Sharing Our Stories

We in the Wisconsin Conference recognize the value of sharing the inspiring stories from our congregations around the Conference.  Stories reveal opportunities, possibilities and limitless worlds beyond what we already know. Stories help us understand and learn from one another and they often stretch us and challenge us to grow or expand our worlds.

As we continue to live into our conference’s SHIFT: From Maintenance to Mission, we want to lift up as many stories as possible so that we can see more clearly what God is doing in the Wisconsin Conference to transform lives and change our world. There are 3 ways to send us your congregation’s ministry story:
• Submit your story online using this form
• Email your story to resourcecenter@wcucc.org
• Print and fill out this form and mail or email it to the Conference, at W1000 Spring Grove Road, Ripon, WI, 54971, or resourcecenter@wcucc.org.
We’d also love to get photos to share with your stories.

We will add your stories as we receive them.  Check back often to see what new things Wisconsin congregations are doing!

Community Engagement

Immanuel United Church of Christ, Kaukauna, Community Event. Congregation uses SHIFT conversation to inspire free community meal.  Story>

St. Stephens UCC, Merrill, Medical Equipment Ministry. St. Stevens founded a very popular service that supplies the community with free medical equipment. Story>

Emanuel Church, Hales Corners, serves meals at The Guest House of Milwaukee, an organization that provides shelter, housing, education, and services to homeless people in the Milwaukee area who are seeking to transform their lives with dignity and purpose. Story>

Justice

Congregational United Church of Christ, Union Grove, Monthly Community Meals.  Many Wisconsin UCC congregations are engaged in building food security among people in their community who are challenged with a reliable food supply. This story is an example of how one congregation is helping in their community.  Story>

First Congregational United Church of Christ, River Falls, Resettlement of a Guatemalan Family.  A desire to help some of the thousands of children suffering violence and poverty in their home countries moved congregation members to take action.  Story>

First Congregational UCC, Janesville, Immigrant Welcoming Congregation.  First Congregational has voted to become an immigrant welcoming congregation, after several months of study. Taking their commitment seriously, they already have plans in place to take action, and they invite other churches to join in. Story>

Students of Middleton UCC’s Very COOL Sunday School (VCSS) showed their commitment to putting their faith into action recently during their “I’ve  Got it to Give it” Service Project Day. These days are designated for students to consider more deeply what it means to share the gifts God has given us. Together they created a banner that will be used to welcome newly arrived refugees who are resettled in this country. The banner – an outward sign of God’s love – reads “Welcome to Your New Home.” Story>

First Congregational UCC in Platteville hosted a “Walk in Our Shoes” Latino simulation for their community. “Walk in Our Shoes” is a two-hour simulation meant to provide a glimpse into the everyday life of Latinos in Wisconsin. “There are so many things I take for granted,” said one participant, Hannah Adams of Platteville, “The simulation was an incredible humanizing experience.” Story>

Faith Formation

St Paul’s UCC, Oshkosh, Faith Formation for All Ages.  St. Paul’s finds an innovative approach to faith formation for all ages.  Story>

Disaster Response 

Grace Congregational UCC, Two Rivers, Baton Rouge Flooding Response – What started as a request from a Two Rivers Grace UCC congregation member to gather a few items of clothing to send to his friend in flood-ravaged Baton Rouge blossomed into a city wide mission project to send aid to Louisianans!  Story>

If you would like to share your congregation’s story with others, contact us at resourcecenter@wcucc.org.