Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
April 6, 2022
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Celebrating the Lay Academy, Embracing the Damascus Project: A Story of Transformation
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This year’s Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting will include a celebration of the 26 years in which the Lay Academy transformed and equipped the saints of the Wisconsin Conference. Wisconsin Conference Life is taking a look back at this beloved program, whose success has shaped the Damascus Project and enabled us to transition from in-person to online delivery of the curriculum and the sense of community that helped make the Lay Academy so special. Click to read more about the Lay Academy. This month’s story comes from Jeanne Williams, a Lay Academy participant from 2016-2020 who serves as director of education at First Congregational UCC in Ripon.
By Jeanne Williams
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I signed up for Lay Academy when I was one year away from retirement as a professor of educational studies at Ripon College. Our pastor at the time had approached me about a new position opening up in our church as director of education, inviting me to bring my teaching expertise into the local church. I was excited about this opportunity but felt woefully unprepared to share faith and to teach children about the Bible. Lay Academy was a way for me to connect to people in the wider UCC and to build the background I felt I needed for the work of shaping our congregation’s educational ministry for children and adults.
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In This Issue: Scroll Down to Find These Articles |
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Musician, Activist, Minister to Perform at Annual Meeting |
Singer, songwriter and pianist Jacob Nault will perform an interactive concert for attendees at the Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting. Jacob uses music as an important form of ministry and disability advocacy, drawing from his own lived experience with cerebral palsy. He shares his music and speaks in schools, churches and other events, including work in the United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church (USA), and United Methodist Church. He is a recent graduate of Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, and is working towards ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. He will begin work this month as licensed sabbatical minister at First Congregational Church of Oshkosh. In addition to congregational ministry, Jacob sees sharing original music for the Progressive Christian Movement as an important part of his vocation. Jacob will perform at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 11.
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UCC General Counsel Explains Ministers' Tax Status |
A new blog post by UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel reminds congregations that local ministers' tax status is determined by federal law, based on the circumstances of their employment. Worker classification sometimes leads to confusion in local churches. Read her post here. |
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Damascus Project Workshop to Focus on Conflict |
The Damascus Project is partnering with the Rev. Elena Larssen, the UCC’s minister for volunteer engagement, to offer a four-week workshop called “Conflict Transformation: When Agreement Isn’t Enough.” The workshop, Unit 4 in the Damascus Project’s 2022 Leadership Skills series, features a combination of self-guided work online and six hours of group learning over Zoom. The workshop will take place April 28 through May 26. Live Zoom sessions are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 13, and from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Cost of the series is $154. If you or your congregation is struggling with conflict, this workshop is for you. Click to register today. (Select Unit 4 in Length of Study drop-down menu.) Questions? Send an email, or call 608-516-9170.
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Resources Offered for Break the Silence Sunday |
Suggested date: Sunday, April 24
Break The Silence Sunday is an effort to open a conversation within the church about rape and sexual assault. Within the context of our faith communities we hope to:
- Acknowledge the reality of rape and sexual violence in our world.
- Support survivors by creating a place where they can tell their stories, feel loved and supported, and find encouragement on their healing journey.
- Commit ourselves to the work of changing the world, creating a future where rape is a memory.
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UCC Earth Week Event: The Faith of Prophets — Lessons for the Climate Crisis
Prophets are needed now as much as ever as our world confronts the climate crisis. Yet, we can no longer wait for others to be the prophets that were needed yesterday. We have to find the prophet in each of us. To answer the urgent call for action today, this special online Earth Week event will focus on what the Hebrew prophets can teach us as well as what prophetic actions are currently being taken. The event will consist of three parts: an opening keynote, a panel discussion, and a suggested action for congregations to take in the local community. Can’t make the live event? Sign up anyway, and we’ll send you a recording.
Time: 9:30 a.m. keynote, 11:45 a.m. panel discussion
Date: April 23
3 Best Practices for Increasing Giving
Research on stewardship makes clear three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadership and online giving options. The webinar will look at why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Date: April 27
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Save the Date for OWL Training |
Clergy and lay leaders who plan to offer an Our Whole Lives program in their congregations are invited to three days of facilitation training from Aug. 26 to 28 at the Daycholah Center in Green Lake. Our Whole Lives, or OWL, is a comprehensive human sexuality curriculum for elementary-age children through older adults, developed by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association. The August training is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin and Minnesota conferences, in partnership with the national setting of the UCC.
Facilitator training will be offered at the elementary, youth and adult levels. Each participant may participate in training for just one age level, so consider sending a team to be trained to start or expand the OWL program in your church. Registration information will be available soon. Questions? Contact Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries.
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You're Invited to Join the Gospellers |
We’re back! The Wisconsin Gospellers are resuming second Saturday rehearsals, and we invite youth and adult singers to join us. We’re all rusty, so it’s a great time to check out this ministry of music.
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, at Olivet UCC in Columbus
Safety plan:
- COVID vaccination required; no exceptions.
- Shortened rehearsal; no lunch.
- Masks required. Singer’s or N95 mask recommended.
- Physical distancing per director Martin Ulrich’s guidance.
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Spread the Word About Our Camps |
UCCI is asking for your help in creating excitement for 2022 camps and events. We have created a UCCI Digital Media Kit for churches, ministry partners, and guests. It includes images for digital screens, bulletin/newsletter inserts, a flyer, poster, 2022 program booklet, and the UCCI scholarship application. Friends may always find more information on our website and by following UCCI on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Crossing Annual Gala Returns |
This once-a-year formal event, set for 6 p.m. April 30 at The Crossing, brings supporters of The Crossing Campus Ministries together in one place to share in an evening of storytelling and fellowship. It's your chance to hear from Crossing students what campus ministry is like in today's world and to connect with Crossing alumni and other church and community members who care about nurturing young people in their faith journey.
The Crossing Campus Ministries is an ecumenical, progressive campus ministry on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is supported by the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, and the American Baptists. The Crossing provides a safe and welcoming environment for students to worship, study, and grow spiritually through service learning and justice ministries. Please join us to support our students and the work of campus ministry!
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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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First Congregational UCC in River Falls is searching for a pastor. Details
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Congregational UCC in Mineral Point is searching for a pastor. Details
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St. John's UCC in Sheboygan is searching for a pastor. Details
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Zwingli UCC in Paoli is searching for a pastor. Details
New Calls
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Jeff Pommerening has been called as pastor at United Church of Christ in Elcho and United Church of Christ in Kempster, effective June 7, 2021.
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William Whitford has been called as a supply pastor for Immanuel UCC in Darlington, effective March 1.
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Rev. Beverly Davis has been called as interim pastor at Peace UCC in Brillion, effective March 15.
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Rev. Zayna Thomley has been called as pastor at Middleton Community Church, effective March 18.
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Rev. Lance Lackore has been called as interim pastor at First Congregational UCC in Lake Mills, effective April 1.
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Gary Wilner has been called as interim pastor at United Church of Christ in Neillsville, effective April 1.
In Memoriam
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Rev. William R. Frank died on March 28. 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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