Changes to Medical Benefits Plans

Earlier this week, the Board of Pensions released information about the new cost structure for health care and other benefits coverage that will take effect on January 1, 2025. You can find this information here:

Dues packages | Board of Pensions Benefits

This is a very different structure than the one that has been used by the PCUSA for several decades. We know that with big change comes confusion, legitimate concerns, questions, and some unknowns.  

Dave Colby and Katie Estes (chair of COM) will be going to Denver later this month for a consultation with the Board of Pensions about these changes. COM is scheduled to meet with our BOP Regional Representative at our May meeting. Please feel free to reach out to us with questions!

And for those have provided or received coverage for families, note that there is a three year program that phases changes in gradually.

Happy Easter from Winnebago Presbytery

Pastoral Transitions Within Our Community

Spotlighting Congregations: Easter in Melnik, Pickett, & Oconto

We hope to highlight images from congregations within the presbytery for the next 4 newsletters - This is your congregation's opportunity to shine! Please, send us any images you would like shared with our mailing list and we will put you in the spotlight.

Above - Warren Kraft, Ruling Elder Commissioned to Pastoral Service at Melnik Presbyterian Church, leads prayer at their Easter Sunday brunch; left - Easter flowers and the Lord's Table at First Presbyterian Church, Oconto; right - Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Pickett, WI adorns their church with Easter flowers as well

Synod School Registration NOW OPEN!

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies has officially opened their Synod School registration process. Synod School 2024 will be on July 21-26 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA.

2024 is the 70th year of Synod School in Iowa - You won't want to miss out on the great events planned!

Register or Learn More Here

March 15th News & Notes Interactive Question

Samaritan Counseling

Radiate Hope Replacing Silent Samaritan Campaign - May 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

An Evening to support the Samaritan Fund is replacing the Silent Samaritan Campaign and luncheon. Today’s mental health crisis is too big for us to fight silently. We need your help to replenish the Samaritan Fund and offer support to those who need access to mental health services regardless of their ability to pay.

5:00 pm - Cocktails and Appetizers

5:30 pm - Music from David Paul Martin

6:30 pm - Testimonials from Clients and Staff

7:30 pm - Silent Auction Closes

Games and silent auction bidding available throughout the evening.

Register or Learn More Here

United Church Camps, Inc.

Sacred Spaces and Soulful Renewal: Embracing the Promise of Easter

Greetings Friends,

As we journey through this initial week of Easter, emotions swirl within us—a blend of joy, relief, and yet, a lingering uncertainty. We've reveled in the jubilation of Easter Sunday, proclaiming "Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!" We've breathed a sigh of relief as Lent's weight lifts, but, akin to the disciples, we're left grappling with the question: What now?

In the Gospel narratives, we witness the disciples' bewildered reactions to the empty tomb. Mark portrays their initial terror and silence, while John highlights Mary Magdalene's poignant encounter, where the mere utterance of her name by Jesus reveals the reality of his resurrection. Amidst the mixed emotions of those post-resurrection days, uncertainty loomed large—fear behind locked doors, and confusion on the road to Emmaus.

In outdoor ministry, we celebrate the continued operation of our sacred spaces and the lifeline provided by selling Daycholah Center to the Wisconsin Conference UCC. And, echoes of uncertainty reverberate as we navigate post-COVID realities acutely aware of the shifting landscape of church and outdoor ministry.

In her sorrow and uncertainty, Mary provides an example of unwavering love for Jesus and her encounter outside the empty tomb becomes a pivotal moment of reassurance and revelation. She is the first evangelist to share the 'good news'! Similarly, I believe our sacred spaces can help us encounter Jesus and find the reassurance we need in today's fast-paced world.

In the tranquil landscapes of Moon Beach, Daycholah Center, and Cedar Valley, outdoor ministry offers a unique and sacred experience that beckons you to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.

We invite you to unplug and reconnect while enjoying modern and comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the warm embrace of a loving community. The wonders of nature – the sun, stars, water, and trees – along with the Spirit of God, will meet you here and remind you that you are loved. [...]

We look forward to welcoming you to embark on a journey of healing, renewal, and self-discovery. So come, immerse yourself in the sacred, and rediscover the beauty of simply being.

Wishing you peace and abundant blessings,

Jim, executivedirector@ucci.org

Wisconsin Council of Churches

Justice & Community Care Conversations: Digital Equity & Access - April 23 at 2:00 p.m. & May 2 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom

What if the digital ministry of Churches included not only live-streaming services but also helping people in your community afford access to the internet? What would it look like to use your coffee hour to increase digital access in your congregation by enrolling people in Lifeline? Or training a volunteer to sit at a table at your food pantry and help get people enrolled? What would it look like to create a designated space using church wifi for community members to attend online appointments? What if we brainstormed together to think of other ways our churches could help increase digital access and increase community care?

Take the next step with us. We will hold two online and two in-person trainings, Let’s Talk: Digital Equity & Access, as a launch to our Justice & Community Care Conversations. In-person training will take place in northwest WI and will be announced soon.

Online conversations will be on April 23, 2:00 pm, and May 2nd, 10:00 am. Register Here

Presbyterian Historical Society will develop RNS exhibit with support from Lilly Endowment grant

The Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) will use a $94,750 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to develop a traveling exhibit of photographs from its Religious News Service Collection.

The planning grant will fund the design and fabrication of an exhibit prototype that explores how the Religious News Service covered the interplay of religion, domestic politics and foreign affairs from 1936 to 1983. [...]

Lilly Endowment planning grant funds will enable PHS to engage with exhibit designers, exhibit interpreters, educators and historical and journalism advisors, including from RNS, to develop the exhibit prototype that will be displayed at the RNS 90th anniversary event, to be held in September 2024. [...]

PHS hopes the prototype exhibit can serve as a template to develop larger traveling exhibits that will tell the story of religion news reporting in the twentieth century. Images and documents from the Religious News Service Collection will be used to develop the exhibits that will be displayed across the country at large museums and smaller academic institutions, churches and other religious centers across faith communities in furtherance of the original mission of the news service: to increase understanding, appreciation and fellowship across religions and the secular world.

Read Full Article Here

Archives of Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully

Articles which lift up the specific responsibilities within the calling of ruling elders while also providing an opportunity to reflect upon how they are lived out, including the spiritual life of leaders.

Browse the Archives by Topic