Help, I Don't Know...

I am holding you all in my prayers as we separately together navigate these strange times. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing or not doing, let us remind ourselves that we are not alone. God's people have been in times like these before and we will be in these places again.

 

Lately, I have been finding particular comfort in Father Richard Rohr's daily meditations. The meditation today was from Brian McLaren. His meditation centered around prayer during times of anxiety. Through his own anxious times, he has developed a prayer that consists of one simple word - "help."

 

In times like these, we meet the end of our human capacity to control our environment. We lose a sense of security, which is false all the time but that gets revealed in full force at times like this. In the midst of our loss of control, our fear for the future, our uncertainty about what comes next, we turn to God with our desperate plea - "HELP!!" And then we wait and we listen.

 

This morning I put the word "help" on an index card and taped it to my desk as a reminder that when I'm at a loss for where to turn next, I can always turn to God.

 

A second meditation I received as a gift from my dad yesterday is similar. My dad and I were talking about where this will end, what will come next? He shared a practice he encountered recently - to answer every question we are asking with "I don't know..." and then to just sit in the unknowing. So, my friends, guess what else is taped to my desk now? That's right, a card with the words "I don't know..." written on it.

 

These are my prayers during this time and I offer them to you. If you find them helpful, may they be a blessing to you. If you do not find these helpful, I pray you are finding ways of navigating this time spiritually and emotionally that are helping you to calm your fears and breathe through your anxiety.

 

Help!!! I don't know...

 

Blessings to you all,

 

Tisha

Conference Website Offers Resources for Churches Navigating Social Distancing

The conference has been gathering resources on our website to help church leaders and congregations adapt to our current social distancing situation. We express a heartfelt thank you to all of the people who are sending us resources to share with the entire conference! 

 

The photo on the right shows all of the categories of resources and information currently provided on our website. Go to www.wcucc.org/coronavirus to begin exploring what's available. And keep coming back because new resources are added every day.

 

Here are some examples of what's available:

• Holy Week and Easter resources 
• Virtual Sunday School 
• How to create virtual worship 
• Strategies for caring for your congregation, community, during social distancing
• Dozens of ideas of what churches around the conference are doing creatively 
• Where to find an online worship service 
• And so much more!

If you have resources you're willing to share, please email to resourcecenter@wcucc.org or to any conference staff person. We are in this together!

The Wisconsin Conference created the Emergency Response Fund to pool resources as congregations deal with critical needs.  This fund will provide help as congregations deal with critical needs caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. All funds will be awarded to organizations experiencing financial hardship and those meeting crucial needs in their community.

 

In this season, when we can't physically go to church, we can BE church for one another. Not physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and generously. Congregations will also be on the very front lines of helping people deal with the stresses and dislocations caused by the pandemic. We can help each other through this time.

 

Please consider making a gift to the Wisconsin Conference's Emergency Response Fund, and know that a gift in any amount will make a difference for those impacted by this pandemic.

Donate here

Or set up monthly giving via electronic funds transfer (EFT). Download the request form here

 

How does a predominately white congregation work for racial justice? That question is what started First Congregational Church (FCC) in La Crosse on their recent social justice journey. The church has undertaken a multi-year effort in the congregation and with the community, one which continues still.

 

According to a project member, "The catalyst grant helped the community beyond our church walls to recognize that many FCC members are co-conspirators in the 'commitment to rebinding our community, not by ignoring the realities of race, but by facing it together, honestly.'"

 

As a result of FCC's integral work on Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community the congregation has realized several significant accomplishments. Read the full story to gain insights into how this initiative was undertaken, why it has been successful and what has been accomplished for the congregation and community.

Join us to unite people across Wisconsin and the country to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation, and the nation's distorted morality of religious nationalism by marching on Washington, DC, on June 20, 2020.

 

According to organizer Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, "America, you've got a chance right now to be great. You have a chance right now to do what you should have done 40 years ago: Make sure everybody has health care and living wages and affordable housing. Not just for this emergency, but for a new society to emerge."    

 

Also, on June 20th, the largest digital and social media gathering of poor and low-wealth people, moral and religious leaders, advocates, and people of conscience in this nation's history will join the march.

 

Please put June 20, 2020, on your calendar for attending or being digitally present at the Mass Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. For information contact Rev. Steve Davis.

Due to the uncertainty of this time, we have made the decision to postpone our spring courses until the fall. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and look forward to reconnecting in the fall. More details will be forthcoming. Watch this newsletter and our  website.

 

In the meantime, we will be developing free content to help leaders reflect on how the pandemic is impacting their ministries and spiritual identities.  

 

May God's peace be with you during this challenging time and may you find a place of rest and renewal in the midst of the uncertainty.

 

Blessings,  Tisha & Abby

 

Lake Edge UCC in Madison will be removing pews mid-June and are offering them to anyone who would like them. 

Contact Lake Edge UCC if you are interested.

Searching Churches

• The Evangelical & Reformed Historical Society is searching for an executive director. Details

In Memoriam

• Rev. Donald B. King passed away on March 10, 2020. Obituary
• Alan Joseph Kromholz passed away on March 19, 2020. Obituary
• Wallace (Wally) Robeson passed away on March 21, 2020.  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.