| May 2010 Volume 2: Edition 4 |
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Welcome to Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ
by David Moyer, Wisconsin Conference Minister
Greetings and grace to you all in the spirit of the living Christ.
 I appreciate one of the significant phrases with wide use in the United Church of Christ: "Whoever you are; wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcome here." Extravagant welcome is a core value of our church, and so it is good to hear this value find a regular place in our vocabulary. I hear many worship leaders speak these words in welcoming people to worship, and it has become a staple of the "Still Speaking" identity campaign.
Of course, many of us still have work to do to back up our words with deeds of welcome. Sometimes the actual welcome is less deep than the spoken invitation. Our hospitality is genuine, but at times it may not be entirely extravagant. Someone once told me that he had visited several churches, and had a suggestion for adding a corollary to the slogan: "Whoever you are; wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcome here (as long as you're just like us)". That hurts a bit, but like all honest feedback, the sting might cause us to think a bit and step back and take a look at ourselves.
I've been thinking about the phrase and the welcome in a little different sense in recent times. I am thinking about whether it is time to commit ourselves to a new dimension of "Still Speaking", and that is to ask what we do with the folks when they accept our welcome. The church isn't a static community. It isn't the club where we eagerly await our invitation to join and then remain lifetime members as long as we pay our dues.
Continued |
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| Annual Meeting 2010
Registration booklets for the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference were mailed in April. The meeting, which will take place at Green Lake Conference Center in Ripon, June 11-13 will be a time of gathering, prayer and business.
 Our theme this year is: "New Occasions Teach New Duties", quoting from a poem of James Russell Lowell. Our bible reference comes from Revelation 21:22: "For I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb."
We will be honored by the preaching of Pastor Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and a peace advocate as a Palestinian Christian. Bishop Bruce Burnside will join in celebrating the closing communion to recognize our Formula of Agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Annual Meeting Booklet
Thursday Workshop Information
Green Lake Conference Center
Meal/Room Rate Options |
| Annual Meeting Keynote Speakers
Rev. Lillian Daniel & Rev. Martin Copenhaver
Lillian Daniel Keynote Speaker  |
During the Annual Meeting you will have the opportunity to hear our keynote speakers: Rev. Lillian Daniel, pastor of First Congregational UCC in Glen Ellyn, IL, and Rev. Martin Copenhaver, pastor of Wellesley Congregational Church, UCC in Wellesley, MA. Lillian and Martin are co-
Martin Copenhaver Keynote Speaker |
authors of the book, This Odd and Wondrous Calling. Every church who registers will receive a free copy of the book prior to the annual meeting. They will speak on recovering "testimony" in a church like the UCC and on discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit as guide to personal and congregational life.
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Thursday Workshop at Annual Meeting
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb |
God's Promise in Today's World: A Palestinian Perspective with Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
- Thursday, June 10, 2010
- 10:00am - 4:00pm Green Lake Conference Center
Born and raised in Bethlehem, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb has been the Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem since 1988. An internationally-acclaimed author and speaker, Mitri Raheb is also the President of DIYAR, a consortium of 3 Lutheran institutions that he himself founded between the years 1995 to 2006.
Registration: $50 (Includes lunch)
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Online Discussion Group Grows
 In preparation for our 2010 Annual Meeting we have established an online book discussion group. We are honored that authors Lillian Daniels and Martin Copenhafer will be keynote speakers at our Annual Meeting in June. Their book, This Odd and Wondrous Calling will be provided at no charge to all persons who register for the Annual Meeting.
Join our online disussion. |
Strange People To Be At The Annual Meeting 
The Wisconsin Conference Arts Committee had fun creating wire figures for this year's Annual Meeting. But why - you might ask?
The theme, "New Occasions Teach New Duties," challenged us to think creatively about who God might be referring to; and what new duties we might need to learn. That brought to mind "the priesthood of all believers" (1 Peter 2:9 NRSV) in which Peter charges everyone baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to proclaim the mighty power of the one who pulled us out of darkness. Who is that? Ordained pastors? Learned lay leaders? The people in the pews?
How do we recognize the baptized? Do they have orange hair? Are they tall? Can they stand on their own two feet? Can they sing or dance?
Yes, and so much more. The chosen people of God are a motley crew from all walks of life: all ages, colors, shapes, genders, abilities and sizes. God creates us with flair, imagination and intention. A little twist here, a bend there, some fluffy twine hair, a slip of a smile.
We don't look alike, we don't act alike, we don't even think alike, but we are all created by God, and all of us reflect God's image of generosity, love and welcome. This is our time to be God's people, to love the church into life, to envision the kingdom as God intended, to proclaim the good news, to hold the past in one hand and the future in the other.
So we tried to have as much fun as God did.
ADOPT A CREATURE - SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE!
The Wisconsin Conference is hosting a silent auction for our "baptized bunch" at this year's Annual Meeting. We want to send them out to serve the church rather than inhabit some dark storage space.
You can adopt a clever and trustworthy member into your congregation. Imagine a new greeter, usher, or choir member gracing your community, adding a touch of whimsy and thoughtful reflection. Your donation will go directly to earthquake relief in Haiti, Chile and China through the United Church of Christ.
Visit the Silent Auction Table in the Exhibit Hall. Choose your favorite character and name your price. In the spirit of celebration, silent auction winners will be announced on Saturday evening following Lay Academy graduation.
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View the Still Speaking Video |
 | Watch "The Language of God"
The UCC's powerful new video from its Stillspeaking Ministry is here. |
Northwest Boundary Training  The Northwest Association is holding Boundary Training for Clergy: - Saturday, May 15, 2010
- 9:00am - 3:00 pm
Peace United Church of Christ 1524 Grand Ave Schofield, WI Cost: $10 for lunch |
 Senior and Adult Services Program at Emmaus
Older adults with developmental disabilities typically feel the signs of aging much sooner than the general population. This can be a challenge as traditional methods of habilitation do not provide the leisure desired by many seniors. With 70% of its residents over age 50, Emmaus Homes, a UCC mission serving 250 adults with developmental disabilities, looked for ways to provide meaningful life  experiences without the rigid schedules of day habilitation programs. Last year, Emmaus opened its Senior and Adult Services (SAS) program. SAS provides a monthly menu of activities, including arts & crafts, special interest clubs, socials, games, music programs, community outings and much more. Residents choose to participate in activities that interest them. Unlike traditional day habilitation, SAS gives residents control over their schedules. There are plenty of opportunities for social interaction and recreation, but residents may also choose to relax at home if they prefer.
Lester, resident of Emmaus Homes plays a racecar game with a volunteer at the SAS Winter Carnival | The SAS program has been a great success. Emmaus resident Kevin O. commented on his favorite activities, "I like to read. We have a book club. My friends come and I tell stories to them. I like reading to my friends. I also like to play games in the Day Room and go to Bible study." Through Emmaus' SAS program, residents like Kevin can spend their time enjoying activities meaningful to them. Over the past year, residents have visited local museums, gone to movies, participated in Special Olympics, enjoyed concerts, attended the circus, volunteered for local organizations, joined in Bible study and spent quality time with friends.
As the SAS program grows, Emmaus increasingly involves volunteers from local churches and the community to share their talents and hobbies with residents. By bringing people together through shared interests, Emmaus works towards its mission to "enhance the quality of life" for the spirited people it serves. |
Help Interfaith Conference Hit a Home Run
 TUESDAY, JULY 27
BREWERS VS. REDS
GAME TIME: 7:10 PM
Be a part of history as we celebrate the Interfaith Conference's 40th anniversary and the 25th year of the Milwaukee CROP Hunger Walk. It's also the Milwaukee Brewers' 40th anniversary year.
For the first time ever, we have arranged with the Brewers to hold an Interfaith Day at Miller Park. Help us to hit a home run by bringing a bunch of your family and friends or a group from your congregation or faith community for an evening at the ballpark. Wear one of our specially designed t-shirts to make a visual statement to thousands of people who may know little or nothing about the Interfaith Conference or the CROP Hunger Walk. We want to let the crowd and TV viewers know that the Interfaith and CROP Hunger Walk communities are in da house!
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Moon Beach Staff Member Retires
On Saturday, May 1, Moon Beach Camp honored retiring maintenance
man, Charlie Durkee, for his 17 years of service to the camp. Managing Director served as host for the evening and Conference Minister, David Moyer, United Church Camps, Inc. President, Charles Mize, and UCCI Executive Director, Jake Close also expressed appreciation for Charlie's years of work on behalf of the program of Moon Beach Camp.
Charlie spoke of the many accomplishments in the years he worked at MBC, including the building of the new lodge and two new cabins as well as major remodeling work throughout the camp. Charlie and his wife, Loretta, who also worked for Moon Beach some years ago, will live in Sugar Camp, and Charlie is starting a "handyman" business. Blessings Charlie and Loretta! |
Media With a Mission Grants Available Through National Office
 Media with a Mission is a grant program of the National office of the United Church of Christ that supports local churches in their TV, radio, print and electronic advertising efforts.
An initiative of The Stillspeaking Ministry since 2006, Media with a Mission has awarded more than $120,000 to 144 churches in 33 states. The outreach made possible by these grants has collectively reached more than 12 million people.
The National Office is Now Accepting applications for 2010!
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| Fall Lay Academy Classes
 The Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ is pleased to announce registration for the 2010-2012 lay academy is now open. The lay Academy program offers five different courses of study to pastors and lay people who seek to: deepen faith, strengthen Christ's church, grow in spiritual maturity.
Each course meets five weekends per year at the Wisconsin Conference Center in De Forest. Faith Foundations is a two year course of study that will introduce a wide range of topics pertaining to Christian faith and the church. No prior education or experience is necessary, only a willingness to explore together in community.
Lay Leadership Skills is a one-year course of study focuses on preparing members to be leaders in their local church setting by engaging five specific ministry topics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the context of your local church and community; then applying the weekend topics to your setting through skill building and drafting ideas for possible implementation.
Schedule for 2010-2011
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 Still Speaking
The church is a community of transformation. The Church is to join God's mission of redemption. The welcome is the first part, but the transformation is the essential mission that follows. As a church, I think we are pretty good at having an inviting outer boundary. Being a covenantal rather than a creedal community, we invite in any who wish to join us in seeking the love of Christ and the will of God.
But every wheel needs not only a rim but a hub. When we have made our outer rim inviting, it's time to work on inviting people toward a core that has power. When people join us, where do we then invite them to go with us? What God bearing transformation are we inviting people to receive?
I know that we have historically seen ourselves partially by what we're not. We're not those people who "always ask you if you are saved." Well and good. But our faith is clear, we do need to be saved; need to know the love of God in Christ; need to move away from destructive patterns in our lives; need to see how we fit in the patterns of injustice in the wider society and world? We all need saving from something. We all are in need of transformation. The core of our faith is that we have found the power of this transformation in Christ.
What is our transformative core, to which we are drawing people, a core powerful enough to transform? I have always enjoyed the story, perhaps apocryphal, about George Fox, founder of the Quakers, and William Penn. The story goes that Penn found the Quakers fascinating, and wished to join in their movement. Penn was a military man, and he wore his weapons wherever he went. The members of the Quaker community were scandalized and told Fox to forbid Penn from carry his weapons into their meetings. Fox's response is revealing of his confidence in the core of his beliefs. He said, "Let him come in and wear them as long as he can."
If we have a core of sufficient strength and a trust in its truth, then it will have the power to transform. I am hoping that as the UCC and our "Still Speaking" message matures, we will continue to grow in our hospitality: "You're welcome here." I also hope that we will then begin to develop the second crucial invitation: "Come join us in a transforming journey of trusting and becoming disciples of the risen Christ." An open, inviting boundary is only the beginning. Covenant also means moving as individuals and as a community toward the One who has the power to transform.
Wishing you many blessings.
David S. Moyer
Conference Minister |
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Save the date
July 30 - Aug 1
The Plunge
at the Frederick R. Trost Center.
High school youth and young adults (through age 23) will camp out and enjoy our beautiful property.
The focus will be on discernment as part of our faith journey, with an emphasis on labyrinths.
Registration info will be made available soon
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WI UCC is offering free, unlimited access to MissionInsite, a tool for you to utilize to locate church members, acquire instant access to community information, and access demographic data. |
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Great Lakes Region
Youth Event
June 17-20, 2010
Location:
Defiance College, Ohio
When: June 17, 2010,
Where: Defiance College
Ohio
Contact: Sharon Nelson
Email:
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Nollau's 200th Anniversary in Germany
Louis Edward Nollau
A Silesian from Upper Lustatia
Son of Reichenback,
Emigrant and Missionary, became one of the founders of the United Church of Christ
Let us celebrate his 200th Anniversary on July 1-5 in Reichenbach Germany
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Links
Announcement: Your congregations can now download several dozen free resources from the www.TheParishPaper.com Web site.
Northwest Association
Southeast Association
Southwest Association
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Where is Your Neighbor?
Wisconsin Conference Evangelism Event
Nov. 12 & 13, 2010
 A Gospel Workshop, sponsored by the Wisconsin Conference UCC, is being held on Friday evening September 17 and Saturday, September 18 at Our Savior's UCC in Ripon, Wisconsin.
Join members of the Wisconsin Conference as we participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Madison on June 5th in memory of Jacki Mitchell, former Executive Assistant to the conference Minister.
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