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Rev. Michael Obenauer
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When Dreams are Prayers
In my years of ministry in the United Church of Christ, I have sat through many group meetings with church folk. The settings and the locations change, the faces and voices vary, but the dreams expressed are the same.
- I dream of a day when my church will intentionally invite and joyously and extravagantly welcome all people into the community of faith.
- I dream of a day when the congregation of which I am a part will actively claim and proclaim its unique role in the community - to be a sign of hope, to speak a prophetic voice, to stand for something vital and wholesome and selfless, to affirm the commonness of all humankind, to work for justice and peace throughout the world which God loves, to make a difference every day in our neighborhood.
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Wisconsin Conference: Open and Affirming Conference Under Consideration
At its 2013 Annual Meeting, the Wisconsin Conference voted to undertake a yearlong study process leading to a vote at next year's annual meeting on a Resolution of Witness for the conference to become Open and Affirming (ONA). For more detailed information about this, read David Moyer's article in the July 11 Wisconsin Conference Life.
The process requires that at least 30% of the Conference congregations engage in a discussion about the Resolution and report that back to the conference by March 1, 2014. Such a discussion can be held by any group within a congregation, in any configuration it chooses and does not require taking a position. There is a response sheet on the last page of the study guide to return to the Conference office indicating that your congregation has had this discussion.
This Resolution and discussion is about the Wisconsin Conference becoming an ONA Conference and not about whether any individual congregation should become ONA. The Committee on Ministry with LGBTQ Persons in the Church has prepared a Study Guide for Congregations that addresses questions regarding the Resolution. There is also a Study Guide available to help your congregation talk theologically about difficult things. Members of the committee are also available as resources for your congregation. Contact the Conference office if you would like to consult with someone.
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New Resources for Churches Considering ONA Process
 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has two updated or new resources on its Institute for Welcoming Resources webpage: Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit 2.0, and Hearts Unbound: Engaging Biblical texts of God's Radical Love through Reader's Theater. To access these resources and read more, click here. |
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Join a Weekend Mission Trip
 It is no secret that mission trips have a profound impact on church youth, yet a cross-country van trip to an urban center isn't the only option. La Crosse has the second highest rate of poverty in Wisconsin, and The Salvation Army offers a weekend mission experience that is both meaningful and affordable.
The weekend includes community service, an opportunity to both serve and eat a meal in the shelter area, educational activities designed to dispel the myths surrounding poverty, and time for group reflection. The fee is just $100 per group. Groups of 5 to 25 are welcome (middle school, high school, or adult.) Participants can stay in the Corps area of the building (a locked wing that is separate from the shelter), or make other lodging arrangements.
To schedule a weekend, contact: Julie Nelson, The Salvation Army, 608-782-6126.
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"We Are The Church Together" with Carol Wehrheim
GLAUCE and GLAPCE Conference, October 15-17, 2013
Clergy, Christian Educators, Youth Leaders...if you believe faith formation is vital...this event is for you!
We will gather with our Presbyterian colleagues at the Potawatomi Inn in Pokagon State Park, outside of Angola, Indiana. This resort offers a gorgeous setting for spiritual renewal with a beautiful lake and hiking trails. The conference offers opportunities for networking and professional growth. For more information, and to register, please click here.
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Women at the Well Retreat
October 11-15, 2013
 UCCI and Pilgrim Center are excited to announce that Rev. Holly Whitcomb will be leading our annual Women at the Well Retreat October 11th to the 13th. This year's theme focuses on Deepening Courage and Coping With Change.
The retreat will begin on Friday the 11th in the evening with an informal reception and end Sunday the 13th after brunch and a closing service.
An excellent opportunity for Women's groups, friends, partners, associations, or those seeking an opportunity to retreat and meet others at the well.
Visit www.ucci.org to register for this event as well as the many other events that Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center have to offer this fall and winter.
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Milton First Congregational UCC Celebrates 175th Anniversary
Fir  st Congregational United Church of Christ, 741 E. High St., celebrated its 175th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 15.
The First Congregational United Church of Christ of Milton traces its roots to Aug. 16, 1838. Nine people gathered at the home of Ansel Dickinson near Mt. Zion (at the intersection of County Highway A and Henke Road) to organize the first Protestant church in Rock County and the third Congregational Church in the Wisconsin Territory.
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Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ | 4459 Gray Road | PO Box 435 | DeForest, WI 53532
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Church Spotlight
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 | | Congregational United Church of Christ, Williams Bay |
This church in the Southeast Association was established in 1896 and has an
average weekly attendance of 56 worshipers. The pastor is Rev. Jean Wallenfang. The church participates in a local outreach ministry of supporting the work of the Association for the Prevention of Family Violence of Walworth County.
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| Free Church Banners
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The Barneveld UCC has extra, hand made church banners to give away. The size and message vary. Contact Nancy Gaffney for details.
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| Got News?
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Let us know! If you have something you'd like considered for publication in Wisconsin Conference Life, please email Nola at the Wisconsin Conference.
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