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Northwest Word
October 2020
Online Ministry Support
The coronavirus pandemic continues to spread in Wisconsin. United Church of Christ congregations, along with churches of many other denominations, have been working to offer worship and spiritual care in ways that do not put church and community members at risk for infection. These offerings are mostly coming through online technologies, an area of expertise that many pastors and congregations may not be very well-versed in. We are sending you this document as a resource as you navigate various online options for your ministries. 

Listed below are three consultants you can contact for online assistance regarding online platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Zoom and website postings; video, sound equipment, FM transmitters, and computer program recommendations; ways of recording and livestreaming worship, studies, activities, etc. These consultants may require fees and reimbursements, each will have their own fee schedule, churches will need to make arrangements to cover these costs.

The ​WI Conference continues to make grants available​ for congregations adapting to new ways of being in ministry as a result of the pandemic. These grants can be written to cover consulting fees, computer programs and technology equipment that help churches move into new ministry opportunities. Contact the WI Conference office to receive a Covid Emergency Grant application.

Consultants

  • Michael Loomis: ​michaelloomis69@gmail.com​; 715-581-7355

  • Micah & Genevieve Davis – Soul Shine Photography: micah@soul-shine-photography.com​; 970-568-6019

  • Dave Ottman: ​davemottman@icloud.com​; 715-495-1896

This is obviously not an exhaustive list of persons who can assist churches, they are individuals who have agreed to be available.
 
This highlighted video link will connect you to an introductory online technology video created by Michael Loomis, we hope you find it helpful:
 
Peace and wellbeing in this liminal time for churches and our world. 

Please contact Rev. Rob MacDougall, Associate Conference Minister
(rmacdougall@wcucc.org​)​ for clarification regarding the information contained above.

October 2020 
Pandemic Financial Relief

The Wisconsin Conference created the Emergency Response Fund to pool resources as congregations deal with critical needs. The Conference will award grants to organizations experiencing financial hardship and those meeting crucial needs in their community. Through the generosity of our donors, we can offer this grant to all congregations of the Conference.

Ministry Grants: The Conference provides a limited number of $500 to $2000 grants to congregations to support congregational ministry. These unrestricted grants can be used for program, staff, and facility costs related to congregational ministry. The grant application will ask four questions:
  • How has the Coronavirus Pandemic challenged your congregation?
  • What resources have you used to respond?
  • How would you use a ministry grant?
  • How would this transform your congregation?
The short grant application form will be reviewed by the Conference. The strongest grants will not only help stabilize a congregation’s ministry but position it for ministry in partnerships with the wider community. Each congregation receiving a grant will need to share the story of how they used this grant. These stories will be shared publicly.  Apply online now for a ministry grant.

More grant and loan information feom the Conference and the national UCC available here
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Virtual Worshipping in the Northwest Association

Several people have asked us to share vitual worship opportunities in the Northwest Association. We'd like to join you in worship.

But, I don't know how your church is worshipping, virtually or in person. Please share the link to your You Tube channel, FB page or other delivery method by sending an email to northwword@gmail.com, subject line WORSHIP.

Prescott UCC posts their services online at https://www.uccprescott.com/sermons

First Congregational UCC Eagle River will be worshipping togetther Sunday mornings using YouTube.

Grace UCC, Wausau offers you a choice,
Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter , Oct 7, 2020 
Pulpit Supply list - link

Many of the people listed on the Pulpit supply list are happy to serve your church virtually. Please contact the individual for information."
United Church Camps, Inc. is the outdoor ministry program of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ , its member congregations, and ecumenical partners. As followers of Jesus, and relying on God’s sustaining Spirit, the United Church Camps Inc. Board of Directors will faithfully live and support our Mission Statement:

WE WILL LOVE GOD, ALL OTHERS, AND THE EARTH BY PROVIDING SANCTUARY, PRACTICING HOSPITALITY, AND PERFORMING MINISTRY.
First Congregational UCC
Eagle River

GOOD NEWS FROM COUNCIL

We are pleased to announce that Pastor Gail Irwin will be joining us as our interim pastor beginning October 15.

Pastor Gail is an ordained UCC minister from Oconto Falls. She will be residing for part of each week here in Eagle River. In the most recent past, she as served as an Intentional Interim at UCC churches in Shawano, Kaukauna/Appleton, Green Bay and Black Creek. She has also served settled pastorates in Clintonville and Green Bay. She brings broad experience with transitional ministry to our church.
Webinar Series: Crafting Communications to Inspire Generosity
Beginning October 7th - next session October 28

Creating a communications strategy to inspire engagement and generosity is often a daunting task for faith communities. That’s why two expert communications teams are collaborating in a series of webinars to provide the tools that church leaders can use and adapt to their individual settings.
The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the national UCC’s OPTIC team are joining forces to present these four webinars, which provide knowledge and skills in key areas of organizational and mission effectiveness and nonprofit administration. The series emphasizes strategic communications for development and explores related planning, management, and leadership skills.

Each one-hour webinar begins at 3:00 p.m. Central Time on the dates indicated.
·   Strategic Communication for Mission Advancement - October 28.
·   Gratitude and Nurturing Generosity - Nov. 18. 
·   Digital Strategies for Reaching new Communities - Dec. 9.