WI Conference Weekly ENews - April 19, 2023

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Moving Forward With The Beloved Community

The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  This is our mandate regardless of what circumstances come our way and pull us off track. This is a difficult time for many in The United Methodist Church. Some of our congregations in the Conference have voted to disaffiliate from the denomination. Conference Leadership laments that decision, but we also pray that for those who leave, they can fully live into the future God is calling them. 

In any congregation that leaves, there are people who want to remain faithful to The United Methodist Church and remain a part of our denomination. We most certainly welcome you to remain United Methodist and carry on the legacy we have had as a denomination that is rooted in the historic faith in Jesus Christ, committed to social justice and welcoming all people. We remain committed to helping people develop a practical faith for living in our day and time. 

If your church has decided to disaffiliate and you would like to remain United Methodist, please visit our website at https://www.wisconsinumc.org/moving-forward-with-beloved-community 

Harmony Choir's Second Rehearsal 

Even though the weather was tough and some members were gone on vacation, God sent some new faces to our second rehearsal that took place at Crossroads UMC. 22 members gathered and enjoyed praising God, fellowship, and had a wonderful time. Crossroads UMC provided a beautiful sanctuary and delicious, healthy food for us. We practiced 5 songs (including a vocal lesson) focusing on the two songs (Halleluyah and Prayer of St. Francis') for the upcoming Ordination Service led by our great director, Rev. Sangwook Park. He always lets us sing in joy. 

As you know, we have the same mind, spirit, and same goal in terms of praising God together even though we are from different countries, cultures, and races. Please continue to pray and support us so that we may keep up the good works. 

Upcoming Rehearsals:
   - May 22^nd (Monday) at 11:00 am at Columbus UMC
   - June 10^th (Saturday) at 8:00 – 10:00 pm at KI Convention Center with the Pastors and Lay members who signed up to sing during the Ordination Service

A lunch follows the rehearsals. A group vocal lesson is open for whoever registers. Any pastor (including retired pastors) and/or Pastor's spouses are welcome to join us.

For questions or more information, contact Harmony Choir via:
The WAC Harmony Choir: wac.harmonychoir@gmail.com
Executive Director- Rev. David Kim (kdavidkim@naver.com 253-335-7480)
Music Director- Rev. Sangwook Park (hodiecond11@gmail.com 847-344-3667)

Protecting Our Youth In A Digital World
Anti-human Trafficking Event, May 21, Elkhorn Area High School

An anti-human trafficking event, Protecting Our Youth in a Digital World, will be held on May 21, 2023 at 2:30pm at the Elkhorn Area High School Auditorium, 482 E. Geneva Street, Elkhorn, WI. Contact Pastor Heather Brewer, 715-933-1926, or Mary Pekul, 262-374-8507, for more information. This is a FREE public event and all are invited to attend. 

Sponsored by: Elkhorn First UMC; Spring Prairie UMC; Delavan: Vida Abundante; Lake Geneva UMC; Darien: Community of Christ UMC; Lake Geneva: La Resurrrecion; Delavan UMC
View flyer

How To Submit Special Giving Checks To WI Annual Conference
WI Conference Finance Office

When submitting either personal or church checks to the finance office for special giving, please make sure all checks are written out to Wisconsin Annual Conference (or “WAC” for short works too).  If checks are for special giving, note in the memo line what fund it is to be applied to.  Any checks that are made out to anything else (for example UMCOR) can’t be deposited by the conference or tracked.  We have been forwarding them directly, but have run into issues with checks getting lost, not getting cashed, etc.  If we can’t deposit donations, we can’t track them or give churches the credit on the apportionment statements for special giving donations.  We also have a way of tracking personal donations given through the conference but don’t have that ability when we forward these checks. 
 
Since we have run into issues lately with checks not being accounted for outside of the conference, the finance office will start returning checks if they are not made out correctly to the conference, either to the church or to individual donors to have the check re-written. 
 
If you ever have any questions on special giving fund numbers, please call the finance office at 608-837-7320 or email ladler@wisconsinumc.org

Tech Crew Volunteers Needed At WI Annual Conference 2023

Our Annual Conference Tech Crew is still recruiting volunteers! No experience is necessary, we will teach you how to set up and use the equipment. As a team we will also have time to play games and do other fun thing to get to know each other. We are looking for 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 via email to Sue Snellenberger at Snellenbergersue@gmail.com by May 2, 2023.

We are also searching for a volunteer to drive a 26’ foot w/lift Penske Tech Truck from Sun Prairie, WI to the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, WI on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 returning on Monday, June 12th morning or early afternoon. No CDL required. Must have a valid driver’s license; a background check is required through our office. Contact Angela Ullrich if interested at 608-837-7328.

2023 Ingathering Updates
New Items Needed & Updated Drop Off Sites List

The conference Mission Motivation Committee is working with Midwest Mission Distribution Center to collect items for Personal Dignity Kits and Home Care Kits. Midwest Mission distributes these items locally, nationally and internationally to those in need during times of crisis. All supplies are given free of charge regardless of gender, race or religion.  Although we are focusing on these two kits, we appreciate any items found at midwestmission.org.  All items should be NEW – and all kits should have only the items requested. View kit details

Urgent needs include the following:

• Shampoo (in bulk), 12-19 oz. 
• 100-150 oz. EMPTY liquid laundry detergent containers. We can use containers of any size up to 150 oz. (we are collecting full or empty liquid laundry detergent containers) 
• Sewing machines, electric and treadles (they don't have to be new; we accept sewing machines that need a little tuning up; we cannot accept the computerized ones. 
• Medical equipment -folding walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walking boots, slings 
• Blankets- new or gently used for disaster response  
• Non electric tools specifically shovels, brooms, rakes

Kits and items that make up those kits, should be brought to Annual Conference at the KICenter in Green Bay. The Midwest Mission truck will be there for collection on June 9th & 10th. To process donations efficiently and get them where needed quickly, we ask for a list of the items donated. You can help the person who delivers the items -and save everyone some time- by filling out the Donation Form ahead of time.  

Volunteers are needed to check in and load donations at Annual Conference in Green Bay anytime during our drop off hours: Friday, June 9th 10am-4pm and Saturday, June 10th 8am-2pm. Contact bonnieclement05@gmail.com to help.

2023 Ingathering Drop Sites List
2023 Ingathering Bulletin Insert
Ingathering Update 3-6-2023

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

Share Your Event!

We're looking for events that celebrate local church communities across the state. Help us spread the word about your upcoming event by sharing it with us here!  Please be sure that your submission provides complete details. Subject to our editorial review, we will add your event to our Events Calendar and share it in the weekly Enews. Submit your event here 

Simple Creation Care Tips
United Methodist Communications

April 22 is Earth Day. As Christians, we have a responsibility to care for God’s creation and be aware of how our decisions and actions affect the environment. A video from United Methodist Communications highlights some steps you can take to be more environmentally conscious every day.
Watch now

Resources for Native American Ministries Sunday
United Methodist General Commission on Race & Religion

WASHINGTON — United Methodists observe Native American Ministries Sunday — April 23 this year — specifically to support leadership development and ministries by and with Native Americans in the church. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race offers a downloadable infographic and suggestions for congregations and individuals to honor and support the contributions and voices of Native/Indigenous people.
View resource
Pastor and leader kit

Disaster Relief Is A Sprint And A Marathon
Midwest Mission Distribution Center

After a disaster hits, the news is full of pictures and stories, pleading for the audience to help and empathize for those affected. Hearts are touched and emotions are stirred, leading people to give, volunteer, and pray for the devastated areas. There is a sprint to get needed items to those who have lost everything - water, food, clothing, tools, etc. Midwest Mission rushes to ask donors and volunteers to help supply items that have been specifically requested by partner organizations. 

But three days later, the next disaster is on the news. And the cycle has moved onto the next round — news, emotion, prayer, help, repeat.

But, three days later, those impacted by the first disaster have not moved on. Their lives are still in chaos. Their immediate needs might have been met, but they don’t yet know the long-term needs. They are simply surviving. 
Read more

Leadership Resource For Women
United Women In Faith

NEW YORK — United Women in Faith has a new collection of resources to help women grow their leadership abilities. The 2023 Leadership Toolkit is available on the digital platform Bridge. To access the information, women need to establish an account with Bridge.
Read press release
Start a Bridge account

Pentecost 2023 Worship Resources
United Methodist Communications

Pentecost marks the liturgical shift from telling the story of Jesus to telling the story of the church. It is our time to live our faith out loud in the world, fully reflecting the kin-dom of God. We remember the sending of the Great Commission, the empowerment of the Pentecost event and the sustaining presence of the Spirit as we seek to live faithful lives. Don't miss this short, two-week series as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday and Trinity Sunday.
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4 Ways To Make Easter Hospitality Last The Year
Lewis Center For Church Leadership

WASHINGTON — The Rev. Doug Powe, Lewis Center director, says special efforts to welcome visitors at Easter shouldn’t be set aside once the holiday is over. He outlines four ways the hospitality of the Easter season can be the launching pad for welcoming visitors throughout the year.
Read commentary