WI Conference Weekly ENews - May 31, 2023

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Spring Work Week At Pine Lake
By Wes Hurlburt

Of the 27 volunteers at Pine Lake for Spring Work Week, some were here for one day, others for two and some came and went at various times. We heard chainsaws at work chipping wood to be spread on the playgrounds. We saw a lot of deer around camp. Of course there was the usual window washing, cabin cleaning, and staining decks and the boardwalk. Bunks were built for the Treehouses and the cows were painted for a field game. Thank you to the Westfield Church ladies and Pastor Lee for a wonderful supper and communion service.

Thanks to Don Mevis and Wes Hurlburt for making order out of chaos and leading the group. We welcomed the new camp maintenance employee, Damon. Camp looks much better and ready for the summer. Stay tuned for more information on service projects at both camps this fall.

Wisconsin Annual Conference Disaffiliation Update

When the Annual Conference gathers in Green Bay on June 9, there will be 43 requests from local churches to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church and our annual conference. All the churches have met the deadlines and completed required steps of the Wisconsin Conference’s disaffiliation policy implementing The Book of Discipline ¶2553 up through making financial payments by May 26. A majority vote of members of the Wisconsin Annual Conference is required to approve the requests.

Following is a listing of the 43 churches by district:

North Central: Borth, Marshfield: Zion, Mauston, Poy Sippi, Spencer, Stoddard, Wonewoc.

North East: Argonne, Eden: Tabor, Eldorado: Salem, Forest Junction: Zion, Greenville: Faith, Lomira: Trinity, Neenah: Faith, Oakfield, Sheboygan: Fountain Park, Waukau/Eureka.

North West: none

South East: Cambridge: Willerup, Greenfield: Christ, Racine: Faithbridge, Union Grove, Waterford: Community.

South West: Arthur, Baraboo: Emanuel, Belmont, Benton, Blackhawk: Bethlehem, Bloomington, Boscobel, Gays Mills, Juda: Zion, Liberty Pole, Madison: Asbury, Mount Hope, Mt. Zion, New Hope, North Clayton, Retreat, Rewey, Soldiers Grove, Wauzeka: St. Paul’s, Whig, Wisconsin Dells-Delton.

Training Workshop at Annual Conference 2023
Growing Together: Cultivating Inclusive Life In The Church
In-person & Hybrid Option Available

On Monday, June 12, 2023, 9:00am - noon, we are hosting a workshop open to everyone in our Conference, particularly those attending Annual Conference. The intent of this workshop is to provide practical, ready-to-implement ideas for guiding our congregations toward greater inclusion and belonging. This workshop continues our Conference commitment to becoming Beloved Community in our Conference and churches. There is no cost for the workshop. If you have registered for lunch, we can continue discussion around the lunch tables. Workshop description

To sign up for the session, please contact Lori Denoyer at ldenoyer@wisconsinumc.org.

Peace With Justice Sunday 2023
Persisting to Demand an End to Gun Violence

In a world plagued by war and violence, hatred and destruction, United Methodists never give up seeking peaceful solutions, creating and supporting peace-related ministries, and learning about peaceful, just efforts around the world. We achieve these efforts by working with the World Council of Churches, interfaith and ecumenical bodies, and secular organizations around the world for policies and programs that seek the wholeness of shalom for all of God’s people. Read more

Youth Bus Trip To Youth 2023: Being Ourselves. Bold. Living Different. Sign Up Now!

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   

Elk Mound Trinity UMC - Permanent Mission Collection Site Article in Newspaper

The 5/24/23 edition of the Colfax Messenger newspaper ran an article of Trinity UMC of Elk Mound becoming a region-wide Permanent Mission Collection Site and therein receiving donations for: the Wisconsin Annual Conference Ingathering, United Methodist Midwest Mission, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief, and Food for the Poor. -Submitted by Joel Certa-Werner

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 

Vonner Elected As Chief Executive
United Women in Faith

NEW YORK — United Women in Faith will welcome a new chief executive on June 1. Sally Vonner has worked in various positions for the women’s organization since 2010. A graduate of Perkins School of Theology, Vonner said her focus will be “to continue and expand the mission and reach of United Women in Faith” and “work to improve the lives of women, children and youth around the world.” She follows Harriett Jane Olson, who retired earlier this month.
Read press release

Angels Of Hope Items Delivered To Children In Honduras
Midwest Mission Distribution Center

Honduras, located in Central America, is a beautiful country, but one that is full of challenges. Honduras is very impoverished, with unemployment, gang violence, malnutrition, and lack of opportunity being the main causes of suffering. People in Honduras lack resources that are common for many of us — food, hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.

We have the opportunity to bless those who are in need with the resources that can propel them into a better life. We work with Food For The Poor to serve communities of Honduras. Read more

Six Ideas For Congregations On Father's Day
United Methodist Communications

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are great times for honoring parents, but these occasions can be painful to some people for various reasons, such as the loss of a parent/child or because of unstable family situations. Here are some ways congregations can support and acknowledge those in need of special care during these holidays.
Read more

Way For Christians To Observe Juneteenth
United Methodist Religion & Race

Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the date in 1865 when African Americans were freed from slavery by the Emancipation Proclamation. On Juneteenth, we celebrate the historic eradication of slavery while also recommitting ourselves as Christians to fighting oppression and injustice wherever we find it. Religion and Race has recommended resources for Christians to observe this holiday respectfully.
Learn about Juneteenth