WI Conference Weekly ENews - April 13, 2022

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UM Global Ministries to Recognize WI Conference Giving at Annual Conference 

The Wisconsin Conference is being recognized by Global Ministries for its continued commitment to Missio Dei—God’s mission—through its support of 16 missionaries and $880,103.66 given through the Advance. At Annual Conference, Global Ministries will be making available a celebration video as well as speakers and other resources that we will share with our conference. We're excited to celebrate this accomplishment!

Regarding Scam Emails

The internet has information that can help us stay connected, enrich our lives and give us valuable information. It can also be used in harmful ways. This is the world we live in and we want to offer you some helpful reminders.  

DO NOT RESPOND to emails that are from people you don’t know. Be sure to carefully inspect the email address of the sender. DO NOT CLICK on links in the emails. When you receive emails from us, they will be from our Brick River e-mail account @brtapp.com or from an address ending in wisconsinumc.org.
 
The staff of the Conference will never contact you to run an errand, purchase gift cards, make a payment to us or ask you to update your banking information via an email. If you are unsure about any email message you receive from the Conference, please contact our main office line at 608-837-7320 or email at treasureroffice@wisconsinumc.org.

Special Announcement for Lake Lucerne

A few months ago, the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries announced a special million dollar grant that United Methodist camps from across the nation could apply for. Because of the many requests that came through, the grantors were able to secure more funds, increasing the grant to 2.5 million dollars. Lake Lucerne is excited to announce that we have received the funding to expand -- and some of you did guess correctly -- our high ropes course, with three new challenge course elements!

The project is moving very quickly, with ABEE Inc. scheduled to come to camp on April 25th to begin construction. We have plans to use it immediately this summer, and look forward to giving all campers the choice to challenge themselves and take new risks. If you would like to give yourself that chance, please consider coming to camp this summer! We all look forward to climbing with you! Register at https://wiumcamps.org/register/

Ingathering at Annual Conference 2022

The Ingathering for 2022 is underway.  Annual Conference, June 10 – 13, 2022 will be In-Person at the KI Convention Center, 333 Main Street, Green Bay, WI.  There is the option of attending via Online Webinar.  We ask those of you attending In-Person to bring your kits to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center Truck located on Elm Street behind the KI Convention Center.  Volunteers will be on hand to log-in and load supplies: Friday, June 10^th 10am – 4pm & Saturday, June 11^th 8am – 2pm.

For those of you NOT headed to Green Bay for Annual Conference, several churches have agreed to be drop-off sites.  Gathered supplies should be dropped off by June 8^th at a drop site so they can get this to Green Bay for Annual Conference.  Please contact the drop-off site in advance to arrange a time to deliver your supplies.
Drop off Sites
Ingathering Bulletin Insert 
2022 Ingathering Information

The Anti-Racism Task Force Cultural Competency Forum:
A Critique of Power and Internalized Oppression: Application for Churches, April 23, 10:00am-12:00pm, via Zoom

You are invited to continue your journey to cultural competency by registering for A Critique of Power and Internalized Oppression: Applications for Churches that provides a critical look into the nature and uses of power and how the ways in which power is used in group and organizational settings can lead to psychological and emotional distress in affected persons. This session will also discuss the nature and impact of internalized oppression, who it affects and how its effects are manifested in group and organizational settings. The session will offer methods for exercising power in ways that removes internalized oppression and provides emotional and psychological healing for affected persons. Learn More and Register

WI Annual Conference Volunteers Needed

First Aid Assistance: Volunteers able to provide immediate first aid assistance to attendees. If you can provide that assistance, please check the appropriate box on the registration form.

Greeters and Ushers: Greet attendees and guests coming to Annual Conference. We need volunteers to offer a smiling face, warm welcome, and possibly answer simple questions as folks arrive. If you are interested, please check the appropriate box on the registration form or contact Connie Meyer at 608-837-3382 or constanceemey@gmail.com

Tech Crew: Committed and responsible volunteers to work for the Tech Crew/Stage Crew. Must be 12-years-old or older, by June 1, 2022. In some cases, this time can be approved for community service hours towards graduation (check with school). Download the application here. Applications must be submitted to Angela Ullrich at aullrich@wisconsinumc.org by May 2, 2022.

Registration Booth: Volunteers are needed for two hour shifts to help with checking in registrants. This involves making sure attendees are registered and handing out name tags/lanyards. Help is needed on Friday, June 10th from 9:00am to 5:00pm. On Saturday and Sunday, help is needed from 8:00am to 5:00pm. If you are interested, please check the appropriate box on the registration form or contact Lori Denoyer at (608) 837-7328 or ldenoyer@wisconsinumc.org by May 2, 2022.

Ask The UMC: Ask The UMC: What Should Congregations Know About Disaffiliation?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the 2020 General Conference postponed to 2024 and the announcement by the Wesleyan Covenant Association that it will launch the Global Methodist Church on May 1, there are many questions about disaffiliation. The Ask The UMC team has created a FAQ in an effort to provide clarity about the process and dispel confusion.
Read FAQ
Read more Ask The UMC

UM Communications: How Did Maundy Thursday Get Its Name?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The origin of the phrase “Maundy Thursday” goes all the way back to the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In this short video available for download from The United Methodist Church, learn the history behind the phrase, the significance of the day and what it means as we live as Christ followers.
Watch video

Peace Cranes and Prayers for Ukraine

On Sunday, March 27th the congregation at Portage United Methodist Church began their effort to make 1000 origami peace cranes by Easter. Yes, less than 1 month away! The focus was not only on making the cranes but praying for the people of Ukraine in the process of the folding the cranes. The simple prayer: "This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world." was shared as an example. 

Shortly after announcing our goal of 1000 prayers and cranes, two anonymous donors pledged to donate $1 for each crane made with all money going for Ukrainian aid. We are currently at 663 cranes strung and hung. We believe we will make our goal by Easter. Most importantly this endeavor has led to a common focus for our congregation, after a difficult time during Covid, along with a way for all to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. We are so blessed, and it is one small way for us to share our thoughts, prayers and time to make a small difference for others.

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Share Your Story! We are called to share the good news in all the ways we can. Sharing your stories is way for us to be in community together. Every church has a story to tell and we want to hear about them and what is happening in the life of your church.  We want to hear from churches around our conference so if you have a story that you would like included in an upcoming ENews please use the link below and fill out the form.  We would love to have pictures to accompany the story! Submit story here

Hypertension Campaign Saves Lives In Congo 

KAMINA, Congo (UM News) — Connections from as far away as Tennessee helped Mwange Assy deliver a healthy baby. She received lifesaving checkups because of a hypertension awareness campaign that is the result of a partnership between the North Katanga United Methodist Church, Harper Hill Global and other organizations. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
Read story

United Women in Faith: Young Women's Climate Justice Webinar Announced

NEW YORK — United Women in Faith is inviting young women 15-35 years old with a passion for climate justice to a webinar and networking event at 6:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time April 21. Participants will share their experiences on how climate change is impacting their lives and learn how seeking climate justice is part of what God expects from Christians.
To register

UM Communications- Boost Your Messaging With Free Social Media Graphics

Are you looking for a little something special to help promote your upcoming Lent and Easter events? How about something to highlight Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Juneteenth? Check out our free library of graphics. Just download and use on your website or with your social media. 
Download today

Everything Ransomware: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Data Secure

In the news, we constantly hear about digital threats to businesses and ministries alike. What would you do if someone locked you out of all your ministry’s data? Ransomware is one https://www.gcfa.org/services/technology-and-av-services/of the biggest and most prominent threats, putting private information ? like financial and membership data ? at risk of being held hostage. It can be overwhelming, especially when we’re not sure exactly what it is, what it does, and how it can affect our missions. UMC Support’s Information Technology (IT) Services team has worked with our technology partners to provide this comprehensive resource, giving you information on data security to better educate, prepare, and protect yourself and your ministry!

And if you need to talk to an IT professional to get your ministry covered, contact UMC Support's IT Services Team. Start Learning Now! 

UMC Support- A Webinar You Won't Want to Miss:
Telling Your Ministry Story: Understanding Video for Digital Disciple Making

Videos are a major source of internet traffic today. Creating video content for your church can be an incredible outreach opportunity to connect with new people hungry for what you have to offer. Want to create a video, but feeling overwhelmed or not sure what tools to use? Join UMC Support on May 12, 2022, at 2 p.m. CDT for a dive into specifics you need to create a spectacular ministry video and reach people in new ways. Secure Your Spot Today