Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
February 16, 2022
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Ministerial support advocate to keynote Annual Meeting |
The Rev. Tara Barber, minister for ministerial support and accountability for the national setting of the United Church of Christ, will be the keynote speaker for the opening session of this year’s annual meeting of the Wisconsin Conference UCC on Friday, June 10. Barber’s presentation, titled “Beginning With the Beloved,” is a nod to this year's annual meeting theme, “Building Up the Beloved Community.”
Barber was born into the UCC and grew up in the Pacific Northwest in a large, diverse family. Over the course of her ministry, she has engaged with individuals across the age spectrum as a youth minister, an advocate for and companion to older adults, and as a minister in congregations in Northern California and suburban Seattle. She offers workshops, webinars and retreats aimed at strengthening clergy support and oversight. Click for more information on this year’s Annual Meeting.
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Wisconsin church relieves medical debt for West Virginians |
Gifts from First Congregational UCC in Appleton have helped eliminate more than $866,000 in medical debts for families in West Virginia. The congregation's gifts were combined with a contribution from a national UCC ministry to help 657 households in the Mountain State. Click to read the full story.
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Picture this: River Falls congregation offers new take on annual report |
We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words.
What if a series of images could take the place of a congregation’s traditional, pages-long annual report?
That’s what’s happened at First Congregational UCC in River Falls, where a colorful four-page graphic report accompanied the traditional 30-pager. The Rev. Stacy Johnson Myers, the congregation’s minister of Christian education, said the graphic format addresses a perennial question: How do we tell our story?
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White Christians Doing Our Work: Whiteness in Us
The Wisconsin Conference Task Force on Racial Justice is inviting white Christians to a conversation about the personal and institutional anti-racism work that belongs to white Americans. Join us for discussion for an hour and a half. We’ll begin by reflecting on our own life stories through the lens of race and then break into smaller groups to share.
Time: 12 p.m.
Date: Feb. 23
Year-Round Stewardship
Stewardship campaigns last for just a few weeks, but we hope that people will make gifts throughout the year. This webinar focuses on practical steps to move from a brief annual campaign to a year-around plan that continually engages and inspires.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Feb. 23
Protecting your Ministry from Cybersecurity Threats
As reliance on technology continues to grow, cybersecurity threats are prevalent; ministries are especially susceptible to cybersecurity breeches in this enhanced virtual environment. This webcast will discuss the proper controls necessary to help mitigate cybersecurity threats, and identify methods and tools that can help minimize potential exposures for ministries.
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: Feb. 28
The U.S. Military and Environmental Justice
The U.S. military is one of the world’s biggest polluters. What do faith communities need to know about this in order to protect God’s creation and to love our neighbors? Learn from those engaged in the struggle by registering for this webinar.
Time: 12 p.m.
Date: March 9
When the Women Gather
Walking the walk, talking the talk about racial justice: a women's history month presentation. Euro-descendent women talk racial justice. Join the Revs. Clare Twomey, Amanda Hendlervoss and Laura McLeod in conversation with the Revs. Susan Switzer and Kris Watson.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Dates: March 7, 14, 24, and 31
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ACM Rob MacDougall takes family leave
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The Rev. Rob MacDougall, associate conference minister serving the Northwest Association, is on indefinite leave to care for his wife, Wendy, who is receiving hospice care at their home in Menomonie. Wendy received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer last summer.
“Wendy and I have been strengthened by your prayers and kindnesses, and we are grateful to you for this,” Rob wrote in an email to the Conference staff. “While I need to give my energy to caring for Wendy, my prayers and heart are with you all.”
To send a word of encouragement to Wendy MacDougall, mail her at E4256 528th Ave., Menomonie, WI 54751.
Conference Minister Franz Rigert has assembled a Northwest Association Coverage Team to assume Rob’s responsibilities during his absence. Email Franz with questions.
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Lenten resource: Prayer and fasting with God's good Earth |
The Rev. Mike Mulberry, pastor of Pilgrim Congregational UCC in St. Joseph, Michigan, introduces Lenten resources now available to congregations. Mulberry is one of the leaders of the Great Lakes Creation Care Collaborative. Contact him at mmulberry@gmail.com.
Leaders from the Michigan Conference have fashioned a group of Lenten resources that are now available for use by congregations. The resources have a strong emphasis on creation care and advocacy, and were prepared to offer diverse possibilities for entry so that all may deepen their commitment to the hard road of Lent. The resources include:
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A ritual of daily and evening prayer
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A daily invitation to a relationship with a climate advocacy group, a practice for a renewal, a children's storybook asking for climate action, a random act of climate, or a path you might take to show your solidarity and detachment from the Domination System.
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A daily practice of creation examen (an ancient spiritual practice of gratitude)
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A weekly spiritual practice of creation lectio divina (ancient spiritual practice) that corresponds with the Revised Common Lectionary through Lent
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A foot-washing ritual and Jericho Walk that begins with washing the feet of local climate activists and ends at one of the large financial institutions providing the capital for the continuing systemic violence of fossil fuels.
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It's Yearbook Time – Deadline March 2, 2022 |
The Data Hub is open and will be available until March 2 at midnight.
All churches are required to submit their data online. To avoid potential delays, please be sure to enter your information as soon as possible. For instructions and all pertinent and helpful documents, click here.
If you have any problems or questions, please email Susan Taylor. Please do not contact the National Office. Deadline for reporting: March 2.
Again this year! The church officer data form can now be filled out online. The form that was included in the mailing had an error in the link. Please use this link for data entry. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Access this new link here!
Thank you for your time and effort with this project and for providing this important information.
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Cultivating ministries to older adults |
The pandemic has increased the isolation and loneliness of seniors in many congregations. Now, gerontologist Jan Aerie has approached the Wisconsin Conference about the possibility of developing resources for supporting and interacting with older adults.
Jan has consulted with the Missouri Mid-South Conference for more than seven years and has worked for six years as a consultant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a sister denomination of the UCC. Her work focuses on the church’s role in serving and supporting the spiritual growth of older adults.
If you are interested in exploring this important ministry in your local church, please email Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries. |
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CB&LF Capital Campaign Services |
You’ve been thinking about new mission priorities, property improvements, new construction, technology enhancements, building an endowment or paying off debt. A capital campaign is a great way to raise funds for these projects.
Undertaking a capital campaign can be a daunting task, but a Church Building & Loan Fund Regional Mission Interpreter can guide your church through the campaign process, providing resources and support necessary for a successful campaign.
It’s a perfect time to explore funding options for new and renewed ministry. Contact Jill White, lead regional mission interpreter, at whitej@ucc.org or 216-736-3820 to discuss your church’s needs and learn more about CB&LF’s services.
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Worship leadership resources for when illness or quarantine disrupts plans |
From the Wisconsin Council of Churches
As we continue to navigate the COVID pandemic, there are times when leaders are unable to be present in worship because of illness or the need to quarantine. The WCC has developed resources that your church can use.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service: This free resource was created for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022 (Jan. 18-25) but can be used anytime. By signing up, you will receive a link to the entire service on YouTube and access to individual pieces of the service that can be inserted into your own online service.
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Survival and Love: A Womanist Preaching Series: Through a subscription based on your church size, you will receive access to six sermons centered in the preacher's own tradition and informed by a womanist ethic. These are especially ideal to honor Black History Month or Women's History month.
We invite you to be creative in your use of these resources. If your worship service is entirely online, there are multiple resources that you can insert into your current format. If you are gathering in person, perhaps set up a screen and watch a sermon as a congregation one Sunday.
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Help others by donating 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
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Searching Churches
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St. Paul's UCC in Erin is searching for a pastor. Details
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To see all searching churches, click here.
New Calls
- The Rev. Micah Schlobohm has been called as designated interim pastor at Peace UCC in Stevens Point, effective Feb. 1.
- The Rev. Christine Wilke has been called as interim pastor at Evangelical & Reformed UCC in Waukesha, effective Feb. 14.
Celebrations
- Please join us in welcoming Peace United Church of Christ in Schofield as a newly certified Open and Affirming congregation! Peace joins 64 other Conference churches in making a commitment to ONA.
In Memoriam
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Rev. Mark E. Jaberg died on Feb. 11. Obituary
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.
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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.
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Tending the Soul of the Beloved Community is a 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.
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Ignite Your Fire, Feed Your Soul,
Build Your Faith... In Nature's Sanctuary
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This newsletter is made possible by contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.
Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ
4459 Gray Road | DeForest, WI 53532
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