WI Conference Weekly ENews - December 7, 2022

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Farewell and Thanks to Tanner Clark, Site Director at Lake Lucerne Camp

Tanner Clark’s last day as Site Director for Lake Lucerne Camp is December 15^th. His year at Lake Lucerne has been filled to overflowing with adventure, new camps, returning campers, challenges, and fantastic relationships. On top of leading and guiding a fruitful summer camp program, his leadership and caring presence across this year includes writing and receiving a grant to add to the High Ropes Course, working with Jeff Niese on improving the camp forestry (from tree removal and tons of clean-up to planting a field of new trees, to once-again dealing with the downed trees, removal and clean-up following the heavy windstorm), and redeveloping relationships with campers and churches across our Conference.
 
There are a few ways you are welcome to acknowledge and thank Tanner for his year of ministry:

1. Post a thank you note on a Kudoboard (which will be available for him to save and keep) at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/kDv34dAE or email a message to him at (tclark@wisconsinumc.org).
2. Join us for a Zoom call thank you conversation with Tanner and others on Tuesday, December 13 from 4:00-6:00 pm. Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 865 7020 5932 
   Passcode: 682729

3. If you wish to donate toward a financial thank you gift for Tanner, go to https://wiumcamps.campbraingiving.com/ Click on “please select”, then click on “Tanner Clark Thank you Gift” to donate toward Lake Lucerne’s High Ropes or Bicycle camp programs in his honor.

Groat Grant Gratitude at First United Methodist Church in Marinette

Groat Grant money was used to purchase several upgrades for the church including a new heating plant, carpeting in the nursery and youth areas, and new furniture for the youth group. The youth at First UMC are flourishing, meeting weekly for faith, fellowship, food, and fun. A dedicated group of volunteers prepares kid-friendly dinners each week. As for the new heating, it is wonderful to be comfortable and not have to worry about an unreliable system and broken water pipes throughout the building!

 Thank you to everyone involved in the decision to fund our projects!

The 2023 Institute of Congregational Development
Creating a Culture of Permanent Growth

The Institute of Congregational Development is a comprehensive, ten months leadership development opportunity for those leaders ready to take their ministry to the next level. This intensive training includes 10 on-site sessions, monthly reading assignments, monthly L3 Incubator (covenant) group meetings, two field trips, and the opportunity to learn, share, and celebrate alongside a dynamic group of clergy and laity from around the state. There will be specific training for people starting new ministry and for people working to revitalize established congregations.

For more information, or if you are interested in applying for the next class of the ICD, please contact: Rev. Scott Carlson, Director of Congregational Development Office (1-888-240-7328)/ Cell: (608) 834-8342 / Email: scottcarlson@wisconsinumc.org

Learn more  /  Register now

2018 Journal Now Available Online

A printable PDF version of the 2018 Wisconsin Conference Journal is now available on the Annual Conference website at https://www.wisconsinumc.org/conference-secretary

The Journal file can be viewed online or downloaded to your computer.  It is a very large file (approximately 14.3 mb). The Journal is formatted to print on standard 8.5 x 11 paper.  An interactive PDF version of the 2018 Journal will be available on the website later.  Printed copies of the journal are not available.

Journals for 2019 through 2022 are still in process, and will be published on the website as they are completed. The 2019 Journal should be available online shortly after the first of the year. 
Letters verifying approval of Retiree Housing Allowance Resolutions for Calendar Years 2020 through 2023 are also available on the conference website at https://www.wisconsinumc.org/retirement-resources.
Kevin Rice Myers, Conference Secretary
ConfSec@wisconsinumc.or

Save the Date for School for Ministry 2023
October 4-6, 2023

School for Ministry is scheduled for October 4-6, 2023 at Green Lake Conference Center. It’s essential that all clergy attend this training. By doing so, we can confidently support not only our congregations but also colleagues and the partners we work with. Purpose of the School for Ministry: To gather the community of clergy for renewal, mutual support, learning and deepening our relationship with God.

Ukuleles Share Christmas Music at Holy Trinity UMC Balsam Lake-Centuria

Holy Trinity UMC Balsam Lake-Centuria hosted the Good Neighbor Ukulele Circle on December 4th to bring Christmas music to us in a unique way. The community was invited to visit our beautiful church and enjoy this hour-long concert which featured favorite songs of the season.

-Submitted by Sheryl Kieselhorst

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 

UM Communications 
Connect with Joy Campaign 

This Christmas Let's connect — with hope and joy.

This is a season of high expectations and waiting, isn’t it? We believe that the hope, love and joy we celebrate at Christmas is already present in the world – and we can connect to it right now, together. The people of the United Methodist Church invite you to join us as we seek out the hope present in God’s ever-present love. 
Learn more

United Methodist Hispanic/Latino Minstry
New Grant to Support Hispanic/Latino Ministry

ATLANTA — In response to the potential financial impact of church disaffiliations, the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry is offering support to United Methodist annual conferences committed to Hispanic/Latino ministries during this time of transition. The new "acompañamiento" grant will provide up to $30,000 based on needs, potential and commitment. "We hope this grant will stimulate creative, supportive and strategic ministries in our many Hispanic/Latino communities during this critical time," said Bishop Sally Dyck, co-chair of the plan's executive committee.
Read press release

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Ideas for when Christmas falls on a Sunday

WASHINGTON (UM News) — Why worship on Christmas Day? The Revs. Jessica Anschutz and Doug Powe share important reasons for worshipping on Christmas Day and offer ideas for innovative, hybrid or virtual worship to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
Read story