 Clergy Retirement in a Different Light
by Rev. Rob MacDougall
A group of teachers were talking about some of the things that were going right at their elementary school. They reminded each other that they needed to speak about the good things that gave them energy and encouragement. It didn't take any of them more than a breath to say one of the best things at the school was all the retired teachers who were coming around to volunteer. They were volunteering to read with kids, create bulletin boards, monitor halls, do one-to-one tutoring and more. The volunteer retired teachers had become so vital to the school that the principal created a lounge/lunch room just for them.
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 Historic Property Transfer
Wisconsin Conference Returns Property to Ho-Chunk Nation
by Rev. Rob MacDougall
Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ, formerly the Winnebago Mission, near Black River Falls, gathered for worship and some deeply important decision making on Sunday, September 27. The members and leaders of the church had been praying, planning and preparing for decisions that would move their life and ministry into the future.
Read more
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Conference Transitions
The Conference Transitions feature is new and will appear monthly in the Wisconsin Conference Life. Please share your transition information, including church anniversaries, with the newsletter editor by emailing Nola.
Searching Churches
Churches that started searching for a new pastor in September:
- First Congregational UCC - Hartland
- Pilgrim UCC - Grafton
- Bethany UCC - Oshkosh
- First Congregational UCC (Genesee) - Mukwonago
New Calls - Community UCC in St. Germain has called Rev. Topher Mehlhoff as pastor, effective September 1.
- Congregational UCC in Evansville has called Rev. Lee Zortman as interim pastor, effective September 1.
- Congregational UCC in Whitewater has called Rev. Luke Bocher as interim pastor, effective September 1.
- St. John's UCC in Appleton has called Rev. James Klein as interim pastor, effective September 1.
- Evangelical and Reformed UCC in Waukesha has called Rev. Robert Gross as pastor, effective September 1.
- First Congregational Church in Janesville has called Rev. Tanya Sadagopan as pastor, effective September 8.
- St. John's UCC in Manitowoc has called Rev. Judine Duerwaechter as interim pastor, effective September 16.
- St. Peter's UCC in Kiel has called Rev. Fred Trost as interim pastor, effective September 16.
- Ely Memorial UCC in Land O' Lakes and Congregational UCC in Phelps have called Rev. Dale Bishop to serve as interim pastor, effective September 20.
- Plymouth Congregational UCC in Madison has called Rev. Leslie Schenk as pastor, effective September 30.
- Immanuel UCC in Darlington has called Rev. Larry Balleine as interim pastor, effective October 1.
- First Congregational Church in Appleton has called Rev. Jeannie Douglas as interim pastor for congregational life, effective October 1.
- First Congregational Church in Menomonie has called Rev. James (Buck) Firth as interim pastor, effective October 1.
- Congregational UCC in Ladysmith has called Rev. Wendy Summers as interim pastor, effective October 1.
- Immanuel UCC in Neenah has called Rev. Jennifer Czarnota as pastor, effective October 1.
Installations and Ordinations
- Rebecca (Becky) Jordan Boggs was ordained on September 19 at the Congregational UCC in Delevan.
- Rev. Deborah Rae Tyler was installed at Community UCC in Elkhart Lake on September 27.
- Michelle (Missy) Holdorf was ordained on September 27 at St. Stephens UCC in Merrill.
Retirements - Revs. Carol and Ralph DiBiasio-Synder have retired from First Congregational UCC in Oshkosh, effective September 30.
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 Got Dental?
Eligible pastors and church employees: now is the open enrollment period for the Pension Boards Dental 750 Plan. You must apply and send the premium for the first year to the Pension Boards before October 31, 2015. Coverage will begin January 1, 2016.You can find the application and additional information at www.pbucc.org.
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Listening for the Spirit: Discernment Retreat
Friday, October 9, 7pm, through Saturday, October 10, 3pm
Act now: registration ends October 4
Are you listening for God's guidance in your life or questioning how to use your gifts to serve God? Then attend the Wisconsin Conference's Discernment Retreat! In the peace and quiet of Pilgrim Center, participants will practice listening together and individually for the call of the Spirit and will consider the infinite number of ways Christians serve God in the world. All who are seeking a God-given purpose for their lives are encouraged to attend. Register by October 4!
More information and registration
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 Rev. Wang's Generous Gift Bears Fruit
From July 4 to September 6, Rev. Bob Wang toured the state, visiting 12 of our Conference churches to sing, pray, preach and witness to proclaim: Outdoor Ministry Matters!
Read about Bob's summer tour here
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 First Congregational UCC in Watertown Receives Wildlife Award
The National Wildlife Federation has recognized First Congregational Church in Watertown for its Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife program. Congratulations!
Read more
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Upcoming Events!
Boundary Training
Hosted by the Southwest Association October 23 at the Trost Center, DeForest Register
Mutton Lectureship
Featuring Dr. Deborah Krause November 14, 2015, at the Trost Center, DeForest More information
Inspiring Models of Ministry: Messy Church
Knock Knock Middle School Retreat
November 20-22, 2015 - Pilgrim Center
Festival Gathering of Christian Educators (GLAUCE)
Creating Sacred Space: A Discussion
A Still Speaking Worship Event
The event will stream live at 10 AM (CDT) on October 27, 2015
United Church Funds Midwest Regional Endowment Conference
November 14, 2015 - Chicago, Illinois
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Two Churches Celebrate 175th Anniversaries
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 Campital Campaign Update
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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is October 17, 2015. Bread for Life invites your church/congregation to use their free tool kit to get involved and to help those living in extreme poverty.
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 Calling All Choirs!
Does your church have a really GOOD choir? Is your choir director the reason they sing so beautifully? Send your director and your choir to the Conference Annual Meeting in June to sing for everybody!
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This newsletter is made possible by contributions to Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.The Wisconsin Conference UCC is an Open and Affirming Conference.
Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ
4459 Gray Road | PO Box 435 | DeForest, WI 53532
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Church Spotlight 
This Northwest Association church was formed in 1855.A fire totally destroyed the church in 1979 after being struck by lightening. The congregation still worships in the building that was rebuilt and dedicated in 1982. The church is currently served by interim pastor Rev. Michael Swartz.
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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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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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