WI Conference Weekly ENews - June 21, 2023

Conference News  l  Denominational News  l  Local News  l   Mission News  l  Events  Resources  l  Classifieds

Does My Prayer Matter? A Testimony
Rev. Kerri Parker, Executive Director, WI Council of Churches

YES. I can offer you clear evidence that does. I can say that with much more clarity than anything I say in this ministry. Not only that, but I am writing to urge you to  include prayer for your ecumenical neighbors in your personal prayers and in the petitions (sometimes called joys and concerns) of your church. 

How do I know this? On the weekend of June 9-11, the Wisconsin Conference of the  United Church of Christ (UCC) gathered at Green Lake. The Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) gathered in Green Bay. I knew I’d be missing my own UCC meeting to gather with the UMC as they faced a significant time of distress in their common life. I asked our Conference Minister if the gathered UCC members could pray for the UMC as they began their work. 
Read more

Harmony Choir's Moving Performance At The 2023 Annual Conference Ordination Service 

We appreciate your performing at the Ordination service with your God gifted talents. We also want to give thanks to those who signed up for the ordination choir. We are looking forward to meeting you again next year!

Below are links for both photos and a YouTube video of the ordination service. If anyone has pictures or videos, please share them with us all. Hope you enjoy the little break we have, and we cannot wait to meet again soon! Read more
Ordination Service YouTube Link
Click here to view photos

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

Affected by Disaffiliation? Find Out How You Can Move Forward With The WI Conference

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. 

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.

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   

Picking up a Tradition at Downing United Methodist Church
By Pastor Shannon Mattison

Because a cemetery next door to Downing is the last stop for Memorial Day services, a local business served a free lunch on Memorial Day. When the organizer, a member of Downing UMC, was no longer able to do it the tradition died but not the memory. In 2022 the members of Downing UMC began talking about the lack of places for people who traveled for the services to find a place for lunch. They decided to fill that need by providing a simple free lunch. That first year a little over 40 people came. Because those attending expressing appreciation to having the meal available, the members decided to offer the free lunch again this year. 0ver 60 people stopped by for lunch this year.

Wauwatosa Avenue UMC Arts at the Ave Concert
Kirkwood UMC Youth Choir - June 21

Please join us for this special summer concert in combination with a light dinner and vespers service. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm, vespers at 6:30 pm and the concert will start at 7:00 pm. If you have any questions, call 414-453-0700 or email waumchurch@gmail.com.

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 

Opening of Grant Cycle for Mental Health Awareness and Wellness Initiatives
United Methodist Religion & Race

Washington, DC - The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is pleased to announce the opening of the new CORR Action Fund grant cycle, inviting all United Methodist Church pastors and laity in the United States to apply for funding to create cohorts and small groups focused on mental health awareness and wellness. The grant aims to support initiatives that are trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and promote justice-oriented praxis. 
Read press release

Ingathering 2023 Was a Huge Success- Thank you!
Midwest Mission Distribution Center

Ingathering 2023 was a huge success and we are awed by your generosity. You are people with hearts for service and love of others. The truck was jammed packed with donations. As Ingathering 2023 ended we barely had room for our drivers, Chuck and Karen’s luggage, and still be able to close the door! You brought in 1,456 Personal Dignity kits, far outdoing last year’s 977. You also brought 246 Home Care kits, so many sewing machines, medical equipment, bikes, school kits, shampoo, laundry detergent, blankets & more weighing in at 15,720 lbs. In 2 days a total of $5,161.66 was donated.
Read more about Ingathering 2023 
View more photos of Ingathering 2023

Leadership Institute 2023 Set For Sept. 27-29
Resurrection, A United Methodist Church

LEAWOOD, Kan. — Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, plans to hold its annual Leadership Institute for clergy, ministry and lay leaders Sept. 27-29. Speakers include the Revs. Adam Hamilton, author and Resurrection’s senior pastor; Carey Nieuwhof, leadership author, podcaster and church planter; Carey Nieuwhof, podcaster and church planter; Jacqui Lewis, author, activist, preacher and public theologian; and Olu Brown, leadership coach, author and pastor. Super early-bird rates end July. 15.
Learn more and register

New Dean Named At Garrett-Evangelical
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

EVANSTON, Ill. — The Rev. Jennifer Harvey was named new vice president of academic affairs and academic dean at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, beginning work on Aug. 1. Harvey comes from Drake University, where she was associate provost for campus equity and inclusion for the past three years. She is ordained in the American Baptist Churches (USA). Garrett is one of 13 United Methodist seminaries in the U.S.
Read press release

Upcoming FREE Webinar: Combatting Cyber Crime To Avoid Scams And Cyber Criminals
UMC Support Online Learning