Awaken Beloit
“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.’”
The overall premise of Awaken Beloit is that the Spirit of God is at work in our neighborhoods. When we slow down and listen, we can be awakened to the Spirit moving among our neighbors. Awaken Beloit uses Dwelling in the Word, a Spiritual practice of deep listening to Scripture, to train our ears and hearts to listen for the Spirit in our neighborhoods so that we can join in God’s holy work.
An Introduction
Awaken Beloit is an ecumenical cohort experience for churches based in Beloit, WI, where participants will develop skills to deeply listen to the Spirit through Scripture and, ultimately, through their neighborhoods and neighbors. Our hope is that participants will be awakened to the work God is doing in their neighborhoods and join God in that holy work.
Each congregation commits 4-6 members and a ministry leader to attend a monthly gathering throughout the school year at each other’s churches, and hosts one or two of the gatherings in their church building as well.
Awaken Beloit staff will facilitate these evening gatherings that consist of: a meal, Dwelling in the Word, and time learning and practicing the skills we are developing to deeply listen for the Spirit of God.
Additionally, ministry leaders are asked to attend a monthly morning meeting to build relationships with one another and support each other through this process. These meetings are also facilitated, allowing time for participants to meet with the Awaken Beloit coaches.
To see more program details and read testimonials, please visit the Awaken Dane page.
Fifty percent of the funding for this project was granted by Lilly Endowment, Inc. If you would like to support this ministry, you can Donate Here and add “Awaken” in the comment section.
For more information, contact Deaconess Johnna Georgia
Awaken Beloit Timeline
April 2026
Applications open April 20 for congregations to apply to the Awaken Beloit Cohort
June 2026
Cohort applications are due by June 1, with decisions being announced shortly after.
August 2026
The first Ministry Leader Learning Community will begin meeting monthly
September 2026 - May 2027
Ministry leaders and their congregational teams will meet for the first monthly dinner gathering in September
August 2027 - May 2028
The meeting schedule is adjusted in the second year of the program to every 2-3 months
Awaken Beloit Staff
Ann Walsvik, Coach
Scott McLeod is pastor at Community Church of Fontana, United Church of Christ, on the shore of Geneva Lake in Walworth County. He has served several churches in WI and CT over his 30+ years of ordained ministry. He is married to Laura, who is also a pastor in the UCC, and they have two adult children. Scott is an avid reader, loves music, and enjoys being able to get outside on his bike whenever the weather allows.
Johnna Georgia is a Deaconess consecrated with the Lutheran Diaconal Association. She served as the Awaken Dane Program Director for its entire five-year span and joyfully works with former Awaken Dane staff and the new Awaken Beloit staff to adapt the program to Beloit's needs. She works remotely from Dane County and will be serving this project in an advisory role. Johnna enjoys reading, cooking, and singing.
Kurt Handrich, Facilitator
Ann Walsvik, trained Spiritual Director through the Franciscan Spirituality Center of Lacrosse, ordained pastor in the ELCA, hospice chaplain, and workshop/retreat leader invites folks to kindle delight in their soul. With her gentle, warm, welcoming spirit, Ann explores life’s experiences, listening with an open heart for divine and body wisdom to guide us for our wholeness and wellbeing.
Living off Lake Koshkonong in the Edgerton area with her spouse Stephen, Ann is an amateur gardener and bird watcher. She enjoys trail walking, bicycling, kayaking, sailing and visiting local coffee shops with folks. Ann finds joy listening with childlike curiosity discovering the mystery of the Spirit moment by moment. Awaken Beloit acknowledges God’s presence - this mystery in the whole of life, and Ann is looking forward to joining with others in discernment of the Spirit’s invitation!
Scott McLeod, Coach
Kurt Handrich lives in Beloit with his wife Kristy where they have lived for 28 of their 35 years of marriage. He has served as a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a Professional Educator in the School District of Beloit, and an Organizing Director for the Wisconsin Education Association Council. His diverse background in ministry, education, and organizing in Beloit has given him unique connections across the community which makes working as the Facilitator for Awaken Beloit a natural fit and, in his words, “feels Spirit led.” He and Kristy enjoy staying active by biking, playing pickleball, and doing yoga as well as working to turn their yard into a native plant sanctuary. They also give of their time supporting Nature at the Confluence in the Stateline area, the Poor Peoples Campaign in Wisconsin, Justice Overcoming Borders in Rock County, and raising puppies for Occupaws Guide Dog Association where they are currently working with the 51st (Rivet) and 52nd (Jasper) service dogs in training.
Johnna Georgia, Program Director