Wisconsin Conference ENews for February 2, 2021

2/2/2021 - Conference News

A Witness to Justice - February 2, 2021

February is Black History month in the United States, and it is an excellent opportunity for committed Christians to explore the many amazing contributions black leaders, writers, and visionaries make to our society and world. It is also appropriate to examine race relations and the personal, institutional, and cultural racism and prejudice black people face in our country and around the planet. It is equally important to understand how politics, governance, systems, processes, and structures impact and perpetuate racial inequity and injustice. Read More

Welcome Dawn Suchomel!

We welcome Dawn Suchomel as Administrative Assistant in the Ministry and Outreach and Congregational Development offices. Dawn has training and experience in office work, meeting and event planning and hospitality. Dawn will be the primary person answering phones, handling general administrative and office tasks, and handling registration and payments for conference events. She loves cats and cooking and lives in Rio with her child Emm.

Local News & Events

Bishop's Lenten Study - "Together in Christ"

Each year, we take a journey, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, called Lent. This is a time of introspection and devotional reflection. Many people make commitments to give up something they enjoy throughout this period, a symbolic gesture of sacrifice and self-denial. But beyond giving up chocolate or coffee or sweets or television, the Lenten period is a time for deep personal evaluation and reassessment. Lent can also be a time to think about what more we can give as well as what we can give up. Download Study

Bishop's Laity Convocation

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Virtual: March 20, 2021
Radical Hospitality

Registration Deadline: March 19, 2021, 12:00 pm
There is no cost to attend but you must be registered. Register Now

Korea Peace Forum - February 25th

U.S. Relations with North Korea, What does our Christian faith tell us about it? Find your answer in the stories of two young Americans.

Korea Peace Forum, February 25th, 3-4:30pm
facilitated by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6170006105

Hear stories of Daniel Jasper and Jennie Joy that will equip you with better awareness of the U.S. relations with North Korea and provide tools for action that promotes peace.

Sun Prairie Youth Host Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive

The youth at Sun Prairie UMC created a video, SPUMC's Soupermarket Sweep, to help promote their Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive. If you are in the Sun Prairie area and would like to donate, stop by the church at 702 North Street, this Saturday from 10a-12p or Sunday from 1-3p with non-perishable food, hygiene items, or monetary donations for the Sun Prairie Emergency Food Pantry. Watch Video

Wisconsin Camps are Hiring!

Wisconsin United Methodist Camps are currently hiring summer staff. Positions include Camp Counselors, Support Staff, and Healthcare Coordinators. If you know of people who may be suited for these roles, please encourage them to apply at https://wiumcamps.org/about-us/employment/

You may also send out the flyer, Summer Staff Promo Flyer, to members of your church, or post it to your church website.

If you would like to share information on Social media, you can use the attached social media post, Summer Staff Promo Social Media.

Recovery Ministry Program opens virtually
at Faith Family Church in Emerald, WI

The Recovery Ministry program is specifically designed for individuals struggling with addiction of all kinds. The goal of this ministry is to provide a safe space, free of judgment, for individuals with trauma and/or addiction problems to worship, learn, and grow closer to God. We would like the Recovery Ministry to touch the hearts of individuals that may not attend church services on Sunday mornings but find the Lord working on their soul. This recovery ministry will consist of discussions, devotionals, worship, and the creation of a safe community to work through earthly struggles. Due to COVID-19, the Recovery Ministry will be conducted online until it is safe to proceed with in-person meetings. An email address, Facebook page, and website are currently being created for this ministry. The Recovery Ministry program is in its beginning stages and worship services won’t be starting until the end of February or the beginning of March. As we begin this ministry, your prayers and sharing of experiences or recommendations is greatly appreciated. I can be contacted at AlPeterson13@winona.edu.

2021 Nominations for Annual Awards

We are currently accepting nominations for our Annual Awards given out at Annual Conference. Nomination deadlines are April 16, 2021.

Thelma W. Gregg Award - given to someone who has demonstrated Christian commitment in tireless promotion of the missionary outreach of the Church. The award includes a financial gift to be designated to an Advance project by the recipient.

Harry Denman Awards - given to lay, clergy and youth who are nominated by United Methodists in Wisconsin for their outstanding ministry in the area of evangelism.

Love in Action - presented by the Disaster Response Committee to recognize outstanding commitment to and passion for God's mission through disaster response and relief.

Perry Saito Award - given by the Wisconsin Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) to individuals who demonstrate their loyalty to Christ through faith and work to further justice and peace through the UMC.

For more information or to download the nomination form, please Click Here.

Ingathering 2021

The Ingathering for 2021 is underway. Annual Conference, June 18 -19 will be virtual again this year. The process for Ingathering will be like the Ingathering held last fall. In each District several churches have agreed to be drop-off sites. For more information and a list of drop-off sites, please click here.

For a list of items being collected, please click here.

Other Resources

UMHEF Scholarships!

Only one month remains to apply for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation!
If you (or students you know) are planning to attend a United Methodist-related college, university, or seminary in the Fall of 2021, you are invited to apply for a variety of scholarships available through the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF). Applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically or postmarked by March 1, 2021. Apply Now