WI Conference ENews: Covid Update, Lent Devoitions, Children's Lent Videos, UMW, Youth Wildfire!

Covid Taskteam Update - March 2, 2021

Our Covid Taskteam met on Wednesday, February 24 and begun the discussion of expectations for returning to in-person worship.
Your church leadership should determine the level of risk appropriate for your congregation.  There is much information out there, so we encourage your leadership team to inform themselves with information that is pertinent to your county.  Read More

Be Part of the 20^th Year Event of Wildfire!
Wildfire! Youth Mission and Ministry is a hands-on, week-long mission experience for middle or high school youth that makes a real difference in the lives of real people.   Wildfire! is special because it offers a powerful and meaningful Wesleyan-based mission experience – but at a low cost.  Special events and activities are planned to kick off this 20^th year!

• When:  July 18-23
• Where:  Faith United Methodist Church, Superior, WI
• Fee:  $150/person – covers all costs for the week
• Registration:  contact Faith United Methodist Church at 715-394-9608. Ext. 1 / churchoffice@superiorfaithumc.org

Bishop's Laity Convocation - March 20, 2021 There is still time to register for the Bishop's Convocation of Laity Leadership session on Saturday, March 20, 2021.  The theme for this year's convocation is "Radical Hospitality".  There is no cost to attend but registration is required.  Read More

United Methodist Women - Mission Action Day Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Women hosts an annual Mission Action Day where they meet to equip Methodist women (and men) to be informed about social issues and equip ourselves for action.  Everyone is welcome.  This years event will be a virtual Mission Action Day on April 10, 2021 from 9:00 to Noon.  Speakers Dr. Kathy D. Hartke and Marti Gobel will speak on Maternal Health and Racial Equality.  Deadline to register is March 27, 2021.  Read More

The Board of Directors of the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation (WUMF) is accepting applications for the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Eric (Rick) Churan has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2021. 

A detailed job description can be found at this link, and applications will be accepted until March 8, 2021.  Please forward your application, a letter of interest detailing your applicable experience, and resume to wumf@wumf.org, or mail to:

If you have additional questions, please call Rick Churan at (608) 837-9582.

Churches Build Connections Because of COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID pandemic has caused many churches to explore what ministry in a new context looks like. Five United Methodist Churches in Wisconsin have used the opportunities of pandemic-era ministry to their advantage and are building relationships in new and exciting ways. After members read a couple of books about racial justice together over the summer, the relationships between Solomon’s Community Temple UMC (Milwaukee), the St. James Community UMC (Milwaukee), Sugar River UMC (Verona), People’s Church (Oregon), and Mt. Horeb UMC solidified this fall when 30 people gathered over Zoom to read and reflect on My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem. Read More   Local Classifieds   Director of Music and Worship Ministries - First United Methodist Church of Appleton

Other Resources    Be a Part of The United Methodist Church Easter Virtual Choir Last year Discipleship Ministries created an opportunity for United Methodists worldwide to join in an Easter virtual choir video. The virtual choir brought together people from different countries, congregations, and communities, providing the sense that we are united even in the midst of a pandemic. They are announcing a new opportunity to be a part of a worldwide video for Easter Sunday. Congregations from all around will be able to use this video in their upcoming Easter worship services and post to social media.  For more information and how to participate click here.  Wisconsin Council of Churches offering a resource to pastors The Wisconsin Council of Churches is offering a subscription service to lift up the voices of black female preachers.  The subscription service will feature 7 sermons plus liturgy resources that can be used in worship online.  Read More   UMCOR Sunday - March 14, 2021 UMCOR Sunday is March 14th.  UM Giving have assembled a collection of resources that you can download to promote this Special Sunday in your church.  Read More   Discipleship's top executive dies of cancer The Rev. Junius B. Dotson, the top executive of Discipleship Ministries, died late Feb. 24, less than a month after announcing his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 55. Heather Hahn has an obituary.  Read More