Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
Nov. 17, 2021
Northwest Association donates $4,000 to new refugee relief fund
The Northwest Association has provided the first major gift to the new Wisconsin Conference Afghan Refugee Resettlement Support Fund. The association executive committee approved the $4,000 grant on Nov. 15.

Money donated to the fund will be available to support the efforts of Wisconsin Conference congregations and partners who are engaged in resettlement efforts. The fund will be held by the Wisconsin Foundation UCC and administered by Mary Kuenning Gross, coordinator of the Wisconsin Conference Afghan allies welcoming initiative.

You can donate online or send a check to Wisconsin Conference UCC, 4459 Gray Road, DeForest, WI 53532. Write “Afghan refugees” in the memo line. 

In this issue: scroll down to find these articles
  • Catalyst Grants awarded
  • A generous place to learn
  • Wisconsin Rapids solar array celebrated
  • WCHHSM Christmas wish lists
  • Greetings from UCCI
  • Afghanistan history and culture webinar
  • Polluted democracy webinar
  • Transgender Day of Remembrance service
  • Help others
  • Conference transitions
Catalyst Grants fund innovation and outreach
The Catalyst Team awarded grants totaling $29,500 to several Wisconsin Conference congregations. Funded by OCWM Basic Support and endowed funds, the grants support innovative projects that help congregations engage the local community. The grants:

  • Lake Edge UCC, Madison: support for community building within two racially distinct congregations.
  • Christ Church UCC, Milwaukee: a grant for the Arts and Science Literacy Camp, an innovative summer camp (pictured at right) integrating arts, literacy and science experiences for children.
  • St. Stephen’s UCC, Merrill: help to restart the Dinner at 5 program that feeds the underserved and creates a place of extravagant welcome for diverse community members.
  • Plymouth UCC, Milwaukee: received two grants to hold retreats for youth within the Southeast Association and to commission a unique composition by a Native American composer.
  • St. John’s UCC, Sheboygan: support for the Sheboygan County Warming Center, which provides homeless people a warm place to sleep during the cold winter months.
  • Zwingli UCC, Monticello: a grant to purchase and install livestreaming equipment in the sanctuary for use by the congregation and the wider community.

In addition, the Creation Care Team received funds that will be disbursed to congregations to support Creation Care projects.
A generous place to learn
By the Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown

The Damascus Project, funded in part by Our Church’s Wider Mission, engages lay people, seekers and pastors in high-quality educational programs. The name of this innovative project was inspired by Paul’s transformation on the road to Damascus.
Wisconsin Rapids congregation celebrates solar array
First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wisconsin Rapids dedicated a solar panel array in a ceremony on Nov. 14. The solar installation was financed with grants from the Wisconsin Conference UCC, Northwest Association, Focus on Energy and RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative, as well as contributions from the congregation. The solar project is the congregation’s latest response to the Kairos Call to Action that invites churches to commit to climate-saving actions. The system is expected to produce up to three-quarters of the electricity used by the church.
Wisconsin Council for Health and Human Service Ministries reveals 2021 Christmas wish lists
winter-gift-holding.jpg
As the holidays draw near it is a good time to think about how you can make a difference in the lives of the folks we serve through our Council for Health and Human Service Ministries. Some of the different agencies that make up Wisconsin CHHSM have shared with us their wish lists for this year.
 
As in previous years when churches sent packages to the UCC's Sunburst Home ministry, agencies today continue to have things on a wish list that they know would brighten the lives of the ones they serve.
 
Your congregation, a Sunday School class or other church group and individuals may want to consider them in holiday giving this year.
Greetings from United Church Camps Inc.!
One look outside and you may think it is the off-season for outdoor ministry. However, there are still many opportunities to join us for an event or retreat at Cedar Valley, Daycholah Center and Moon Beach. Winter is a beautiful and quiet time to absorb the peace at one of our sites! Click for current events.
 
We invite all to subscribe to the UCCI email newsletter to receive our latest news and inspiration! Also, please consider liking and following UCCI on Facebook and Instagram. It's a great virtual community–you are an important part of it!
View the latest UCCI newsletter here: Thanks+Giving.
As refugees arrive, an opportunity to learn about Afghanistan
From the Wisconsin Council of Churches

Join the Wisconsin Council of Churches and the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee for this webinar at 2 p.m. Nov. 23. This is part of our series and wider work in equipping Churches to welcome refugees to Wisconsin. In this hourlong webinar, learn about the history and culture of Afghanistan.
UCC offers 'Polluted Democracy' webinar
Not everyone has an equal voice and vote in our democracy when campaign contributions make the playing field of electoral races vastly uneven. Currently, the fossil fuel industry has an enormous impact on Congress through campaign donations. This is a matter that relates to core values of fairness, justice and love of neighbor in the face of powerful forces that continue to damage and threaten people and planet for the sake of profit. This free webinar will feature three panelists from some of the leading organizations addressing the influence of fossil fuel money on Congress: Sarah Bryner from OpenSecrets, Tyson Slocum from Public Citizen and RL Miller from Climate Hawks Vote. Can't make the scheduled time of noon Central time on Wednesday, Dec. 8? Sign up anyway, and we will send you a recording. Register now.
Transgender Day of Remembrance interfaith observance
6 p.m.
Nov. 20

Gather with us in person or virtually for an interfaith service to honor trans* lives lost this year to violence. This service centers trans* voices and features readings, music and a candlelight vigil for the fallen. We invite all people to join us in this reverent observation.
The interfaith service can be viewed online at live.firstbaptistmadison.org. Community of Hope UCC, Madison, is a co-sponsor for this event.
Help others by donating 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 pandemic and beyond. Donate to the General Fund.
Conference transitions
Searching Churches
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New Calls
  • Rev. Dr. Timothy Shirley has been called as pastor as First Congregational UCC in Eagle River, effective Nov. 3.

Installations and Ordinations
  • Rev. Shawn Stapleton was installed at Congregational UCC in Brodhead on Nov. 7.
  • Rev. Emma Landowski-Sancomb was ordained at Immanuel UCC in West Bend on Nov. 13.
  • Rev. Adam Westrich was installed at First UCC in Green Bay on Nov. 14.

Miscellany
  • Rev. Jan Doleschal reports her email was completely hacked (not just spoofed), so she has a new email address: chaplainjkd@gmail.com.

In Memoriam
  • Judith Permann, wife of Rev. Del Permann, died on Nov. 4. Obituary
  • J. David Oatman, father of Rev. Julia Holister, died on Nov. 8. 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.
The Kairos Call to Action Newsletter was created to support the efforts of congregations, families and individuals who want to be a part of the UCC’s Kairos Call to Action. Through this newsletter the Conference Creation Care Team will provide resources for study and worship, encourage advocacy on behalf of climate justice, and help congregations find and connect with partners who share this common concern and commitment.

Tending the Soul of the Beloved Community is a monthly communication dedicated to sharing resources and tools, wisdom and insight for congregations and individuals navigating these challenging days. Created by the Conference Supportive Ministries Team, this publication will highlight resources to aid in steering your path forward.
Ignite Your Fire, Feed Your Soul,
Build Your Faith... In Nature's Sanctuary

We invite all to subscribe to the UCCI email newsletter to receive our latest news and inspiration! Also, please consider liking and following UCCI on Facebook and Instagram. It's a great virtual community–you are an important part of it!

Join the Conference-wide Creation Care Team!

Are you passionate about Creation Care? Want to connect with others who are taking action to care for the earth? The Creation Care Team's primary focus is to encourage, support and provide resources to congregations in the Wisconsin Conference as they do what they can to care for creation. If you would like to be a part of this team, or for more information on the Creation Care Team, contact John Helt. You can also go to the Creation Care webpage to learn more.
Is your church considering an Open and Affirming Process? The Wisconsin Conference has a committee to help! Please feel free to use us as resources for your discussions and preparations. Contact Laura McLeod of the Wisconsin Conference UCC Committee on Ministry with LGBTQ Persons.

Also: check out the Facebook page for ONA churches!
Get Involved! A Conference-wide Racial Justice Task Force gathers resources and encourages congregations to engage in conversations around race. If you and your congregation are interested in participating in this group, you are welcome. Contact Lisa Hart get involved.

More information on the Racial Justice Task force is available on the Conference's Racial Justice webpages.

This month's Parish Paper is "How to plan a community project." Access this issue and archived issues here!
This newsletter is made possible by contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.

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

Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ
4459 Gray Road | DeForest, WI 53532