Category: Admin

Meet Pastor Mike!

10/20/2017

During 10 am worship this Sunday, October 22
we will be welcoming our Interim Pastor, Michael Bausch.
All are invited to stick around after worship for a little "get to know you" time.
Coffee will be brewing and treats will be served! Continue reading to learn more about Pastor Mike.

Introducing Our Interim Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Michael Bausch is a Wisconsin native with many years of experience serving UCC congregations in California, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Most recently he served as the interim pastor for two UCC churches at Slinger and Hartford, Wisconsin.

He resides in Beaver Dam with his wife, the Rev. Catherine Ann Carlson, a retired UCC minister, and they have two daughters, Anica, of Madison, and Brianna, living in Waupun with her husband Aaron, and their two children.

Michael is a graduate of Carroll University in Wisconsin, the Pacific School of Religion in California, and the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

Among the books he has published are Everflowing Streams: Songs for Worship (1981), Silver Screen, Sacred Story: Using Multimedia in Worship (2002), Feeding Imaginations: Worship That Engages (2015) and Drawn In: Encounters With Art (2017). A CD of his original songs, You Can't Stop The Music, will be released next month.

While serving churches, Michael was also part-time adjunct faculty at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. and a lecturer teaching introductory courses in Old and New Testament at UW-Platteville.

In worship and teaching, he loves bringing together the Bible, music, art, and film. He enjoys being around church people of all ages, and every now and then you might hear him whistle a tune as he walks through the church building. You may call him by his first name, Michael or Mike, and if you wish to add Pastor or Reverend, he'll say that's all up to you.
For fun, he plays tennis and pickle ball, and plays acoustic guitar as well as harmonica in several musical groups.

McFarland UCC Says Farewell to Pastor Kerri

10/9/2017

We will host a special worship service this Sunday, October 15 at 10 am to mark Pastor Kerri Parker's last day as our pastor and celebrate our shared ministry. Community members are invited to attend. A light meal will follow the service.

“It has been my great joy to worship and serve with these people,” said Rev. Parker. “This is a congregation full of love - for the community that surrounds it, for the people in it, for the people who come through the door. ‘A church with heart’ isn’t just a tag line here. It’s a real thing, the heart of the Gospel. I’m so proud of what we’ve done together and I have no doubt that extravagant love will continue on.”

Rev. Parker has been serving as the congregation’s pastor for seven years. She joined the congregation in a transitional role for revitalization work in November 2010 and was called as the congregation’s settled pastor in January 2013. New ministries at the church during this time period have includedMessy Church a cross-generational event with Biblical storytelling, hands-on activities, meal and simple worship offered on the second Sunday of the month Sept-April; God on Broadway, a popular summertime worship series; and community collaborations which resulted in the successful McFarland Community Garden.

The church’s interim pastor, the Rev. Michael Bausch, will begin on October 16 and will lead worship for the first time with the congregation on Sunday October 22nd. Rev. Parker will begin her new call as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, located in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, on October 30th.

McFarland UCC is located at 5710 Anthony Street in McFarland. The church is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. For more information and upcoming events, visit the church’s website at mcfarlanducc.org

A letter from Pastor Kerri

7/16/2017

Beloveds,

It is with a full heart that I write to share the news that I will be leaving McFarland UCC this fall to serve as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. I have said to you for some time that I had no plan or intention of leaving unless God's Holy Spirit called me elsewhere. It seems - as we sing in our doxology - 'the Spirit has been moving in my heart,' preparing me for this new ministry.

When I leave, I will continue and broaden the work I have undertaken among you here in McFarland. The common ministry of the Wisconsin Council of Churches focuses on church unity, peacemaking, social and economic justice for Wisconsin's most vulnerable residents, and revitalizing congregations.

I want you to know that serving as your pastor these past seven years has been one of the greatest joys of my life. You have shaped me into the pastor that I am. You opened your hearts, listened to my stories and shared yours with me. There has been laughter, fingerpaint, confetti (ok, lots of confetti), general messiness, and grace for all the times of cleaning up. You allowed me, in so many holy moments, to remind you that you are a beloved child of God.

The months ahead will have time for grief at leavetaking - space for holy tears if you need them - and time for celebrating what we have accomplished in ministry together. I am ready to receive whatever it is you need to express. Know that we will still be pastor and congregation together through October 15th. There will be opportunities to break bread (and run to the communion table), tell stories, sing and make noise, and bless one another. Our building project continues, as does our giving challenge! There are babies being born, new families to welcome into the faith community, and things to learn about our faith every day.

After I leave, the congregation's leadership and representatives from the wider church will guide you through conversations about what's next. I believe, with all my heart, the future of McFarland UCC can be as vibrant as our years together have been. You have all the wisdom and heart of each other, and God's Spirit to lean on.

Christ stands with us at every crossroads. My great hope for these final months together is that we can keep showing up for one another,passionate about our shared ministry, being the real, messy people that we are.

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Kerri

Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8

June Newsletter

6/1/2017

Our June Newsletter was recently emailed. Click here to read. We send our newsletters out using Constant Contact. If you'd like to subscribe, click here.

Because ministry ideas are always popping up, and good news is shared throughout the week, we make our most frequent updates on social media. We invite you to follow us on Facebook for the most timely news about church events.

If you're an active part of our ministry circles, you may be interested in our Facebook 'Mission and Service' group, which is a space for recruiting ministry teams, sharing prayer requests and urgent needs. Contact the church office for help getting connected: office@mcfarlanducc.org or 608.838.9322.

Welcome Courtney!

3/23/2017

Families coming to worship with their little ones can expect a new face in the nursery. McFarland UCC welcomes Courtney O'Brien as our new nursery attendant. Courtney is state certified in daycare and just recently moved to McFarland from Oregon where she worked full time in child care.

"I am so excited to have this job opportunity at MUCC and am looking forward to being a part of the church. Ever since I was little I knew teaching and caring for young children was where my heart was. Having been in McFarland just two weeks, I love the community already. It’s been such a refreshing place to relocate. The people are amazing, there is a small town feel, and I’m closer to my parents, brothers and sweet nephew, Tegan O’Brien who plays hockey for McFarland. My family, friends, two dogs (Bentley and Cooper) and my daycare business are my pride and joy! I can't wait to start meeting everyone that's a part of this amazing Church."

Courtney will be celebrating her 33rd birthday this June and is especially thankful for life and family because at age 31 she was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma cancer. After four surgeries, 32 radiation treatments and four months of chemotherapy Cortney has been cancer free since July 26th 2016.

“[that was] one of the happiest days for the O’Brien family! My battle against cancer was by far the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do. But, cancer taught me a lot about life.

It brought me closer to God.
It's allowed me to live, laugh and love even more than before.
It's taught me the importance of family and friendships.
It's taught me to believe in my doctors and trust God with everything.
It's taught me to love the new me, even with the scars and bald head.
It's truly humbled me and made me a better person.

Courtney also enjoys running, being outdoors, nature, cooking, laughing, exercise, traveling, beaches, and so much more. Swing by the nursery (even if you're not dropping off a kiddo) and get to know this wonderful new addition to the MUCC staff family.

March Newsletter

2/28/2017

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Our March Newsletter was recently emailed. Click here to read.
We send our newsletters out using Constant Contact.
If you'd like to subscribe, click here.

Because ministry ideas are always popping up, and good news is shared throughout the week, we make our most frequent updates on social media. We invite you to follow us on Facebook for the most timely news about church events.

If you're an active part of our ministry circles, you may be interested in our Facebook 'Mission and Service' group, which is a space for recruiting ministry teams, sharing prayer requests and urgent needs. Contact the church office for help getting connected.

Now Hiring! Sunday Morning Nursery Caregiver Wanted, Birth to 5

1/30/2017

Our church nursery is a ministry of hospitality. Nursery caregivers - both volunteer and paid - watch over children ages birth to five when their family makes the choice for them to be in the nursery during worship.*

Regular hours are 9:30-11:30 Sunday mornings. The Nursery Caregiver may have the opportunity to work other church events, i.e. Christmas Eve, funerals or special services. Interested candidates should email office@mcfarlanducc.org with credentials, including degree/coursework, prior positions, certifications and references. Send in materials by February 15; applications will be considered until the position is filled.

We pay generously - up to $50 per service - according to qualifications. Please continue reading below for more details.

Listening & Witnessing: A Daily Journal of the Women's March in Washington DC

1/24/2017

On Sunday, January 15 in worship we blessed individuals going to Washington DC over inauguration weekend to witness to our Gospel values, where they joined others holding forth a vision of a more just and generous world for all people. Below is the online journal of several MUCC members who participated in the Listening & Witnessing trip: Kristin Gorton, Joan Jacobsen, and Maddie Loss.

Want to see more pictures and stories? Visit facebook.com/mcfarlanducc.

And if you're curious about the ministry trip as a whole, CLICK HERE to learn more
from the United Church of Christ.

Day #1

The bus is packed and ready for the trip to D.C. with the Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ.

#tellthestory #bethechurch

Day #2

MORNING: We arrived in the Washington DC area just after midnight yesterday. Today dawns with a quiet morning of reflection and prayer. This afternoon our sisters and brothers at Emmaus UCC will be hosting us for a day of sacred conversations around issues of interfaith and inter-race engagement. An inter-religious worship service...and...of course...a community meal, will end the day.

You are invited with us in this digital sacred place to experience God's transformative love. Blessings this day, and in the months and years ahead. You are a beloved child of God.

This morning's moment of faith included a scavenger hunt for copies of We the People posters.

MID-DAY: An afternoon in community. Reflecting on the faith tools we carry as followers of Jesus... tools that can transform. Food. Community. Christ.

#loveoverfear
#Godisstillspeaking

We have spent the day talking and listening and learning. The day ends with a shared worship with 6 different faith communities. Praying for Peace and Understanding.

EVENING: Tonight we gathered for an interreligious worship service for understanding and peace. Faith Leaders from Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Muslim, Quaker, Baha'i, and Christian. Below are quotes and images from the service.

"I intend to (have peace) in my heart tomorrow." - Babs Williams, Quaker

"When we reach out to each other we learn that we have so much from each other..."
-SS Mata Mandir Kaur Khalsa

"I think we need to be planting compassion... peace..." -Rev Valerie Hayes

"I envision all people coming together in unity...Tonight, all of us said 'yes' for understanding...for peace..." - Rev. Russell Heiland

Day #3

Good Morning! Ready to MARCH in mind, body, of spirit? Come along with us digitally as we walk in the Women's March in Washington, DC. Folks will also be marching in Madison with a contingency of people from McFarland UCC. Carpool available 9:45am at the MUCC parking lot. Join us- all are welcome!

A beautiful journey in unity burst forth during the Women's March on Washington today.
Multiple moments of compassion and care were observed in the massive crowds.

"And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Day #4

A photograph from the road. Members and friends from UCC congregations from around the state (including 3 from the McFarland UCC). On our way home from the Women's March on Washington! We took time this morning to reflect on the global solidarity and radical hospitality we experienced on the trip.

Visit facebook.com/mcfarlanducc to see more!

Now Hiring: Nursery Attendant

10/17/2016

Our church nursery is a ministry of hospitality. Nursery caregivers - both volunteer and paid - watch over children ages birth to five when their family makes the choice for them to be in the nursery during worship.*

Regular hours are 9:30-11:30 Sunday mornings. The Nursery Caregiver may have the opportunity to work other church events, i.e. Christmas Eve, funerals or special services. Interested candidates should email pastor@mcfarlanducc.org with credentials, including references.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Summary Job description / Qualifications
McFarland UCC’s Nursery Attendant is the primary caregiver in the church nursery, working with a rotation of volunteers.The Nursery Attendant is hired by the Servant Leadership Team (SaLT) and works under the immediate supervision of the Pastor. This is a 2 hour per week position.

The Nursery Attendant should have a basic understanding of child development and experience caring for children ages birth to 5, and Infant/Child CPR training. They should have a willingness to work within the unique aspects of church life. Digital literacy is desirable, as some coordination takes place using email and social media. Strong commitment to hospitality, experience working with volunteers, and solid organizational skills are also required. A background check is required.

McFarland United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. The person hired for this role should be able to work productively within an environment where the following statement is a core value: “McFarland UCC is Open and Affirming to people of all ages, races, physical and mental abilities, economic positions, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities. We celebrate and share God’s unconditional love by offering the opportunity for membership, fellowship and leadership to everyone.”

*People of all ages are welcome in worship at McFarland UCC; we leave it to each family's discretion to choose what is right for them. Sometimes that changes from week to week, or even during the course of a worship service. Nursery care is one of several options available, as well as our popular activity table, resource bookshelf, worship bags, rocking chairs, soft seating, or sitting at tables in fellowship hall.

Now Hiring: Nursery Attendant

1/25/2016

McFarland UCC’s Nursery Attendant is the primary caregiver in the church nursery, working with a rotation of volunteers.The Nursery Attendant is hired by the Servant Leadership Team (SaLT) and works under the immediate supervision of the Pastor. This is a 2 hour per week position.

The Nursery Attendant should have a basic understanding of child development and experience caring for children ages birth to 5, and Infant/Child CPR training. They should have a willingness to work within the unique aspects of church life. Digital literacy is desirable, as some coordination takes place using email and social media. Strong commitment to hospitality, experience working with volunteers, and solid organizational skills are also required. A background check is required.

McFarland United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. The person hired for this role should be able to work productively within an environment where the following statement is a core value: “McFarland UCC is Open and Affirming to people of all ages, races, physical and mental abilities, economic positions, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities. We celebrate and share God’s unconditional love by offering the opportunity for membership, fellowship and leadership to everyone.”

Regular hours are 9:30-11:30 Sunday mornings. The Nursery Caregiver may have the opportunity to work other church events, i.e. Christmas Eve, funerals or special services. Interested candidates should email pastor@mcfarlanducc.org with credentials, including references.

<<Previous

Meet Pastor Mike!

Introducing Our Interim Pastor

McFarland UCC Says Farewell to Pastor Kerri

A letter from Pastor Kerri

June Newsletter

Welcome Courtney!

March Newsletter

Now Hiring! Sunday Morning Nursery Caregiver Wanted, Birth to 5

Listening & Witnessing: A Daily Journal of the Women's March in Washington DC

Day #1

Day #2

Day #3

Day #4

Now Hiring: Nursery Attendant

Now Hiring: Nursery Attendant

Archives

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Find us on social media

How to Find Us (in person)

​Introducing Our Interim Pastor

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Day #3

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Archives

Categories

Find us on social media

How to Find Us (in person)

Introducing Our Interim Pastor