church

By Will Briggs – Madison CapTimes – One of Madison’s oldest churches is set to celebrate its 175th anniversary this weekend. As it does, the congregation is tracing its own history alongside the growth and social changes in the state’s capital city across nearly two centuries. Founded in 1851, Christ Presbyterian Church, on the northern side of the isthmus, will see hundreds of members gather for a meal Saturday and anniversary services Sunday morning at 9 and 11 a.m at 944 E Gorham St. Read more of this story.

By Will Briggs – Madison CapTimes – A west side church plans to add more workforce housing to Madison as the congregation plots a new course for its own future. Dale Heights Presbyterian Church is proposing to demolish its existing sanctuary along University Avenue and construct around 110 rent-restricted apartments across three new buildings. The revamp of Dale Heights’ grounds would take place in two stages. Read more of this story.

By John Gittings, Portage Daily Register – Back in 1851, two churches between Wisconsin Dells and Portage united as one congregation. On Sept. 27, they’ll celebrate a relationship that has lasted 175 years and has no signs of faltering. Newport Evangelical Lutheran Church is located in Newport, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is a 10-minute drive down the road in Lewiston. “Our purpose is to keep spreading the word, the truth of God’s Word, from 1851 to 2026,” said Pastor Bill Grimm, who has served the congregation since 2003. Read more of this story.

The Perry Quilters of Perry Lutheran Church in  Daleyville (SW Dane County) have completed an incredible 121 quilts this year! Throughout the month of August, these beautiful creations are decorating the church sanctuary. The quilts will be distributed both locally and through Lutheran World Relief. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to this dedicated group for the countless hours, care, and love stitched into every quilt. One stitch at a time, they are wrapping the world in love. Small group, big hearts, and 121 reasons to be amazed! Not just impressive, but ‘sew’ extraordinary!” More quilt photos here.

ARGYLE, Wis (WKOW) — Many gathered at Grove Lutheran Church Sunday for an outdoor worship service to celebrate the rebuilding of its church after nearly two years of planning. Pastor Dan Bowman said the congregation voted to rebuild after the church was destroyed, preserving a presence that has served the community for 127 years. Read more of this story.

Apologetics is a part of theology that defends religious doctrines, not apologizing for them as one might think. But Scott Bessenecker’s new book is an apology. And also a defense of the Christian church. The book is called Bad Religion Good News, An Honest Guide for the Spiritually Disappointed (Herald Press). Bessenecker is a 40-year Madison resident and employee of Madison-based InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where he currently serves as director of global engagement and justice. “The book is me working through my repulsion, my complicity in the sins of the church,” he told a group of about 50 who gathered…

By Nicole Pollack – Wisconsin State Journal – At Madison’s largest Black church, finding space for all the programming requires some finesse. In one room with rows of narrow tables and a fireplace mantel covered in artwork, the weekly rotation includes tutoring for elementary-aged kids, computer help for older adults, painting and yoga classes and a drop-in behavioral health clinic. Mount Zion Baptist Church has about 600 members, said the Rev. Marcus Allen, Mount Zion’s senior pastor. Most of those served by its community programs are not members of the church, he said, and in 2021 the church spun off…

Awkward times at Brat Fest. Someone drops their brat in the dirt. Just keep walking. A young couple has a loud argument. Just keep walking. Somebody’s child loses it. Just keep walking. Heartland church pastor Jon McNary said that Jesus told a story about such an awkward event when he was asked how to get to heaven. Once again, McNary’s Sun Prairie church hosted the Sunday morning community worship service at Brat Fest, Madison’s annual Memorial Day weekend celebration at Alliant Energy Center’s Willow Island. Only this year they shared hosting with Madison’s Lighthouse Church. It was a bilingual service,…

By Robert Chappell – Madison 365 – Mt. Zion Baptist Church began in 1911 above a harness shop on East Washington Avenue, organized as a mission by a handful of pastors from Chicago and Milwaukee. The rent was $10 a month. A minister traveled from Chicago to preach on Sundays for $10 plus room and board. Next month, the South Madison congregation, now the second-oldest and largest predominantly Black church in Madison, will celebrate 115 years with a month of themed Sunday worship services, a new building design reveal, and a grand community worship service to close it out. Read…

Channel 3000.com – DEERFIELD, Wis. — St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking 175 years as one of the nation’s oldest Norwegian Lutheran congregations still worshipping in its original building. Founded in the mid-19th century, the church continues to hold services in its 1851 structure, a distinction leaders say sets it apart from many other historic congregations whose original buildings no longer stand. The anniversary will be commemorated with a series of events throughout the year that highlight the church’s history and Norwegian heritage. Read more of this story.