JUSTICE FOR WORKERS IN THEIR WORKPLACES

"'You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns' (Deut. 24:14). We know that our loving God cares about all aspects of our lives, including our work lives...

"Our work situations can be fulfilling and empowering, or demeaning and humiliating... Some workers confront particularly unjust situations, such as extremely low pay, unsafe conditions, racism or sexism... One-quarter of all jobs in he U.S. pay wages so low that a full-time worker cannot keep a family out of poverty...

"The Church, the body of Christ, is called to seek out and accompany people wherever they are... Follow this link to read the rest of the article on the UCC website.

Why People of Faith Support Labor Unions

"Christians are called to accompany people wherever they are and especially through the rough places of heir lives... People of God stand with workers as they seek dignity on he job, a voice at work, safe workplaces, and fair and adequate compensation for their labor.

"The right to form, organize, or join a union is a fundamental, internationally-recognized human right listed in the 1948 United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. But our nation's laws provide weak protections for workers' right to form a union. Laws are frequently violated, penalties are minimal and do not serve as a deterrent... Here is the complete article.

From the newsletter of Plymouth Congregational UCC, Dodgeville

Used with permission

SEPTEMBER MEANS FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULES, SERVING AND ADVOCATING FOR JUSTICE

Lake Edge UCC/Alliance @ 4200, Madison, is joining in the annual Labor Fest celebration at the Madison Labor Temple, such as providing information about Worker Justice Wisconsin.

MCC/Community of Hope UCC, Madison is having a gathering on Thursday, September 7, 700-8:30 p.m., to highlight the work of Faith Voices for Justice. It will feature speakers Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, Executive Director of he organization, and John Nichols, Associate Editor of the Capital Times.

!st UCC, Belleville, will observe Homecoming Sunday on September 10. The worship will include a recognition of their seniors.

St. John's UCC, Monroe, held a Circle of Friends of Reunion, a singing group, on July 30

Similar to St. John's UCC, Monroe, Salem UCC, Verona, has been encouraging their members to report "God sightings" and post pictures of where they have been on a wall in the church.

1st Congregational UCC, Janesville, had their annual outdoor worship. Swiss UCC New Glarus, had their annual picnic in a local park following their worship service.

Orchard Ridge UCC, Madison, asked their members to provide and deliver a meal to a family suffering severe ear and hearing impairment, and to a person who will have melanoma removal surgery and a diagnostic lymph node biopsy.

The Director of Christian Education of Salem UCC, Verona, describes how the church has moved away from the term "Sunday School teachers," because it sounds intimidating, implying that persons must have teaching qualifications and Biblical knowledge.

Each month, 1st Congregational UCC, Whitewater, is putting into their monthly newsletter an item about their history.

In addition to the congregations mentioned in the August Shalom, MCC/Community of Hope UCC, Madison; and Orchard Ridge UCC, Madison, had booths at the Magic Pride Fest in Madison on August 20.

Members of McFarland UCC's congregation were encouraged to wear t-shirts expressing their support for LGBTQ+ persons at the event, and the church is having a Bible study of passages related to the homosexual controversy.

Plymouth Congregational UCC, Madison, used the occasion to include in its worship a brief history of the Open and Affirming Movement in the UCC and the church, and a renewal of its commitment

MCC/Community of Hope, Madison, celebrated Pride in their worship on August 20.

1st Congregational UCC, Whitewater recently voted to become an Open and Affirming church.

1st Congregational UCC, Janesville joined in the community's Rock the Pride on August 12.

1st Congregational UCC, Baraboo, worshipped with the 1st United Methodist Church on August 27 to mark its Pride commitments.

1st UCC, Reeseville will honor a member who has provided 40 years of musical leadership, such as by being their organist.

Memorial UCC, Fitchburg, hired as a custodian a man who has been a part of Goodwill's Supported Employment program, which places adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Rev. Jerry Hancock of 1st Congregational UCC, Madison, expressed his pride that the church's Prison Ministry had in influencing the overwhelming adoption of a General Synod resolution condemning solitary confinement as torture.

Memorial UCC, Fitchburg, calls our attention to Be the Hope, the 4th Annual Virtual Fundraising Gala of Bright Stars of Bethlehem on Saturday, September 16, 7:00 ;p.m. Check Bright Stars website for more details.

Live music and an auction will be featured when Middleton UCC has their annual Harvest Celebration at Forward Garden on Saturday, September 23, 4:0-8:00. in support of the Madison Area Food Pantry.

After the August 27 worship of McFarland UCC, members will hear about the harrowing journey of Tcheki and Jeffrey from Haiti to the United States, and why they took that risk. They also were asked to help provide rides to school for one of the family members.

Members of 1st Congregational UCC, Madison spent a Saturday afternoon helping at Second Harvest Foodbank.

Congregations involved in providing food include St. John's, Monroe (to the students at UW-Whitewater); 1st Congregational, Baraboo (to the Pathway Home Shelter) and; Lake Edge UCC/Alliance @4200, Madison and 1st Congregational UCC, Madison (to Luke House in Madison).

Community of Hope UCC, Madison, has a new Black Lives Matter banner.

The Search Committee if Zwingli UCC., Monticello, is seeking input from members regarding what they are looking for in their next pastor.

Rev. Phil Hobson, the new pastor at Salem UCC, Verona, invited members to tell him what topic they are interested in.

Middleton Community UCC will have an outdoor concert and food truck to support the work of Centro Hispano

Inspiration for Life will be the theme of a congregational retreat of 1st Congregational UCC, Fort Atkinson to be held at the Daycholah Center on Green Lake,

Swiss UCC, New Glarus, held an Art & Science Camp on four evenings in August

1st Congregational UCC, Mineral Point, has begun having Messy Church events on two Wednesdays a month.

Salem UCC, Verona, is preparing to plant a pollinator prairie on a part of their property.

A member of Memorial UCC, Fitchburg, will receive a send-off of letters and cards as he embarks on a Badger Honor Flight on September 9.

Swiss UCC, New Glarus, hosted a blood drive on August 18.

Rev. Sara Rabe of 1st Congregational UCC, Fort Atkinson, made herself available at a local coffee house on Wednesday mornings in August.

Zwingli UCC, Monticello, will have a Volunteer Appreciation Gathering to highlight the many opportunities they have, from Prayer Chains to preparing college care packages to preparing cheer baskets.

The 3rd annual MCC/Community of Hope UCC, Madison PaddIe, starting at Olbrich Park will be held in September.

Salem UCC, Verona, was the only area church to be featured on the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce website.

On August 27 the many backpacks donated by members of 1st Congregational UCC, Madison, to be given to school children were blessed.

The Backpack Buddy project of St. John's UCC, Monroe, changed to the donation of kid-friendly food items for the Jumpstart program of the Monroe schools.

The Congregational UCC, Evansville; Edgerton Congregational UCC; 1st Congregational UCC, Janesville (pointing out that school supplies are an expensive item for families); McFarland UCC; Middleton Community UCC and MCC/Community of Hope UCC, Madison are also holding back-to-school drives. The latter is providing them for children around the world.

PASTORAL TRANSITIONS

Rev. Bob Wilkins was called as the settled pastor of Immanuel UCC, Darlington, in July.

Rev. Lex Liberatore was called as the settled pastor of 1st Congregational UCC, Platteville, in late August.

Rev. Phil Hobson will be installed as the pastor of Salem UCC, Verona, on September 17.

The mother of Rev. Susan Stull Carr, transitional pastor of the Congregational UCC, Mineral Point, died recently.

ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL

AT MEMORIAL UCC, FITCHBURG

The Division on Church and Ministry has approved an Ecclesiastical Council for the purpose of examining the fitness for ordination of Katya Ouchakof at Memorial UCC, Fitchburg to be held on Sunday, September 17, 3:00.

A copy of Katya's ordination paper can be found here.

The Division encourages the participation of clergy and lay delegates from the churches of the Southwest Association.

LABOR IN THE PULPITS

Worker Justice Wisconsin points out that, traditionally, on the Labor Day weekend faith leaders have reflected on worker justice. This year's theme is Being Faith Allies, and congregants are encouraged to reflect on the role of people of faith on that, e.g., Are immigrant workers treated with the dignity and respect they deserve? Check the web site of Worker Justice for more information.

The launch party for the worker justice study guide of Worker Justice Wisconsin, has been postponed

A TESTIMONIAL

TO THE DAMASCUS PROJECT

Rev. Stephanie Perdew, the Director of the Damascus Project, shares a testimonial by Michael Whiteley a member of the1st Congregational UCC in Genesee, to the value of the Damascus Project

When I retired, "I realized...that I had always wanted to explore ways to expand my service to Christ... One day, I received an email from the Wisconsin Conference UCC promoting the Faith Foundations course..." He goes on to say that in the process of taking that course, he found that "the best part was the diversity of viewpoints...,which opened my eyes to how differently individuals read and interpret the Bible..." Read the complete testimonial here.

The Damascus Project is especially well-suited to serve the needs of small congregations, where the trend is toward part-time pastorates, coupled with the shortage of authorized ministers

WHEN CONGREGATIONAL ENDINGS

ARE NEW BEGINNINGS

The Wisconsin Council of Churches will have a webinar on Tuesday, September 26, at 2:00, that will explore the situation of congregations that are wondering about their future because of membership decline. The webinar will suggest that "when we view congregational endings in light of Christ's death and resurrection, we can open ourselves to new beginnings. We can cultivate hope..." Click here for more information and to register.

WANT ADS

1st Congregational UCC, Janesville, has posted these open positions:

Director of Music, Part Time

This progressive church with a vibrant music program is looking for one who is eager to bring a fresh approach to Christian worship. The Director leads the vocal choir and bell choir. In its recruitment in the community, it auditions high school Music Scholars. Read more about it here.

Pianist/Organist, Part Time

The church is looking for a new Accompanist who is eager to work with a new Music Director to bring a fresh approach to Christian worship. In addition to playing their grand piano and magnificent organ, the church is looking to grow their music program to include a variety of music genres. Read more here.

A LETTER REGARDING

HINDU NATIONALISM

The Wisconsin Council of Churches has passed along a letter of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin regarding the Hindutva movement (Hindu Nationalism) which believes that Hindu faith and culture should shape the politics and government of India. This has led to the burning of 249 churches in the state of Manipur and the deaths of 120 people Persecution of Muslims in India, including destruction of mosques and beating of Muslims, is on the rise as well.

The letter of the American Baptists calls "upon our churches as well as other partner organizations to raise awareness of U.S. support for Hindu Nationalism and to denounce and defund such actions."

The letter goes on, "We stand with all persecuted people of faith and denounce nationalist views based on any religion, including Christian Nationalism in the United States..."

The letter also recalls that "the First Baptist Church in America was founded by Roger Williams under our Baptist principle of separation of church and state." Read the complete statement here. (the 3rd item from the top).

CONFERENCE YOUTH RETREATS

Faith Formation Youth Retreat

on November 10-12 at the Daycholah Center on Green Lake is a weekend of faith and team building for persons in grades 6-12.

Knock Knock Middle School Retreat

on November 17-18 at the Daycholah Center on Green Lake, for youth in grades 6-8, is for them to discover that love and acceptance are the true experience of church. More details can be found on the Conference web site.

UCC WEBINAR:

LOOKING BACK AT THE

CLIMATE STRIKE MOVEMENT

On Wednesday, September 13, at noon, the UCC webinar will look back on the five years since Greta Thunberg and others launched the movement to call attention to the climate crisis. Register here.

BEYOND THE HALLS

Beyond the church's hallowed halls,

A world awaits, where love enthralls.

In streets and homes, where people roam,

The church extends its sacred home.

Not bound by bricks or stained glass art,

It beats within each faithful heart.

In acts of kindness, hands outstretched,

The church's mission is etched.

In serving those who are in need,

The church's message takes the lead.

For in compassion, grace and care,

The church finds purpose everywhere.

So let us venture far and wide,

To be the church on every side.

For when we live with love and grace

The church expands to every place.

--Author unknown

In the Tower of

1st Congregational UCC, Madison

CONGREGATIONS DISCUSS

BOOKS AND MOVIES

The movie group of Orchard Ridge UCC, Madison, watched and discussed the 1969 film, Driving Miss Daisy, at Oakwood Village.

1st Congregational UCC, Platteville, had an online discussion of Melissa, by Alex Gino..

The Zoom book group meeting of Lake Edge UCC/Alliance a @4200, Madison, will discuss The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, by Jane Goodall.

The book group of Memorial UCC, Fitchburg, discussed A Fever in the Heartland: How the KKK Gripped the American Midwest in the 20's, by Timothy Egan.

Salem UCC, Verona, called attention to the public screening of the documentary, Mama Bears: Choosing Children Over Church, which deals with mothers who fight for their children's rights, even though they grew up in a fundamentalist church.

CONTACTS

Associate Conference Minister:  

Rev. Rachel Bauman

608-630-2992

Moderator: 

David Mickle

Vice-Moderator:

Rev. Tanya Sadagopan

Secretary:

Marlea Gilbert

Treasurer:

Donald Taft

Division on Church & Ministry: 

Rev. Ruth Bradshaw, Chair

Social Concerns Committee: 

Carolyn Kennedy, Chair

Shalom Editor:

Roger Brooks

swacommunications@gmail.com