WI Conference Weekly ENews - July 5, 2023

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UMCS Partners With VIA CDC To Build Homes For Early Childhood Educators
Bill Schmitt, United Methodist Children's Services of Wisconsin

"I am delighted to inform you that CDA and LISC have issued a press release confirming the awarding of a new grant opportunity to VIA CDC and UMCS. This grant will be used to construct single-family homes on vacant city lots and provide homeownership opportunities for early childhood educators. VIA will be constructing nine (9) homes in the Muskego Way neighborhood, and we will be collaborating with them on the nine (9) new homes to be constructed here in our beautiful Washington Park neighborhood."
Read press release

Lay Servant Ministries Instructor Training
Online via Zoom  l  July 17  l  7PM

Are you interested in teaching Lay Servant Ministries classes, but you're not sure how to get started? Have you noticed some changes being made to our LSM program? This is the class for you! Join three of our district directors of Lay Servant Ministry as we cover everything you need to know about the LSM program and preparing to teach the Basic and Advanced classes. We will be discussing how to select a class topic, gather information about textbooks, materials, and class logistics, and how to work with your district director both before and after your class to publicize and create certificates. We are standardizing our process across the Conference, so even experienced instructors will have something to learn! For more information or to register, contact Robin Kelby at robinkelby@gmail.com or 740-350-4728.

3rd Annual Day of Celebration - Block Party
United Methodist Children's Services 

"Our Day of Celebration was a HUGE success this year - we had over 320 community members in attendance at UMCS and it was a non-stop party the whole evening! 

Our community members got to enjoy live music from The Style, kids games and face painting, lots of delicious food, a dunk tank and lots of great conversations. It was an amazing way to celebrate our amazing community! 

A huge thank you to all the UMCS staff and board members, event sponsors, community partners, and most importantly our absolutely INCREDIBLE volunteers who made this all possible! Watch for more information and pictures in our upcoming summer newsletter."
Sign up for UMCM Newsletter here

Art of Hospitality Two-Session Webinar
August 9th and August 16th

Art of Hospitality Two-Session Webinar: Presented by Yvonne Gentile, a hospitality expert from The Church of the Resurrection and the co-author of the book/resource. 

Join First United Methodist Church, West Allis, for a webinar on the importance of hospitality. As a vital sign of any church, hospitality is a top priority for the United Methodist Church. This webinar will introduce "The Art of Hospitality," a comprehensive program developed by experts from The Church of the Resurrection.Read more

Join The Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation at the Stewardship Conference at Pine Lake!

Unlock the secrets to successful stewardship and elevate your church's mission to new heights at the highly anticipated Church Stewardship Conference! We invite you to be a part of this transformative event where leaders, pastors, and church members will gather to strengthen their understanding and practices of stewardship. Please forward this message to those you think would benefit, too!

Date: August 11 & 12
Venue: Pine Lake Camp or Zoom
Click here to learn more

Informational Forums on Immigration And DACA
Portage United Methodist Church

On March 12, 2023 Portage United Methodist Church held its first Forum on Immigration as a result of receiving a Mustard Seed Grant from Global Ministries and UMCOR.

A total of three forums were held during the months of March – May.  The focus of the forums was to provide information on Immigration in the US along with specific information about undocumented immigrants and the DACA program. Attendees also heard personal stories from two church members who immigrated to the United States and are DACA recipients.

Mexican snacks were provided at two of the forums with the last forum offering a full Mexican meal.  Everyone who gathered commented that they learned new information about immigration and migrants. It was unsettling but also therapeutic for the DACA recipients to finally be able to share their story in a safe, loving environment. -Submitted by Barbara Berg

Sleep In Heavenly Peace
Alma Center United Methodist Church

Some time ago, I was contacted by Pastor Inwha from Black River Falls United Methodist about a “bed build”.  I was skeptical and immediately thought, “I won’t drink the water next time” … but after much clarification, this was the Sleep in Heavenly Peace “bed build” for Jackson County. There are other “builds” for other areas, but this one was in our backyard! I was thinking this type of foundation, that opens doors and supplies needy children in our area with beds, is a slam dunk! I wanted to help! When I saw the flier, I then realized it was sponsored by the UMC! So, I pitched this mission to my congregation, and they were ALL IN!

We had never participated in a mission project like this before; the only requirement was you needed to wear work clothes and show up! What a turn out! Our people from UMC ALMA CENTER were there in numbers! We only had half a day and we made some 48 bunk beds!! This was a huge success; one of our first post pandemic church activities! We even had three generations from one family working there! What an awesome day! I am now looking and discerning our next community activity.  We are alive and working in the Kingdom here in the small town UMC Alma Center! -Submitted by Jonathan McHann

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 

Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action
UM News

Today’s Supreme Court decision ruling unconstitutional the use of affirmative action is antithetical to the social teachings of The United Methodist Church. As stated in the Book of Resolutions, The United Methodist Church sees “the most fundamental premise underlying the concept of affirmative action is both moral and spiritual … According to biblical teaching, we are mandated, in the face of inhumane discrimination – whether that discrimination is intended or unintended – to do what we can to redress legitimate grievances and to create a society in which the lives of each and all will flourish.” (2016 Book of Resolutions, #3373: Affirmative Action). The Supreme Court’s ruling will make the struggle to redress past injustices and advance equity even more difficult in our institutions and society.
Read press release

Layette Kits Gifted to New Moms in Guatemala
Midwest Mission Distribution Center

Bringing a new life into this world is a beautiful thing. A newborn brings joy and love like no other into the lives of moms and dads. But, with the joy comes the stress of taking care of the baby, and meeting their needs. For mothers in Guatemala, that stress and worry about taking care of their newborn is amplified. 

In Guatemala, almost 60 percent of the population lives under the poverty line. As a result, malnutrition and lack of medical care are widespread. New mothers have to make serious choices about how they will spend their money to best care for the life of their child. Many sacrifices have to be made. 

That’s why these Layette Kits are such a gift to those who receive them. The kits bring hope to the expecting mothers, and empower them to use the resources they have to better the life of them and their children. 
Read more

Grants Available For Mental Health, Wellness Initiatives
United Methodist Religion & Race

WASHINGTON —United Methodist pastors and laity in the United States are invited to apply for CORR Action Fund grants — for up to $10,000 — to create cohorts and small groups focused on mental health awareness and wellness. The deadline to apply is July 15.
Learn more and apply