Fresh Impressions January 17, 2018

FROM RACHEL YATES

STAGES OF MINISTRY

In a single week, I had the pleasure of celebrating with two Deborahs, each at a different stage of ministry. The first was Rev. Dr. Deborah Block's anniversary of 40 years of ministry, and the second was the ordination of Rev. Deb Swets, now beginning her ministry. What a joy to see how the members of this Presbytery have surrounded, encouraged, and affirmed both pastors!

It is a reminder that all our pastors and our congregations move along a spectrum of ministry - one based not just on chronology, but also energy and vision. Serving God is not...( READ MORE).

LATEST NEWS

CELEBRATION OF TRANSITION

You are cordially invited to attend the following service to show support for those in new ministry:

The Rev. Andy Holmes' installation at Jerusalem Presbyterian Church is on February 4 at 2PM.

God's blessings on Andy as he begins his new ministry. Please keep him in your prayers.

PRAYERS AND CONCERNS AND JOYS

PRAYER BASKET

In our prayers this week:

Beverly Baumann, wife of Honorably Retired Pastor John Baumann

All those who are battling cancer

Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors in the Presbytery of Milwaukee

California's mudslides

If you have prayer requests, please send them to [email protected].

FEATURED CONGREGATION

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN, WAUKESHA

We lift up one of our congre gations each week in Fresh Impressions, inviting you to learn more about your sister congregations and keep them in your prayers. This week we are lifting up Southminster, Waukesha.

SHARE YOUR MESSAGE

CONTRIBUTIONS TO FRESH IMPRESSIONS

If you have an activity or event happening in your congregation and want to share it with our readers, please send it my way. We look forward to the inspiration! [email protected].

PRESBYTERY PULSE

REV. ALAN McCALISTER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN MINISTRY

It is a big year for Alan McCalister, a celebratory year of 40 years in the ministry. Alan is currently leading the youth the area by serving with the University Christian Ministries on the UWM campus. He also leads the congregation at Second Presbyterian Church, Racine. Alan answered a few questions for Fresh Impressions:

What was the ordination process like for you specifically? What do you remember about it the most?

My memory of the ordination process is rather vague. At the time I was attending United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, a UCC seminary with...(READ MORE).

GREETINGS FROM OUR MISSION CO-WORKER IN GHANA

Please pray for Rev. Joshua Heikkila and the people of West Africa. Josh is our partner in Ghana. He sent a message recently with the following greeting: Friends in Milwaukee Presbytery, Merry Christmas from Ghana. Thanks for all you do to make our Presbyterian mission in Ghana possible. All the best to you for 2018. For more information click here.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATIONS AT TIPPECANOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Living Waters Contemplative Life Center, a Mission of Tippe Faithing Community, special offering: Side By Side: Mindfulness Meditations of Christianity, Buddhism, and Other Spriritual Traditions! Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 at 6:30-8:30PM. ( READ MORE).

GET INVOLVED!

Spurred by a request for notes from last week's Do Not Stand Idly By meeting, we've decided to write up a brief summary of the meeting. SUMMARY. ANSWERS. HANDOUT.

Cheers, The DNSIB Leadership Team

PRESBYTERY POINT SUMMER CAMP

Rev. Laura Loving, who was a pastor in the Presbytery of Milwaukee, sends information about a camp in Michigan. Here is her invitation:

You may know that Bill and I have been on staff for a couple of weeks during the past few summers at Presbytery Point Camp in the UP. I write the summer curriculum and help train the counselors, Bill teaches sailing and offers counsel and encouragement in his inimitable way. We think that there might be young people in Winnebago and Milwaukee presbyteries who could share their gifts, get a job, or go to camp there! Here's the link.

MISSION TRIP TO MISSISSIPPI

Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church in Janesville and Jerusalem Presbyterian Church in Wales are co-hosting an adult mission trip to a PDA site in Hattiesburg, MS from March 21-28, 2018. Severe flooding occurred in March 2016 followed by an EF4 tornado in January 2017 which damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes. The HOPE Mission Team is coordinating work projects with Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi or R3SM, Inc. R3SM is a non-profit, faith-based organization which oversees renovation of homes in a three county area around Hattiesburg. Cost for meals and lodging is $30/person/day. Volunteers can arrive on different days and do not need to be on site for the entire duration of the mission trip. Interested volunteers can request a handbook or get more information from Mike Williams, HOPE Coordinator at [email protected] or 608.751.6274.

CROSSROADS CANCUN MISSION TRIP

Looking for a break from the ordinary next spring break? Consider joining an all-ages Crossroads Presbyterian team as we return to Mexico, March 30 - April 8, 2018 to work at Ministerio de Vida on the outskirts of Cancun. You'll spend a rewarding week doing construction work and helping teach Vacation Bible School to kids at the ministry. You'll also experience the warmth of genuine hospitality as you live in community with fellow volunteers, our Ministerio hosts Jacobo and Omega Caamal, and members of their congregation. You'll enjoy sleeping in a hammock, eating tasty homemade Mexican food, and spending a touristy couple of days on the beaches of Isla Mujeres. You'll also work hard, get dirty, and love every minute of it. Families welcome! Spanish not required. If you're interested in learning more, please email Cathy and Jay Sanders at [email protected].

WAUWATOSA PRESBYTERIAN WINTER FARMER'S MARKET

Sunday February 18 9am -12:30pm - More details

FOR CLERKS OF SESSIONS

The online statistical report for 2017 can now be accessed at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats

The deadline for submitting this report is February 5, 2018.

OFFICER TRAINING 2018

Ruling elders and deacons are invited to a training session sponsored by the presbytery and offered through the Leadership Development Task Force. Saturday, February 3, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Southminster Presbyterian Church .. .( READ MORE ).

PROM AND HOMECOMING DRESSES NEEDED

(From Lexie Snyder-member at Wauwatosa Church and daughter of the Rev. Fiona Nicolaisen)

I am a sophomore at Reagan IB High School in Milwaukee, where all 10 ^th graders are required to complete a Personal Project. I have chosen to support the Worldwide Hunger Relief organization by collecting new and gently-used CLEAN prom and homecoming dresses and shoes to send to the girls who live on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. (Larger sizes are especially needed.) If you are able to bring any donations to your churches by February 4 ^th we will be glad to pick them up. I really appreciate your generosity! Thank you. If you have questions or would like more information, email [email protected] or call/text 414/881-5848

INVITATIONS

INSTALLATION OF REV. DR. DAVIS AT FIRST MARSHFIELD

The Winnebago Presbytery and First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield, cordially invite you to the Service of Installation for The Rev. Dr. Laurie Brubaker Davis as Pastor, Saturday, January 20, at 2:00PM, First Presbyterian Church, 200 South Lincoln Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449. Reception immediately following.

NEXT CHURCH 2018

Looking for an energizing church leadership event open to anyone seeking ways to strengthen the church? Join other members of the presbytery at the NEXT Church Gathering in Baltimore this February 26-28. Details about the conference can be found here.

If you plan on going, please let Nicole Farley know ( [email protected]) so she can gather all of our folks from the presbytery together while we are there.

If you'd like to go but money is a factor, please be reminded that the Leadership Development Task Force can issue grants up to $500 to anyone in the presbytery aiming to grow their own leadership (one grant per every two years per person). You can find the application for grants under the Leadership Development menu here. Email your completed grant application to Nicole Farley ( [email protected]).

We hope to see you in Baltimore!

Nicole Farley

MUTTON LECTURE 2018

Dear White Christians: A Path toward Racial Justice, presented by Dr. Jennifer Harvey

Friday, February 9, 2018, 7 pm to 9 pm, Fountain of Life Covenant Church, 633 Badger Road, Madison, WI

Saturday, February 10, 2018, 10 am to noon, Calvary Memorial United Church of Christ, 4515 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI ...( READ MORE ).

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 2018 WINTER FORUM

Faithful Innovation in an Uncertain World. The Rev. Dwight Zscheile, PhD., March 2 and 3. In today's dynamic cultural environment, churches have to be more than faithful-they have to be agile. That means embracing processes of trial, failure, and adaptation as they form Christian community with new neighbors. And that means a whole new way of being...( READ MORE ) (READ MORE).

WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE

March 4-5, 2018 DETAILS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

PART-TIME COOK POSITION AT LOCAL CAMPUS MINISTRY

University Christian Ministries (UCM) represents the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on the UW-Milwaukee (UWM) campus. Presently we have a part-time, paid opening for a cook to assist UWM students in providing 2 to 3 lunches each week. The food is provided by a local non-profit and simply needs preparation and serving. If interested, or if you would like further information, please contact UCM at 414-962-5460.

SEEKING SUNDAY MORNING CAREGIVER

Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church is looking for a child care provider for its Sunday morning nursery. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon most Sundays; some weeknight and evening hours are also available. $12.50/hour. Age 18 or older, background check required. Contact Office Manager Cindy Thomas, [email protected]. View full job description here.