WI Conference Weekly ENews - May 10, 2023

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2023 VIM Lake Lucerne Spring Trip
By Gail Burgess

A total of 14 people helped to prepare Lake Lucerne Campground for its Summer programs.  When the rain (and a bit of snow!) came down early in the week, workers stayed inside the chapel and unused cabins to clean, and in the dining hall to wash windows. They also worked in cabins that needed new slats in the bunk beds and in the office to sort files. As the weather improved, some painted and stained the shower house while others cleaned up areas, cutting and chipping wood. Read more

2023 Ingathering Updates: Please Follow Kit Directions For Accepted Donation Items

Ingathering items will help Midwest Mission bring the hearts and hands of God's people together to transform resources into humanitarian relief. In 2022, Midwest Mission reached over 1.6 million individuals in need and sent $7.9 million in aid. For every $1 spent, we sent out $7.85 of supplies.

We can only accept items listed in our 2023 Kits and Projects Brochure. All kit items must be NEW. Kits should contain ONLY the requested items. No handprints, footprints, paw prints, or camouflage on fabrics. 

We accept the following Medical Items: folding walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, knee scooters, shower chairs, hospital beds, and orthopedic supplies.

When items are donated that cannot be used, Midwest Mission must pay the cost of removal. Please fill out the Donation Form  and bring it with your donation. 

2023 Ingathering Drop Sites List
2023 Ingathering Bulletin Insert

Wisconsin Conference Office Volunteers At Sunshine Supper

Thank you to The Wisconsin Conference who partnered with Living Water Church to provide Monday, May 1st, evening's meal for Sunshine Supper. A total of 441 meals were served. Once each week, a participating civic organization, church, professional or other group will provide the core components of a free and nutritious meal. One goal of the program is to provide a nutritious meal to individuals and families who would otherwise go without. Learn more about Sunshine Supper

3rd Annual United Methodist Children's Services Day of Celebration Block Party - Save the Date!

Mark your calendars, it is official! We hope you can join us for our 3rd Annual Block Party on June 23rd from 4:00-7:00pm in the UMCS parking lot. We'll have food, games, live music, and more!

If you are interested in sponsoring activities or helping out, please reach out to Rebecca - rebecca.gregory@umcs-wi.org.

2 Sewing Machines Arrive For Lago District
The Bolivia Project, Partnership with Evangelical UMC in Bolivia

We have wonderful news: Two sewing machines have arrived in the Lago District! Our sisters in Bolivia are celebrating the answer to their prayer for the “Sewing Machines Project”. Your support, along with that of the local churches, is greatly appreciated. For any questions or to learn about how you can help, contact Rev. Anita Lang at anitalang130@gmail.com.

Moving Forward With The Beloved Community

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   

First UMC Neenah-Menasha Recognized As Community Partner

This spring, First UMC Neenah-Menasha and Neenah Menasha Emergency Services were recognized by Pillars, Inc as Community Partners for their shared venture in purchasing a duplex which is being used to offer more affordable housing options in the Neenah and Menasha area. It was a cooperative effort born out of a stewardship campaign in 2020, when one member’s vision for the church to address the affordable housing crisis gave birth to a shared mission. Together these organizations purchased the duplex, gave the rooms a fresh coat of paint, and welcomed the new tenants with tie fleece blankets and supplies. They are already working together to grow their community coalition and plan their next project knowing how many families are looking for a place they can call home. -Submitted by Rebecca Henry

Lay Servant Social At Cudahy UMC

On April 16th, Cudahy UMC hosted the first of three Lay Servant Socials. It was attended by folks certified as Lay Speakers, Lay Servants, and some who wanted more information on the program.
We also had the opportunity to meet the new Director of Lay Servant Ministries for the Southeast District, Sally Stofley. Everyone had a great time sharing memories, learning about the program, and enjoying refreshments. We hope more friends will join us for the next Social on August 20^th at 2pm. -Submitted by Nan Hoekman

Solar Dedication Ceremony
Emmanuel Community UMC

Emmanuel Community UMC in Menomonee Falls joyfully dedicated its solar installation on May 7th. With messages from our district superintendent, Rev. Ebenezer Insor, and representatives from partner agencies we celebrated this big step Emmanuel Community has taken to care for God’s creation and reduce the costs of its ministry in our community. A solar-powered bubble release and a drone video of our solar array added excitement to our gathering. We thank God for the strength and purpose to bring this project to pass. -Submitted by Doug Walters

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 

Clergy Discretionary Fund Webinar- UMC Support 
Tuesday, May 23, 11AM CDT, via Zoom

Churches and annual conferences often establish funds intended to give pastors and Bishops complete discretion and authority, usually to provide confidential financial help to those in need or fund programs that previously had not been budgeted. But a discretionary funds can cause clergy to unknowingly run afoul of IRS regulations and can result in unintended tax consequences. Join GCFA’s General Counsel Bryan Mills as he explains what you need to know to protect your donors and your ministry on Tuesday, May 23 at 11 a.m. CDT via Zoom. Register here!

Group Previews The Coming General Conference
United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy

DENVER — The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy will explore “A Potentially Momentous 2024 United Methodist General Conference” in a free webinar at 6 p.m. U.S. Mountain time, 8 p.m. Eastern time, May 18. Speakers from the U.S., Congo and the Philippines will discuss key issues that will shape debate at the church’s top legislative assembly in Charlotte, North Carolina.
To register

First Quarter General Church Finances
General Council on Finance and Administration

GCFA has released a press release on the denomination’s first quarter finances. You may view it here. We also have now started putting this information in a video format. Watch it here.

UMC Bishops Meet, Request For 2026 General Conference Among Other Decisions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The bishops of The United Methodist Church (UMC) completed their Spring 2023 meeting on Friday in a gathering that was awash in the spirit of collegiality and search for the betterment of the worldwide denomination.
 
The meeting from April 30-May 5 was filled with worship each and bookended by the presidential remarks by Council of Bishops (COB) President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, who led the first in-person meeting since 2019. Read more

Peace With Justice Sunday Is June 4th
United Methodist Communications

Peace with Justice Sunday celebration is June 4, 2023. This offering is collected the first Sunday after Pentecost and it supports peace with justice ministries through the General Board of Church and Society and the annual conferences.
Learn more about Peace With Justice Sunday
Peace with Justice Pastor and Leader Kit

Spring Cleaning? We Need Winter Gear!
United Methodist Children's Services of Wisconsin

Now that winter is (hopefully) behind us, we have a need for refilling our winter gear bins for next winter! Though we no longer have a clothing bank, we do distribute hats and mittens/gloves as well new or gently used jackets, coats and snowsuits in good condition. We are in need of men's, women's, and children's items in all sizes. 

You can drop these donations off between 9am-4:30pm to our front desk located at 3940 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208.

Applications Due July 11 For Hoover Award
United Women in Faith

NEW YORK — Young women wishing to travel and study can apply for the Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award. The deadline to submit applications is July 11. Women ages 21 to 35 are eligible, and priority will be given to projects involving climate justice and addressing the criminalization of communities of color. Hoover, who died in 2013, was the first African American to lead the former Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. 
Read press release

UWF Available To All Women
United Women in Faith

NEW YORK — Members of United Women in Faith can remain with the organization if their church disaffiliates from the United Methodist denomination. Tara Barnes of UWF offers an overview of the disaffiliation saga and the options for United Women of Faith members who are affected and provides information debunking some misinformation around the topic.
Read commentary

Free Promotional Items For Your Church
United Methodist Communications

For a limited time only, your church can receive a $200 credit towards fall outreach tools that can be fully customized to include your church's name, website, address, and other specific information like service times and age-specific programming opportunities. The best part is that there is no minimum amount you need to spend to take advantage of this special offer!
Learn more