Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
October 6, 2021
Weaving Ministry and Art, and Mending Lives
Which came first? The ministry? Or the art?

For the Rev. Julia Weaver, the answer is easy.

“Art definitely brought me into ministry,” Weaver says. “In my 30s, I went through a transformational period. I was fortunate enough to be an at-home mom with two young children and had time to look at my art and move from observational art to art that comes from inside – a very spiritual journey.”

Today, Weaver, a UCC minister, is pastor of arts and community at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison, where she oversees the Backyard Mosaic Women’s Project, which provides a safe space for women coming out of incarceration to explore their spirituality and develop their artistic skills. Hundreds of women have passed through the program since it took up residence at St. John’s in 2010, and mosaics they created are displayed prominently around the church property.

In This Issue: scroll down to find these articles
  • "Zion" goes on
  • Grit & Grace course
  • Advent Prep course
  • What is White Christians' Responsibility?
  • The Cost of White Nationalism Program
  • Braiding Sweetgrass author Robin Wall Kimmerer Speaks on Saturday
  • Seminary Debt Repayment Assistance
  • Help Others
  • Conference Transitions
Milwaukee Congregation Closes With Reminder That 'Zion' Goes On
Zion United Church of Christ in Milwaukee marked its closing with a final worship service on Oct. 3. About a dozen members of the congregation, which was founded in the 1880s as the second Deutsches Evangelische Gemeinde (German Evangelical Congregation) in Milwaukee, shared memories of their life together. Over the years, Zion was instrumental in the founding of other congregations in the area. The Rev. Jim McKenzie, who led the service, reminded worshipers that as with ancient Israel, “Zion” evolved from being a place to meet God to being the people of God wherever they meet – even in exile.
What's Different about Learning with The Damascus Project?
Every Damascus Project course is a multifaceted educational experience with personalized learning that you direct, at your own pace and on your own time. In addition, you'll have discussion time online with peers and instructors, and real-time, facilitated group engagement.
 
You are free to engage with as much or as little of the course content as is helpful and relevant for you! We know you have many things competing for your time and attention, so we will provide you with the best possible content, instructors and learning environment. The rest is up to you!
 
Try us out with the upcoming "Grit & Grace" workshop (Oct. 22 & 23), an ideal opportunity for clergy, lay leaders, and all people of faith. Register by Oct. 18.
Get Ready to Get Ready for Advent!
Wednesdays, Oct. 20 & 27, and Nov. 3, 10 and 17
12:00–12:45 pm
Cost: $40
Register by Oct. 18.
 
Don’t let this holy season sneak up on you!

The Damascus Project's "Get Ready to Get Ready" Advent Prep Series is great for preachers, faith formation, and adult study leaders. This low-key, online lunch-hour lecture series will equip you with fresh perspectives on the Advent texts. Each week features a different faith leader, including Justin Sabia-Tannis, Karl Kuhn, Rachael Keefe, Shannon Kearns, and Alika Galloway & Carolyn Pressler.
What is White Christians’ Responsibility?
Do you ever get the sense that people of color are expected to do all the work when it comes to dismantling racist structures and systems that continue to oppress even in the 21st century? You’re not alone.

That’s why the Wisconsin Conference Task Force on Race is inviting white Christians to a conversation about the personal and institutional anti-racism work that belongs exclusively to white Americans. We’ll start by reflecting on our own life stories through the lens of race during a Zoom discussion at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
The Cost of White Christian Nationalism: Seeking a Faithful Response
Nov. 6, 2021
To receive a Zoom link to access this virtual program, please register by Nov. 1 at Lakeland.edu/interfaith or call 920-565-1021, ext. 2151. Fee: $25.
Younger Family Campus Center, Lakeland University

Featured Panelists:
  • Rev. Dr. Julie Mavity Maddalena, Chaplain and Ethicist in Residence, Lakeland University
  • Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Religious Director, Islamic Society of Milwaukee
  • Dr. Charles Cohen, Professor Emeritus, UW Madison
  • Pardeep Singh Kaleka, Executive Director, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee
 
Moderator:
  • Rev. Dr. Karl Kuhn, Grace Chair of Religious Studies, Lakeland University
 
 
This program is sponsored by the Wisconsin Conference UCC Christian Education/Faith Formation Commission, Lakeland University’s Ulrich Center for Faith, Ethics and Justice, and the Wisconsin Council of Churches.
Register Now to Hear Braiding Sweetgrass Author
There’s still time to register for Robin Wall Kimmerer’s talk to the Wisconsin Conference. Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, will speak by Zoom on Saturday, Oct. 9. The program begins at 9:45 a.m. A Q&A session will follow Kimmerer’s talk. Click to register.
Seminary Debt Repayment Assistance Available
Pastors who are new to the state of Wisconsin or new to parish ministry are eligible for grants from the Wisconsin Conference’s Seminary Debt Repayment program.
 
The program, made possible by the generosity of UCC members and congregations, offers need-based assistance for seminary debt repayment. Eligible clergy will be contacted by mail in October. Click for more information.
 
Pastors already in the Seminary Debt Repayment program will be invited by mail to apply for renewal of their grants.
Help Others - Donate Now
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
Conference Transitions
Searching Churches
  • No churches have recently began a search. To see all searching churches, click here.

Conference Search
  • The Wisconsin Conference UCC is searching for an Associate Conference Minister. Details.

New Calls
  • The Revs. Tim Perkins, Debbie Payden, and Tom Payden have been called as the interim ministry team at Emanuel UCC in Hales Corners, effective Sept. 1.
  • Carly Gaeth has been called as interim pastor at New Hope UCC in Jackson, effective Oct. 1.
  • The Rev. Bob Gross has been called as interim pastor at Grace Congregational UCC in Two Rivers, effective Oct. 1.

Installations and Ordinations
  • Rev. Dr. Scott McLeod was installed at First Congregational Church in Port Washington on Sept. 29.

Anniversaries
  • St. Paul's UCC in Oshkosh marked its 125th anniversary on Oct. 3.
  • St. Martin's UCC in Fillmore marked its 160th Anniversary on Oct. 3.
  • St. Paul’s UCC in Malone marked its 175th anniversary on Oct. 3.


The Conference Transitions feature appears monthly in the Wisconsin Conference Life. Please share your transition information, including church anniversaries, with the newsletter editor by emailing Nola.
The Kairos Call to Action Newsletter was created to support the efforts of congregations, families and individuals who want to be a part of the UCC’s Kairos Call to Action. Through this newsletter the Conference Creation Care Team will provide resources for study and worship, encourage advocacy on behalf of climate justice, and help congregations find and connect with partners who share this common concern and commitment.
Tending the Soul of the Beloved Community is a monthly communication dedicated to sharing resources and tools, wisdom and insight for congregations and individuals navigating these challenging days. Created by the Conference Supportive Ministries Team, this publication will highlight resources to aid in steering your path forward.
Join the Conference-wide Creation Care Team!

Are you passionate about Creation Care? Want to connect with others who are taking action to care for the earth? The Creation Care Team's primary focus is to encourage, support and provide resources to congregations in the Wisconsin Conference as they do what they can to care for creation. If you would like to be a part of this team, or for more information on the Creation Care Team, contact John Helt. You can also go to the Creation Care webpage to learn more.
Is your church considering an Open and Affirming Process? The Wisconsin Conference has a committee to help! Please feel free to use us as resources for your discussions and preparations. Contact Laura McLeod of the Wisconsin Conference UCC Committee on Ministry with LGBTQ Persons.

Also: check out the Facebook page for ONA churches!
Get Involved! A Conference-wide Racial Justice Task Force gathers resources and encourages congregations to engage in conversations around race. If you and your congregation are interested in participating in this group, you are welcome. Contact Lisa Hart get involved.

More information on the Racial Justice Task force is available on the Conference's Racial Justice webpages.

This month's Parish Paper is "Hospitality: Offering a Third Place to Gather." Access this issue and archived issues here!
Robin Wall Kimmerer photo (c) Dale Kakkak

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, and an Immigrant Welcoming Conference.

Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ
4459 Gray Road | DeForest, WI 53532