Wisconsin Conference This Week | | Odds and ends from Annual Meeting 2026 |
 | | If you attended Annual Meeting 2026, you should have received an email asking for your feedback about the event. If you didn’t receive an email or missed it among the scores of other emails in your inbox, access the survey now, before Annual Meeting recedes too far into the rearview mirror. The Wisconsin Conference is always looking to improve the Annual Meeting experience, and we take your input seriously. . . . While we’re on the topic of Annual Meeting: A lot of you complimented the stoles used during closing worship. They were created by Sheila Feay-Shaw, a member of the Arts Committee. That’s Associate Conference Minister wearing her stole during closing worship. Thanks for the great work, Sheila. . . . And remember, Annual Meeting also marked the formal launch of the Conference-wide read of Nice Racism, Robin DiAngelo’s book about the ways in which well-meaning, progressive white people perpetuate racial harm. A three-session virtual book study will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays May 5, 12 and 19. Buy the book on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Register for the book study.
| | Daycholah to host June 12 racial justice training | | The Wisconsin Conference Racial Justice Ministry Team will host Unlearning Othering: Building Community and Breaking Barriers, a training event open to everyone in the Conference, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at Daycholah Center. Participants will explore the origins and history of racism and the structures that support it, as well as the way socialization shapes our perceptions, feelings, and behaviors. Some reading will be expected ahead of the training. Participation will qualify as required antiracism training for authorized ministers. Learn more and register. | | Sustainability retreat delayed until fall | | The Sustainability Saves retreat originally scheduled for May 2 at Daycholah Center has been postponed until fall, with a specific date to be announced down the road. Of course, your congregation can still take steps toward a more sustainable future. A good way to start is to check out the Creation Care resources available on the Conference website. You can also email John Helt or Bob Ullman, co-chairs of the Conference Creation Care Team, with your questions. | | Spoofing scammers often pose as pastors | | Spoofing occurs when a scammer impersonates someone else to defraud others, and pretending to be a pastor is a popular spoof. Here's a reminder that no one from the Wisconsin Conference will ever ask you to send gift cards. We've been made aware of a recent scam involving emails purporting to come from Conference Minister Franz Rigert. But a close look makes clear that the sender isn't Franz -- all staff emails end with "wcucc.org." You can check staff emails here by hovering over the "email" text, and you can read up on scam awareness here. Pastors, it's a good idea to pass spoofing awareness along to your congregations, as local pastors are a frequent spoofing choice by scammers. | Check out tonight’s Listening from the Heart session | The next Listening from the Heart workshop sponsored by the Palestine Justice Working Group will take place by Zoom at 6:30 p.m. today. These sessions offer an opportunity to hear from bereaved Palestinians and Israelis -- the people who bear the most devastating consequences of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. | Small church discussion is tonight | The monthly meeting of the Small Church Working Group will take place on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. today. It’s a great opportunity for members, lay leaders and pastors of a church with typical worship attendance of 30 or fewer to discuss the unique challenges and rewards of small-church ministries. Register to attend. | Generosity webinar to explore power of storytelling | |
Join the Revs. Molly Baskette (pictured) and Wendy Vander Hart at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, for Testimony, a webinar where you’ll learn how effective storytelling can lead to deeper engagement and increased giving in the church. Stories put flesh and bones on the ministry of a congregation, yet too often, stewardship season is the only time churches engage in the practice of testimony, thereby missing opportunities to encourage more storytelling from lay leaders and congregants. Register today.
| There’s still time for congregations and individuals to participate in the 2026 Earth Day Challenge organized by the Wisconsin Conference Creation Care Team. Earth Day is this Wednesday, April 22. . . . The Interfaith Peace Working Group will host Nonviolence in Action: An Interfaith Conversation on Building the Beloved Community this Thursday, April 23, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. . . . The next meeting of the Palestine Justice will take place on Zoom at 7 p.m. Monday, April 27. Register to attend. . . . More than 20 denominations and allied organizations will sponsor a Joint Christian Advocacy Summit May 5-7 in Washington, D.C., to press members of Congress to adopt policies that promote a just peace between Israel and the Palestinian people. | | Help others by donating now | The General Fund of the Wisconsin Conference helps us connect, support and resource pastors, leaders, and congregations. Your gifts allow the Conference to provide relevant and timely across the state. 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
| | | | |
