January 28, 9:30 am, DeForest 

We all know that the religious landscape is changing and we worry that it is not for the good. People aren't filling our pews like they once did. Our buildings are suffering from deferred maintenance. Our congregations are aging. But sometimes we see change differently when we look from a different perspective. Altitude can reshape our attitudes. Sometimes challenges can become our greatest opportunities. 

In this session, Rev. Cameron Trimble will talk with us about why she is convinced that the UCC's best days are ahead of us, not behind us. We will look at the global and national trends that are reshaping the mainline church and then explore what this means in very specific ways for your church. You will walk away from this time with a strong understanding of the mega trends, and very concrete ideas for how your church can find new life in your context. 

Rev. Trimble is Executive Director of the Center for Progressive Renewal and co-author of Liberating Hope: Daring to Renew the Mainline Church. She is an adjunct professor teaching church planting and renewal with the Pacific School of Religion and Chicago Theological Seminary. 

Gulley brings humor, fresh ideas and a deep faith into a new age of practicing discipleship. This workshop will include a keynote address followed by an afternoon of lively small group discussions. 

Gulley received his Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He is currently a co-pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting near Indianapolis. In his most recent book, The Evolution of Faith: How God is Creating a Better Christianity, Gulley proposes a fresh direction for Christianity and articulates a Christianity that, while faithful to the priorities of Jesus, can help its adherents live happily, peacefully, and productively in our complex world. 

Event Details:  First Congregational UCC, Wisconsin Rapids, Sat., March 22, 9:30am-3:00pm. $35.00, includes lunch.  Register>   

Check out Gulley's Grace Talks blog and Porch Talk videos  

Suggested advance reading: Gulley's book If the Church were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus.

And how you can look for the desirable within the difficulty

In his book about underdog strategies, Malcolm Gladwell recounts the biblical story of David and Goliath as a metaphor for the unexpected advantage. He gives examples of what he calls "the David opportunities," those "occasions in which difficulties, paradoxically, turn out to be desirable." He claims that there is unexpected freedom that comes when people believe they have nothing to lose.

People of faith know that challenges for the church, in the long run, have always made it stronger.

For five decades, large-scale shifts in the economy, public values and beliefs, and social institutions have rocked the landscape for congregations and their leaders. What are the most significant trends calling leaders to creatively rethink what it takes to declare the gospel today?    Read full article > 

Cathy Townley, January 17, 10:00am - 1:00pm

- Remote Worship Consult

- 2 months of Coaching

- 2 Townley Coaching Teaching videos

- Cathy's book Missional Worship

$575 per church  (an $875 value)
More info> 

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