Smalls Groups Summer 2016

Summer Small GroupsThere are plenty of ways to get connected this summer at Onalaska UMC! Check out our Adult Groups page which has up-to-date info for all summer groups.

Whether you want to explore a galaxy long ago and far away with the “Theology of Star Wars” group, or study early church history, or explore your spiritual gifts, we’ve got options for you. There’s even a group for those who would like to gather for walking, running or biking on Saturday mornings with a brief devotional.

If you are thinking about joining Onalaska UMC, or curious about the history, theology, and mission commitment of our church, you should join Pastor Park’s “Foundations” class. This fascinating and interactive group will explore what it means to be United Methodist and a member of this congregation. “Foundations” is required for all who want to join OUMC, but is open to all.

General Conference 2016

Therefore Go: UMC General Conference 2016MAY 10-20 – PORTLAND, OREGON

What is General Conference?

This is the once-every-four-years gathering of United Methodists from around the world to worship and celebrate together, and to discern and vote on issues facing the global church. The conference consists of 864 delegates, half laity and half clergy. Wisconsin has six delegates. Bishops preside but do not vote. The decisions of General Conference are published in The Book of Discipline, and are binding for the next four years.

What is worship like at General Conference?

The United Methodist Church is represented by people from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa speaking many languages. Eleven worship services, and nine opportunities to share communion, celebrate our diversity and our unity.

What are we celebrating at General Conference?

This year will mark the completion of the Imagine No Malaria campaign to raise money and eliminate malaria as a major killer in the world. This is the 60th anniversary of the ordination of women clergy in our main tradition, and the 200th anniversary of the passing of Bishop Francis Asbury, the amazing bishop who kick-started the Methodist movement in America. We will also remember with grief and repentance the Sand Creek Massacre of Native Americans in 1864, which was led by a Methodist pastor-turned-army officer.

What are some of the issues being discussed at General Conference?

At the 2016 General Conference legislation will be presented and debated on human sexuality, the budget of the general church for 2017-2020, a more global church structure, the ordination process for our pastors, formation of a hymnal revision committee, and more.

Where can I learn more about General Conference?

http://GC2016.UMC.org contains many articles, videos, links, and resources. Once General Conference begins, all events will be live-streamed at this site.

How can I support General Conference?

Circuit NC10 (La Crosse area) United Methodist Churches are joining in a prayer vigil. Sign up at your church, or online at http://tinyurl.com/NC10prayer

Download the Upper Room resource, 60 Days of Prayer for General Conference, or sign up for email or text prayers: http://60daysofprayer.org/prayer-ministry/