WI Conference Weekly ENews - August 23, 2023

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Back To School Prayer

Please join us in praying for all returning to school. 

God of wisdom, We praise you for the wonder of our world and give thanks for our whole being—mind, body, and spirit. 

As we begin a new school year we pause to ask for a blessing upon our faithful and caring staff, teachers, and administrators. Give them grace and strength for the race ahead.

For our beautiful children-- each precious and powerful-- give them safety to learn freely, curiosity for knowledge, compassion in the classroom, and the unfettered laughter of delight.

For our parents, caregivers, and neighbors we ask for support and zeal. May our passion for the least of these be a blanket of blessing for our schools and a patchwork quilt of love for our world.

Guide us, great Teacher. Amen.

A Service Celebrating the Appointment of North West District Superintendent, Rev. PyungAhn "Peace" Kim
Saturday, September 16, 10 AM, First UMC, Barron, WI

The North West District Committee on Superintendency cordially invites you to a time of worship and a reception celebrating the appointment of Pastor Peace Kim as our new District Superintendent. Please join us on Saturday, September 16 at Barron First United Methodist Church, located at 154 Memorial Drive in Barron. Worship will begin at 10:00 a.m., with a reception and luncheon to follow. An offering will be collected to support both the Peace with Justice Special Offering and the World Communion Special Offering. We are delighted to welcome Pastor Peace Kim, and we are already being blessed by the God-given gifts he brings to the North West District!

2023 North Central Jurisdiction Mission Academy

Pastor Anita Lang, Wisconsin Conference Board of Global Ministries Chair, and Gail Burgess, Global Ministries secretary, attended the North Central Jurisdiction's Mission Academy from August 9 to 12, 2023. The event took place at the scenic Epworth Forest Camp and Conference Center in North Webster, Indiana.

Mission Academy provided a unique opportunity for learning, connecting, and celebrating. Participants were able to immerse themselves in a collective experience that celebrated our shared mission while engaging in enriching workshops. There was something for everyone at this event, whether looking to increase their knowledge, network with like-minded individuals, or simply rejuvenate their spirits.

Anita Lang says it was one of the most valuable and wonderful trainings she's ever taken. "In addition to sharing this transformative knowledge, I have become more aware of the wide array of missions that exist locally, nationally, and internationally as a result of these learning sessions. Our neighbors will be able to share their stories and be aware of their needs as a result. We just need to say, 'Here I am Lord...send me, use me...We are on a mission.' " Read more about Mission Academy here

Please Consider Donating To The Youth Bus Trip Fund
Click here to donate to Youth Missions Trips, Fund #7920

Our Wisconsin Youth gathered in Sun Prairie and Janesville to board a bus for a week-long mission trip to M25 Mission Camp in Atlanta, Georgia and traveled on to Youth 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Marinette First UMC also had four people attend Youth 2023 and Mission in Atlanta

Our stay at M25 was one we all will never forget. The first day we set up canopies and games in the park for those experiencing homelessness. All who participated felt warm in their hearts in helping those in need and bringing some positive energy into each other’s lives with a sense of community. This trip was impactful and powerful for youth who attended. Here's what they had to say:

          "This was absolutely the most important week of my life in my development as a person. It was the most fun, eye-opening, connecting genuine, and overall, the best thing I have ever done.  So much that it is non-negotiable and would do anything to do it over again."  -HS Youth, Carson 

          "I do feel like my faith has grown because I believe more than I did" -MS Youth, Carter

          "I learned new ways to pray and that other youth on this trip were very respectful to others that were very open." – MS Youth, Toni

Click here to read more testimonials from 2023 Youth Bus Trip Attendees 

Holy Land Classic Journey With Rev. Dr. Samuel Royappa | April 2, 2024

Join Rev. Dr. Samuel Royappa on a Holy Land Classic Journey, starting at $4,196*  from Chicago on April 2, 2024. You will see the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, the Chapel of the Primacy, Magdala, the Wedding Chapel in Cana, Tel Megiddo, Caesarea, Jericho, Qumran, Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds’ Field, Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial, the Mount of Olives, the Palm Sunday Road, the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion, House of the High Priest Caiaphas, the Upper Room, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Jerusalem, and much more!
Click here to learn more

General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) Announces Recipients of CORR Action Fund Grant Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Wellness
UMC Race & Religion

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commission on Religion and Race of The United Methodist Church (GCORR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the CORR Action Fund (CAF) Grant program, an initiative aimed at fostering mental health awareness and wellness through the creation of cohorts and small groups in the United States.

The selected recipients have demonstrated outstanding dedication to fostering mental health awareness and wellness, as well as a strong commitment to justice-oriented praxis. Read more

Are You Missing A Robe And Handmade Stole?

A white robe and handmade stole were left after Annual Conference 2023. If you are missing your robe and stole, please contact Rev. Ty Hines at bordmin@wisconsinumc.org

Community Wide Picnic Draws Crowd From Across Region
By Pastor Joel Certa-Werner

Iron Creek UMC resurrected a long-standing tradition that had been way-laid for a while - a picnic for the community. Though the church is located in the country, the event drew about 80 people from around the region! The worship service featured pianist Vern Moss for special music, Barbara Hill leading a "Blessing of the Backpacks" for kids, and Rev. Joel Certa-Werner preached on "Partying With a Purpose."
 

During the picnic, Mason Douglas was the engineer of a "train" for the kids to ride, and yard games were enjoyed. Rev. Joel commented, "The cherry on the sundae is that there were people who asked about Sunday school participation for their kids!" Funding was provided through the Wisconsin UM Foundation grant.

Jazzin' With Faith Concert To Benefit Harbor House Crisis Shelters
September 9th, 7 PM, Faith UMC, Superior, WI

World Beat Connections ministers through music in Minnesota, the Caribbean, and Latin America by blending styles from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and geographical backgrounds. A group of vocalists and instrumentalists, perform concerts to raise money for United Methodist and other charities. On September 9th at 7pm, WBC will be performing in the sanctuary at Faith United Methodist Church, Superior, WI, for Harbor House Crisis Shelters. They are asking that in lieu of a cover charge, that a donation be made to Harbor House Crisis Shelters. We look forward to seeing you there!

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church Hosts Successful Apportionment Pie Social

On Sunday, August 13, 48 members of Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church (OCCUMC) enjoyed delicious pie while learning more about the United Methodist Church’s apportionments system. Following worship service, attendees were invited to choose from eleven flavors of pies and settle in for a spirited discussion about what apportionments are and how they help us serve our neighbors both locally and also globally.

Four pie charts with removable pie slices were created, with each piece representing a different ministry benefitting from apportionment giving. As each topic was further explored, attendees attached the corresponding slice to the charts, thereby completing the pie. A fifth chart showed our congregation’s budgeted apportionment amount as well as how much has been collected to date. This fifth chart will be updated monthly, to help our congregation see our progress toward 100% payment. A freewill offering taken that day raised $444 for apportionments! In addition to being a great fundraiser, this event encouraged fellowship and allowed people to better understand how our church fits into the larger connectional system. Read more

175th Anniversary Celebration At Lancaster UMC
Sunday, Sept. 17th, 9 AM

Lancaster United Methodist Church will be celebrating its 175th anniversary on Sunday, September 17. Using the church's mission statement, "Seek God, Share Christ, Serve Others, Sing Praises", as a guide, the congregation will observe this monumental occasion with 9:00 a.m. worship with Bishop Jung and District Superintendent Rev. Amanda Stein(D.S.), reflection, and fellowship.

Salem Iron Creek UMC Celebrates Two Fourth-Generation Baptisms in Two Weeks
by Rev. Joel Certa-Werner

Iron Creek celebrated two fourth-generation baptisms within two weeks. On Sunday, July 16, sisters Claire Anette Ahern and Carley Sue Ahern, daughters of Alex and Kimberly Ahern, were the fourth-generation of the Sipple family baptized at the Iron Creek UMC. Then, the following Sunday, July 23, Lily Rose Wisemiller, daughter of Eric and Ashlee Wisemiller, was the fourth-generation (possibly fifth-generation) of the Quilling family baptized at the Iron Creek UMC! As their tradition, the church choir sang, "Come, Be Baptized" both Sundays. Rev. Joel Certa-Werner officiated. 

Vacation Bible School At Chapel Heights UMC
By Pastor Jean Waldron

Chapel Heights UMC celebrated Vacation Bible School August 14 - 17th.  We had an average of 23 children and plenty of help.  The theme was:  Shine Jesus' Light!  The children raised $220.00 for the Heifer International Project. They bought 3 Flocks of chickens and 2 Flocks of ducks.  This will provide 5 families with food for a long time.  Everyone had a great time!  

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 To Our Calendar!

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 

Regionalization Legislation Petitions Submitted To General Conference
Resource UMC

Chicago, Illinois – Proposals surrounding regionalization efforts within The United Methodist Church reached a new milestone. During an August 19th meeting, The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters unanimously approved a worldwide regionalism legislation for submission to General Conference. This legislation had also been supported for submission by the Connectional Table at its July 13th meeting.

The regionalization legislation aims to provide equity throughout the regions of The United Methodist Church with the intention of de-centralizing the influence of the United States on General Conference. Emphasizing the United Methodist theology of connectionalism, it provides for contextualized ministry and mission throughout the church. Read press release

Midwest Mission Is Preparing To Respond To The Wildfires In Maui
Midwest Mission Distribution Center

Wildfires in Hawaii have swept through parts of Maui, destroying entire communities. The coastal community of Lahaina has been hit the hardest, incinerating what was once a beautiful and historical community. Over 100 lives were taken, and many people are missing. An entire community has been displaced from their homes, leaving thousands without basic necessities.

The search and rescue is still in full force, with some fires in parts of the island still raging, and with many families still not united. 

Midwest Mission is coordinating with partners to provide supplies as we learn about needs.

We will be partnering with Convoy of Hope, based out of Springfield, MO, who will handle the shipping and shipping costs. We will send Bed Packs, Hygiene Kits, and Rice Meals, and we will be ready to send more supplies when requested. 

You can help us be prepared by donating to our Maui fund. 

Resilience, Practicing Compassion In A World Of Conflict
Online, September 29-30, Presented by The Upper Room

RESILIENCE is designed to equip us to live compassionately amid conflict. Join The Upper Room and Africa Upper Room Ministries (AURM) as we engage in storytelling, time for personal reflection and conversation, guided spiritual practice, and worship. This gathering offers time for centering, interaction, and spiritual practices to help you cultivate relationships that endure even in the face of profound disagreement and division.

At this event, you will hear from speakers in Ukraine, South Africa, Namibia, Mexico, and the United States. Learn more

BeADisciple Names Instructor Team for  Certified Lay Ministry Courses
BeADisciple.com Ministries

August 22, 2023 — A new team of instructors will be leading the Certified Lay Minister (CLM) modules at BeADisciple.com as the next cohort continues enrollment for the fall session. Persons who complete the four-module online program will meet the educational requirements to seek CLM certification in their United Methodist Church Annual Conferences to serve as part of a ministry team and perform pastoral leadership duties except the sacraments of baptism, consecration of communion elements, weddings, and receiving new members. Click here to learn more