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Wisconsin Conference Life Newsletter
Sept. 17, 2015

This newsletter contains an array of events to involve and enrich congregation members and clergy, in a wide variety of interest areas.
Just peace sunday image Observe the First Ever UCC Just Peace Sunday

The Thirtieth General Synod called on the congregations of the    United Church of Christ to observe our first ever Just Peace Sunday on September 20. Just Peacemaking expresses our commitment to engage practices to resolve conflict at every level - in ourselves, in our families, in our communities, and in our world. As Christians, we offer this conviction to the world: Peace is possible!

Here are some resources to use in your congregation:
Confronting Evil with the Love of Jesus
An inspirational evening of song and reflectionfor Confirmation-age youth, teachers and mentors

Our world can be a dark and hurting place, where evil all too often holds sway. Through the music and message of Bryan Sirchio, we will encounter the good news that the love of Jesus has the power to conquer evil and transform darkness into blessing. Join Lakeland College's Mission House Center and the Northeast Association UCC for this great youth event, Wednesday, September 23, in the Bradley Theater at Lakeland College in Sheboygan. Free.

More information
Registration
rock-pile-lake.jpg
Discernment Retreat
Listening for the Spirit

Are you listening for God's guidance in your life questioning how to use your gifts to serve God? Then the Wisconsin Conference's Discernment Retreat is for you!

In the peace and quiet of Pilgrim Center, participants will practice listening together and individually for the call of the Spirit and consider the infinite number of ways Christians serve God in the world.
The retreat takes place October 9 and 10. All who are seeing a God-given purpose for their lives are encouraged to attend. Register by October 4 at wcucc.org.
Youth Faith Formation Retreat
Register by October 1!
October 9-11, 2015
Moon Beach Camp

IT'S YOUR CHURCH (really)
IT'S (really) YOUR CHURCH
IT'S YOUR (real) CHURCH
(really) IT'S YOUR CHURCH


Bring your confirmation class or youth group to this Faith Formation retreat at Moon Beach. For detailed information, go to wcucc.org/youth. But hurry...registration closes October 1.
Living an Undivided Life: Finding Wholeness in your Life and Work

Living an Undivided Life is a three-day Circle of Trust retreat where the personal and spiritual touchstones at the center of our life and work and the challenges of being whole - and wholehearted - in what we do will be explored. Living an Undivided Life is based on the work of Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage and Renewal. Rev. Winton Boyd, senior pastor at Orchard Ridge UCC in Madison, is one of three presenters at this event, which takes place at Pilgrim Center, October 4-6, 2015.
More information
Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause
Mutton Lectureship Events

You're invited to attend a lecture featuring Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause, to engage in a Bible study on specific texts from Paul's letters, and to join the Mutton Lectureship Facebook page. Check it all out at this link!
Knock Knock Middle School Retreat
November 20-22
Pilgrim Center
 
This is a retreat for middle school youth groups and their leaders.  It is designed to help groups bond as the youth explore some of the many issues they will encounter during their middle school years...and beyond. Leadership is provided by the CYMT, the Drama Team and Bryan Sirchio. Register early...this retreat fills up fast! 
More information and registration
GLAUCE Annual Gathering
Write it on Your Hearts
 
Festival Gathering of Christian Educators, Great Lakes Region
October 20-22, 2015, Potawatomi Inn, Angola, Indiana

Presenters: Ivy Beckwith, David Loleng, Rev. Dr. Thom Bower, Deborah Payden
Ties that Blind: Race and the Criminal Justice System

The interfaith conference Ties that Blind: Race and the Criminal Justice System will be held at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in New Brighton, Minn., on October 16. Co-presented by the Council on Religion and Law (CORAL) and the Black Church Leadership Program at United, this conference is geared toward members of the legal system, religious leaders and justice advocates, as it addresses Minnesota's exceptionally high rate of racial disparity involving arrests, incarceration and re-incarceration of people of color.
Faith Leaders and Mental Health Event
 
The Fox Valley's Mental Health Ministry Initiative (MHMI) invites you to attend LEAVEN's free lunch-&-learn on October 15. At the event, you will:
  • Hear Rev. Dale Kuhn, leader of the St. Louis-based Mental Health Ministry Training Collaborative, speak on how faith leaders can have a collective impact on mental health
  • Learn what your peers had to say in regional focus groups on ministering to those with mental health needs
  • Meet the LEAVEN staff to learn more about how LEAVEN's emergency services can help communities in the Fox Valley minister to the needy. 
Thursday, October 15
11:30 am-1:00 pm
 Grand Meridian, 2621 N Oneida St., Appleton
RSVP by Thursday, October 1st  to Rena Winkler at [email protected] or 920.257.5692.
LEAVEN website
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

In This Issue
Just Peace Sunday
Confirmation event
Discernment Retreat
Youth Retreat
Living an Undivided Life
Mutton Lectureship
Middle School Retreat
GLAUCE Annual Gathering
Race and the Criminal Justice System
Faith Leaders adn Mental Health Lunch

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.