NORTHWEST WORD May 2022

Conference Minister | WISE | MacDougall | NWA People | Camps | Grants

Generosity Forward | Pulpit Supply 

Delegates to the 60th Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference unanimously voted to reelect the Reverend Franz Rigert to a third term. The June 11 vote was 157-0.

Rigert told the delegates and guests that this term would be his last, and his resolution reelecting him authorizes this new term to expire on December 31, 2026. He told the group that he will make diversifying the Conference's leadership a high-priority goal.

Rigert expressed his gratitude for the vote of confidence, and remarked, “While these are challenging times to be the church, God’s grace is with us and the possibilities for transforming lives and contributing to a more just world are abundant.”

Wise. Inclusive. Supportive. Engaged.


The WISE acronym stands for a new ministry in the United Church of Christ which focuses on the Mental Health and well-being of people with mental health issues and their families.


During the Wisconsin Conference's Annual Meeting on June 11, delegates adopted a resolution to study becoming a WISE Conference. The resolution calls on member churches to study the issue of mental health and the church's response. The Conference will provide study materials for congregations to use in their settings. If thirty percent of member congregations study the issue during the next year, delegates to the 2023 Annual Meeting will vote on a further resolution declaring the Conference a WISE Conference for Mental Health.


Delegates to the April 23 Annual Meeting of the Northwest Wisconsin Association learned about the work of one church—Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Sheboygan—including a video presentation by its Pastor, Lori Steward, and one of its lay leaders. Ebenezer Church members studied the issue and the congregation partnered with Mental Health Advocacy Groups in the Sheboygan area.


A summary of the Conference's resolution notes that the United Church of Christ has established the WISE initiative to “support local churches in addressing mental health stigma.” Leaders of the initiative further hope “to expand church and community inclusion of those who are living with mental health challenges.”


For more information about WISE, and to obtain study materials for a congregation, contact Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice issues. She can be reached at lhart@wcucc.org or by phone at 608-846-7880.


Dr. Reverend Rob MacDougall, Associate Conference Minister for the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ for seven years, has announced his retirement from active ministry. He will complete his work on December 31, 2022.


In a May 12 statement announcing his retirement to the Conference, MacDougall remarked that “It has been a gift to be in ministry with such remarkable Conference staff colleagues and such faithful churches and pastors.” Earlier this month, he told this reporter that he still enjoys his work and saw nothing in his duties that would make the job difficult or unduly stressful. He leaves his work while still feeling good about it and acting on plans that he had put together several years ago.


Plans include spending more time with his three adult children, spoiling his four grandchildren, aged three months to 9 years, and two trips during the first six months of 2023. He has no plans to move from his home in rural Menomonie because he enjoys the house and barn on several acres of land. “I have so many things on my plate,” MacDougall says about his retirement plans.


MacDougall, 65, grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and graduated from St. Olaf College in 1979. After several years as a Social Worker, he served as a Social Worker in south Minneapolis. Feeling a call to ministry, he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in 1985. Later education found him earning a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in 2005. Ordained in 1985, he accepted a call as Associate Pastor of Saint Paul's United Church of Christ in Saint Paul, Minnesota before moving to Menomonie to serve as Pastor of First Congregational UCC for 27 years. He became Associate Conference Minister in 1985.


His wife of 41½ years, Wendy (Randall) MacDougall, died on March 2 of this year after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. MacDougall chose to retire on this schedule he created with Wendy, expecting to have many enjoyable things to do during the years ahead despite the changes he will have to make.


People to know

Executive Committee of the Northwest Association


Moderator, Sue Vornholt, United Church of Christ, Neillsville, WI

Vice Moderator, Rev. Kathleen Remund, First Congregational UCC, Menomonie, WI

Secretary, Rev. David Huber, Plymouth UCC, Eau Claire, WI

Treasurer, Mike Goen-Penney, Community UCC Medford, WI

Member at Large, Rev. Lisa Bodenheim, Prescott UCC Prescott, WI

Member at Large, Rev. Christine Stack

Member at Large, John Parkin, St John’s UCC LaCrosse, WI

The Reverend Kathleen Remund was elected Vice-Moderator of the Northwest Wisconsin Association of the United Church of Christ at its April 23 meeting in Eau Claire. Remund has served as Pastor of First Congregational UCC in Menomonie for 5½ years. The Association's customarily elects a Vice-Moderator for a two-year term, who then accepts nomination as Moderator for a second two-year term. Remund will share duties with current moderator Susan Vornholt.

Remund grew up in Bloomington and Minneapolis, and graduated from St. Olaf College in 1981. Her early career found her working at a variety of non-profit organizations in the Twin Cities which centered their work around feminist or peace issues. After sensing a call to ministry, she attended United Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities, graduating in 2006. For ten years, she worked for the seminary doing church relations ministry.

Remund is married to Diane Light. Their blended family includes five adult children and three grandchildren.

The Reverend Michelle (Missy) Miller has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Moon Beach Camp in St. Germain. Rev. Miller began her work part time from her previous location in Wisconsin Rapids, and started work full time on-site in early May.


Rev. Miller has been leading retreats and camps at Moon Beach for 25 years, in her previous work as Director of Christian Education and later Associate Pastor of St. Stephens UCC in Merrill. Later, she became Pastor of First Congregational UCC in Wisconsin Rapids, where she served for almost five years before coming to Moon Beach Camp. A graduate of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, she was ordained in 2015.


Miller and her husband, the Reverend Timothy Miller, have a blended family of four adult children and three grandchildren. She enjoys kayaking, boating, reading and photography.


CAMP RELATED NEWS


Registration for 2022 camps/events

New and exciting events are planned at the three UCCI campuses: Moon Beach, Daycholah Center, and Cedar Valley. 

Check out the full event list.


Save the dates: Youth Faith Formation retreats are back

Planning is still underway, but the dates are confirmed for Youth Faith Formation retreats at Daycholah Center in Green Lake. The retreats, for those in grades 6 through 12 and their adult leaders, will take place Nov. 11-13, Feb. 24-26 and March 3-5 and are appropriate for confirmation classes.



Additional information about registration will be available soon. To reserve space for your group, please contact Chris Kocos at Daycholah Center for more information. Questions about the retreat program? Contact Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries.

The Reverend Timothy Miller will be installed as the Pastor of Ely Memorial United church of Christ in Land O'Lakes on Sunday, July 24. A refreshment and fellowship time will follow the 3:00 P.M., service at the church, which is located at 4302 Highway B in Land O'Lakes. Clergy are invited to process with the installation party, and planners ask that those choosing to process bring red or rainbow stoles and arrive one half hour before the service.


Miller began his ministry with the congregation on July 3, after almost nine years of service as pastor of Nekoosa UCC. Before attending seminary, he completed Lay Academy and served as Licensed Pastor of St. Paul's UCC in Marshfield. His young adult years include work in light construction and manufacturing while he attended UW-Stevens Point part-time. He graduated in 2010 and went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in 2013.


A homegrown Northwest Wisconsin native, Miller grew up in Medford. His hobbies include fishing and bird hunting. Miller and his wife, the Reverend Melissa (Missy) Miller, have a blended family of four adult children and three grandchildren.

Jeff Pommerening, a longtime Licensed Minister and graduate of the Wisconsin Conference's Lay Academy, was installed as Pastor of the United Church of Christ in Elcho and the United Church of Christ in Kempster on Sunday, July 10. 


The 3:30 worship service was held at the Elcho Church, located at N11291 Dorr Street in Elcho. A time for refreshments and fellowship followed.


Pomerrening began his ministry in Elcho and Kempster in June of 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic and other matters have delayed his installation service until this point in time. He has a passion for youth ministry and faith formation, and served for several years as Director of Religious Education at First Congregational UCC in Oshkosh. He also led youth camps for many years at Daychola Center in Green Lake. Jeff is married to Cindi, and is the stepfather of two adult stepdaughters and the step-grandfather of one.

Technology Support Grant Application

 

The Northwest Wisconsin Association of the Wisconsin Conference UCC is offering grants up to $1000 for technical support to local congregations. Awards will be granted as applications are received and as funds remain available.

 

Grants are available for a broad definition of technology: hardware (computers, cameras, microphones, projectors, screens, recording equipment, etc.), software, and/or training (e.g., at your local technical college, seminars). We say broadly because each church knows its needs better than we do. For some churches this might be a first step into "technology" while others might be upgrading.

 

Any congregation of the NW Association may apply for a grant up to $1000.

Application can be found here

Association Creation Care Grants available

Application (here)


The Northwest Association of the Wisconsin Conference, UCC, in an effort to lift up the high calling of being faithful stewards of God’s creation, is making grants available to NWA Congregations that are taking steps to positively change their relationship with the environment. These changes can be small or large, they could focus on energy use levels, renewable sources of energy, conservation efforts, recycling efforts, resources management, etc. The NWA is trying to encourage churches to act out their calling to be faithful stewards of what God shares with us.

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 current pandemic and beyond. Donate to the General Fund.

Webinar: Building an Endowment

Wed July 27, 6:30 pm


An endowment can support a congregation and its wider mission. But where do you start? This webinar will provide ideas and policies for creating and growing an endowment for your congregation.

 

Registration link 

Find the Wisconsin Conference Newsletter here

Pulpit Supply list available on NWA webpage, https://www.wcucc.org/associations/northwest-association/


Churches 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 christopherson.jill@gmail.com

*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 pastorbill111@outlook.com (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 morrinhazel@pctcnet.net  *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 cj.heckmann@yahoo.com (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 skosmo14@msn.com


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

925-639-1652  normluecke@yahoo.com (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 s.ottman53@gmail.com  


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

715-650-1761 patti-steevens@hotmail.com

*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 Vornholt, 301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031 sjvornholt@yahoo.com


Rev. Charles Wolfe, 715-441-7362  chaswolfe411@gmail.com


LA CROSSE AREA: 

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

715-514-7361 christopherson.jill@gmail.com

*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 patti-steevens@hotmail.com

*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 tuphaus@acegroup.cc    


Susan Vornholt, 301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031 sjvornholt@yahoo.com


SUPERIOR-ASHLAND AREA: 

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

715-514-7361 christopherson.jill@gmail.com

*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 morrinhazel@pctcnet.net 

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


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

925-639-1652 normluecke@yahoo.com  (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   robertsrice@msn.com  (Eagle River area; available mid-June through Fall.) 


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

715-650-1761 patti-steevens@hotmail.com

*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 Vornholt, 301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031 sjvornholt@yahoo.com


WAUSAU AREA:

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

715-514-7361 christopherson.jill@gmail.com

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


Rev. Dale Bishop, 511 Sundstein Rd., Eagle River, WI 54521           

715-479-1152  dalebishop511@gmail.com 


Rev. Wayne C. Drueck, 1811 Perry Drive, Schofield, WI 54476  (on hiatus)

715-355-8895 home 715-212-8376 cell retired.rev@gmail.com  


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

715-744-2373 morrinhazel@pctcnet.net  *Note: I’m willing to share “virtual” worship services.


Rev. Norm Luecke, 301 Alvey St, Bruce, WI 54819         925-639-1652  normluecke@yahoo.com *Note: I would be glad to provide zoom pulpit supply.


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

715-743-7626   jmohr13@outlook.com *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   robertsrice@msn.com (Eagle River area; available mid-June through Fall.)


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

715-650-1761 patti-steevens@hotmail.com

*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. Pat Tucker, 511 Sundstein Rd., Eagle River, WI 54521                    

715-479-1152  cell: 715-891-5051    ptucker511@frontier.com 


Susan Vornholt, 301 Oak Street, Neillsville, WI 54456

715-797-4031 sjvornholt@yahoo.com


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

bmw@tznet.com  or 22bowzer@gmail.com 715-325-3602 

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