Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ 

Wisconsin Conference Life
 
June 27, 2011

 

2011 Annual Meeting

By Rev. David Moyer, Wisconsin Conference Minister
  
Rev. David MoyerThe 2012 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference was held at Green Lake Conference Center on June 10-12.  500 pastors, delegates, visitors and participants were registered.  The theme, "One Story Told in Many Ways" was expressed throughout the meeting.  Keynote speakers included Doug Pagitt, pastor of Solomon's Porch in the Twin Cities and Susan Phillips, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Shawano.  Both spoke of the ways in which massive cultural shifts are impacting the Christian Church and providing new challenges and opportunities for its message and mission.  Steve Savides wrote an original play and performed it with a cast from Appleton.  The Praise Band of First UCC in Green Bay provided music for the worship.  The Perfect Harmony Men's Chorus of Madison performed.  Budgets were passed and elections held and constitutional ammendments were approved.  We also said good bye to beloved and long-serving staff members.  Special moments were set aside for celebrating the ministries of Gail O'Neal (14 years), Jeanny House (9 years), and Bob Mutton (35 years), and a reception one evening included a video of their years of service.  We expressed appreciation to Carol Martell of the Trost Center office for her 26 years of service as she leaves the staff and Karen Elizabeth King for her years of service as Acting Association Minister in the Southeast Association.
  
Annual Meeting Survey

 

One Story Told in Many Ways - what's your story about the Annual Meeting? Take our online survey to tell us. If you haven't taken it yet, please do as your feedback is very important in our future planning. 

 

It takes less than 5 minutes! 
Annual Meeting Picture Slideshow
49th Annual Meeting
49th Annual Meeting

 

 

Knock Knock!

November 18-20

Door 

Knock Knock is for Middle School students, grades 6-8. It is designed as a retreat for church groups. Church groups sign up together and stay together through the 5 "doors"  (workshops) our leaders open. This gives your group and your youth leaders a good opportunity to bond as a group and experience this weekend together, perhaps re-connecting your Middle Schoolers or forming them into a group for the first time when they start their life in a new school after a long summer.

 

The founding verse of Knock Knock is Revelation 3.20: "Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me." The workshop-doors are dealing in creative ways with themes that are especially important when youth make the transition from elementary school and childhood to Middle School and adolescence: Family, friendship, hurt, and influence. The fifth workshop is a play-shop. Although you go through the "doors" with your church group, there is plenty of time in between to get to know the youth from the other churches and have fun together.

 

Something special at Knock Knock is that we have a team of High School youth and College-age young adults who help lead the workshop through drama skits and serve as "peer leaders" for the younger youth ... to assure them that it's possible to survive Middle School... 

 

 

 

Join The 2012 Annual Meeting Planning Committee 

 

Interested in volunteering on the 2012 Annual Meeting Planning Committee?  The committee meets monthly 4-6 times a year to plan the upcoming Annual Meeting.  Lunch and mileage (volunteer rate) are provided. 

 

Email Liisa Analore at [email protected] if you are interested in serving. 

Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing program

Justice LED banner


 

UCC Justice and Witness Ministries is offering a justice leadership event for up to 20 young adults in the Seattle Washington area from September 23-25, 2011. The information and application is downloadable online.  All accepted applicants will have travel expenses, meals and lodging covered.  Funding for this is made possible thanks to Our Church's Wider Mission and Neighbors in Need.

 

The main goals for this training event are: 1) to support and network young adults interested and/or engaged in faith-based justice ministries; 2) to introduce young adults to the new UCC Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (Justice LED) program, both to support their theological grounding for justice work and to use as a resource in their work with others; and 3) to introduce them to the new UCC Environmental Justice Center at Pilgrim Firs.

 

The deadline for applications is August 19th.  We appreciate your support in helping us identify and encourage young people in your ministries and midst who may have interest in social justice and leadership potential.   

 

 

 

Shift

A retreat about the music of the progressive Christian movement - Pilgrim Center July 27-30, 2011

 

ShiftLogo

Attention worship leaders, band musicians, songwriters, pastors, choir directors, lay leaders and seminarians.  This retreat is $325 which includes program, lodging on the Pilgrim Center Site, and all meals.  Meals are home cooked and include a full salad bar and vegetarian options at most meals.  Accomodations include a choice of hotel style rooms (Oak Mound Lodge) or our beautiful new summer cabins (for a discounted price).  The retreat programs will be hosted in our new Ley Chapel which provides a stunning setting for this conversation and shared music.

  
Visit www.shiftmusic.org or call 920-PILGRIM for more information or to register

 

Printable Brochure
Southeast Association Members and Friends:
As of July, the Southeast Association of the Wisconsin Conference will no longer have a mailing address or a phone number.  Beginning on Friday, July 1, please direct any phone calls or mailed items directly to members of our A-Team, Chairpersons of our other Teams, or to the Conference Office - as appropriate. (search and call issues:  email [email protected], financial and health insurance questions:  email [email protected], all other inquiries:  email [email protected].   
 Please spread this information throughout the Association.  Please make sure that any financial officers/treasurers in member churches begin using the appropriate address(es) in their correspondence.  Please discontinue using any pre-printed address labels with the Association's old address.  Please make sure that printed monthly church newsletters are no longer mailed to the Association.  Please direct any questions you may have to either individual A-Team members, or to the Conference Office.  The Southeast Association will continue to maintain its current e-mail address account, and messages e-mailed to the Association will be addressed by members of the A-Team. 
Thank you for helping to spread this information throughout the Southeast Association.

 

Karl Kay
Administrative Assistant, Southeast Wisconsin Association, UCC

 

 

Northwest Association Members and Friends:  
  
With the departure of Rev. Jeanny House, please note the following contacts:  Mary Jo Laabs is the new editor of the NW Word. Mary Jo is the pastor in Park Falls. You can email information to Mary Jo for publication consideration through the following email address: [email protected]

 

Wendy Dittman is the new webmaster. Wendy's email address is:  [email protected]
  
Northeast Association Members and Friends:  
The e-mail address for Ministries Coordinator Bill Clyma ([email protected]) will continue, as will the website address: www.neaucc.org   Bill Clyma will continue to serve as the webmaster and the editor of the electronic newsletter the NEA Reporter

 

The telephone number for the Northeast Association will be disconnected on June 29th.  Beginning in July, Art Wille may be contacted through the Wisconsin Conference Center 608-846-7880.  His new e-mail address is: [email protected] .  He will be working out of his home as an associate conference minister.  He leaves for General Synod in Tampa, FL on Friday, July 1st and returns on Wednesday, July 6th.  

 

In the future, if you have any questions, please call the Wisconsin Conference Center in DeForest 608-846-7880.  This is the number that you may call for assistance, resources, search and call, or any other concern or question you might have called the Association Office about before.  There will no longer be a mailing address for the Northeast Association.  All correspondence should go to the Wisconsin Conference, UCC, P.O. Box 435, DeForest, WI  53532-0435.

  

Women Gathered at The Well
A United Church of Christ Wisconsin Conference Women's Retreat for Nourishment, Refreshment and Community
 

 

When:              October 21-23, 2011

Where:             Pilgrim Center

                        W1010 Spring Grove Road, Ripon WI  54971

Cost:                 $155.00 ($22.00 deposit due upon registration)
 

WellwaterjugIn Biblical times women gathered at the well for a very practical reason - to collect water to sustain life.  While they were there they met other women and they came to treasure this community and support that other women gave in times of joy or times of need.   This community of "women at the well" was one that nourished these women with a sense of belonging, support and love.

 

Even today women gather in communities and at times which are women-centered, providing a unique and treasured opportunity to share, celebrate, and support one another.  Maybe your "women's well time" is at the gym, a yoga class, a favorite coffee shop, wine bar or caf�.  Women blossom in these communities.

 

Come ; join us on the shores of Green Lake - by the living waters - to explore some of the "hidden" or forgotten Biblical women.  Utilizing Judy Chicago's provocative art piece, The Dinner Party, we will reflect upon women who have made a difference in our lives.  We will honor and celebrate these women with our own art and feasting.

 

Rev. Debbie Payden, UCC Pastor and Christian Education consultant has lead retreats for all ages in settings across Wisconsin and the United States.  During this weekend Debbie will energize, guide, affirm, and empower participants with her engaging presentation style, her humor, and her deep passion for the church's place in society today.

 

Registration information & forms
 
Questions?  Contact Debbie Hoogesteger, UCC Regional Women's Ministry Consultant [email protected] or
715-423-1213

Gospellerscorrect 

CUE

News from CUE Seminaries
 

 
 
Seminary Graduation

In May, Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries celebrated the graduation of 115 students. These students will serve in many capacities across the country and around the world. We rejoice with them as they begin a new phase of their ministry in the world.

CUE Seminaries Video

Many of you were able to view the CUE Seminaries Video during recent Conference Annual Meetings. The video highlights and celebrates the work of Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries. The video can be shown during Church Committee Meetings, Seminary Sunday worship services, at new clergy gatherings, at Association Meetings, or in other settings.  It is 5:50 long and avaiable on DVD at no cost. Soon, it will also be available to view directly on the CUE website: www.cueseminaries.org. Click here to view the video.

If you are asked  for a password, the password is cue (lowercase). You will need Flash player to play it. If you need to get Flash, click here.

 
To obtain a DVD copy, please contact Kiely Todd Roska, CUE Development Coordinator: [email protected] or 651-255-6121.

 

Friends at the Annual Meeting

 

Niederfrank

 

 Chuck Mize 

Gail O'Neal 

  
Cathy Wille
  
Jeanny House and Karen King
  
tuckers
  
puhlmanpugh
  
Krumenauer
.

 Bill Rishel

 

sue

 

George Tucker

 

Michael Doran

 

Valerie Tutson

 

Manfred Rekowski

 

Dennis Ureche

 

Stephen Welch

 

Bob Mutton

 

Jan Davis

 

 Gail Holmes

 

Becky Johnston

 

Gail O'neal

 

Vicki Graff

 

Alan Green

 

Wayne Drueck

 twitter 

Links
 
 
 
 
 
 UCC
 
Association web sites

 

 UCC Polity Online
WebEx

 

Take a UCC Polity
 course online this fall.
Wednesdays, beginning
Sept 14 - Nov 2 with Dr. Marti Baumer
$40.00
 

General Synod Delegates

From Wisconsin 

 GSLogo 

Northeast

Joel Schuler

Laura Schultz

Linda Alsum-O'Donovan

Ms. Marlene Verkuilen

Rev. James H. Hollister

Rev. James W. Klein

Rev. Judine Duerwaechter

Rev. Keith R. Weiland

Rev. Melinda L. Feller

Rev. William E. Rishel

 

 

Northwest

Carol Merriman

Matt Davis

Mr. Chad Murray

Mrs. Mary Anne Biggs

Ms. Cindy Larson

Ms. Michelle M. Holdorf

Rev. Deris Rice

Rev. Wayne C. Drueck

 

Southeast

Brydie Hill

Eliza Stoddard-Leatherberry

Laurel Bentz

Ms. Carolyn Morris

Ms. Debbie J. Manley

Rev. Jeannie Douglas

Rev. Lisa M. Schmatzhagen

 

Southwest

Carol Holmes

Mr. Rich Fluechtling

Rev. Douglas E. Fauth

Rev. Eldonna Hazen

Rev. Jennifer Johnson

Rev. Phil Haslanger

Terri Wolff 

 

Faith Practices
On Sale through

August 31! 

Half off!

 

was $600 now $300!

Order online

 

Faith Practices is a new set of online resources for every age group and setting in your congregation. Created by and for local churches, Faith Practices helps us practice and discuss our faith in daily life.

� At least 24 different faith practices to explore over the coming years.

� Each and every faith practice has more than 600 activities to choose from. That's more than 50 activities per age group!

� Affordable, online downloads always available when you need them.

 

MayAnnual Meeting...Cont.

  

A powerful moment on Sunday morning was the signing of an ecumenical partnership agreement between the Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ and the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland- 'EKiR').  We have been working together on this agreement for the past year, and we were delighted that two representatives of
EkirAgreement
Rev. Manfred Rekowski and Rev. Bill Rishel sign the EKiR Partnership Agreement
the church came to be with us to officially celebrate the agreement.  Christine Busch is one of the ecumenical staff of the church and Manfred Rekowski is their personnel officer and a member of their church board.  Rev. Busch preached and Rev. Rekowski brought greetings and spoke about the meaning and importance of partnership.  The covenant began to develop because of long relationships between the Southwest Association and churches in the Rhineland.  Barbara Rudolph, the current ecumenical officer of the Rhineland Church served in Mount Vernon.  The Southwest Association and the Moers District have had a partnership for more than 25 years.  The current "Praeses" (head of the church) is Nikolaus Schneider, who has visited in Wisconsin and has been close to many in the UCC in our state.
  
With offices in Duesseldorf, the EKiR developed as a "United" church from out of the old Prussian Union Church which was formed in 1817.  It has more than 800 congregations and nearly 3 million members.  Representatives from the Wisconsin Conference will visit Germany in January for the Synod of the EKiR to complete the signing of the agreement.  As the speakers from our new German partnership told us with such eloquence and grace on Pentecost Sunday, partnerships are gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the ecumenical expression of the Church of Jesus Christ is necessary for the fullness of the Church's and God's mission in the world.  The Wisconsin Conference received a beautiful banner with a "Still Speaking" comma and a quote from the famous Barmen Declaration in which the Church in Germany in the 1930's declared its Gospel freedom from demands that are not in keeping with Christ as revealed in God's Word. 
  
The Wisconsin Conference now has five official partnerships:  The United Reformed Church in the UK; the Evangelical Church in Berlin Brandenburg/Schlesische Oberlausitz ('EKBO'); INESIN in Chiapas, Mexico; the Evangelical and Reformed Synod in Honduras; and now the EKiR.  Please see pictures from the signing of the partnership and of the banner (which now hangs in our Trost Center offices) and our visitors.

608-846-7880
PO Box 435 De Forest, WI  53532