toward a more just and generous world

Transcription

1 Passionate work toward a more just and generous world God is still speaking, WISCONSIN CONFERENCE Annual Report 2018 Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ

2 God is still speaking, WISCONSIN CONFERENCE Our Mission The Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ equips leaders and congregations to transform lives through innovative ministry for the 21st century. Our Values Guided by the Great Commandments, Jesus teaching in Matthew 25, and a commitment to extravagant welcome, we will work together to serve God and our neighbors with compassion to encourage and inspire one another with hope to make bold and courageous choices with love Our Vision By 2019 the people of the United Church of Christ in Wisconsin will be energized to be the church in their local context, expressed through passionate work toward a more just and generous world. Wisconsin Conference UCC Staff Rev. Franz Rigert Conference Minister Rev. Jane Anderson Associate Conference Minister for the Northeast and Southeast Associations Rev. Tisha Brown Associate Conference Minister for Leadership Development Vicki Graff Director of Finance Lisa Hart Associate Conference Minister for Faith Formation and Executive Associate to the Conference Minister Tracy Hauge Assistant Director of Finance Rev. Robert MacDougall Associate Conference Minister for the Northwest Association Nola Risse-Connolly Program and Communications Specialist Deb Simon Director of Communications and Technology Susan Taylor Administrative Associate and Search and Call Coordinator Rev. Joanne Thomson Associate Conference Minister for the Southwest Association 2

3 Conference Life... Life in the Wisconsin Conference is full of energy and inspiration! A year from now we will be completing our preparations for hosting General Synod 32 (June 21-25, 2019) in Milwaukee. We are securing leaders, planning events, raising money, and intending to recruit over 250 volunteers this coming winter. Essential to our Conference Ministry is our ongoing Care for Congregations and Clergy. Over the past year your conference staff has guided more than 30 pastoral searches, launched several new shared ministries, and offered support in times of grief, challenge and change. Our field staff continues to cultivate relationships of integrity and trust throughout the Conference. Cohort learning opportunities abound, connecting clergy through mentoring, coaching, and Communities of Practice. Church and Ministry teams faithfully carry out the ecclesiastical work of the Church, and guide Members in Discernment (MIDs). This fall we will launch a new formative track toward authorized ministry. The Damascus Project is a shared initiative with the Minnesota Conference, offering coursework particularly geared toward those who sense a call to ministry but for whom a conventional seminary education is not possible. Our Conference faith formation efforts continue with a thriving Lay Academy and several youth retreats and, this July, a Regional Youth Event. One of our current goals is to better equip local congregations with curriculum resources, spiritual practices and emerging models for children and youth ministries. Our beautiful Outdoor Ministry settings Moon Beach Camp and Pilgrim Center provide ideal opportunities for multi-generational faith formation. We are so very blessed to work collaboratively with UCCI Executive Director Glenn Svetnicka and we celebrate newly settled managing directors at both camps! Rev. Franz Rigert Conference Minister Our Conference Catalyst Team offers grants for new initiatives around church vitality. Many of these ministries are community based, serving a wide network of people, often in partnership with other congregations or non-profits. This collaborative approach expands our reach and allows the Church to be a relevant social agency that helps meet the needs of those beyond our doors. This year our Board of Directors has prioritized the resourcing of Justice Ministries, so we are highlighting our many justice working groups as a part of this year s Annual Meeting. Table leaders will passionately provide you with contact information and materials so your congregation can share in the mission of a just world for all. Amidst a groundswell of social justice movements, God is at work empowering us to demand equality and dignity for those who have been marginalized and oppressed. Many of us who have acknowledged our places of privilege in this world are engaging in Conversations on Passionate work toward a more just and generous world 3

4 Race, and making new commitments to actively work to bring racism to an end. We encourage your congregation to join the conversation! Finally, our amazing Special Mission gifts offer relief and compassion here at home and around the world. In 2017, our Wisconsin UCC congregations contributed $151,657 to One Great hour of Sharing, $45,184 to Strengthen the Church, $74,374 to Neighbors in Need and $82,577 to the Christmas Fund. Beyond that, our congregations gave a total of $1,613,442 toward Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM). These gifts allow all of this Gospel work to take place vital ministry among us and transformational ministry beyond us. Thank you! With deep gratitude and great hope, Rev. Franz Rigert Conference Minister 4

5 Care of pastors and congregations The ministry of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ serves to support, guide and resource local congregations. Through this connection, the Conference provides an extensive support system to associations, churches, clergy and laity. Your contributions to Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM) make this possible. Guiding, Supporting, Resourcing Our Conference Minister and regional Associate Conference Ministers comprise our field staff, who offer support, resources, coaching and guidance to pastors and congregations. This team includes Franz Rigert, Jane Anderson, Rob MacDougall, and Joanne Thomson. Their support can be critical in times of transition and change, in times of conflict, and in times of growth. The work of our field staff helps strengthen the foundation of congregations and provides support as they navigate the life of the church. Field staff offer a steadying presence, helping congregations weather challenging times and keep the faith when the task at hand feels daunting. Field staff bring a depth and breadth of experience from their roles as pastors of local churches as well as their work with many congregations. Working as a member of the team, they journey beside pastors and congregations to help them see their way to a future they desire. In the past year, the Associate Conference Ministers and Conference Minister: Preached and worshipped with over 100 churches Supported 52 searches Recommended 26 interim ministers Attended 25 ordinations, installations and ecclesiastical councils Our community of practice was filled with creative, insightful worship; with opportunities to share with colleagues and to gain from the wisdom of a community of caring people; and with the opportunity to maintain a sense of balance in one s own journey through ministry. - COP participant Passionate work toward a more just and generous world 5

6 Care of pastors and congregations Pastoral Transitions A key role of the field staff is guiding and supporting search teams during pastoral transitions. They bring perspective, knowledge and guidance to help see churches through the process. Field staff also help find strong leadership for interim placements, a critical time for churches charting their course forward. Many skilled interim pastors provide key transitional ministry during the search process. Training opportunities are also available for interim ministry. Communities of Practice In Communities of Practice (COP) pastors find shared wisdom and support from colleagues gathered into community focused on the practice of ministry and the pastor s vocation as leader. COP groups encourage peer support, care and reflection. Currently, 83 pastors are participating in one of the 13 Communities of Practice, from more than a third of conference churches. COPs are also available for Christian Educators, with 11 participants currently in 2 groups. Coaching Coaching is new to the Wisconsin Conference, though widely used in other fields to empower I have not only identified the appropriate issue but also found a great deal of compassionate advice from my coach. That is certainly time well spent! - Coaching participant and support excellence and action. The Conference offers trained and experienced peer coaches to walk with pastors to navigate the ups and downs of ministry. A coach draws out the wisdom and resources of the person being coached, and empowers and supports them to be the most effective pastoral leader possible. Pastors who have used the coaching program say that it helps to define their goals and values. keeps them focused and on track towards achieving their goals. provides a valuable outside perspective and sounding board. helps to clarify and flesh out one s thinking and plans more fully. Church and Ministry Commission Our association committees on Church and Ministry play critical roles in credentialing pastors, ensuring ministerial fitness, and facilitating covenantal care between clergy and congregations. The conference-level Church 6

7 and Ministry Commission has been working in partnership with the association committees to achieve greater consistency and create additional resources to support associations in their important work. Resources are available to help address challenging situations and foster healthy congregational life. A Conflict Transformation Team helps resolve issues of conflict within congregations. Teams of two trained ministers are available to congregations throughout the conference to help resolve conflict issues. A Unified Fitness Review Team oversees the functions and adjudication of Fitness Reviews on behalf of the four associations of the Wisconsin Conference. Trained team members are drawn from all four associations. Building Vital and Innovative Ministries The mission of the Conference-wide Catalyst Team is to resource and encourage vital and innovative ministries that transform lives. Catalyst works to spark innovation and creativity in congregations throughout the Wisconsin Conference. Grants are available for congregations that are developing innovative ministries. Additionally, short-term support that bridges congregations through crisis back to vitality is also available. Information and grant applications can be found on the Conference website. Here s how two congregations are using their Innovation Grants: Film and Faith on Tap This is an outreach initiative of St. Paul s UCC in Ellsworth in partnership with Common Man Brewing, a local tap house in Ellsworth, to offer food and free movies along with conversation around faith, values and God. You can request Pastor Adam Westrich s Faith and Film on Tap Manual outlining his approach to this film series and what he is learning. Neighborhood Outreach Ministry Grace UCC in Wausau is engaged in learning about and reaching into their neighborhood. This grant funded an outdoor movie night so that neighbors could meet one another and engage with the church community in a welcoming, low-risk situation. Other initiatives will arise from listening and identifying strengths and needs in their community. Passionate work toward a more just and generous world 7

8 A Just World for All A core value in the United Church of Christ is advocating toward a more just and generous world. We feel called to convene people around justice issues, helping to mobilize the pockets of energy around these issues to facilitate positive action. Many new conference-wide justice working groups have formed, focusing on a range of justice issues. These groups gather resources, create connections and take action toward a more just world for all. All are welcome to join a justice working group, or start a new group if you have a passion that isn t reflected in existing groups. Conference-wide Justice Working Groups Racial Justice Assist congregations engaging in conversations around privilege and race. Creation Care Implement sustainable and earth-friendly practices. Immigration Promote immigrant welcoming congregations. Open and Affirming Support the LGBTQ community. Bethlehem Stars Build support for Palestinian Christians. Break the Silence Support survivors of sexual assault and advocate for change. Ecumenical Peace Promote nonviolent options to build a culture of peace. Prison Ministry Support incarcerated persons and families. Stop Human Trafficking Reduce the risk of human trafficking. Racial Justice As our Conference begins preparations to host General Synod 32 in June of 2019, we are keenly aware of those who suffer marginalization and inequity here in Wisconsin. In Milwaukee there is particular concern for the racial divide and deep inequities between African Americans and Caucasians. Throughout the state we experience similar disparities within Hispanic, Hmong and Native American communities. We are encouraging our congregations to engage in conversations on race and to wrestle with the notion of white privilege. Many congregations have already engaged in these conversations using the resources available on the Conference website. The Racial Justice Working Group is also exploring ways to engage the General Synod attendees in this conversation in Visit the Conference website at wcucc.org/justice to find resources and contacts for congregations wanting to undertake justice ministries in these and other areas. 8

9 Community-Based Ministries Jesus gave us a new commandment to love one another. This love for neighbor is brought to life in a myriad of ways around our Conference. Our congregations partner ecumenically, civically and with other non-profits to shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, cloth the poor, tutor children and care for aging adults. Several churches provide free monthly dinners open to the entire community! Some offer unique niche ministries such as crisis help lines, prison visitation, financial counseling, and medical equipment ministries (loaning wheelchairs, crutches, etc.). Many of our congregations regularly provide space for addiction support groups, community exercise programs, music and art classes, scouts and preschools. These ministries of compassion extend the love of Christ by tending to the basic needs of God s people. Congregations who are launching new community ministries are encouraged to apply for a Catalyst Innovation Grant. If you are exploring some possibilities and need guidance or referrals, your Conference staff is eager to engage you in a conversation. Small Church, Big Impact! By Alan Timm Grace United Church proves no church is too small to make a big difference! Grace United Church was formed with the merger of two churches in Fort Atkinson. For the first several years, financial issues kept us focused inward. Then one of our members needed a liver transplant. Grace organized a dinner and auction fundraiser to help with the financial burden. The whole community got involved and we raised $10,000! The effect of this success on our congregation was profound! Suddenly we had an attitude of we can do anything! We expanded our involvement in the food pantry, and began looking at ministries outside of our walls. This has spurred a cascade of new ministries. So far we ve begun: A program to provide school supplies to a local elementary class Noisy offerings of coins to support the free dental clinic, humane society and food pantry Supporting a summer meal program for students A scrip program for scholarships to church camp Planning a butterfly garden for the church grounds A Loads of Love program to assist families doing laundry Now we are always looking for the next thing to reach out to others in our community! Passionate work toward a more just and generous world 9

10 Cultivating congregational leadership Lay Academy The Wisconsin Conference Lay Academy has spurred spiritual growth and development in people from UCC congregations throughout Wisconsin for more than two decades. By engaging in theological conversations, personal reflection and community discussion, participants discover new ways to serve God, their local congregation and the wider community, and deepen their knowledge of Christian tradition, Scripture, ministry and mission. Lay Academy participants and alumni find they are equipped to provide stronger, more faithful leadership in their congregations. They also feel inspired to serve God and their neighbor in a wide variety of ministries. A large percent of Wisconsin congregations has felt the positive impact of Lay Academy alumni in their midst, through youth ministry, mission, church leadership roles, ministry in the church and community, and service to association and conference related ministries. In the past year: 63 people attended Lay Academy Classes Representing 47 congregations 21 current students involved in Faith Formation for all ages Some who complete four years of Lay Academy become authorized ministers in the Wisconsin Conference. Lay Academy has shown me even though we don t all have the same opinion we are still one body in Christ. - Lay Academy participant The Damascus Project Walking the Road of Faith Together An innovative new program is currently being designed that will help participants develop competency in the UCC s Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers, which for some may lead to ministry authorization. The Damascus Project is a collaborative initiative between the Minnesota and Wisconsin UCC Conferences. Anyone who desires to grow in faith and to develop as a leader in their congregation will find something beneficial in these courses. As this innovative model is being developed, three introductory courses will be offered in , available to anyone in Wisconsin and Minnesota. You can learn more about this opportunity at wcucc.org/damascus. 568 people have attended Lay Academy over 24 years 10

11 Lay Academy Builds Leaders Steve Ottman from St. Paul s UCC in Ellsworth is using his Lay Academy education to launch a farmer s market in his town. Launching in May, the market will build community, help the congregation get to know their neighbors and celebrate church outside the box. Vendors will be encouraged to donate unsold produce to the community food pantry. Markets will feature a professional food vendor and live performances. Steve writes: The scripture that comes to mind when I think about implementing this plan is Matthew 25:35: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Nurturing Spirits of all ages Youth Ministry Conference youth ministry serves to resource and connect local congregations to enhance the effectiveness of their youth ministries. Conference staff work directly with congregations on topics such as curriculum selection, structuring youth ministry programs and finding mission opportunities. We also serve as a conduit between churches for sharing ideas and best practices. programming to youth from around the Conference. These events help youth grow in their faith and make it their own. They also help prepare and empower young people to be leaders in their congregations today and in the future. In the past year we held 5 conference-wide youth retreats which drew 292 participants from 36 congregations. Lisa (Hart) has been a wealth of information and resources She has directed me to many resources and connections with others. This has helped me to put together relevant programing for the members of my congregation on topics such as grief and loss, practicing faith at home, racism, using curriculum, and guest speakers. - Youth faith formation leader In collaboration with UCCI (camps) and wider church organizations, we bring quality Passionate work toward a more just and generous world 11

12 Outdoor Ministry Outdoor Ministry at Pilgrim Center and Moon Beach has exciting news new people, new buildings, new programs same dependable mission to Love God, One Another, and the Environment by Providing Sanctuary, Practicing Hospitality, and Performing Ministry! The Campital Campaign has given us expanded winterized housing at Moon Beach and revitalized infrastructure at Pilgrim Center. And the results are spectacular! Programmatically, United Church Camps, Inc. (UCCI) is working hard to offer new and exciting events. We want you to come to camp your whole life long so we have prepared many opportunities for participation and volunteering. On the team front, we have new Managing Directors at both sites: Phoebe Spier and Eric Olsen, a husband and wife team at Moon Beach; and Rev. Nathan Athorp at Pilgrim Center. Marion Wiese is now the Director of Finance/ Administration, Tiffany Ludwig is the Director of Marketing/Development and Glenn Svetnicka serves as the Executive Director. This Leadership Team embraces One Ministry Two Sites and brings that Ministry alive for everyone associated with UCCI. Finally, we want you to know we appreciate your financial support. As a non-profit entity, your gift to UCCI through the Wisconsin Conference s OCWM helps us maintain our infrastructure, our operations, our programs, and our scholarship fund. You are helping us change the world for the better. Glenn Svetnicka UCCI Executive Director 12

13 Annual Report 2018 General Synod 32 General Synod is coming to Milwaukee in June 2019! The Wisconsin Conference has the great honor of showcasing our home conference for the first time ever! as we host General Synod 32. The General Synod is the biennial gathering of our faith community to discern the call of God to the United Church of Christ. The social movements of our time our concerns about sexual harassment, gun violence, climate change and racial injustice will be addressed in resolutions and deliberations. All are welcome! Here s how you can get involved Volunteer Attend the meeting Come on Sunday for the free worship service and a Milwaukee-style outdoor event Donate to the Hosting Fund Other Synod highlights include: Inspiring worship Compelling keynote speakers Mission opportunities Education sessions Passionate work toward a more just and generous world 13

14 Where our support comes from Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM) An important purpose of our Wider Church is to provide ministry opportunities that your local church cannot: Support for congregations during times of growth, transition, conflict and visioning; support for clergy and lay leaders; Lay Academy; Camps; Youth programming; Justice ministries, connection to the national Church, and more. Your contributions support these ministries. The churches of the Wisconsin Conference UCC continue to be generous in contributions to Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM) and our special offerings. In 2017 our congregations gave a total of $1,613,442 toward OCWM. Additionally, congregations contributed $353,792 to United Church of Christ special mission offerings, which address critical human needs at home and across the globe. In 2017, 111 congregations were 5 for 5 supporting the four special mission offerings and reaching their OCWM goal. You are making a difference! Our Church's Wider Mission 76% Investment Income/ Reserves 15% Program Revenue 5% Association Support 2% Individual Donations 1% Strengthen the Church 1% Thank You! 14

15 What your gifts support Seventy-four percent (74%) of Conference expenses are used in Conference ministries that directly support our congregations and clergy, while 26 percent of expenses support the wider church missional ministries. The detailed chart below indicates the primary areas of ministry supported by your gifts to Our Church s Wider Mission. Bold colors with black labels represent Conference Ministries. Muted colors with blue labels represent Wider Missional Ministries. Clergy & Congregation Support 26% Board & Staff Leadership 9% Technology, Communications Resourcing 8% Programs 7% WI Council of Churches 1% WI CHHSM 2% Finance & Benefit Adminstration 7% Higher Education 5% UCCI Camp Support 7% Innovative Shifts 5% National UCC Wider Mission 18% Facility & Operations 5% Passionate work toward a more just and generous world 15

16 Passionate work toward a more just and generous world God is still speaking, WISCONSIN CONFERENCE Annual Report 2018 Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ