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I am Hopeful
 | | Rev. Deborah Payden |
by Rev. Deborah Payden
Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. (2 Corinthians 4:1, 7) We are in the midst of transition and transformation in the church. (Aren't we always?) It is felt clearly here in the Wisconsin Conference. Whether good or bad, there are ministries and ways of doing things that no longer exist. Others are being changed and challenged. It can be a fearful time, but my faith calls me to be hopeful, most especially in times of challenge and uncertainty. Read more
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General Synod 29: Reflections from Youth, Scarf Project Update, Video Highlights, and Resolutions
Youth Reflections. From First Congregational UCC, Appleton: The youth felt like this was a really good learning experience, growing to understand the national church and what the UCC stands for. The worship services, people, and activities were really eye-opening. A couple of the youth confessed they felt "uneducated" after seeing the breadth of the issues that the church engages in. The youth felt like this helped them to be a part of all that the church stands for, and that Synod helped them to feel more involved. One youth has already, on their own volition, sought out the appropriate channels to become a delegate and be intensely involved in the resolution process. Here are reflections about the Synod experience from two youth attendees.
Read the youth reflections
Resolutions. Review the work of General Synod 29 online.
Read more
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Two thousand scarves: that's how many were sent to General Synod 29 from Wisconsin Conference congregations! The project as a whole garnered 10,000 rainbow-colored scarves. The UCC Scarf Project is an anti-bullying initiative, whereby each Synod attendee who pledged to commit to act against bullying and bullying-related
violence adopted and wore a scarf. The original goal of the project was to collect 3,000 scarves (the same number as the attendance at General Synod), but with 10,000 scarves received, attendees were able to take additional scarves home to pass along the anti-bullying message to people in their communities. The Wisconsin Conference Trost Center has several scarves that were brought back from Synod in the office; if you are stopping by, feel free to adopt one for yourself. Kudos to all of our wondering Wisconsin Conference knitters and crocheters - you contributed about 20% of all scarves collected at Synod!
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Conference-wide Youth Faith Formation (Confirmation) Retreats
Justice Isn't Spelled "Just Us"October 11-13, 2013, at Moon Beach Camp, St. Germain, Wis. February 28-March 2, 2013, at Pilgrim Center, Ripon, Wis. What does God require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8 What does justice have to do with your faith? Find out at this year's Youth Faith Formation retreats. Using the Justice LED curriculum (Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing), we will explore justice as a central part of our Christian calling. This event is for confirmation classes and church youth groups that are interested in strengthening their understanding of the United Church of Christ while deepening their faith, and is a supplement to confirmation and youth group programs. Youth will be able to make connections between the history and beliefs of the UCC and justice as a central part of our Christian calling. Music and worship will be led by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan. How do the beliefs of the United Church of Christ work into a justice framework? Join us and find out! Registration will be available online by September 1, 2013. Co-Sponsored by the Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ and United Church Camps, Inc. The programs are subsidized by gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM). |
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Knock Knock: November 22-24, 2013
Knock Knock is a retreat for church groups of Middle School  students, grades 6-8. 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 there is 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!
Online registration available September 3, 2013.
More information
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Outdoor Ministry Fall Opportunities
From United Church Camps, Inc.: Holly Whitcomb will be leading our Women at the Well retreat in October at Pilgrim Center. Patti and Max both have cooking weekends this fall. Pilgrim Center is hosting our first men's retreat in September, so set some time aside to come for fellowship and relaxation. These are just a few of the amazing and new opportunities sponsored by your outdoor ministry sites this fall. Visit www.ucci.org or like us on Facebook to learn more about these and are other year round ministry opportunities.
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Hear the Youth Choir of Münster, Germany
During the last part of August, the Youth Choir of Münster, Germany, will be traveling throughout Wisconsin and singing at a number of UCC churches. This will be the fourth tour for the choir in our state and celebrates the special relationship between the Wisconsin Conference of the UCC and the Evangelical Church of Westphalia. The public is invited to both the concerts and the worship service.
Read more, including dates and locations of concerts
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Back Bay Mission News
Back Bay Mission is celebrating the 13-year ministry of its departing Executive Director, Rev. Shari Prestemon, and is inviting people to share their memories of and well-wishes for Rev. Prestemon. Letters, notes, emails, videos and audio recordings can be sent by August 23, 2013.
Read more
Mission Trip to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Miss., March 1-9, 2014. 24 total participants. Cost for program, food, and two nights in hotel (if traveling by car) = $275. Transportation costs will be determined when location of participants and number of vehicles are known. $100 down to hold your spot, payable to Ely Memorial UCC (Land O Lakes, WI). Contact Rev. Nancy Zorn Micke for more information and to sign up.
You are invited! Please join Church Relations Associate Christopher Marlin-Warfield for a Back Bay Mission update at Community of Hope United Church of Christ in Madison on Sunday, September 15, at 6pm.
Address and map
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Explore the Music of Iona
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Online UCC History and Polity Class
Register by August 28, 2013!
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.
Read more and register
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Communities of Practice Peer Support Groups
The Parish Paper agrees: there is power in clergy groups (read article).
Join the more than 70 Wisconsin pastors who participated in the 12 inaugural Communities of Practice. Pastors all over the state found wisdom and support from colleagues gathered into community. An open house will be held on September 5, 2013, for those interested in learning more about this program.
Read more
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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
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Discernment Day
Friday, November 8, 2013
10:00am-3:00pm
Wisconsin Conference Trost Center, DeForest, WI
Registration fee: $55.00 (includes lunch)
Read more
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Marilynne Robinson to speak
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Seasons Hospice seeks full-time chaplain and resource chaplain
For job description, requirements for hire, and how to apply for these West Allis positions, please see Seasons Hospice web page.
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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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