The 2015 Annual Meeting was a wonderful experience chock full of spiritual depth woven around the theme "Courage in the Struggle." The Rev. Ben Guess, Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, gave a stirring address anchored by the UCC tagline: Be the Church. Our featured guest was the Rev. Eric Elnes, host and producer of Darkwood Brew (a groundbreaking interactive web television program) and pastor of Countryside Community Church UCC in Omaha, Nebraska. Eric invited us to reflect on the way God's Spirit prompts to grow and change, particularly through the dark chapters of our lives. Highlights from this year's Annual Meeting include: the Installation of the Rev. Franz Rigert as new Conference Minister, jazz pianist Chuck Marohnic performing with our very own vocalist Tisha Brown, the unanimous approval of our 2016 budget, and some incredible workshops and exhibits. The meals and social time allowed for lots of reunions and stirred new friendships!
There will be some videos from Annual Meeting available at a later date.
Read on for more information about Annual Meeting activities:
"5 for 5" Churches Recognized at Annual Meeting
We celebrate with deep thanksgiving our 5 for 5 congregations! 5 for 5 churches are those that fully support Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM), giving to Basic Support as well as all four Special Mission Offerings. Special Mission Offering dates are: Neighbors in Need is on World Communion Sunday, The Christmas Fund is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, One Great Hour of Sharing is the Fourth Sunday in Lent, and Strengthen the Church is on Pentecost Sunday.
At Annual Meeting, attendees from 5 for 5 churches were asked to stand so they could be thanked and recognized by all. Click here to see a list of the Wisconsin Conference 5 for 5 churches. Elections to Conference Committees and Board of Directors
At Annual Meeting the Nominating Committee presented a slate of candidates for Conference committees and Board of Directors. The following people were elected on June 14 at the Annual Meeting.
Conference Officers:
Vice Moderator: Rev. Zayna Thompson, First Congregational UCC, Platteville
Secretary: Rev. Micah Schlobohm, First Congregational UCC, Wisconsin Rapids
See more Committees and Board of Directors information
Scholarships for Seminarians
Each year the Wisconsin Conference awards a scholarship to one or more of our promising theological "students in-care" preparing for service as an authorized minister of the church. This year four awards were presented at the Conference Annual Meeting. Each recipient is presented a financial gift and a communion chalice. The recipients and scholarships are as follows:
Beth Petzke, recipient of the Myrtle I. Baker Scholarship, attends Chicago Theological Seminary. Her home church is First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sheboygan.
Asafa Rajaofera, recipient of the First Congregational Church-McDowell Scholarship, serves two small churches: Immanuel UCC and Owen UCC. She is attending United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
Joshua Simon, recipient of the Carl H. Zeyher Award, attends Chicago Theological Seminary. His home church is Plymouth UCC in Milwaukee.
Eric Ogi, recipient of the Carl H. Zeyher Award, is a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum. Eric is attending Harvard Divinity School.
New Clergy Welcomed at Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for us to get to know the new clergy in the Wisconsin Conference. During Annual Meeting, we introduced clergy new to the Wisconsin Conference since June of 2014, many of whom were present. Here's a list for your reference.
What Will Keep Your Church Alive?
Annual Meeting Wrap Up
Sing with the Gospellers in Germany
