WI Conference ENews: Saving Grace Grant, Webinar-Hybrid Worship Models, Groat Grant Update, #StillinMission September

Conference News

 

New Saving Grace Grant

The Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation is excited to announce a new grant program called the Saving Grace grant. The grant is designed to give clergy, and eventually, congregations a firsthand experience of the new transformative Saving Grace Financial Well-Being program, along with financial incentives designed to both encourage and equip participants. Read more

To apply, email Rev. Jason Mahnke, Director of Programming and Campaigns at jmahnke@wumf.org. Participation is limited and on a first-come basis. Sign up today!


Afghanistan Refugee Efforts

Afghan refugees are landing in Wisconsin and are being processed at Fort McCoy in an effort the U.S. army is calling "Operation Allies Refuge."

Wisconsin Conference Bishop, Hee-Soo Jung, is partnering with Donna Veatch, Chair of the Wisconsin Conference Committee on Immigrant & Refugee Ministries to ask you to pray and consider how United Methodists in Wisconsin can respond to the ongoing Afghanistan Refugee Crisis. Read more


Webinar: Hybrid Models of Worship - Presented by Jason Moore

As we prepare for worship this fall – in the midst of the unknowns of another wave of COVID-19 – our Conference is sponsoring a follow up event with Jason Moore with practical knowledge of preparing for and running hybrid worship.  This is being offered to you at no cost (our apportionment dollars at work). In addition, he has made available at no extra cost, the recording of his first Both/And webinar. This link is available until the Both/And to be Continued webinar. This is a great opportunity for clergy and lay teams to learn together and support each other in worship preparation and presentation.

BOTH/AND: To Be Continued is offered September 28, from 11:30 – 1:00.

Even though this webinar is free, we ask you to register, so you can receive the materials and the link of the recording which will be provided after the webinar is presented. Register Here


Prayer Vigil for Unity and Acceptance

Cudahy United Methodist Church is holding a Prayer Vigil to foster Healing and Unity as part of our commitment to the Conference theme, Radical Inclusion, Racial Justice. The event is taking place at Cudahy UMC on September 23 at 5:30pm. For questions, contact Cudahy UMC at cumc5865@gmail.com. 


Groat Grant Funding Project Update

The Groat Grant funding awarded to Retreat UMC in De Soto, WI provided the church the opportunity to install new HVAC units in their sanctuary this past July. They shared a note of thanks and a few pictures with us. Congratulations on the wonderful upgrades to your sanctuary. Read thank you note


Tuesdays at the Table: Discussion Series Explores What it Means to be United Methodist

Chicago, IL-  Tuesdays at the Table: Should I stay? Or should I go?” is a new discussion series for United Methodists, presented by the Connectional Table (CT) in cooperation with general agencies and contributors. Weekly segments will explore topics aimed at helping viewers better understand their faith, their church and themselves. The sessions will premiere every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. CT from October 5 – December 21 on Facebook, and will also be available for later viewing at UMC.org/ComeToTheTable and the UMC YouTube channel. Read More

Mission News & Information

 

#StillinMission September 2021

Despite the pandemic, United Methodist missionaries remain deeply engaged in work around the world. Normally, a number of them "itinerate" each year to visit the churches and individuals that support them in ministry. Covid-19 has put a stop to most travel but that doesn't mean the missionaries aren't available to meet virtually! Each month, we invite four missionaries to be in conversation with laity and clergy throughout the church to share the joys and challenges they've experienced. Click here to Register and learn Zoom dates and times


Glasses for Guatemala: Spare Pairs Collected for UMCSC Medical Mission

COLUMBIA—United Methodists in the Midlands are collecting old pairs of glasses so the people of Guatemala can see. The mission effort, Glasses for Guatemala, is a project of the Columbia District Outreach Committee and is going on through Sept. 30. All people are encouraged to help, not only in the Columbia District but across the state and beyond.

The mission project involves collecting used eyeglasses, both prescription and non-prescription (readers). Prescription sunglasses and cases are also welcome. Read more and Donation Information

Other Resources

 

Wesley Theological Seminary Invites UMC Congregations to Apply for The Source Collaborative

The Source Collaborative, a Wesley initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc., seeks 10 UMC congregations who wish to thrive and grow in their community and context. 

The Source Collaborative will help selected churches identify their own markers of thriving and empower them to create and implement a congregational change strategic plan with the help of a coach. Following a one-year community learning and self-assessment process, a grant and an additional year of coaching for implementation will be provided. Application deadline: October 1, 2021

 The Source Collaborative 2022-23 Congregational Profile

For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Beth Ludlum: innovation@wesleyseminary.edu


Financial Leadership Series for Churches

Garret-Evangelical Technological Seminary is presenting a course on Financial Leadership to empower congregational leaders to talk about money and financial aspects of ministry confidently and openly. 

This course will take place over three modules running from September 2021- February 2022. Learn More / Register

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