WI Conference Weekly ENews - September 28, 2022

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#BeUMC- Sun Prairie United Methodist Church

During the month of September, Pastor Jenny Arneson and the Sun Prairie UMC had a sermon series on #BeUMC. Together they learned more about The United Methodist Church, who we are as United Methodists, what the future of our denomination looks like and what it will mean to stay a part of The UMC. The church hosted Rally Day on Sunday, Sept. 11 showcasing the many ministry opportunities available at Sun Prairie and offered a time for fellowship. The church also celebrated being in ministry in Sun Prairie for 177 years with a display put together by historian Sandy Kintner. John Wesley made an appearance at Rally Day sharing the story of Methodism and the rich history we have of being UMC.

SPUMC will be hosting forums between services on Sundays to learn more about the history and structure of the Methodist Church and where we are currently as a denomination. If you would like to watch any of the worship services, please visit their YouTube channel, Sun Prairie United Methodist Church.

If you would like to learn more about the #BeUMC campaign, please check out the resources at https://www.umc.org/en/content/we-are-the-church-together-lets-beumc

Join Resurrection UMC in Sharing Micah 6:8 with the Community Through The BE Campaign

Resurrection UMC in Kansas City has launched The BE Campaign which is built around Micah 6:8, "Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God." The Campaign encourages and calls people to “Be Just, Kind and Humble.” They have created logos churches can use for creating their own campaign signs and t-shirts.

Click here to see a photo of the signs and t-shirts. Click here to watch a TV spot. You can see all of the resources that are available at this time at becampaign.org. Please share this information with the churches in your district, and direct them to the website becampaign.org for details and resources. 

A Clergy Wellness Podcast to Feed your Soul during Pastor Appreciation Month

Our colleagues in the Pacific Northwest Conference shared a wonderful resource for clergy, a wellness podcast. Rev. Nicole Reilley, a clergyperson in the California-Pacific Conference has created this tool to remind us that yes, clergy too need self-care and ways to nourish and replenish the soul. For the past several months, Reilley has been producing a podcast on the topic of clergy wellness, offering pointers and others bits of wisdom. | You can check out the podcast here and listen and subscribe on your favorite podcasting app. 

WUMF- You're Invited To The Foundation's Saturday Stewardship "Spook"-tacular, Saturday, October 22nd

Stewardship doesn’t have to be scary. Attend the Foundation’s Fall Stewardship seminar to get the resources your leaders need. Come in-person at Hudson United Methodist Church or take part virtually via Zoom Webinar. Workshops include:

• Offering with No Plate
• ABC’s of Financially Healthy Churches
• Say What? Invitational Language & Messaging

Register by October 7 and receive a free copy of the book, A Better Offering, by Donald A Smith.  For a full agenda, workshop descriptions, and to register, visit www.wumf.org. Questions? Contact Rev. Jason Mahnke, Director of Programming and Campaigns, at jason@wumf.org. 

We're Hiring! Now Seeking an Executive Administrative Assistant to The Wisconsin Resident Bishop Episcopal Office

The Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church announces a search for an Executive Administrative Assistant, providing administrative support to the Resident Bishop of the Wisconsin Conference and the Episcopal Office staff. This role is responsible for collaborating with internal and external partners to schedule and offer meeting support appropriately and is responsible for coordinating travel appropriately. Must be proficient at: formatting and writing documents, developing, and distributing meeting materials, facilitating travel arrangements, and creating and maintaining expense reports and budgets.
View full job description

To apply, click here or email a cover letter and resume to jobs@gcfa.org 

WUMF Grant Cycle Available! Apply NOW!

WUMF is excited to announce the Fall Grant cycle, with applications due Nov. 1. This grant is for new projects only, with the potential to apply for second and third cycles. Please view the application here and read the qualifying criteria carefully.

GCORR Bible Study
Justice Work From an African Perspective

“Being the Church with the Oppressed,” a new four-part small-group Bible study from the General Commission on Religion and Race, was created by and written from the perspectives of four Christian clergypersons from Africa. | Learn more about this resource on the GCORR 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 

WCC Assembly Closes With Call to 'Act for Justice'

At the end of the 11th General Assembly of the World Council of Churches, delegates called for the “healing of our living planet.” The message, titled “A Call To Act Together,” read: “We will find a strength to act from a unity founded in Christ’s love.” During its meeting, two United Methodists, Bishop Sally Dyck and the Rev. Ann Jacob, co-pastor of Edmonds UMC in Washington state, were elected to the WCC’s 150-member Central Committee. | Read more of this story from UM News Service

Native American International Caucus, United Women in Faith
Justice, Healing for Native Children

NEW YORK — From Sept. 30 through Oct. 6, United Methodists are invited to observe a special time of prayer and action in remembrance of the atrocities against Native American children in boarding schools. "Justice for Our Children: Healing for Our Communities" is the theme of this year's observance. United Women in Faith is offering a two-hour virtual event on Oct. 6 that will include prayer, an educational program and reflection in small groups about the abuses suffered by Native American children in the schools.
Register for event
See resources

UM Global Ministries
Extending the Table on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022

ATLANTA — World Communion Sunday is coming Oct. 2, offering a way for United Methodists to help award scholarships for education that can lead to positive change in the world. Sarah Bless Sanchez-Maddela is studying for her doctorate in psychology so she can help people in the Philippines deal with depression, anxiety and trauma. Her status as a World Communion Scholar is allowing her to pursue her dream. Christie R. House has the story.
Read story

Council of Bishops
Bishops Seek Donations for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON — Even as United Methodists prepare to respond to Hurricane Ian, the Council of Bishops urges churchgoers not to forget the needs in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona's devastation. The Council of Bishops is appealing for donations for Puerto Rico after receiving a letter from the Methodist Church in Puerto Rico. Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton urged all Methodists to support the recovery efforts, which are being done in conjunction with the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Read press release
Read letter to see how to donate

Status and Role of Women
Help for Welcoming a Woman Pastor

CHICAGO — The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women is marking its 50th anniversary with the release of the Welcoming a Woman Pastor online resource. The self-paced learning module guides local churches through the orientation process when introducing a female pastor appointed to serve their congregations.
Read press release
See resource

Amplify Media
Webinar Discusses the Miracle of Jesus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a webinar, noted New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine will discuss with writer Rob Simbeck her new study, "Signs and Wonders: A Beginner's Guide to the Miracles of Jesus." Amplify Media, part of the United Methodist Publishing House, will host the webinar on Levine's new book at 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Oct. 6.
Learn more and register

Wisconsin Council of Churches
#TeachtheTruthWisconsin Week of Action for Racial Equity
October 9-5, 2022

Around the country, the forces of white supremacy and racism are confronting school boards, demanding they prevent teaching the true history of racism, slavery, sexism, and violence against marginalized communities that is part of the founding of our country.
 
As people of faith, we believe it is the responsibility of each person to do their part to address the systemic inequities and injustices in our society and to create a world where every human being can live a life of dignity and respect. Our children need to be prepared to take on their share of this task when they grow up. Yet, without knowing the true history of how our nation came to be, they cannot understand the underlying causes of the issues we face, and therefore, will be ill-equipped to meet the challenges they will confront as adults.
 
Please join us once again for a Week of Action for Racial Equity, October 9-15th, as we lift up stories of Wisconsin history at significant sites of racial justice around the state.
Learn more and sign up now

Churches Discern Whether to Stay or Go

United Methodists are tackling the question of whether to leave The United Methodist Church because of differences in theology and LGBTQ participation in church life. Pastors and church leaders reflect on how they are trying to be faithful while working toward a difficult decision. | Read more of this story from UM News Service.