UCC Wellness Ministries has issued a statement condemning confusing messages surrounding the use and availability of vaccines. “For over two centuries, God has blessed medical researchers with the ability to learn about viruses and develop ways to safeguard humanity,” the statement says. “As Christians, we are called to care for one another by sharing accurate information and resources with those trying to decide how to balance their personal freedom with the collective responsibility of fighting infectious diseases.” For accurate information, people should call their primary care provider and check with the county or state health department." Read the statement from UCC Wellness Ministries.

The Conference Supportive Ministries Team will host the first Beloved Community conversations of 2025-2026 at noon and 7 p.m. Oct. 2. This year’s focus is Beloved Community as a Pursuit of Justice. These one-hour discussions take place on Zoom the first Thursday of each month, with the focus on an essay sent in advance.

Register for the conversation at noon on Oct. 2.

Register for the conversation at 7 p.m. on Oct. 2.

Read the essay ahead of the Oct 2 conversation.

The Wisconsin Conference this fall will expand the Faith and Ministry Lay Communities of Practice open to any lay person dedicated to serving their congregation. The COPs are small groups of six to eight people facilitated by a trained lay person. Meeting topics, dates and times are agreed upon by the group. An in-person orientation retreat will be held at Daycholah Center in late October or early November. Questions? Email Associate Conference Minister Jane Anderson.



Learn more and register.

Make plans now to join the Wisconsin Conference Older Adult Ministry Task Force at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 for a discussion with Susan and John McFadden about ways in which churches can better accompany those affected by dementia. The discussion is based on Chapter 9 of their book Aging Together, which explores the possibilities for congregations of various faiths to show the wider community a new vision of friendship with individuals who are living with dementia. Susan is a professor emerita of psychology at UW-Oshkosh and John is the former senior pastor of First Congregational UCC in Appleton.



Read Chapter 9. 

Register for the Oct. 14 Zoom discussion.

Church leaders seeking to expand their cultural competency and learn how race and power are present in ministry are invited to join one of the fall cohorts of Animating Antiracism, a webinar series developed for the UCC Network of Wider Church Youth Ministries by Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training. Learn more about the program, cost, format, and education credits. Cohorts are capped at 15 participants to encourage participation.



Register for Cohort G (4 to 5 p.m., Mondays from Oct. 6-Nov.10)

Register for Cohort H (3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24) 

Here’s an easy way for your church Green Team to get the congregation’s young people involved the movement to protect God’s beautiful, but fragile, creation: 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.

Here’s a friendly reminder that the early-bird rate for the first Youth Faith Formation Retreat of 2025-2026 is available through Friday, Oct. 3. The retreat is scheduled for Nov. 7-9 at Daycholah Center.

Register today.

Check out all 2025-2026 Youth Faith Formation events.

• 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