your proposal.

There’s a new church in Shawano. Peace UCC and First Presbyterian Church, which had previously agreed to merge, voted earlier this month on a name for their new, federated church: Fellowship Church of Shawano. Both church buildings are for sale. Although the merged congregation hasn’t decided on a new location, the new name will become official on Jan. 1, the Shawano Leader reported. First Presbyterian has about 20 active members, and Peace UCC has 60 to 70. The newspaper reported that leaders of both congregations realized that if they continued their current trajectory, they would both close within six years.

The Wisconsin Gospellers are headed back to Germany in 2026, and they’re looking for a few more singers. The trip, expected to take place between June 16 and July 2, will include stays in German homes, joint rehearsals and performances in Hessen, Thuringia and the Rhineland, opportunities for fellowship and more. The Gospellers, founded in 2007 in response to an invitation from a German gospel group, are one of the fruits of the longtime partnership between the UCC and Germany’s Union of Evangelical Churches. They previously toured Germany in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2019. Interested? Email wisconsingospellers@gmail.com.

Does your congregation’s Green Team have a plan to engage young people who can sustain your Creation Care ministry in future years? Here’s an easy way to get them started: Encourage them to attend the Wisconsin Youth Climate Conference, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Madison College. The conference is an opportunity to connect with young environmentalists from across the state and learn from top-flight exhibitors and presenters. And get this: It’s free.

Learn more and register.

Are you planning to bring middle schoolers to the Knock Knock retreat scheduled for Nov. 21-23? The Nov. 5 registration deadline is coming up fast. Knock Knock is a great chance for young people and their adult leaders use the lens of faith to explore the challenges of the middle school years, such as changing relationships with family and friends and the other tough stuff experienced by teens today. The Rev. Jacob Nault will be our music and worship leader. Learn more and register today.

The Palestine Justice Working Group will meet by Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m. today. The meeting is open to all. Sign up to attend. . . . Singer, songwriter and UCC pastor Christopher Grundy will lead a free singalong concert and music workshop from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, at Bradley Hall on the campus of Lakeland University in Plymouth. The event is free and open to anyone who is interested. Register for the workshop at baiop1950@gmail.com. . . . If you are passionate about racial justice, consider joining the Wisconsin Conference Civil Rights Tour scheduled for Feb. 1-6. The Conference group will visit Alabama sites that played key roles in the movement.

Learn more and register.

• 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