Today, many members of the Wisconsin Conference Staff are out of the office, participating in Change the World in solidarity with United Methodists around the world. Staff members are sorting food and clothing donations at the Community Action Coalition of Wisconsin, an organization that provides low-income individuals and families with clean and seasonably appropriate clothing. Change the World is an annual, denomination-wide event that focuses on the ministries of the church beyond the sanctuary during one particular weekend, with the goal of palpable and noticeable change. May 18th-19th are the official days for Change the World 2013. Last year, more than 40 Wisconsin United Methodist churches participated in the Change the World event. Churches participated in a wide variety of projects, which included initiatives such as clean-up days, food pantry collections, fundraisers for mission abroad, among many other creative projects. The goal of participating congregations was to make a significant and positive difference in their communities, whether on a local scale or on a global scale. Click here to visit UMCOM’s website with information and resources on planning an event this year with your church.

Recently launched by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, our Wisconsin Conference District Strategy Teams (DST) consist of clergy and laity who were invited by District Superintendents to work together to coordinate new faith development in each district. The teams have been formed to explore, identify, and implement outreach to new places and populations in Wisconsin. These efforts may include starting a new congregation from an existing congregation, forming a satellite ministry from existing congregations, or partnering with other congregations or ministries to start a new faith effort in a new place or with new people. Click here to listen to Rev. James Preston of the Northern Illinois Conference speak about making sure everyone is included in your mission. For information about our Imagining Wisconsin Anew initiative, click here.

We are embarking on a new quadrennium, with an updated and exciting emphasis: LIVE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. At this year’s Annual Conference, we will focus on “preparing the soil.” We are excited to be gathering at the Marriott Madison West in Middleton June 7-10 and equally excited to be joining Bishop Hee-Soo Jung in celebrating United Methodist connectional ministry within the Wisconsin Conference. May God bring us together in joy and thanksgiving as we celebrate ministry: growing disciples, experiencing God’s abundance, and living the fruit of the spirit! The regular registration fee is $125 through May 17, which includes Sunday dinner. On May 18, the price increases to $175 and does not include Sunday dinner. Click here for information and to register. Note that June 10 is a Learning Day for everyone in the Wisconsin Annual Conference and is open to those who are not attending Annual Conference in its entirety by clicking here to register. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 888-240-7328 with any questions.

• The Marriott Room Block is Full: The room block at the Marriott is now full. For local accommodations, click here.
• Display Table Reservations Due May 17: Click here to reserve your tables today! All boards, agencies, committees, organizations, and vendors wanting displays table must sign up for them at the display website. Tables with electricity are limited and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
• InGathering 2013: Click here for a list of items welcome for donation this year. Donations will be accepted from noon on Friday, June 7 until 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.
• Monday June 10 is a FREE Learning Day: On Monday, June 10, we will conclude the 43rd Session of the Wisconsin Annual Conference with a learning day open to all clergy and laity. Our day together will focus on our vision of every congregation, charge and circuit becoming transformational centers of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This Learning Day is open to anyone who wishes to attend, and is included with your Annual Conference registration, but those who ONLY wish to attend the FREE Learning Day can click here for more information and to register. Workshop descriptions are now available! Click here and click here to download a printable bulletin insert with more information.
• Learn About Blueprint for Wellness Screenings: Information about the Blueprint for Wellness screenings being offered to HealthFlex participants during Wisconsin Annual Conference on June 8 and 9 is available on-line at 2013 Blueprint for Wellness. Individuals may register now for the Annual Conference screening. Registration deadline is May 18. Click here for instructions. Appointments at local Quest Diagnostics laboratories may also be scheduled now. Registration is required for screenings at local laboratories and strongly recommended for Annual Conference. Limited walk-in appointments will be available at the Madison Marriott West. There is no charge for Annual Conference screenings. Active plan participants and spouses who complete the Blueprint for Wellness screening and who are enrolled in Virgin HealthMiles at the time of their screening will be awarded $100 HealthCash if they complete the screening between April 1 and July 31. Individuals receiving screening through any other process will only receive credit for the Blueprint for Wellness incentive by submitting the 2013 Wellness Screening Physician Form. Screenings completed through physician referral are subject to regular plan benefits and cost-sharing. The completed form must be returned by FAX by July 31 to qualify for the incentive. Results from the Blueprint for Wellness Screening are automatically populated in the participants’ Health Quotient (HQ). HealthFlex participants must take the HQ online between August 1 and September 30 to avoid a higher 2014 medical deductible ($250 higher for individuals, $500 for families). Like last year, both the participant and covered spouse must complete the HQ for their household to avoid the higher deductible. Information about the incentive programs is posted at 2013 Incentives Frequently Asked Questions Questions? Contact Rev. Steve Zekoff, Conference Benefits Officer, at 888-240-7328, ext. 222 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Pension Consultations Available for Clergy: Clergy may meet at the 2013 Annual Conference with Mark Conner from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. He will review your pension projections with you and help interpret what possibilities those provide as you make future retirement plans. He will be at Annual Conference on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. To schedule an appointment, contact Rev. Steve Zekoff, Conference Benefits Officer, at 888-240-7328 ext. 222 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Please make your appointment request by May 16. Note that there will be an October 14 Pre-Retirement Seminar in Portage. This afternoon seminar is for clergy who will not be retiring for several years, yet want to be well-informed about retirement planning. Watch for more information this summer. Clergy, laity and surviving spouses with pension fund balances at the GBOPHB may also take advantage of the financial planning services available throughout 2013 at no charge from Ernst and Young. Click here to learn more.
• Dongsu’s Meditation 101 during Wisconsin Annual Conference Session: There are many kinds of meditation and yoga in the world. By meditation and yoga people pursue for the union with oneself and union with the deity. Rev. Dong Su Lee has been practicing meditation, learning each from various disciplines and masters over a decade and now forming his own type called “Dan Jeon Breathing.” If you are interested in it during the busy schedule of the Annual Conference, come and breathe in and out together and have some time of rest and relax. The time and place will be announced later. Contact Rev. Dong Su Lee, 765-409-2236 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , for more information or stop to see him at the display table for the natural healing.

Click here to read a story by Nick Coenen, Pine Lake Camp Manager, featured on Page 4 of the latest issue of Reflections. The new edition of Reflections is now available online, and is being delivered to clergy, lay leaders, and subscribers. This edition includes information on Bishop Jung’s new fruit-producing strategy, a preview of Annual Conference events, how United Methodists are supporting immigration reform, and more. Reflections is a print publication that includes a combination of feature editorials, articles and information from the Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church, as well as national and worldwide news from the denomination. Reflections is also available as a download on the Wisconsin Conference website. If you are interested in receiving the printed version and/or want additional copies for your church, contact Amanda Rehrauer at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 888-240-7328.