Navigating the Election Season

Webinars to help clergy and congregations during this election season

The Wisconsin Council of Churches and the Clergy Emergency League are partnering to present an election season webinar series this fall. Register today and mark your calendars!

Discovering Your Congregation’s Theologies of Conflict

September 17, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Central | Zoom

This session will explore the unspoken assumptions that people of faith can have about the relationship between God and our human disagreements and skirmishes. Is it possible to be in conflict and yet remain connected? How do we assess our “theologies of conflict” to understand ourselves and our faith more fully?

Politics, the Media, and the Church's Role in Truth-Telling

October 1, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Central | Zoom

This panel will discuss the challenges of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care when misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda are shaping the opinions of parishioners. Panelists will share biblical, theological, and practical guidance for clergy and congregations for navigating complex social and political landscapes while maintaining a commitment to integrity and Christ-centered teaching.

Preparing for Faithful Nonviolent Resistance This Election Season

October 15, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Central | Zoom

How can we empower ourselves and our people for faithful action this election season amidst the rising tides of white Christian nationalism and authoritarianism? The Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas will share time-tested civil resistance strategies along with theological and Biblical frameworks for collective struggle to equip us to contend together for our democracy.

Depolarizing Congregations and Communities

During the Election Season and Beyond

October 29, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Central | Zoom

Divisiveness isn’t new, but it feels bigger and more pervasive than ever, with no signs of slowing down. Our families, communities, congregations, and our country are strained by the intense polarization that limits our ability to move towards real solutions together. This webinar will focus on tools and strategies that anyone can use to foster civility, appreciate difference, and find common ground without compromising our core values. If we truly believe that all humans have value and that everyone can be part of the solution, we need to operate in ways that align with those beliefs and amplify the best of what is possible. Join us to build resiliency in our relationships, our organizations, and our communities in the midst of the election season and beyond.

Worship Resources for Preaching and Leading in an Election Season

Are you planning a worship series or themes for the fall? We are gathering worship resources related to loving our neighbors in an election season and sharing them here. This includes the outline of a sermon series (with more details coming in a few weeks), liturgy, hymns, and more. We are continuing to develop resources so check back regularly. If there is something that would help your congregation this fall, please reach out to us (illene@wichurches.org).

Help Fund Our Summertime Move!

Summertime is moving season for many ministers! We've (somewhat suddenly) joined the moving trend by packing up shop at 30 W. Mifflin, moving down the street and around the corner to 203 Wisconsin Avenue. Our former location was downsizing, and joining our friends at First United Methodist Church in Madison was the best choice for us.

An unexpected move comes with a chunk of unexpected expenses. Can you help us out with a one-time gift? Your donation will help offset moving and move-in costs. 

Please update your address books:

Wisconsin Council of Churches

203 Wisconsin Avenue

Madison, WI 53703

Photos of our new digs to come!

Bulletin Inserts for the August 13th Election

The WCC is excited to once again offer a bulletin insert for your congregation, with one side featuring basic information about voting and the other offering a summary of the recent article, “August 13th Election: Understanding Proposed Amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution in a Christian Context” by Doug Poland put out by the WCC with a QR code to read the whole article.

You are welcome to use this information in bulletins, newsletters, social media, or more. We are also happy to adjust the insert to work for your congregation. Reach out to us if we can help you.

While we're on election topics: do you have a voting plan for August 13th? MyVote Wisconsin can help!

We are praying throughout this election season,

and we invite you to join us!

Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell of the American Baptist Church has written Seven Prayers With Seven Scriptures to guide us as we navigate the election season. We have been handing out prayer cards with one of these prayers printed on it. The goal is to have a tangible resource that people can pull out when times get difficult.

If you would like to order enough for your congregation, you can now do so through our website. We are asking for a donation of $10 per set of 50 cards to cover the cost of printing, shipping, and staff time.

Order Here

Calling on College Students:

We are Hiring a Gun Violence Prevention Intern

The WCC is hiring an intern for the 2024 school year (fall and spring internships available). The Gun Violence Prevention Project intern will learn about faith-based (primarily Christian) involvement with gun violence prevention and how to guide learning, consensus-building, and movement toward action in a church context. Their work will lay foundations with congregations who are new to taking action in this arena. See the position description here.

The Gun Violence Prevention Project Intern may be based anywhere in the state of Wisconsin.

Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to wcoc@wichurches.org

Rest Is Not A Privilege:

Adult Nap Time In the Garden For Black & Brown People

August 11 & 27, afternoons | Alice's Garden Urban Farm, Milwaukee

Bring your pillow, blanket, sleeping bag, hammock, chair ... and claim a space in Alice's Garden to rest. THIS IS NOT A TIME FOR CONVERSATION OR NETWORKING. This is rest as Resistance. Rest as grace. Rest as liberation. Rest as birthright.

Sound bath provided by Camille Mays.

Location: Alice's Garden Urban Farm. 2136 N. 21st Street, Milwaukee.

Dates and Times: Sunday, August 11, 2PM-3:30PM; Tuesday, August 27, 1:30PM-3:00PM.

This event is offered by The Table and Venice Williams. For more information, contact Venice Williams (venicewb@gmail.com/414-687-0122).

Digital Ministry That Clicks

August 17, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | First Baptist Church, Madison

Pastors, Leaders, and Volunteers in digital ministry are invited to join us for a conference on how faith-based communities engage with the digital world. With a focus on actionable insights and collaborative learning, "Digital Ministry That Clicks" emphasizes practical tools and real-world application. Facilitators will suggest effective strategies for quality worship streaming, digital outreach, content creation, and community building, focusing on how to make digital ministry resonate and thrive. You'll have opportunities for hands-on learning with some of the best tools for digital ministry. Whether you're an experienced practitioner of hybrid worship and digital outreach or just considering the possibility of streaming, there will be something of value for you in these offerings. "Digital Ministry That Clicks" equips participants to enhance their online presence, deepen their impact, and ensure their digital efforts align with their spiritual mission.

For more information and to register, click here. Register by August 9th.

This event is sponsored by the American Baptist Churches in Wisconsin.

JustDane Reentry Service Fair

August 20, 5-6:30 PM | Madison College - Goodman South Campus

In partnership with United Way of Dane County, JustDane's Journey Home program presents a Reentry Service Fair for recently released prisoners to connect to resources. Housing, treatment, support, education, employment, and transportation vendors will be available.

The event will be held at Madison College Goodman South Campus (2429 Perry St, Madison, WI 53713, starting at 5:00 PM!

For more info: email Sheridan at sheridan@justdane.org, call 608-256-0906, visit our website: justdane.org.

SAVE THE DATE: Labor in the Pulpit

All September

Celebrate Labor Day all September long with Worker Justice Wisconsin's Labor in the Pulpits/On the Bimah/In the Minbar program!

This program provides religious congregations the opportunity to lift up the dignity of work, support low-wage and immigrant workers, and speak to the experience of essential workers in Wisconsin and around the country.

For more information and to stay tuned for the 2024 resource packet COMING SOON, click here.

Do you have news to share? Send us a short description with a link to more information, and we will add it to our weekly e-news. Email grtucker@wichurches.org with ENEWS in the subject line.

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Wisconsin Council of Churches | www.wichurches.org

203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 837-3108 | wcoc@wichurches.org