Join us at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference, to be held
April 10th – April 11th, 2026 at the Green Lake Conference Center.
Cultivating Community: Rooted in Christ and Bearing Fruit
Local church vitality can be enhanced through broader, deeper relationships within the Wisconsin Conference UCC. We can network, share stories and resources, and learn from each other. Collectively, we can develop a comprehensive network of ministry “how-to’s” and best practices and make a greater impact on justice and diversity issues by cultivating working teams to resource local congregations better. The Holy Spirit is our connector, and while the work is challenging in these times, it is also joyful and vibrant.
Scripture: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Keynote speaker: The Dr. Edith Guffey
Topic: Cultivating Community by Building Bridges
Over the years, many have heard the question, “Who’s missing from the table?” While our hearts long for full inclusion of all, we sometimes struggle to embody that sentiment. Wishing won’t make it so; even prayer, while personally encouraging, isn’t a magic wand. What are the challenges, and what can we do to take concrete steps toward fulfilling our vision of a table where everyone has a seat?
Dr. Edith Guffey (pronouns she/her) served the United Church of Christ for over 30 years. Guffey served first as the Secretary of the denomination, then as the Associate General Minister, always focusing primarily on the organization’s internal operations and serving as the Administrator of the General Synod from 1995 to 2011. Following her years in the national offices, Guffey served as the Conference Minister of the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference, retiring in 2021. Guffey says she was first attracted to the UCC when she discovered a church that connected faith with justice and considered advocacy as both a legitimate and necessary expression of faith. Read Dr. Guffey’s full bio.
Worship Resources
Worship resources are now available for congregations whose pastors or other worship leaders will be absent on Sunday, April 12, to attend Annual Meeting 2026. The resources include a liturgy, the text of a sermon by the Rev. Nicole Herda, and the music to accompany the liturgy. Embedded on Page 8 of the liturgy is a link to a video of Nicole’s sermon.
Access the liturgy and sermon.