Letter to Pastors regarding the following letter for congregations
Dear Pastor,
As our society is rocked from every direction with fear, division, threats, financial needs, addiction, prejudice and loneliness, the role of our congregations is also being rocked. What seemed to be “assumed” and “unquestionable” in the not too distant past is now challenged and questioned. One cogent example of this in the United Church of Christ is “Our Church’s Wider Mission”.
Our Wisconsin Conference was created as, and continues to be, a free, independent and voluntary “conference” of local church congregations. We do not have a hierarchical structure where those on the “top” dictate to those on the “bottom” of the pyramid. The Wisconsin Conference staff and Board of Directors do not dictate to your local church. Rather, we are a team of committed disciples of Jesus who are working together to fulfill the mission of the Christian Church in our time and place.
We understand that the leadership of some local congregations is under significant stress to balance their financial budgets. The total giving does not match the annual expenses. Because OCWM is not considered “dues” or a required “payment”, some congregations, when faced with budgetary shortfalls, choose to reduce or eliminate the OCWM line item from their budget and fail to offer an effective message that appreciates how Our Churches Wider Mission relates to them.
Frankly, as understandable as this may appear, the future of our conference and the future of every local congregation in Wisconsin is in jeopardy when OCWM is seen as arbitrary and/or whimsical. That is the basis for the enclosed letter that we invite you to share with every local church member.
We invite you to use the enclosed article as a pastoral letter, or a letter from the Lay Leaders of your church, or an article in the monthly newsletter. You have complete permission to edit, change, delete or use any portions of this “template” to communicate your church’s investment and involvement in OCWM. We hope you will personalize this letter so that it will directly relate to your church family. In addition, you are encouraged to add specific references that explain how the Wisconsin Conference is supportive and meaningful to your local church community.
The message here seeks to identify and affirm what it means to be a disciple of Jesus; what it means to be a community of faith; and what it means to be the Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ.
Sincerely yours,
Rev. Steve Welch and Rob Harms, First Congregational UCC, Watertown
Members of the Conference OCWM Communications Committee
Letter for congregation members
Dear brothers and sisters of ______(insert name of congregation)
As we reflect on the life and ministry of our congregation over all the years since our founding, there is MUCH for which we give thanks to God. Our congregation has made a distinctive difference in the life of this community. [add specific instance(s)] The faithful discipleship of pastors, teachers, lay leaders and all children of God has made a positive and note-worthy difference in our community.
We thank God that we do not undertake this ministry alone. We know, and feel, the support of the Wisconsin Conference in multiple and vital ways. When our members seek to broaden and deepen their faith, the Lay Academy is there. When our families seek to experience summer camps for our children and families, Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center are here with a trained and effective staff to offer this ministry. When our Sunday School and Confirmation programs seek curriculum and study guides, our United Church of Christ faith formation resources are there. When seeking direction and guidance to pursue faith-filled lives, our Conference staff and leaders offer inspiring programs to meet the challenges of every day. [add specific instance(s)]
When our lay leaders seek a greater understanding of the ministry of the United Church of Christ in communities near or far, our Wisconsin Conference staff is only a phone call away. When our congregation experienced a pastoral change and needed an interim pastor to help us through a time of transition that would bring us to the calling of a new pastor, the Wisconsin Conference staff was there whenever we needed guidance, information, or support to fulfill that search. [add specific instance(s)]
How is it possible that the Wisconsin Conference staff and all of our neighboring United Church of Christ congregations are there when we need them? It is because of our mutual support of Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM). 75% of our contributions to OCWM sustain the work and ministries of our Wisconsin congregations. Because of our support of OCWM, the Wisconsin Conference is equipped and ready to serve each local congregation at the place of their need. [add specific instance(s)]
One quarter of our contributions to OCWM are devoted to the ministry and mission of the denomination. Our denomination’s impact upon the life of people in countries on every continent, and in every situation of life is significantly impacted by your contributions to OCWM. You are making a difference in Wisconsin and you are making a difference for God’s children around the world. I urge you to take this seriously. We need each other.
Today, others depend on our support. Tomorrow, we will depend on their support. That is how family works. That is how the United Church of Christ works. [add specific instance(s)]
Our continued participation in the United Church of Christ is voluntary. Our continued participation in Our Churches Wider Mission is voluntary. This means you and I need to make a conscious and faithful decision. No one else can decide this for us. I pray that you will join me in accepting this responsibility and fulfilling this commitment which is incumbent upon all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and who seek to walk in his footsteps.
In Christ’s name,
(Pastor’s name and/or Lay Leadership names)