Conflict is inevitable, but no church conflict is irredeemable. “Anytime you have more than one person together, you have the potential for conflict,” Dave said. “It doesn’t have to be destructive. What we’re asked to do is help them learn to fight fair so that the conflict is productive, not destructive.” He added: “We give people an excuse to talk about things that matter.”

Conflict is God’s redemptive way of teaching us something about ourselves.  “I grieved and was pained by churches that were broken,” Linda said. “We came to reassure them that they were not bad churches, that God was not punishing them, that healing was possible with God’s help."

Amid conflict, the Holy Spirit is at work. “We were surprised when the lights went off – when people hugged who were fighting with each other, when there’d be agreement where people had taken sides before,” Linda said. “They were times of wonder. The engagement and intensity (that accompanies conflict) is often when where the Spirit shows up.”

God can make something out of the worst of us. “We’ve been in churches that looked hopeless and felt absolutely hopeless,” Dave said. “We didn’t bring any magic, but while we were there they discovered God still had a purpose for them.”

Prayer is vital to conflict transformation. “Prayer is a huge part,” Linda says. “We honor the spiritual resources of a congregation. We help identify those resources God has given them.” Dave added: “One of the techniques we’ve used is to have a group write a prayer and ask the question, ‘How does God expect us to answer it?’”

In a message to the Wisconsin Conference, retiring Associate Conference Minister Rob MacDougall expresses thanks for the opportunity to journey with God’s people. “I have learned amazing things from all of you and I will keep you in my heart and prayers as I move into retirement,” Rob says. Click to read Rob’s message.

Exploring the Enneagram is for lay leaders, seekers, authorized ministers and people exploring authorized ministry.

Leadership in congregations today is hard. It is more and more challenging to navigate change and respond with care to the many competing demands. Understanding your personality -- its strengths and its shadow sides -- is more important than ever before. When we know who we are, we are better equipped to work with others. In Exploring the Enneagram you will identify your unique personality type and gain insight into the personality types of others. This learning intensive on the Enneagram is meant to ground you more deeply in yourself, your relationships, and your connection to God.

Read “Ashes Alive.”

If this sounds like you, then consider joining the winter cohort of Faith Foundations. This 12-week learning intensive focusing on the Reading the New Testament and Christian history starts Thursday, Jan. 12.

Go to the Damascus Project website to learn more and to register.

Click here to watch the New Testament instructor Matt Mardis LeCroy describe the course.

UCC Webinar—The Midterms and Beyond: A Path for Climate Justice

Date: Dec. 14

Time: Noon Central

Date: Dec. 15

Time: 2:30 p.m. Central

In Week 1, Rachel introduced the practice of Lectio Divina. Introduced in the fourth century, Lectio Divina is a way of developing a closer relationship with God through prayerful reflection on a portion of sacred text. Click to watch Rachel’s video about Lectio Divina. For Week 2, she cited a bit of wisdom attributed to St. Augustine – “Those who sing pray twice” – to introduce us to sacred chant. Watch her video lesson here. Enjoy.

Link to join Tisha's farewell (6 p.m. Dec. 13)

Link to join Rob's farewell (3 p.m. Dec. 18, in person or at this link)

If you’re in high school or are a college-age young adult, the Wisconsin Conference and United Church Camps Inc. have just what you need – Winter Soulstice, a fun winter camp experience scheduled for Jan. 6-8 at Daycholah Center. You’ll experience faith in community, silence and time for prayer, connect with new people and hang out with old friends, and be inspired by the worship and music led by Nashville-based singer and songwriter Andra Moran. Register today for this exciting faith formation event.

Questions? Email Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries.

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

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 Wisconsin Conference UCC is an Open and Affirming Conference, and an Immigrant Welcoming Conference.