 Theology Matters: A View from Lay Academy
by Rev. Tisha Brown
Carolyn Roncolato, PhD, was the instructor for the November 2014 Lay Academy session titled "Survey of Traditional and Contemporary Theology." In just over six hours her task was to introduce Lay Academy students to the many and varied theological perspectives and approaches of the Protestant Christian Faith-a daunting task by any stretch of the imagination. I admire her courage in even accepting the invitation to undertake such a task and appreciate her approach. Instead of a tightly prepared lecture, Carolyn invited every person in the class to write one question they had about God on an index card. Those cards were placed in the "Bag O ' Theology" and read out loud. The answers to these questions became the foundation for her time with the class. Within that "Bag O' Theology" were questions that covered all of the major areas of Theology-the trinity, Jesus, the power and presence of God, human suffering, creation, heaven and hell, the virgin birth and more. It was a wild ride as Carolyn sought to address all of the questions from the bag.
In the weeks after the November session I had the privilege of reading the reflection papers from the students who attended Carolyn's class. By far the questions most often struggled with and reflected upon in these papers were the questions having to do with human suffering-especially the suffering of innocent children-and the power and will of God in the world. If these papers are anywhere close to a reflection of what is in the minds and hearts of many of us in the church today, it is clear to me that we struggle a great deal as people of faith with these questions.
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 Bahamas Mission Trip
Application Deadline Extended!
Are you a high school youth interested in going to the Bahamas on a mission trip? Do you know a high school youth who is interested in going to the Bahamas on a mission trip? There are four spots available for our trip from July 12-18. The Wisconsin Conference UCC group will be joining the youth from First Congregational UCC in Appleton. The application deadline has been extended...all applications (and deposits) must be postmarked by February 16th. More information about the trip and the application is available here. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Hart, Coordinator for Youth Ministry, at lhart@wcucc.org or 608-846-7880. |
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Lay Academy Alumni Event!
It's the event you've been waiting for!
Save the Date for the first ever Lay Academy Alumni Event! The Heart of a Leader: Courage and Wholeness will take place Friday, July 31 at 7:00 pm until Saturday, August 1 at 3:00 pm.
Come Friday evening to reconnect and build community and stay for Saturday when Rev. Winton Boyd will help us explore the relationship between our inner spiritual lives and our outer or public leadership. Using material from Parker Palmer's "A Hidden Wholeness," we will work individually and in small groups to explore what it means to live an undivided life as a church leader.
More details will follow as they evolve. The program cost will be $40 (Friday/Saturday program and Saturday lunch only) Hotel cost is extra. For questions contact Nola Risse-Connolly or Tisha Brown. You may also connect with the Lay Academy on Facebook for the fastest access to updates as they occur!
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 Turnaround Church
The program not only has helped us reach new members, it is helping us grow deeper as a community. --Rev. Jill Meyer, Christ Congregational, Clintonville
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. Plan now! The deadline to sign up is February 13, 2015.
More information
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 Pension Boards Information for Churches
Attention churches! Please check to make sure you are receiving invoices from the Pension Boards for your pastor's pension and life and disability insurance. The Pension Boards converted to a new system last September and it has come to our attention that you might not have received 4th quarter invoices or first quarter 2015. If you have not received the invoices please contact the Pension Boards at 800-642-6543. |
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Youth Faith Formation Retreats
Faith Formation #ConfirmationChallenge 2015
February 27-March 1 or March 6-8, Pilgrim Center
Is your faith fully formed? Are you on the journey? Where have we come from? Where are we going? How do we get there? All these questions, and more, will be explored during the Faith Formation Retreat for confirmation classes and their adult leaders/mentors. Don't have a confirmation class? That's okay! Bring your youth who want to explore their faith with other youth and supportive adults.
More information
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 Wisconsin Gospellers 24-hour Gospel Festival
First Congregational UCC, Sheboygan
February 20-21, 2015
The Wisconsin Gospellers, a gospel choir drawing from musicians across the state of Wisconsin, invites anyone interested to participate in a day of gospel singing on Saturday, February 21st, at First Congregational Church UCC, 310 Bluff Avenue, in Sheboygan. Rehearsals will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 4:30 PM, and at 5:00 PM the Gospellers will conduct a Gospel Vespers service combining song and text. There is a charge of $30 for the day's activities, including lunch, materials, and musical instruction. The 5:00 PM Gospel Vespers service is free of charge and open to the public. To register, or for more information, please contact Nancy Tubesing. On-site registrations are also welcome. The Wisconsin Gospellers are a ministry of the United Church of Christ, under the direction of Dr. Martin Ulrich, of Lakeland College and First Congregational Church in Sheboygan.Musicians from all faiths and denominations are invited.
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Schedule and registration details |
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Faith Communities Today (FACT) Survey
From January 1 through March 31, 2015, all United Church of Christ congregations are invited to participate in a national study of religious life in America. The FACT Survey provides religious leaders of all traditions critical planning information about the changing nature of congregational life and how to respond effectively. This survey should be completed by your pastor, a staff member, church administrator, or well-informed lay leader. If any of the questions do not apply to your congregation, please feel free to check the "Does not apply" response or to skip item. The survey is available online at www.ucc.org/factsurvey and requires your church's official church ID number which is also used to complete annual online Yearbook reporting (this number can be obtained from your Conference or Association and is also found in the UCC Yearbook or Access UCC). More information |
 Health and Human Service Sunday: February 1!
UCC Health and Human Service Sunday is a special opportunity to create awareness of the health concerns of communities and world, and to learn about the many and various health and human service ministries of the United Church of Christ. It is observed annually in the United Church of Christ and is an opportunity to talk about health in a holistic way, address the issues of justice in our health care systems and learn about how each of us can become involved. This year's event will be observed Feb. 1, 2015.
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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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Church Spotlight 
This church lies in the small town of Mt. Vernon, nestled in the gently rolling hills just southwest of Madison. Rev. Brad Brookins leads this church in their mission: "A small church with a large heart, where the Scriptures are read carefully with eyes wide open to the world."
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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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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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