Archive for category: nature, mission

Living in a democracy is a precious gift, and as Christians we understand ourselves to be stewards of the gifts God has given us. With the right to participate in the political process comes the responsibility to exercise that gift on behalf of the common good.

Helpful Information for the 2016 Elections

• Go to the Wisconsin Voter Information site at https://myvote.wi.gov, select your “Voter Category” and enter your name and birthdate to check your registration status, find your polling place and municipal clerk contact information, see a sample ballot, and find additional voting information. You can also find out how to register to vote or re-register if your address has changed. To register to vote, you will need to bring a photo ID as well as some proof of your residence.  You can also register at the polls.
• Photo identification is now required when you go to the polls to vote. To find out what forms of photo ID are allowed, how to obtain a free photo ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles if you don’t have one, exceptions to the requirement, etc., call your local elections official or visit the Bring It to the Ballot website, bringit.wi.gov
• Early Voting has started – and will continue to Friday, November 4^th. In Sheboygan, you can vote Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall (828 Center Ave.).  If you live in another municipality, check with your municipal clerk for location and hours.
• Absentee voting – go to http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/voters/absentee for deadlines and other information needed if you need to vote absentee.

Made available by Wisconsin Council of Churches

Wisconsin Council of Churches website-www.wichurches.org/resources/voter-resource

Nathan Athorp was ordained as Pastor of Outdoor Ministries in April during a service held at Pilgrim Center of the United Church of Christ on Green Lake, Wisconsin.  Pilgrim Center’s outdoor ministry provides a unique and sacred setting in which participants of all ages can explore God in their lives.  The facility provides year-round camping, retreats, and meeting space. Nathan explained, “As the camp chaplain, I have the privilege of having sacred conversations with (those experiencing our outdoor ministry), accompanying them along their unique spiritual journey.  It is both exciting and challenging to explore new methods of ministry within the camp setting.”

We are filled with HOPE that God’s promises, made long ago, will continue to come true in our experience of the world.  The colors of our Advent candles, going from purple to dark blue, light blue, and rose, represent the sky at dawn and the hope of a new day.  The flickering flame of the candle reminds us that our hope is lived out in prayer and action as we journey toward Christmas … together – knowing that God journeys with us.

from Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy

photo by Ruth Harker

Luke 12:4-7

“Let not your heart be troubled,” Christ’s tender word I hear,

And resting on God’s goodness, I lose my doubts and fears….

God’s eye is on the sparrow, and I know God watches me.

 ( Words by Civillia Martin)             (Photo by Ruth Harker)