Wisconsin Conference Life

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Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter

Thank You
Rev. David Moyer

by Rev. David Moyer

Words fail me - and as a preacher, that doesn't happen very often! But there simply are not words sufficient to express my gratitude and that of Ann and our family for the beautiful celebration of my retirement that took place June 23 in Madison. The planning was so carefully done, and the event so wonderfully designed, and the warmth and generosity of all who were present so genuine that this will be a day that the Moyers will always remember.

Former board chair, Annette Ellstrom, led a committee that planned the day. They were highly secretive in their meetings, but often the halls of the Trost Center rang with their laughter, so it sounded like they had a good time working together and trying to surprise the old Conference Minister.

The day began with a worship service, and I was delighted to have my seminary professor and friend, Dr. Walter Brueggemann, as the preacher. Walter had preached at my ordination, and having him provide this "bookend" word at the conclusion of my active ministry was an honor. His sermon on II Corinthians 4 spoke of the need for the church to focus on the "treasure" and not the "vessels."

What You Need to Know about the Resolution for the Wisconsin Conference to Become Open and Affirming

By Rev. David Moyer

The 2013 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference took action on a resolution of witness that, if adopted at the 2014 Annual Meeting, would declare the Conference to be an Open and Affirming Conference. Twenty-five churches in the Conference are currently Open and Affirming (ONA), meaning they have studied the biblical and theological issues of welcoming gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered persons into the life of the congregation. If the Conference votes to become ONA in 2014, then the Wisconsin Conference would publicly affirm the values of hospitality and grace that it hopes have always characterized its life and mission.

By the guidelines it has adopted on resolutions, the Conference requires a two-step process to pass a "Resolution of Witness," which is a statement of the mind of the Conference concerning a public issue or moral question. Through a "Resolution of Witness" the Conference speaks to the congregations and to the wider society, identifying a position that the Conference holds in relation to a particular issue.

News from General Synod 29

Wisconsin Conference representatives honored at General Synod

Two beloved Wisconsin Conference members received awards at General Synod! Congratulations to Jan Davis, who received the AUCE Founders Award, and Debbie Payden, Excellence In Teaching Award recipient.

Rev. Jan Davis and Rev. Deborah Payden

Wisconsin was well represented by the young delegates at General Synod 29
Leadership qualities were very evident in our young delegates (under 30) during Synod proceedings. We look forward to great things from these young members.

Wisconsin's young delegates at Synod

Wisconsin Contingent at GS 29

United Church of Christ got national media coverage as the first national church to divest from fossil fuel investments

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Our Whole Lives Training

Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive, kindergarten through adult sexuality education curriculum series. It provides youth with accurate information on sexual health, human development, sexual behavior, relationships, and personal skills in the supportive setting of their faith community. This workshop trains teachers in how to teach participants about sexuality in age-appropriate ways. The training will focus on working with youth in grades 7-9 and 10-12 and their parents/guardians. The training is sponsored by First Congregational Church in Oshkosh and Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Appleton and takes place Friday through Sunday, August 23-25, 2013.

More information

The Parish Paper

Check out this edition of The Parish Paper: Making Informed Decisions During Times of Change.
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Discernment Workshop

What shall I do with the longing in my heart to serve Jesus Christ?

Friday, November 8, 2013

10:00am-3:00pm

Wisconsin Conference Trost Center

Registration fee: $55.00 (includes lunch)

The journey of Christian discernment can be as joyful and fulfilling as it is frustrating and confusing. Am I called to be a pastor? Do I need credentials? Is ordination for me? What are licensing and commissioning? What process grants word and sacrament? Are there alternatives? Am I called to become a more mature Christian, to simply live out my baptism with integrity? What does it mean when God sets up shop in your heart? Who can help me? And how is that done?

Join us for a day of exploration and discussion with Dr. Martha Baumer. Dr. Baumer, former professor at Eden Theological Seminary, pastor from the Wisconsin Conference, previous Conference Minister in Illinois and life-long, committed Christian has worked with many people in discerning what a call to ministry might sound like and where to seek help in unfolding God's intention for their lives.

FoodShare for Seniors

The Wisconsin Council of Churches is partnering with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin to ensure that seniors in our congregations and their communities know about FoodShare.

FoodShare is a federally-funded, state-administered program that provides a debit-like card for buying food. A person who is at least 60 years old and falls within the income guidelines qualifies, even if they have a house, car or savings account.

Two out of three Wisconsin seniors who are eligible don't claim their benefit, mostly because they don't even know that they qualify. The eligibility guidelines are higher than one might think.

Seniors can learn if they might be eligible and how to apply for benefits by calling Second Harvest's toll-free FoodShare Helpline at 1-855-366-3635. Second Harvest staff and volunteers also help seniors with the application process at convenient locations, and can make presentations about the program.

Information and resources for congregations can also be found and downloaded at the Council's website. Thank you for helping seniors stretch their budgets and buy the food they need with FoodShare!

July 11, 2013

In This Issue

Open and Affirming Conference Resolution

Our Whole Lives Training

Discernment Workshop

FoodShare for Seniors

Two Church Music Positions Available

Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison is seeking one or two highly skilled musicians for two part-time positions: Choir Director and Worship Band Leader. Contact Dave Lindorff at 241-0882 for more information.

Renew Your Congregation

What can you do to help your congregation make the turn toward vitality and renewal? Find out through the Church Renewal/Five Practices Program.
More information

Online UCC History and Polity Class

Taught by Dr. Martha Ann Baumer, this course is an introduction to the United Church of Christ, appropriate for any person interested in its history and polity, with an invitation to explore further.