The Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting remains an important link in the growing network of Creation Care churches here in our state. Members of our team always look forward to greeting you at our exhibit, where you find information about the Kairos Call to Action, Kairos grants, the Kairos Newsletter, and what many of our churches are doing to reduce their carbon footprint and become stronger advocates for our endangered planet.
Prior to the June annual meeting this year, our exhibit made some rounds, visiting congregations in Mt. Vernon, Dousman, Fond du Lac, Tomah, Brookfield and Fort Atkinson. Kairos Newsletter editor Susan Webb greeted many of you this year as you shared your story, whether just thinking about starting some kind of “green” team at your church or what you have been doing for a while.
This year, we were represented at two workshops on Friday afternoon. One a “Collective Impact” workshop again featuring youth outreach professional, Heather Phelps, and representatives of Brookfield Congregational and Mt Vernon Zwingli churches. The other workshop featured introductions to all the justice ministries of the conference, giving delegates a taste of the many ways we address race, immigration, LBGTQ+ and mental health concerns, in addition to climate change. Two nature walks got us outdoors and enjoying the glory of God in the natural world that makes Daycholah (Ho-Chunk for “Green Lake”) such a great place to be together.
Kelley and Steve Brumm, representing Zwingli UCC in Mt Vernon, sang their original creation care song “Abundant Creation” during the Friday evening plenary. Here are the lyrics and a link to the recording of their performance. You have their permission to use either or both.