 From a Theology of Scarcity to a Theology of Abundance
by Rev. Tisha Brown
What a joy and a privilege it is for me to be the Director of Lay Academy for the Wisconsin Conference UCC. With two sessions of this year's Lay Academy program under my belt, I can say with great acclamation that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in our Conference! I see her moving and breathing in the 83 people who come to the Trost Center to nourish their spirits, stretch their minds and grow in faith. What a blessing I imagine them to be as they emerge on Saturday afternoon filled with ideas, questions, hopes, uncertainties, new information and refreshed perspectives to share what they've experienced with their pastors, home congregations, families and wider community.
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 Cleveland Rocks -
And So Do You!
Calling all UCC youth and young adults! Join us for Youth @ General Synod 2015, to share how we all find God in Unexpected Places. Youth @ General Synod is a special program for participants between 13 and 20 years old. A fun and exciting program is lined up for 2015.
Pastors and parents: Let your youth know about this great opportunity to learn more about the workings of the wider church and connect with other aspiring young leaders from around the country.
Read more
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Unplanned Unfoldings: Getting Lost Without Losing Your Way: An Advent Retreat
Friday, December 12, 2014, 9:30am-3:30pm
Leader: Rev. Holly Whitcomb
In her pregnancy, Mary, the young mother of Jesus, experienced an unplanned unfolding. We all experience unplanned unfoldings which carry us to scary and unfamiliar places. How can we live into this lostness? How can we embrace the not knowing while retaining some amount of confidence and trust? In this rich Advent season, come explore spiritual strategies for getting lost without losing your way.
More information
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 Last Chance to Register!
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 Turnaround Church
February 27-28, 2015
Trost Center, DeForest
Is your congregation ready for something new? Do you believe that your church has the potential for revitalization, if only you knew what to do? The key to growing a church is to build relationships with people in your community by offering a genuine welcome to your congregation. Many of us have forgotten the simple, practical ways that members reach out to new people that used to be a natural part of church life. In this workshop, you'll learn how to turn your hopes and good intentions into action through planning, teamwork, and fun.
More information
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Back Bay Mission Christmas Baskets
You can make Christmas a joyful season for a poor, homeless, or at-risk family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast by sponsoring a Christmas Basket or Backpack through Back Bay Mission. More information |
 Jesus Core High School Retreat
January 9-11, 2015
Pilgrim Center
High Schoolers are invited to this retreat at Pilgrim Center, either as a group or an individual participant. The focus is on the individual and exploring who they are and where they are on their faith journey. It is an opportunity for them to experience faith in community with other teens, to rest from their hectic schedules, and to be inspired by the music of Andra Moran.
More information
Registration
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Senior High Mission Trip to the Bahamas
The Wisconsin Conference UCC has limited space available to join First Congregational UCC in Appleton for a senior high mission trip to Nassau, Bahamas. The trip is scheduled for July 12th-18th, 2015. We are working on the final details, but expect that the trip will cost between $1200 and $1300/person. A passport is also required.
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Lisa Hart, Coordinator for Youth Ministry, at lhart@wcucc.org or 608-846-7880. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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United Church Camps Update
Wondering what is going on with United Church Camps, Inc.? Click here to read an article from UCCI. |
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This newsletter is made possible by contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.
Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ
4459 Gray Road | PO Box 435 | DeForest, WI 53532
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Check out news from around the Conference!
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Church Spotlight 
Saron UCC, nestled in the countryside north of Sheboygan Falls, is in the Northeast Association and has had Rev. Dan Borchers as its pastor since July 2014. Around 230 people attend worship here each Sunday.
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Is your church considering an Open and Affirming process? The Wisconsin Conference has a committee to help! Please feel free to use us as resources for your discussions and preparations. Contact Micah Schlobohm or Rich Fluechtling of the Wisconsin Conference UCC Committee on Ministry with LGBTQ Persons.
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Adult vocal choir director position open at Zwingli UCC in Monticello. For more information, contact the church at 608-938-4369 or Zwingli@tds.net.
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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, email Nola at the Wisconsin Conference.
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