WI Conference Weekly ENews - March 22, 2023

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Rainbow Covenant Reports Due March 31st

Congregational reports for Rainbow Covenant 2022 activities are due by March 31st.The brochures and forms are on the website and below. 

All churches are encouraged to check out the Rainbow Covenant brochure to see if they have qualified for recognition as a Rainbow Covenant church in 2022. The brochure includes instructions for reporting and lists the various areas of mission and possible ministries and agencies you may have already contributed to in 2022. It could also help Mission Committees as they plan for 2023 activities!

The Rainbow Covenant was designed to enable local congregations to participate in missions on many levels, from local to global. It is the intent of the program to help all United Methodists in the Wisconsin Conference to understand the diversity of ministries and agencies that make up our Global Ministries.

Rainbow Covenant Brochure
Rainbow Covenant Fillable Form
Rainbow Covenant Download Form
Board of Global Ministries- Wisconsin Conference of the UMC

You Are Invited To Sponsor A Local Church In Bolivia
Partnership with the Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia

"With a small donation, we can transform the lives of our neighbors near and far. "-Rev. Anita Lang. Local churches in the Bolivian Evangelical Methodist Church are facing difficult times due to the pandemic, post-pandemic effects, inflation, and rural needs. The newly appointed bishop, Rev. Medardo Vedia Gutierrez hopes that some of the churches in the WI Conference will sponsor a local church in Bolivia for one to two years. 

In Bolivia, Bishop Vedia listed nine local churches that are praying for a church in WI that might be ready to answer God's call. The goal is to build relationships, pray for each other, and learn and communicate with people from different cultures. Local churches in WI could assist local churches in Bolivia with minor projects like Instruments- guitar, bass, and drums for worship, mattresses, chairs, plates, a kitchen stove, chairs for the sanctuary, etc. 

One of the first churches to support a church in Bolivia was Elkhorn FUMC. The rural church in Bolivia is building a new church at the Zamora location thanks to the support of this congregation. A total of 10 sewing machines have been offered by Bethany UMC, Madison, but our goal is 40.Additionally, Bethany UMC sponsors a local church in Bolivia, and congregations here in the USA have donated 12 pews to Huanacollo Methodist Church.

Linked below are eight churches in Bolivia along with their information about how local churches of the WI Conference can help. For more information or questions, contact Pastor Anita Lang at anitalang130@gmail.com.

Churches Needing A Sponsor
Video: Greetings from the Bolivian Task Force of The Wisconsin Conference

WI Annual Conference Harmony Choir's Wonderful First Rehearsal

The Harmony Choir met for the first time at Columbus UMC on Monday, March 20^th,  with more than 20 members in attendance. Pastor David Kim said “I could see our heart and passion for praising God together. I felt it’s the kind of hope God wants to give us. God made us a family through music in terms of praising God.” 

2023 Plans

• Perform 2 Special Musical Selections at the Annual Conference Ordination Service
• Fall Concert in November

• April 17^th at 11:00 am at Portage UMC
• May 22^nd at 11:00 am at Portage UMC

2023 NCJ Historical Convocation
July 10th-13th, Springfield, IL

Join the North Central Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History July 10-13 in Springfield, IL, as we look at Lincoln Among the Methodists. 

In addition to witnessing first-hand places of importance in the life of Abraham Lincoln prior to his election as president, participants will visit Lincoln’s home, his gravesite, the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as becoming  acquainted with a number of Lincoln’s Methodist contemporaries – Bishop Matthew Simpson, Peter Cartwright, James Jacquess and Gov. Richard Yates and his son, Richard Yates, Jr.

Registration is $125 and is available online at:
https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/NCJHistoricalConvocation

Learn more

2023 Ingathering Updates- New Items Needed & Updated Drop Off Sites List

The conference Mission Motivation Committee is working with Midwest Mission Distribution Center to collect items for Personal Dignity Kits and Home Care Kits. Midwest Mission distributes these items locally, nationally and internationally to those in need during times of crisis. All supplies are given free of charge regardless of gender, race or religion.  Although we are focusing on these two kits, we appreciate any items found at midwestmission.org.  All items should be NEW – and all kits should have only the items requested. View kit details

Urgent needs include the following:

• Shampoo (in bulk), 12-19 oz. 
• 100-150 oz. EMPTY liquid laundry detergent containers. We can use containers of any size up to 150 oz. (we are collecting full or empty liquid laundry detergent containers) 
• Sewing machines, electric and treadles (they don't have to be new; we accept sewing machines that need a little tuning up; we cannot accept the computerized ones. 
• Medical equipment -folding walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walking boots, slings 
• Blankets- new or gently used for disaster response  
• Non electric tools specifically shovels, brooms, rakes

Kits and items that make up those kits, should be brought to Annual Conference at the KICenter in Green Bay. The Midwest Mission truck will be there for collection on June 9th & 10th. To process donations efficiently and get them where needed quickly, we ask for a list of the items donated. You can help the person who delivers the items -and save everyone some time- by filling out the Donation Form ahead of time.  

Volunteers are needed to check in and load donations at Annual Conference in Green Bay anytime during our drop off hours: Friday, June 9th 10am-4pm and Saturday, June 10th 8am-2pm. Contact bonnieclement05@gmail.com to help.

2023 Ingathering Drop Sites List
2023 Ingathering Bulletin Insert
Ingathering Update 3-6-2023

New Enews Submission Form For Articles In The WI Conference Weekly Enews

A new Enews submission form, located in the 'Quick Links' box on the WI Conference homepage, is for everyone, staff as well as the general public, to use to submit an article for ENews. You may use this form to create a news article to be published, if approved, in the Wisconsin Conference weekly ENews. We do reserve the right to edit submitted information for grammar, clarity and context. This is a tool to help streamline the content we put in the ENews. The submission deadline is Tuesday at 1:00pm for the current week's ENews. Please contact Lisa Wink, Communications Director, at lwink@wisconsinumc.org or Carly Ochoa, Communications Assistant, at cochoa@wisconsinumc.org with any questions.

Submit an article for ENews

International Women's Month Celebrated With An All-Women Ecumenical Worship
First United Methodist Church, Hartford, WI

On March 15, 2023, First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Hartford, WI held the Lenten Ecumenical worship service. Reverend Cheryl Weaver of FUMC led worship along with the participation of two other local churches, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, and Redeemer Lutheran Church.  All three churches are led by women pastors. The photo celebrates these four leaders every day, but also during International Women’s Month.  What a joy and honor to have these women showing examples of leadership, compassion, and strength in our community and all the young girls in all the congregations.


Left to Right: Reverend Esther Kramer, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church; Reverend Aida Muniz, Redeemer Lutheran; Reverend Cheryl Weaver, First United Methodist Church; Reverend Loretta Mendoza, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. -Submitted by Emilee Mooney

Concert Series at West Bend Fifth Avenue UMC 

The Fifth Avenue United Church in West Bend has been having monthly Music Concerts. Our church is starting a new series in March with the Vintage Mix performing. Our concerts are held on Saturday afternoons.

Saturday, March 25th at 3:00 pm - Vintage Mix
Saturday, April 29 at 2:00 pm - Elna Hickson & friends
Saturday, May 20 at 6:00 - Ecumen Men's Choir
Saturday. June 3 pm - Saxophonist Kevin Muse
Saturday, July 22nd - 2:00 pm Michelle & Skylla Musical Duet
Saturday, August 26th - 3:00 pm - Westward Road

All are welcome to attend. We hope to see some local churches attend too!
Fifth Avenue UMC Church Website

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 

March Is Disabilities Awareness Month
Resource UMC

Do you ask those with disabilities to be involved in worship and other aspects of church life? Disability Awareness Sunday calls United Methodists to celebrate the gifts and graces of people with disabilities and to include them fully in the congregation and the community. UMCGiving has the resources you need to fully celebrate Disability Awareness Month and help your congregation understand the importance of connectional giving.
Download Now

Native American Ministries Sunday Is April 23
ResourceUMC

Find downloadable resources to teach your congregation why United Methodists recognize and celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday locally and globally. Invite congregants to give generously, knowing that half of the gifts remain in the conference to support CONAM ministries, create programs, resources, educate and support seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans. Core resources are available in multiple languages. 
Access pastors and leaders kit

UMCOR supports Ukrainian refugees in Moldova
UMC Global Ministries

ATLANTA — Ukrainian refugees who’ve fled across the border to Moldova are being assisted through a partnership between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Church World Service. At the CWS refugee hub in Balti, refugees can pick up food and hygiene supplies, get medical or mental health support and connect to other services. Volunteers also are distributing warm clothes and blankets for the winter. Christie R. House has the story.
Read story

12th International Shipment of the Year - Jamaica
Midwest Mission Distribution Center

On Wednesday, March 15, Midwest Mission sent the 12th international shipment of the year. Its final destination: Kingston, Jamaica.

This shipment was sent through Midwest Mission partner, Food For The Poor (FFTP). Jamaica was the first country to receive assistance from FFTP. Poverty, unemployment, and lingering effects from COVID-19 on their economy are just a few of the factors that lead to instability in Jamaica. Children face malnutrition and adults struggle to find jobs. But, there is hope.

Food For The Poor’s in-country partners work hard to fight to end poverty in Jamaica. We are grateful for the part we play in that fight. 
Read more

** MMDC has a new source for containers for laundry detergent; MMDC no longer needs used containers for detergent

10 Ways To Engage Online Worshippers
Lewis Center For Church Leadership

WASHINGTON — In this time of hybrid worship, church leaders may overlook or not give enough intentional thought to the people who are worshipping online. Jim Keat, digital minister at The Riverside Church, offers 10 tips for congregations to strengthen engagement and build relationships with online worshippers.
Read commentary

Tips To Protect Churches From Fraud
Discipleship Ministries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Eight steps can help churches avoid being the victims of fraud when it comes to their finances. Among the tips are having someone different from the check signer approve invoices for payment, regular financial reports and an annual audit. Ken Sloane of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries gives the full list.
Read story

Free Webinar: Unrelated Business Income Tax
UMC Support

The world of unrelated business income tax for a ministry can feel like a walk on a tightrope. Do you occasionally rent your parking lot, or do you have a coffeehouse like “Hebrews” or “Faithful Blend”? This webinar is for you. If you have income from nontraditional avenues– register today! Come hear the experts at UMC Support walk you through the ins and outs of UBIT – no tightrope required.

March 28, 2023, 11:00 AM CT
Register now