Table of Contents
Annual Meeting Schedule …...…………………………………………………….. 1
Business Meeting Agenda …………………………………………………………. 2
WCA Membership Report ………………………………………………………… 3
2014 Annual Meeting Minutes ……………………………………………………. 4
2014–2015 Executive Committee Minutes ………………………………………... 8
Report of the Moderator ……………………………………………………………11
Report of the Recognition of Ministry Committee ………………………………... 12
Report of the Youth and Camp Committee ……………………………………….. 13
Report of the Lay Ministry and Leadership Training Committee ………………… 15
Report of the Treasurer ……………………………………………………………. 16
Proposed Budget for 2015–2016 ………………………………………………….. 17
Report of the Nominating Committee …………………………………………….. 18
WCA List of Officers and Executive Committee 2015–2016 ……………………. 19
Wisconsin Congregational Association Annual Meeting Schedule
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Pilgrim Congregational Church, Green Bay
8:30 AM
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:45 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
1:45 PM
2:00 PM
3:30 PM
Registration and Breakfast
Devotions with Rev. Mark McAnlis
Program Presentations
Technology Churches can use
How a Spiritual Renewal Weekend can energize your church
Break
Program Presentations
Could a "Serve Day" reach your community?
Video Presentation from 2014 WCA Camp
Sharing ideas that work
Lunch
Worship with Communion led by Rev. Mark McAnlis
Break
Business Meeting of the Wisconsin Congregational Association
Adjournment
1
Wisconsin Congregational Association
47th Annual Business Meeting Agenda
Pilgrim Congregational Church, Green Bay
April 25, 2015
I.
Call to Order, Randy Kohls, moderator
II.
Reading of the Covenant and Convening Prayer, Polly Bodjanac, moderator-elect
III.
Roll Call and Declaration of a Quorum, Kathy Sell, secretary
IV.
Approval of Agenda
V.
Approval of the Minutes from the 2014 Annual Business Meeting, Fox River
Congregational, Pewaukee
VI.
Reports:
Executive Committee, Randy Kohls, moderator
Youth and Camp Committee, Emily Campbell, chair
Recognition of Ministry Committee, Polly Bodjanac, chair
Lay Ministry and Leadership Training Committee
Wisconsin Congregational Ministers' Fellowship, Mike Robertson, president
WCA Treasurer, Andy Forsaith
Audit Report, Andy Forsaith
VII.
Approval of the 2015–2016 Budget
VIII.
Report of the Nominating Committee, Diane Williams
IX.
Approval of the Slate of Officers
X.
Old Business
Lay Ministry Training program
Association website maintenance
Theological Society future
XI.
New Business
Updated Directory
Missions donation
Location and date for 2015 Annual Meeting
Other new business
XII.
Closing Prayer and Adjournment
2
WCA MEMBERSHIP REPORT 2015
Active Member Churches of the WCA
Arena Congregational Church, Arena
Community Congregational Church, Kewaunee
Faith Community Church, Franklin
Fox River Congregational Church, Pewaukee
First Congregational Church, Beloit
First Congregational Church, Mukwonago
First Congregational Church, Rochester
First Congregational Community Church, Roscoe, IL
First Congregational Church, Wauwatosa
Heritage Congregational Church, Madison
Lake Country Congregational Church, Hartland
North Shore Congregational Church, Fox Point
Ozaukee Congregational Church, Grafton
Pilgrim Congregational Church, Green Bay
Plymouth Congregational Church, Racine
St. Jacobi Congregational Church, Richfield
United Church of Beloit, Beloit
Inactive Churches of the WCA
Afton Community Church, Afton
Bethlehem E & R, Lancaster
Big Spring Congregational Church, Wisconsin Dells
Community Congregational Church, Elkhorn
Community Congregational Church, Lone Rock
Covenant Congregational Church, Dalton
First Congregational Church, Gays Mills
First Congregational Church, Hayward
First Congregational Church, Oshkosh
Gridley Congregational Church, Beloit
Lima Union Congregational Church, Platteville
Plymouth Congregational Church, Kenosha
Rapid River Congregational Church, Rapid River, MI
Shopiere Congregational Church, Beloit
Spring Green Congregational Church, Spring Green
Trinity Congregational Church, Adams
3
2014 WCA ANNUAL MEETING
46th ANNUAL MEETING, 1968-2014, SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014
Fox River Congregational Church, Pewaukee, WI
Moderator Bill Read opened the meeting at 9:05 a.m., with welcome, and thanks to Rev. Lonnie
Richardson and Fox River Congregational Church, for hosting the meeting and providing a
continental breakfast.
NACCC Reorganizational Update: Casey van der Bent, Interim Executive Secretary
Corporation question reassigned by IRS
“What happens on Sunday morning, in the smallest church, is more important than my
position in NACCC.”
Staff model change proposal: not voted upon
Church Development and Missions: Polly Bodjanac, Pilgrim Congregational, Green Bay, WI
Church Development: How to help struggling churches to avoid closure
NA Alive.org outreach for vitality and growth
Lay involvement
Information, formation
Incarnation: work to renew
Website: assessment and renewal
Green Bay CC held a renewal weekend in September, 2013, with emphasis on God’s blessings.
Mission: Serveday.org or com: Community outreach by 9 churches in Green Bay
At church or in community
Each volunteer chooses project in which to participate
Several projects: go to website to see what is available
Youth and Camp: Wes Mosman-Block, Heritage Congregational Church, Madison, WI
Is the WCA alive? From youth perspective, is Camp focus for July 14 -20, 2014
Camp 2014:
Staff recruitment and training is underway
Participation has declined since 1980s, especially junior high age, while volunteer base is
shrinking
Senior pastor time is limited, and parents like adult participation from local church
A climate of acceptance of theological differences is promoted, great conversations are
facilitated, and graduating senior reflections remain part of closing program.
What are barriers to coming to camp? More specifics during business meeting
3–4 churches send most, then up to 6 other churches sent a few each.
Discussion from participants:
Societal concerns, sports attendance, etc, are factors influencing camp attendance
Suggested to extend a week to include adults
Offer opportunities to serve
Video on WCA website would be helpful in introducing new campers to program
4
Morning Program: The New ERA for Churches, Rev. Stu Merkel, Faith Community Church,
Franklin, WI
Miroslav Volf: since 1980, all world religions have grown: population growth
Faith and Global Living: 80 % of world believe in God
For most of history, civilizations were represented by one political religion; now, multiple forms
exist side by side
Religions are reasserting influence and faith groups have become tools of state
Challenge for faith groups in our era is to give up control of public life!
Faith impacts growth of economy: spiritual gain equals personal gain; Mt 4:4
The power of the Gospel to lead the people of God is still very strong; the important role of
mercy and love
N.T. Wright: local churches are seeing needs of community and doing something
Real church is happening at local level
Local papers are reporting the good;
The following are critical issues facing the church today, according to Volf
It’s hard to have private faith with social media
Separation of very rich from very poor widening
Christian faith exists for me to reach the goals in my own life: loss of sense of community
Belief of many that God as our servant, not to be feared
Paul wouldn’t understand the divisions in the church, all calling themselves Christian and most
not accepting one another, (see Letter to Philemon)
Points made by Rev. Merkel:
Local, autonomous Congregational church will have to work hard to stay relevant
Being Christian is more important than being Congregational
Teaching is important; most people know too little about faith and the teachings of Christ
The gospel of Christ must be foundational and the church must remain true to orthodox truths
The church must find out what the community needs and do something about it
The church must partner with other Christian churches
Salvation in Christ is hope for all people and the local church is the hope of the world.
Lay Ministry Assistant Program: Rev. Lonnie Richardson, Fox River Congregational Church,
Pewaukee, WI
Currently beginning construction of Columbarium and Memorial Garden
Common value of priesthood of all believers and to preach the gospel
13 years as congregation; 7 persons are lay or ordained ministers
Rev. Richardson is responsible for regular gatherings, heart, mind, soul
Lay Ministry Program Experience: Sue Perschon, Fox River Congregational Church, Pewaukee,
“I knew who I was; I wanted to know who I was becoming.”
Summary of study topics and tasks of lay minister at Fox River CC.
Ministry as a Second Career: Rev. Cindy Bacon Hammer, Heritage Congregational Church,
Madison, WI (Rev. Julie Sheridan Smith unable to attend.)
“You don’t decide to become a minister. You are called.”
5
Lunch Break
Communion Service
Wisconsin Congregational Association Annual Meeting, 2014
The business meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m. by Moderator Bill Read. Rev. Randy
Kohls read the WCA Covenant and offered an opening prayer.
Roll Call of Churches (Pastor/Delegate) Inactive Churches noted in italics
Afton Community Church, Afton
Arena Congregational Church, Arena (P/D)
Bethlehem E & R, Lancaster (Attended, no delegate)
Big Spring Congregational Church, Wisconsin Dells
Community Congregational Church, Elkhorn
Community Congregational Church, Lone Rock
Community Congregational Church, Kewaunee (P/D)
Covenant Congregational Church, Dalton
Faith Community Church, Franklin (P/D)
First Congregational Church, Beloit
First Congregational Church, Gays Mills
First Congregational Church, Hayward
First Congregational Church, Mukwonago, (D)
First Congregational Church, Oshkosh
First Congregational Church, Rochester
First Congregational Community Church, Roscoe
First Congregational Church, Wauwatosa (D)
Fox River Congregational Church, Pewaukee (P/D)
Gridley Congregational Church, Beloit
Heritage Congregational Church, Madison (P/D)
Lake Country Congregational Church, Hartland
Lima Union Congregational Church, Platteville
North Shore Congregational Church, Fox Point (D)
Ozaukee Congregational Church, Grafton
Pilgrim Congregational Church, Green Bay (D)
Plymouth Congregational Church, Kenosha
Plymouth Congregational Church, Racine (D)
Rapid River Congregational Church, Rapid River, MI
St. Jacobi Congregational Church, Richfield
Shopiere Congregational Church, Beloit
Spring Green Congregational Church, Spring Green
Trinity Congregational Church, Adams
United Church of Beloit, (P/D)
The Roll call of Churches yielded a quorum.
Approval of 2013 Minutes
Crowder/Sommers
Crowder/Bacon Hammer
6
Reports of Committees
Moderator Read directed attendees to Annual Meeting Report Packet
Youth and Camp: Wes Mosman-Block read highlights
Credentials and Ministry Committee: Omitted in error. Please see page 5 of these minutes.
Minister’s Fellowship: Directed to p. 7 of Annual Meeting Report Packet
Report of the Treasurer: Andy Forsaith directed attendees to Annual Meeting Report Packet
Audit Report, p.22
Financial Report, p. 23
Presentation of Proposed 2014-2015 Budget, p.24. Budget approved (Forsaith/Merkel)
Amendment of support of $500 to Missions and $250 to Lay Ministry (Bacon
Hammer/Williams) Approved
Nominations: Rev. Stu Merkel directed attendees to p.26 (Sommers/Bacon Hammer) Approved
Nomination from the floor for open position on Credentials and Ministry:
Scott Nelson, Green Bay (Bodjanac/Crowder) Approved
Nominations from floor for Nominations Committee:
Louanne Crowder (Pilgrim, Green Bay), Dennis Reynolds (FCC, Franklin), Diane
Williams (FCC, Mukwonago) (C.Taylor/M.Taylor) Approved
WCA Lay Ministry Report: Attendees directed to pp. 19-20
Others who are interested in learning more about Bible are invited to join Cohort B, Year 2
Presentation of Lay Ministry Special Project Certificate to Polly Bodjanac
Association Website Maintenance: No report
Proposed Amendments to the Articles of Association, pp. 27 – 28. Rev. Rob Fredrickson
presented changes to
Youth and Camp, as related to roles of adult advisors. (Fredrickson/Schultz) Approved
2015 Annual Meeting will be hosted by Pilgrim CC, Green Bay, April 25
Designation of April 17, 2014 Offering to Wakefield Fund (Fredrickson/Block) Approved
$480.69 transfer from General Fund to Wakefield Fund Fredrickson/Bodjanac) Approved
Appreciation for their work was given to outgoing Board Members (Schultz/Mackenzie)
Approved
Announcement from Stan Dugas, Plymouth, Racine, that Glenn Lawson is retiring from
Plymouth, Racine
Meeting was adjourned, at 3:15 p.m., with prayer by Rev. McKenzie. (Schultz/M. Martin)
Approved.
Recognition of Ministry Committee
2013–2014 Report [Omitted from Meeting Packet]
7
The committee received one request during the year. Pilgrim Congregational Church in
Green Bay requested recognition for their minister, the Reverend Dr. Mark L. McAnlis,
who was ordained and installed on September 29, 2013. The continuing members of the
committee voted unanimously to approve the request, and the Rev. Dr. McAnlis is now a
recognized minister in the Wisconsin Congregational Association.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Randall L. Kohls, chairperson
Respectfully submitted by
Rev. Kathleen Sell, Secretary
Wisconsin Congregational Association
Wisconsin Congregational Association Executive Committee Meeting
by Conference Call
January 26, 2015
Present: Polly Bodjanac, Andy Forsaith, Kurt Hoefert, Randy Kohls, Bill Read, Kathy Sell
Absent/Excused: Hillary Bowser, Emily Campbell,
The conference call began at 7:05 p.m., with opening prayer by Polly.
Secretary’s Report: Kathy said that 2014 Annual Meeting minutes have been found, but are not
yet ready for publication.
Treasurer’s Report: Andy reported that checking account balance is about $16,000.00.
Contributions received from churches to date is $4000.00. Youth balance is $300.00. Camp
balance is $300.00. In response to query, 1st Friday programs cost $25.00 per evening.
Recognition of Ministry: Polly will write article for spring issue of Wisconsin Congregationalist,
about use and purpose of ministerial recognition.
Pulpit Exchange: Polly reported that four pulpit exchanges are planned for 2015.
Lay Ministry: Polly reported that Year 2 will begin February 25, 2015. Preparations for Year 3
are underway. No funds expected to be expended.
Youth and Camp: Emily Campbell via email:
The Youth and Camp committee met last August to review 2014 camp and begin planning 2015
camp. At that meeting, the committee appointed Revs. Cindy Bacon Hammer, Rob Fredrickson,
and July Smith as directors of 2015 camp, and Tonia Wallner of FCC Tosa as camp
administrator. This leadership team has been hard at work recruiting staff and planning program
for this summer’s camp, which will focus on the theme of “Mission: Possible.” A reminder,
camp is the week of July 12-18, at Mt. Morris. Camp registration and promotional materials
will be available and sent to all WCA churches the first weekend of February. We strongly
encourage all churches to begin promoting camp in weekly services and in youth services at that
time.
8
In the meantime, our special events coordinators Jeni Branum and Sara Penno (of OCC and
North Shore) have continued leading our successful statewide youth program “First Fridays.”
Participation has been strong, particularly among youth in the North Shore area, for the junior
and senior high age groups. Coming up February 6-7 is the annual 30 Hour Famine, hosted by
FCC Tosa and led by Rev. Rob Frederickson. This is an overnight event for WCA youth grades
4-12 statewide to raise money for world hunger and participate in local service projects, while
learning more about the impact of hunger through fasting. We encourage all WCA churches to
participate in fundraising and to send youth and adult leaders to the event. Contact
wca.youth@gmail.com with questions or to RSVP by February 1.
Following the 30 Hour Famine, the Youth and Camp committee will meet to finalize planning
for 2015 camp.
Ministers’ Association: Kathy reported that meetings have been held monthly since September,
2014. The WCAMA voted to give $250.00 to Pilgrim, Green Bay, for production of
informational literature and video about the Spiritual Renewal Program.
Nominations: Polly reported that Louanne Crowder, Dennis Reynolds, and Diane Williams are
seeking names for Moderator Elect, Secretary, Clergy at Large, Camp and Youth, and
Webmaster/maintenance.
WCA Website: The website has expired. A motion was made to authorize Kurt to check on
website status and to renew subscriptions. Bodjanac/Forsaith. Motion approved. During the
meeting, Kurt worked on renewing subscriptions for website and domain name. Site cost is
$216.00 for three years and domain name cost is $36.00 per year. Mailing address will be Faith
Community Church, Franklin. Please send any new information to Emily Campbell
[ecampbell0322@gmail.com]. Kurt sent email later that website was up.
New Business:
Potential Church Closing: First Church, Beloit, contacted Randy Kohls, Moderator, concerning
possible closure of Gridley, Beloit, which has four members, and lacks a pastor. The church’s
Clerk was referred to Casey van der Bent, Interim Executive Secretary, or to Barry Szymanski,
Board of Directors.
Spiritual Renewal: Polly reported that two churches have participated in Renewal Weekends,
(Green Bay, Faith CC,), with a third scheduled for Plymouth Kenosha, in March. A couple from
The River, Hudson, have volunteered as small group leaders.
2015 Annual Meeting: Polly reported that Pilgrim, Green Bay, is hosting the meeting, April 25,
2015. Request for topics which laypersons and clergy would find beneficial produced:
Churches and Technology; Ethics/Best Practices; Spiritual Renewal; Consecration Sunday
stewardship program; and Serveday, a program bringing churches together for mission projects.
Please note: Reports for 2015 Annual Meeting booklet are due to Kathy, by March 15, 2015
[grnfldmartha@aol.com]
Conference call ended at 8:00 p.m., with prayer by Kathy.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Sell, Secretary
9
Wisconsin Congregational Association Executive Committee Meeting March 9, 2015
by Conference Call
Present: Randy Kohls, Polly Bodjanac, Andy Forsaith, Emily Campbell
Absent: Kathy Sell, Kurt Hoefert, Hillary Bowser, Bill Read
No Quorum for this meeting – this will be an informational session only
Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM – opening prayer given by Polly.
Secretary’s Report – could not take action without quorum
Treasurer’s Report - approximately $16,700 is in checkbook. No donations have been received
in the past month. Andy paid a few expenses: 30 hour famine and phone bills. Andy will
reimburse Kurt for renewing website. Insurance premium for camp policy renews in May.
Emily will forward that bill to Andy.
Recognition of Ministry – Polly wrote an article for spring issue of WCA newsletter.
Lay Ministry Committee – Polly reported that the committee is working plans for Cohort B Year
3. Instructors are being lined up. Consideration is being given for beginning a three year Cohort
C program beginning in September of 2016. We can discuss this topic further at the business
meeting of the state convention in Green Bay. Is there interest for another group of students to
begin the studies? Is there interest and availability for instructors as well as volunteers to serve
on the Lay Ministry Planning Committee?
Youth and Camp Committee – Emily reported that the location of the April First Friday event
has been changed to FCC Tosa. To confirm, the April First Friday event is an overnight on April
17-18. It was moved due to Good Friday and Easter. The final First Friday event of this school
year is Friday May 29. A host church is needed for the May 29 event.
Camp registration
packets and promotional video have been out since early Feb. See website and social media sites
for details. All WCA churches received downloadable PDF’s with materials to give to members.
First deadline to register is May 1. Registration is available until July 1. Emily is working on
getting new songbooks made for camp. A donor from the Ozaukee Church has volunteered to
cover the costs of the songbooks. Camp fees were increased by $10 for two of the three
registration levels. Most campers do take advantage of the discount given for Early Bird
Registration. The Wakefield Fund currently has a balance of $1410. This Fund is used for camp
scholarships. Directors Rob Fredrickson, Cindy Bacon-Hammer and Julie Sheridan-Smith are
working on developing the program. Emily is hoping to attend the state convention in Green
Bay on April 25. If she cannot attend she will send a delegate in her place.
Nomination Committee – no report
Old Business
WCA website is up and running! Active member church page needs to be updated to add
Pilgrim of Green Bay. Emily will take care of it. Updates go to Emily at
ecampbell0322@gmail.com
Gridley Congregational Church in Beloit has good news! Check out the Beloit Daily News
website about the church. Jerry and Cindy Thomas have stepped in as pastors and are looking to
10
do a renewal. Pastor Mark from Green Bay is in touch with the Thomas’ to get a wish list of
needs of the church. Pastor Randy will invite them to the WCA Annual meeting in Green Bay.
2015 Annual Meeting – our morning agenda will look something like this:
Devotions – from Pastor Mark McAnlis 9:00-9:20
Camp Video – 4 minutes followed by Q&A
Churches and Technology – Stu and Joel from FCC Franklin 9:30 – 10:15
Break 10:15-10:30
Spiritual Renewal Weekend – Diane/Kathy/Polly/Larry 10:30-11:00
Serve Day – Pastor Mark and Erickson’s of Pilgrim Green Bay 11:00-11:30
Gridley Church – update from Jerry and Cindy Thomas 11:30-12:00
Lunch at 12:00 PM
Registration forms and agenda will be made available on the website. Registration forms go to
Andy. Cost is set at $15 per person.
New Business - None
Reminder: Reports for 2015 Annual Meeting booklets are due to Kathy by March 15, 2015.
(grnfldmartha@aol.com)
Conference call ended at 7:50 PM with a closing prayer from Randy.
Respectfully Submitted
Polly Bodjanac
MODERATOR'S REPORT
My year as your moderator has certainly flown by. Without any special funding requests to act
on, I felt it was sufficient for the Executive Committee to meet only twice by conference call.
An issue with the Gridley Congregational Church in Beloit came to my attention just before I left
for vacation, and God raised up a ministry couple to provide a solution for the problem by the
time I got back. The folks at Gridley are regularly in my prayers as they take a new step
forward. I was privileged to attend the vicinage council, ordination and installation for Rev.
Nicolas Campbell at Plymouth Congregational, Kenosha, along with the installation of Rev.
Steve Erkel at United Church, Beloit. I try to participate in such events at sister churches in my
capacity as pastor of Community Congregational, Kewaunee, but it was a special honor to
represent all of you on those occasions. Thanks to Kurt Hoefert and Emily Campbell, our
website has been renewed for three years and updated. You will see for yourselves the success
of the summer camp program in the video they have prepared. The Ministers Fellowship met
regularly, and has considered the possibility of cooperative local missions projects that would
help strengthen the bond between our churches. Because we didn't have requests from churches
this year to help with funding for short-term mission trips, we didn't spend all of the missions
money in the budget. That was my call. The executive committee could have found any number
of worthy missions to support, but I felt it would be best to allow all of you to have a voice at the
annual meeting. At the end of this meeting I will be passing the gavel (or would be, if we had a
gavel) to Polly Bodjanac from Pilgrim Congregational Church, Green Bay. I believe that God
will use her leadership to bring blessings to the churches of our association.
11
RECOGNITION OF MINISTRY COMMITTEE REPORT
This committee of the WCA is active and available to assist churches of the WCA. We are
tasked with: 1) to encourage fellowship between ministers of the Association, 2) to receive into
its care any person who desires to enter the full time Christian ministry and 3) supervising
ministerial standing which can be granted to any minister who is a member of a WCA member
church. Let’s look at each of these areas.
Pulpit Exchange
We currently have 8 ministers who have agreed to share in a pulpit exchange this year. Pastor
Mark McAnlis (Pilgrim Congregational Green Bay) and Pastor Tony Rambo (The River
Community Church Hudson) did a pulpit exchange on Jan 18, 2015. Here are thoughts from
each of them:
As I reflect on last month’s pulpit exchange with Pilgrim Congregational Green Bay I am filled
with gratitude for their excitement toward the Gospel and joy of fellowship. To be in fellowship
with a church with such history and hope for the future is a true blessing to us at The River.
Thank you Pilgrim for the hospitality. Blessings to you as you Declare His Glory for years to
come! Pastor Tony Rambo
I want to thank the River Community Church for being such wonderful hosts to Janet and
I. Three blessings stand out. First, to witness an excitement about their new home - the
Cage. The facility so fits a young, vibrant, full of life, congregation. Second, they is room to
grow - in fact from what I saw you are going to have to extend the sanctuary deeper into the
batting area - the space now used was full! Praise God! And third, the leaders and
congregation revealed a passion for Christ that is contagious. Janet and I were so
encouraged. Know that we, and all at Pilgrim, hold you in prayer and give thanks to our loving
Father for you. Pastor Mark & Janet McAnlis
If you would like to be part of a pulpit exchange, please contact me for guidance.
In Care Status
This committee has not been notified of any person to be in our “In Care” status for the 20142015 term. If there are any prospective candidates who desire to become an ordained minister,
please contact your pastor for direction.
Ministerial Standing
This committee has not been notified of any ministers granting “standing” in the WCA during
this current 2014-2015 term. Standing within the Association may be granted to ministers,
interim ministers, chaplains and students “In Care” of the Association.
The Recognition of Ministry committee has many roles, however, its overall purpose is to
encourage the Christian character and professional fitness of all its members. We seek to
strengthen the hands and promote usefulness of members as well as the vitality of the local
church. On all occasions we strive to uphold the reputation of the Christian ministry. If you
have any questions about the tasks of the committee, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Blessings
Polly Bodjanac - Moderator Elect - pollybodjanac@gmail.com
12
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE YOUTH AND CAMP COMMITTEE
Many thanks to each of the members of the Youth and Camp Committee for their commitment to
making WCA youth events successful, fun, safe and God centered events. Over the past year,
committee members included:
Chair:
Clergy Member at large:
Lay Member at large:
Sr. High Camp Director:
Jr. High Camp Director:
Mini Camp Director:
Camp Administrator:
Speical Event Coordinators:
Junior High Rep
Senior High Rep
Emily Campbell
Rob Fredrickson
Leah Sawnor
Emily Block (2014), Cindy Bacon Hammer (2015)
Tonia Wallner (2014), Rob Fredrickson (2015)
Julie Smith (2014, 2015)
Katie Radtke (2014), Tonia Wallner (2015)
Jeni Branum and Sara Penno
Adam Penno
Hailey Sgarlata
The Youth and Camp Committee (YCC) strives to provide valuable programs for youth
attending the churches that comprise the Wisconsin Congregational Association. The annual
WCA summer camp is the largest program that the YCC provides. Monthly First Fridays
fellowship events for junior and senior high youth continued during the 2014-2015 school year.
In addition, the YCC once again organized the 30 Hour Famine overnight event in February.
2014 WCA Summer Camp
Those who attended camp this past summer either as a camper, counselor, or volunteer
experienced a week centered on God, growing faith and experiencing true fellowship and fun.
The theme for camp in 2014 was “Anchor Your Faith” and focused on a sailing metaphor to
convey how God, Christ, prayer, scripture and fellowship can help youth anchor themselves in
Christian faith. Individual age levels each took a different spin on this theme for their respective
programs and utilized various methods for teaching, learning, and discussion. All age levels
came together in song for worship in the morning and evening. Sports, pool games, ropes course
activities, crafts, games, and discussion filled the days. Campfires, songs, and storytelling capped
each fun-filled day.
The following planning adjustments resulted in an especially successful and issue-free week:
 Implementation of a camp-wide approach for staff recruitment in place of an age-group
specific approach. This allowed volunteers to be placed in roles that best matched their
skills.
 Portions of counselor training were conducted prior to the week of camp via use of a
training manual and subsequent quiz, allowing for a more strategic use of time during the
one day volunteers spend training prior to campers arriving.
The main areas for improvement / challenges identified by the YCC are:
 Registration. Attendance is still suffering. 63 campers attended in 2014 -- slightly up
from 2013, but significantly down compared to 79 campers in 2012. Due to low
attendance, camp ran a small deficit in 2014.
13
The Mini Kamp (MK) program is of particular concern; in 2014, only 3 campers of MK
age were registered. This was not enough to constitute the separate program that was
planned, so MK was combined with the Junior High program and cabins. While this
move went smoothly for the week, it led the committee to critically evaluate the future of
the MK program. The YCC voted to continue with a weeklong MK program (grades 3-5)
for at least one more year after receiving promising interest for 2015. We will re-evaluate
the future of MK following 2015 camp.
In addition, the YCC voted to introduce a “New Camper Incentive” to help attract new
youth to camp. The incentive provides a $50 discount on registration fees to the family of
any current camper who recruits a first-time camper.

WCA participation. In recent years, youth participation at WCA camp and other YCC
events has come largely from only three WCA churches: Ozaukee Congregational, First
Church Tosa and North Shore Congregational. Youth from these congregations comprise
over 90 percent of YCC event participants, despite invitations and promotion to ALL
churches in the WCA. This is disappointing.
The committee recognizes a contributing factor is that some WCA youth programs are
dissolving as, overall, churches struggle to retain and attract young families. We welcome
the opportunity to work together with those congregations to brainstorm tactics to attract
young families (and kids!) back to the church. But for the WCA congregations that still
have active youth programs, it is the continued mission of the committee to involve them
in YCC events and camp. We welcome all suggestions and feedback from leadership at
those churches for how best to bridge the gap.
Meanwhile, the committee has placed an increased focus on camp promotion for 2015. In
addition to implementing the first-time camper incentive, we produced a 2015 camp
video to showcase what a week at camp is like for WCA youth and families who have not
been involved. We will evaluate the success of these initiatives following camp.
First Fridays
The YCC’s monthly youth fellowship program continued in 2014-2015 following a very
successful first year. Youth continue to gather for a few hours on the first Friday night of each
month during the school year at a rotating location. The following churches hosted an event at
least once in 2014-2015:
North Shore Congregational
Fox River Congregational
Heritage Congregational
Ozaukee Congregational
First Congregational, Wauwatosa
The February event was an overnight 30 Hour Famine program for all ages, focused on fasting
and service projects to learn more about and contribute to local and global hunger relief. An
additional overnight event was planned for April at the request of the youth. These events remain
at no cost to youth and families, and continue to be self-sufficient through donations. Youth
continue to be happy with the programing and the opportunity for more fellowship with WCA
friends throughout the year.
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Attendance at First Friday programs has been strong, hovering around 30 youth per event. Like
camp, however, core participation comes from the same three churches: North Shore, OCC and
FCC. The committee would love to see more WCA churches and youth involved in these
uplifting events and give us the opportunity to broaden the reach of our programs. We extend the
invitation to all WCA churches to host an event in the 2015-2016 school year.
The WCA youth programs could not be possible without the members of the Youth and Camp
Committee, the assistance of WCA member churches, and many other volunteers. Thank you to
those whose support provided many youth the opportunity to connect with God throughout this
past year.
Respectfully submitted by:
Emily Campbell
LAY MINISTRY AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM REPORT
Year 2 of Cohort B of the Lay Ministry & Leadership Training Program has nearly completed
their 10 month schedule on Biblical Foundations. The class engaged in a year long Bible
exploration, looking systematically through each book of the Bible as well as Biblical history
and concepts of covenant. Students met monthly in Face to Face meetings, hosted at both Fox
River Congregational Church in Pewaukee and Lake Country Church in Hartland. Instructors
included Rev Barry W Szymanski, J.D., Rev Randall Kohls, Rev Cindy Bacon Hammer, Rev Dr
Patrick D Shelley, Rev Julie Sheridan-Smith, Rev Dr Stu Merkel, Rev Dr Mark McAnlis and
Rev Kevin Clark. There are currently 6 students participating in the program.
Year 3 of Cohort B will begin in September, 2015. The curriculum schedule for Year 3 is
complete and contains a variety of topics and teachers for the final year of teaching on Ministry
Applications. Topics will include Pastoral Ethics, Evangelism, Discipleship, Teaching,
Preaching, Worship, Missions, Pastoral Care, Church Administration, Pastoral Self Care and Bivocational Ministry. Year 3 will be available to returning students only.
Year 1 of Cohort C will begin in September, 2016. General information about the Lay Ministry
3 year program is currently available on the WCA website, and specifics about the Cohort C
program will be updated on the WCA website in Spring 2016. We are always interested in
topics to be taught in this program, pastors to teach these classes and students to participate. If
you have interest or questions please contact any of the committee members listed below.
Committee members:
pollybodjanac@gmail.com – Polly Bodjanac
cabaconhammer@gmail.com – Rev Cindy Bacon Hammer
dianefae1@gmail.com – Diane Williams
juliesmith@northshorecongl.org – Rev Julie Sheridan-Smith
15
16
Wisconsin Congregational Association
Fiscal Year 14-15 Actuals and Proposed 15-16 Budget
Budget
14-15
Actuals
14-15
Proposed
Budget
15-16
Income
Contributions
$
Annual Meeting
$
PF Camp Fee
$
Senior and Junior High PF Rally Fees
$
Contributions to Wakefield Fund $
Total
$
3,000
300
20,000
500
23,800
$ 3,735.00
$
585.00
$ 21,095.00
$
$
320.00
$ 25,735.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,000
600
21,000
500
25,100
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(300)
(100)
(100)
(20,000)
(500)
(500)
(300)
(2,000)
(23,800)
$
(693.04)
$
(290.22)
$
(216.46)
$ (22,955.96)
$
$
(54.88)
$
(79.24)
$
(500.00)
$
(320.00)
$ (24,789.80)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(600)
(200)
(300)
(21,000)
(300)
(500)
(200)
(1,500)
(500)
(25,100)
$
-
$
$
-
Expense
Annual Meeting
Publicity/Office Supplies
Conference Call Costs
PF Camp Expense
Lay Ministry Program
Youth Rally
Thirty Hour Famine
Mission Projects
Transfer to Wakefield Fund
Total Expense
Net Gain or (Loss)
Account Balance
4/26/2014
945.20
3/31/2015
Wakefield Fund
Camp Fund
Youth/PF
General Fund
$ 2,009.73
$
795.93
$
321.39
$ 12,329.67
$ 1,410.42
$
334.97
$
266.51
$ 14,390.02
Balance
$ 15,456.72
$ 16,401.92
17
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WCA OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
2015–2016
Moderator
Polly Bodjanac
Pilgrim Congregational Church
991 Pilgrim Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
920-655-3597
pollybodjanac@gmail.com
Moderator-elect
Stu Merkel
Faith Community Church
7700 W. Faith Drive
Franklin, WI 53132
414-433-0222
stumerkel@gmail.com
Past Moderator
Randy Kohls
Community Congregational Church
502 Center Street
Kewaunee, WI 54216
920-265-9445
revkohls@sbcglobal.net
Secretary
Rae Ellen Preuss
First Congregational Church
231 Roberts Drive
Mukwonago, WI 53149
262-594-2740
Treasurer
Andy Forsaith
Heritage Congregational Church
3102 Prairie Rd.
Madison, WI 53719
608-274-0833
andyfors@chorus.net
Clergy Ambassador at Large
Lay Ambassador at Large
Kurt Hoefert
Faith Community Church
7700 W. Faith Drive
Franklin, WI 53132
414-333-2968
kjhoefert@wi.rr.com
Youth and Camp Committee Chair
Emily Campbell
Ozaukee Congregational Church
262-339-8986
ecampbell0322@gmail.com
Ministers Fellowship President
Michael Robertson
emmykrobertson@gmail.com
19