On Thurs., Jan. 22, and Fri., Jan. 23, Conference Minister Franz Rigert, along with 600 other interfaith clergy, attended "A Call to Minneapolis: Faith Leaders Answering History in a time of Peril and Possibility," organized by MARCH Minnesota.

Franz participated in a gathering and learning time for clergy members on Thursday, and on Friday joined a protest at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. 


Read Franz's account of his trip here.


Image: selfie taken by Franz at the airport protest, with childhood friend Jim Scott.

When ICE Comes To Town: What Clergy Need To Know

Wed. Jan. 28, 7:00-9:00 p.m., or

Thurs. Jan. 29, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wisconsin Clergy are invited to join the Wisconsin Council of Churches for a two-hour training session on preparing for immigration enforcement in your community. Topics include situational awareness and risk assessment, emotional and spiritual preparedness, getting connected to local organizers, Know Your Rights and anticipating legal situations you may encounter, an introduction to nonviolence, and security. Speakers include Wisconsin organizers, Minnesota clergy, and legal professionals.

More information and registration here.

The Conference Committee on Ministry has created three regional teams to support churches around the state.The first priority for each team is to meet with each of our churches and to listen. These visits are designed to support congregational vitality by creating space for reflection, storytelling, and discernment about your church’s present realities and future hopes.

For more information, please see the direct communication that is being sent to churches in each region. The Southern and Eastern communications have already gone out; the Northern one will be slightly delayed due to ACM Michael Jones's departure at the end of January.

Eastern Region email
Southern Region email
Northern Region email: yet to come.

Registration is open for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference, to take place April 10-11 at Green Lake Conference Center. The theme of the meeting, “Cultivating Community: Rooted in Christ and Bearing Fruit,” points to the broad, deep relationships the Holy Spirit makes possible across the Conference as we share resources, stories and ministry how-to’s.

Register for Annual Meeting

Reserve accommodations and purchase meal tickets at Green Lake Conference Center

The Thursday intensive workshop, Rooted and Reaching: Connecting within and beyond the local church takes place on Thurs., April 9. The Intensive workshop will offer a full-day opportunity for learning, reflection, and connection. This year’s focus is on the ways we connect within congregations and beyond church walls. The day will explore two complementary dimensions of ministry: connecting within congregations through worship practices such as preaching, music, prayer, and the arts, and connecting beyond the local church through community ministries and justice initiatives.

Learn more and register

• It’s your last chance to register for the Orientation for Treasurers taking place on Wed., Jan. 28.
• The Wisconsin Conference Palestine Justice Working Group is providing an opportunity for churches and members to learn more about the lived reality of both Palestinians and Israelis on Feb. 12. Learn more and sign up here.
• Registrations for Youth Faith Formation retreats continue. Sign up here for the retreat starting on Feb. 27, and sign up here for the retreat starting on March 6.

• 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