Next Gathering: Oneida Church, De Pere, Wisconsin
October 13-16, 2026
N6037 County Road E De Pere, WI, United States, 54115
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Fox River, De Pere, Wisconsin, gracefully bridges its rich, foundational history with vibrant, small-town charm. Originally inhabited by indigenous nations—including the Menominee—the area was formally named Rapides des Pères ("Rapids of the Fathers") after Jesuit missionaries established the St. Francis Xavier Mission here in 1671. That deep legacy endures today through historic landmarks like St. Norbert College and the hand-operated lock system along the river, where historic brick architecture frames sweeping waterfront views. Located just five miles south of Green Bay, De Pere shares in the region’s legendary sports culture, offering a tranquil riverside retreat that still catches the echo of the crowds at Lambeau Field.
Classes Available
Administration & Polity
Instructor:
Rev. Jodie Flessner and TBD
Course Description:
This course focuses on the importance of developing competency as an administrator in a United Methodist congregation.
Course Objectives:
Students will be able to
Articulate a Biblical and theological understanding of polity.
Understand and explain the polity of The United Methodist Church, including conferencing, oversight, and discipline.
Articulate the nature of stewardship Biblically and theologically.
Identify techniques and develop skills as effective administrators of local churches, including financial management.
Required Texts:
Laceye Warner, The Method of our Mission
Lovett Weems, Leadership in the Wesleyan Spirit
Reference:
2024 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church
224 & 421 Oct. 13-14 (Tue. and Wed.)
Bible IV: Prophets, Psalms & Wisdom Lit
Class information coming soon.
Theological Heritage II: Early Church
Class description goes here.
Professor:
Class requirements:
222 & 524 Oct. 15-16 (Thur. and Fri.)
Theological Reflection on the Practice of Ministry
Instructor:
Rev. Dr. Jerome (Jerry) DeVine
Email: mustangrev2018@gmail.com
Cell phone: 810-247-7601
Course Description and Objectives:
This course is the culmination of the student’s basic course of study and experience in ministry. Its focus is the integration of the biblical, theological, and practical aspects of ministry.
Students will have the opportunity to:
Articulate what they have learned over their years in COS and pastoral ministry about pastoral identity, practices of ministry and the knowledge/skills needed for ministry.
State clearly the mission of the Church and how it relates to pastoral ministry.
Articulate a Trinitarian theology for the practice of ministry.
Develop a plan for continued growth.
Required texts:
Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry, by Will Willimon
Introducing the Practice of Ministry, by Kathleen Cahalan
Attentive to God: Thinking Theologically in Ministry, by Ellen Blue and Charles Wood
Coming Full Circle: Constructing Native Christian Theology, editors: Steven Charleston and Elaine A. Robinson [select one chapter for this course]
We are excited to invite NACOS Alumni to the Fall 2026 Gathering in De Pere, Wisconsin at the Oneida UMC Church.
More information to come…
The change to the Oneida UMC Church in De Pere, Wisconsin is recent, as a response to the needs to the student community who will be attending.
Please check back in the coming weeks for hotel registrations and other information.