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The Spark
by Ruth Schmidt, Somers Community Church Member, Kenosha, WI
Lay academy is a banquet for all of
us seeking to develop a deeper understanding of our personal faith and to build relationships with other seekers.
One of the reasons I wanted to attend Lay Academy was to learn the language. You know, the secret theologian language that gives people the insight to be able to speak about the Bible with conviction and authority. I wanted to have the words so I too could sound knowledgeable instead of like the confused seeker that I truly am. The first session was titled "How to Think Theologically." I figured my main goal would be accomplished the first night and all the rest was gravy. I failed to consider the considerable difference between the words "speak and think"!
That first night I learned that theology is not just words. Theology is reflection upon and with the scriptures. Theology needs us to reflect upon, understand and share the scriptures to bring them to life...
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Conference Staff Hold Mission 4/1 Earth Workday
The Wisconsin Conference UCC staff rolled up its sleeves on Monday as part of its Mission 4/1 Earth commitment. Nine Conference staff members teamed up with the Village of DeForest, where the office is located, and spent the afternoon mulching trees in a local park. The original plan was to plant new trees, but with the late spring, there weren't trees available yet to plant.
Mulching is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the health of a tree. Mulch reduces water loss from the soil, minimizes weed competition, insulates, and improves soil aeration and structure. DeForest Parks staff anticipate mulching will reduce the need for watering, and yield healthier trees.
The staff was also treated to a presentation about trees in urban environments and the many benefits of trees by Jeff Roe from the Wisconsin DNR. Additionally, some staff members are working on personal pledges for a broad range of 4/1 Earth activities. How is your Mission 4/1 Earth initiative going? Tell us your story and we'll feature it in a future newsletter. See more workday pictures on Facebook.
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Reach More Volunteers
by Jim Cowart and Jennifer Cowart
 | Jim Cowart and Jennifer Cowart
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If the idea of recruiting volunteers has been a challenge in the past, you are not alone. But getting rid of the mind-set of recruiting for a task and switching to the idea of inviting a team can help. Recruiting sounds like work; inviting is a privilege. People want to be needed. Even more than that, they want to spend their lives doing something significant. So don't ask people to do a job; instead invite them to join you in changing the world.
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Pulitzer Prize Winner Marilynne Robinson Featured by Robert Mutton Lectureship
The First Annual Robert D. Mutton Lectureship in Theology and the Practice of Ministry will feature Marilynne Robinson, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning Gilead, and Home.
Mark your calendars for the November 15 and 16 events. Robinson will deliver a presentation on religion and society on November 15 on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus in an event open to the public. On November 16 at the Trost Center in DeForest Robinson will engage a smaller audience in conversation on theological issues raised by her books Gilead and Home.
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Attend the David Moyer Retirement Celebration
 | | Rev. Dr. David S. Moyer |
The Wisconsin Conference UCC's Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. David S. Moyer, is retiring. A worship and dinner in celebration of David's ministry will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2013.
In David's honor, an endowment has been created: The Reverend David S. Moyer Endowment for Outdoor Ministries.
Online givingAs a gift to David and his wife Ann, a memory book will be created. We are asking for your statements of gratitude or thoughts on Dave's ministry. Please send a card or letter, no larger than 4x6, to the Wisconsin Conference UCC office at PO Box 435, DeForest, WI 53532. Deadline: June 1, 2013.
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Rev. Carroll Olm Honored by National Council
Rev. Carroll Olm, retired UCC minister residing in Whitewater, was recently cited for his founding ministry at Fairhaven in Whitewater. The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ declared the Rev. Dr. Carroll J. Olm a Council Servant Legend, at its 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting on March 2nd. Rev. Olm is a member of Whitewater Congregational United Church of Christ.
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Kent Ulery's Blog
Interim Associate Conference Minister Kent Ulery writes a blog: Rooted in Faith and Practice.
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Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference UCC
Registration is available for the Wisconsin Conference 2013 Annual Meeting,
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Register for Lay Academy
Registration is available for Lay Academy Faith Foundations (Year 2) and Lay Ministry Skills (Year 4). For more information and to register, view the Lay Academy webpage.
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CE Position Open in Ripon
The First Congregational Church in Ripon is seeking a part-time CE director. For more information, email firstucc@firstcongo.net. Application deadline is May 3, 2013.
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Conscious Aging Conference
Friday, May 17, 2013
9:30am-3:30pm
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Conference Events Calendar
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Got News?
Let us know! If you have something you'd like considered for publication in Wisconsin Conference Life, please send it to Nola at nrisseconnolly@wcucc.org. |
PO Box 435
DeForest, WI 53532 |
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