WI Conference ENews: Rededication of Merrimac UMC, Retreats at Pine Lake, 2021 United Methodist Women Annual Gathering, Making Ends Meet in Senegal

8/4/2021 - Conference News
Conference News

 

Rededication of Merrimac UMC

On July 25, 2021, Pastor Roxanne Gnatzig and congregation dedicated Merrimac UMC's building addition. It is a small congregation but there are excellent stories around the expansion. The expansion gives way to a fresh, new perspective on personal and prayerful lives with a positive outlook leaving behind all past burdens, losses, and differences. Persistence even during the pandemic kept many going toward finishing this project.

Longtime Pastors Leave Superior's Faith UMC

Members of Faith United Methodist Church gathered Sunday, July 25, to say farewell to Pastors Joel and Barb Certa-Werner after 21 years of ministry there. We thank them for their faithful service in Superior and we wish them well in Joel's new ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church in Elk Mound and Salem United Methodist Church in Iron Creek. Barb will continue to serve as District Superintendent for the Conference. Read press release

Fall Relaxation Retreat at Pine Lake

Do you need time to step away from the stress and busyness of life right now? Maybe learn a new relaxation method or technique that can serve you for years to come? 

That is the essential goal of this new retreat at Pine Lake. This retreat is taking place from September 23rd-26th and will be a time to rest, heal, and to reconnect with God in nature. Activities will include yoga, hiking, bead meditation, vespers, education on herbal tea and nutrition, time at the labyrinth, and even forest bathing (Look it up. It's an actual thing!). 

We look forward to serving you meals and providing a space to decompress and rest this Fall. Click here to register and learn more

Stewardship Retreat at Pine Lake

Registration is now open for the Foundation's Stewardship Retreat at Pine Lake Camp from August 13-14. Come for one day or stay overnight. All churches will leave with a multi-year stewardship plan. More information and register

For questions, email jmahnke@wumf.org or call 608-837-9582

2021 WI Conference United Methodist Women Annual Gathering

The Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Women are planning an in-person Annual Gathering On Oct. 15-16, 2021 at First United Methodist Church- Baraboo. The theme of the meeting is:  Knitted Together for God’s Good Work. Presenters include Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner on Finding Peace in an Anxious World and Tony Kearney, Sr., Executive Director Northcott Neighborhood House. Registration Deadline is October 1, 2021. 

More information & Register

For questions, contact Kay Waugh, dalekay@att.net, 920-366-6354 or 920-434-7101
Mission News & Information

 

Making the Ends Meet in Senegal

When Senegal’s agricultural missionary, David Makobo, visited Wisconsin during the summer of 2019, he was searching for an income producing project that would increase the income earning capacity of the Senegal UMC, as well as improve the livelihoods and protein intake of the marginalized and vulnerable groups within the West African country.

Makobo’s project of choice was raising broiler chickens because their growth cycle is 6-7 weeks, and they have a high feed conversion efficiency compared to other birds. Read more

Sisters in Ministry Nurture One Another

They may be more than 8,000 miles apart, but two district superintendents — in Indiana and Zimbabwe — have formed a genuine friendship, and United Methodists are benefiting.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Makoni Buhera District of the Zimbabwe East Conference found a true friend in the Northwest District of the Indiana Conference. The Rev. Diana Tambudzai Matikiti is superintendent of the Makoni Buhera District, and the Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson is her counterpart in Indiana’s Northwest District. Read story
Other Resources

 

August Webinar Series: How Small Groups Bring Connection to the Post-Pandemic Church

After this past year, connecting with our faith communities is more important than ever. But – also because of this last year – our gathering together may look different than ever before.
 
Join this new webinar series as pastors, small-group leaders, and digital experts discuss how church leaders can help their congregations and communities continue to grow spiritually, whether online or in person.

Episode 1 Airs Tuesday, August 10th @ 1:00 pm CT / Episode 2  Airs Thursday, August 12th @ 1:00 pm CT Learn More and Register

Virtual National Men's Gathering 

The Commission on United Methodist Men has announced that its 2021 Virtual National Men's Gathering will be August 28, beginning at 10am U.S. Central time. 

The event will feature keynote speeches from the Rev. Ron Bell of Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Rev. Tom Albin, recently retired as director of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Life for the Upper Room. Read press release or Register for event

Online Lay Servant Ministries Course:
Come to The Waters

Deepen your congregation's experience of baptism, confirmation and reaffirmation of baptism through this wide-ranging study of By Water and the Spirit, Scripture, church history and United Methodist theology and practice of the sacrament. The course runs August 30- September 11, 2021, and considers preparation of adults for baptism and the unique challenges of the digital- and pandemic- age. Read more and Enroll Now!

Rebuilding Church Choirs After the Pandemic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The impact of the pandemic on singing in the church and on choirs in particular is difficult to overstate. Diana Sanchez-Bushong, Discipleship Ministries' director of music ministries, gathered a panel of church musicians for a podcast on revitalizing the church choir. Listen to podcast
 
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