Northwest Word December 2022

Farewell events for Rob and Tisha | Christmas Fund | Leadership Forward | Winter Soulstice Retreat | Damascus Project

From Rob MacDougall


For more than forty-five years the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes has been a trusted companion of mine, particularly in times of transition. It is known as a wisdom book and I think it lives up to this designation. Wisdom seeks to engage life as we experience it, not just how we hope it will become. Change is certainly an ongoing experience in life, some of it welcome, some of it not so much. I have always tried to listen to the winds of change, some gentle, some stormy, some that are just part of life’s rhythm. The author of Ecclesiastes seemed to have listened well to such winds when he wrote about everything having a season and a purpose under heaven.


After graduating from college I worked for a few years as a Social Worker in south Minneapolis, a few blocks from what is now known as George Floyd Square. While working there I began to hear God’s call to ministry and in 1982 I entered seminary at Pacific School of Religion. I was ordained in my home church, First Congregational Church of Minnesota in 1985.  My first call was to St. Paul’s UCC, in St.Paul, MN where I served as Associate Minister with Rev. Ted Trost. In 1988 I accepted a call to be the pastor at First Congregational UCC, Menomonie, WI. In 2015 I accepted the call to become an Associate Conference Minister in the WI Conference. 


I must admit that after being in a solo pastorate for twenty seven years I was a bit anxious about serving in a staff position, but now, after seven and a half years I can say it has been a real gift to serve with such extraordinary colleagues. I am ready to hand over this ministry to my successor, Rev. Michael Jones, but I will dearly miss time with my colleagues, our churches and pastors.


The pastor at the “In Care” church of my seminary days once advised me to “never confuse the Conference with God.” He was a man steeped in the Congregational tradition. I held his advice close in my time as Associate Conference Minister, and of course there are plenty of pastors and church members that reminded me, in your special ways, that there are no bishops in the UCC. The limited authority of judicatory ministers clarifies that they/we are present to support, resource, hold accountable, work covenantally, pray, worship, connect, guide and celebrate our common life as God’s people. With the cajoling of the Spirit I have tried to serve in these ways. 


I offer you my deepest gratitude for your patience, acceptance of my leadership and all the joys and struggles of being God’s people together. I have learned amazing things from all of you and I will keep you in my heart and prayers as I move into retirement. Pax et Bonum, Rev. Rob MacDougall   

Smiling man at pulpit

Please join the conference for a farewell worship with Dr. Rev Rob MacDougall on Sunday, December 18, 3 pm at First Congregational UCC, 420 Wilson Avenue, Menomonie, Wi or virtually at https://vimeo.com/event/2663130.


There will be a reception in the fellowship hall of the church following worship.


Please join us in honoring Tisha as she enters the next phase of her vocational journey in an online-only gathering at 6 p.m. December 13.

Please check the Conference Life newsletter this week or the NW Association FB page, https://www.facebook.com/nwwaucc, later this week for details.


The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross

and the Emergency Fund

“Overwhelmed with joy!” Matthew 2:10

Suggested offering date December 18, 2022


The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees.

United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity for many years. This year, your care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Thank you!

The Leadership Forward $2 million campaign aims to equip laypeople, clergy, and congregations with wisdom and skills to meet God’s challenge to be the Church today and tomorrow.

Together, we can ensure our congregations continue to have high-quality, faithful leadership.


/https://www.wcucc.org/leadership-forward/

WINTER SOULSTICE RETREAT

Daycholah Center


A Winter Camp Experience (High School and College-Age Retreat)

Friday, January 6 - Sunday, January 8, 2023 | $240

Scholarship information can be found when registering for camp.


More info at https://www.wcucc.org/event/winter-soulstice-retreat-a-winter-camp-experience-high-school-and-college-age-retreat/



Faith Foundations: Read the New Testament & Explore Christian Historyhttps://www.wcucc.org/associations/northwest-association/

from $325.00

(For lay leaders, seekers, and people exploring authorized ministry)

January 12 - April 20, 2023

Explore the history of the New Testament and the early church. And gain tools to read and interpret scripture well.


More info

Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout to save 20% through December 15.

Pulpit Supply


Yes, you can find a link to the Pulpit Supply llist on the Association Webpage, https://www.wcucc.org/associations/northwest-association/


Welcome our newest addition

Rev Kent Meyer

179 McKnight Rd. N.   # 201

St. Paul, MN  55119

[email protected]

 (507) 458-0757



ches should be fair and forthright in agreeing upon honorarium and travel expenses for persons they invite to provide pulpit supply. The WI Conference Division of Church and Ministry suggests a minimum of $150 plus mileage reimbursed at the IRS rate for 2021: 56 cents per mile.

Where a church has two points and two services, consider an additional $75 plus mileage.

Conference staff persons serve local congregations in a variety of ways. Honoraria are not accepted, and travel costs are covered by the Conference travel budget. Except in emergencies, Conference staff cannot provide pulpit supply; however, the staff welcomes opportunities to preach for special occasions or to meet with members of the congregation.

Please note: Persons licensed to the NW Association and ordained pastors are authorized to administer the Sacraments.

 

EAU CLAIRE TO TWIN CITIES AREA:

Jill Christopherson 2113 7th St, Eau Claire, WI 54703-2825

715-514-7361 [email protected]

*Note: I would prefer not to preach by zoom or otherwise. I can write something to be emailed or posted or something else. 

 

Rev. Bill Clyma 834 Hazel Street North, Apt. 305, St. Paul, MN 55119   763-415-0779

[email protected] (will travel 75 mi.) Land line: 651-330-5958.

*Note: I would be happy to provide “virtual” pulpit supply.

 

Rev. Elizabeth Hazel, 1060 Marian Lane, Park Falls, WI 54552 (will drive 3 hours)      

715-744-2373 [email protected]  *Note: I’m willing to share “virtual” worship services.

 

Rev. Carol J. Heckmann, 1789 County Road EE, White Bear Lake, MN 55110                   

651-269-4950 [email protected] (willing to travel)

*Note: Just wanted to let you know that after November 1, 2020, I will be available to do Zoom worship supply if a church is in need. I do not have a Zoom account, so prefer someone else be  the host and I join in on the Zoom. Or, if it’s within a reasonable distance, I could do a YouTube worship if there’s someone to do the technical part.

 

Rev. Sandee Kosmo, 3214 Chasewood Lane, Eau Claire, 54701                             

715-834-2112 [email protected]

 

Rev. Norm Luecke, street address: 301 Alvey St, Bruce, WI 54819                                                 

925-639-1652    [email protected] (Available June-Sept: willing to travel 2 hours.) *Note: I would be glad to provide zoom pulpit supply.

 

Stephen P. Ottman, 733 First Street, Plum City 54761      

715-495-2017 cell      [email protected] 

 

Patti Steevens, 1809 E. McMillan St, Marshfield, WI 54449

715-650-1761  [email protected]

*Note: I am willing to do in-person or virtual. Do not have a zoom account, will need to work  with local ‘tech’ to do zoom or YouTube. Will travel throughout the state, generally not  available in Jan or Feb.


Susan Vornholt301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031            [email protected]

 

Rev. Charles Wolfe, 715-441-7362   [email protected]

 

LA CROSSE AREA:

Jill Christopherson, 2113 7th St, Eau Claire, WI 54703-2825 Licensed to the NWA

715-514-7361 [email protected]

*Note: I would prefer not to preach by zoom or otherwise. I can write something to be emailed or posted or something else. 

 

Patti Steevens, 1809 E. McMillan St, Marshfield, WI 54449

715-650-1761  [email protected]

*Note: I am willing to do in-person or virtual. Do not have a zoom account, will need to work with local ‘tech’ to do zoom or YouTube. Will travel throughout the state, generally not available in Jan or Feb.

 

Rev. Tom Uphaus, 2650 N Pine Creek Rd, La Crescent, MN 55947                                       507-895-2152 [email protected]     

 

Susan Vornholt301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031            [email protected]

 

SUPERIOR-ASHLAND AREA:

Jill Christopherson, 2113 7th St, Eau Claire, WI 54703-2825, Licensed to the NWA

715-514-7361 [email protected]

*Note: I would prefer not to preach by zoom or otherwise. I can write something to be emailed or posted or something else. 

 

Rev. Bill Handy, 715-682-0168

 

Rev. Elizabeth Hazel, 1060 Marian Lane, Park Falls, WI 54552 (will travel 3 hours)

715-744-2373            [email protected]

*Note: I’m willing to share “virtual” worship services.       

 

Rev. Norm Luecke, 301 Alvey St, Bruce, WI 54819                                                 

925-639-1652   [email protected]  (Available June-Sept: willing to travel 2 hours.) *Note: I would be glad to provide zoom pulpit supply.

 

Rev Robert Rice, 5695 Hunter Cove, Conover, WI 54519

405-642-6118    [email protected]  (Eagle River area; available mid-June through Fall.)

 

Patti Steevens, 1809 E. McMillan St, Marshfield, WI 54449

715-650-1761  [email protected]

*Note: I am willing to do in-person or virtual. Do not have a zoom account, will need to work with local ‘tech’ to do zoom or YouTube. Will travel throughout the state, generally not available in Jan or Feb.


Susan Vornholt301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031            [email protected]

 

WAUSAU AREA:

Jill Christopherson 2113 7th St, Eau Claire, WI 54703-2825, Licensed to the NWA

715-514-7361 [email protected]

*Note: I would prefer not to preach by zoom or otherwise. I can write something to be emailed or posted or something else. 


Temporarily unavailable Rev. Wayne C. Drueck, 1811 Perry Drive, Schofield, WI 54476  

715-355-8895 home  715-212-8376 cell      [email protected] 

 

Rev. Elizabeth Hazel, 1060 Marian Lane, Park Falls, WI 54552, (will travel 3 hours)

715-744-2373 [email protected]  *Note: I’m willing to share “virtual” worship services.

 

Rev. Norm Luecke, 301 Alvey St, Bruce, WI 54819                925-639-1652          [email protected]      *Note: I would be glad to provide zoom pulpit supply.

 

Rev. James Mohr, 35 Hewett St., Neillsville WI 54456,                                                   

715-743-7626    [email protected]      *Note: I would be available to drive to anyplace South of Wausau, East of La Crosse, and Southeast of Eau Claire. I’m willing to do some in-person pulpit supply, as well as virtual pulpit supply.

 

Rev. Robert Rice, 5695 Hunter Cove, Conover, WI 54519                                                   

405-642-6118     [email protected] (Eagle River area; available mid-June through Fall.)

 

Patti Steevens, 1809 E. McMillan St, Marshfield, WI 54449

715-650-1761  [email protected]

*Note: I am willing to do in-person or virtual. Do not have a zoom account, will need to work  with local ‘tech’ to do zoom or YouTube. Will travel throughout the state, generally not available in Jan or Feb.

 

Rev Wanda Veldman, N11252 Woodland Lane, Elcho, WI. 54428

715-213-7447, [email protected]

I can lead Zoom services and am willing to learn how to do YouTube, Facebook services etc. In person services in area north and east of Wausau.

 

Susan Vornholt301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031            [email protected]

 

Mary Wright, 7010 Evergreen Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

[email protected]  or [email protected]          715-325-3602