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COVENANT, RACINE, TO DISCUSS
WAKING UP WHITE
A sub-group of Covenant's elders on the Session have been meeting to discern how our congregation might act to add more light than heat to our nation's racial tensions. While the entire Session will discuss and develop plans for this church year at their September meeting, the sub-group wanted to get us started with conversations around another book they're reading called...(READ MORE).
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Rev. Denise Anderson
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YOU ARE INVITED TO THE PRESBYTERY GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 26
"Throughout our history, from the colonial period to today, we have only had equal rights for all human beings under the law for about one seventh of that time. It is simply unrealistic to expect to be completely purged of an ideology that officially drove us for 86 percent of our existence. White supremacy is still here, and it is still poisoning us all."--Quote from Rev. Denise Anderson.
The Rev. Anderson will be addressing the topic of race at the next Presbytery Gathering, September 26, 2017, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Waukesha. Rev. Anderson is the Co-Moderator of the 222nd General Assembly for the PC(USA). We hope that you can attend, to learn more about this topic which affects all of us.
Rev. Anderson has recommended two books for Presbytery-wide reading: Waking Up White, by Debby Irving, and Always with Us: What Jesus Really Said about the Poor, by Liz Theoharis.
We look forward to seeing you at the next Presbytery Gathering!
For more information, and to register, please use this link.
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PRESBYTERY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
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INTERIM CONGREGATIONAL CARE COORDINATOR JOB OPENING
The Presbytery of Milwaukee seeks a full-time Interim Congregational Care Coordinator to succeed its retiring coordinator. The Congregational Care Coordinator's primary function is to provide staff oversight for and coordinate the work of the Commission on Ministry (COM), and Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM). The successful candidate will operate from a spiritual foundation, be a strong team player with a creative collaborative working style and honor confidentiality. A complete position description can be found here.
Interested parties should send a resume or PIF along with a cover letter by Friday, October 6, to the Personnel Work Group led by Jenny Gleichauf at
[email protected]
.
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PRAYERS, CONCERNS AND JOYS
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We lift in prayer the continuing massive wildfires burning approximately two million acres across the western states. Thousands of people have been evacuated, homes and buildings destroyed, and extremely hazardous air quality have prompted...(READ MORE).
If you have a prayer request to share, please contact Susan Stoll at
[email protected]
.
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GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MILWAUKEE
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 Grace, Milwaukee.
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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].
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CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE WITH THE UKRAINE: CURRENTLY RECRUITING HOST FAMILIES
Visit the new website for more information. The Presbytery of Milwaukee is working together with both Diaconia Connections and Father's House to bring residents of Otchiy Dim Orphanage to visit Milwaukee during the Christmas...(READ MORE).
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GHANA EXCHANGE CURRENTLY IN AFRICA
Kathy Dummer, Judy Jaggard, and Deb Swets are in Ghana for about ten days. They are the Ghana delegation that travels to Ghana every other year. The Presbytery of Milwaukee hosts the Ghanaians here in the off years.
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WAUWATOSA PRESBYTERIAN TO HOST ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET
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CONFIRMATION INVITATION FROM SOUTHMINSTER
Southminster Presbyterian Church invites its sister congregations and their 9th graders (high school freshmen) for Confirmation. What better way to learn about the faith and our particular tradition than having youth from the whole presbytery participating.
We are using Spark House's Collaborate: Presbyterian Confirmation curriculum. Classes will be led by Pastor Christian Boyd (who is also the Presbytery's Stated Clerk), and any other pastors and/or elders from congregations whose youth are participating.
Attached are the various intro documents, as well as the proposed confirmation schedule. First meeting is Sunday, September 17th at 2:30 pm!
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INVITATION TO SUBMIT OVERTURES TO 223RD GA (2018)
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) meets biennially in even-numbered years. The 223rd General Assembly (2018) will be held in St. Louis, Missouri (June 16 - 23).
In our polity, or form of church governance, the General Assembly is the highest legislative body (akin to the civil federal government). It consists of commissioners elected by each of its 173 presbyteries. The assembly acts on hundreds of items of business, which it receives through the reports and recommendations of various assembly entities, and through overtures from synods and presbyteries.
Now is the time to submit overtures. Please review the attached rules and process for submitting an overture for the General Assembly. We have two meeting (September and November) at which we may submit an original overture. If the overture is passed by our presbytery, we then will have time to seek another presbytery to concur so it may be considered. (
OVERTURE SUBMISSION).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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GIVE A UNIQUE GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
Give the gift of family to a young person from Ukraine! The Ukraine - Milwaukee Youth Exchange Program allows your family the opportunity to welcome a young person into your home for three weeks during this Christmas holiday! This life-changing
...
(
READ MORE
).
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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AFFIRMATION OF CREATION
In accordance with the action taken at the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and upon the instruction of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, the assembly's action on the Affirmation of Creation is being distributed electronically to all presbyteries and synods of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Further, we ask presbyteries to forward this action to sessions so that all councils of the church, per action of the assembly, can use it for their study, reflection, and, where possible, their approval.
This proposal already been voted on and is a policy paper of the whole denomination. The stated clerk of the General Assembly is sending it out as directed within the overture. The call to action is for congregations and councils to study it and form a response.
Revised version here:
(
READ MORE
).
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GIVE TO SUPPORT RELIEF FOR TROPICAL STORM HARVEY
By now you know that Tropical Storm Harvey has caused major damage and taken lives. Many of you have experience with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the great work they do on the ground and in partnership with local resources. From PDA:
Harvey made landfall late Friday and early Saturday am as a category 4 hurricane, and though downgraded now to tropical storm status, remains dangerous as it continues to churn inland into Texas. Damage in and near Rockport and Port Lavaca, where the storm made landfall, was catastrophic. There is one reported death (updated: 8 deaths as of 3pm 8/28/17) and massive damage reported, and the flood event is continuing as the storm is dumping heavy rains in South Texas. The storm is forecast to continue to produce heavy rains, with serious flooding into the middle of the week.
PDA continues to be in touch with presbytery leadership in New Covenant, Mission, and South Louisiana Presbyteries. National Response Teams are being deployed into the affected regions when it is safe to do so.
Read a prayer for those in the midst of Harvey here.
Please designate gifts to DR000169-Harvey. (donations can be made through PDA's web site)
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No matter how you support relief work, please remember that what relief agencies need right now is cash not stuff.
You can read more about PDA's work HERE and follow their FaceBook feed HERE
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Harvey. Online giving link. Thank you!
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BOOK SALE AT FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Since I, Deb Bergeson-Graham, am retiring from Faith Presbyterian Church, 3800 W. Rawson Ave., Franklin, on December 31, 2017, and since I have many books that will not be able to live in my house, I am offering them to you! There are many, many books - too many to...(READ MORE).
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SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR 223RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The nominating committee is currently seeking to fill the positions for alternates to the 223rd General Assembly in St. Louis, MO, in 2018 (who then become the commissioners for the 224th General Assembly in...(READ MORE).
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NAVIGATING THE ONLINE GRIEF SUPPORT CONTINUUM
Registration due by Monday! South Eastern Wisconsin Grief Network (SEWGN) is hosting its annual Grief Conference
Friday, September 29
th
,
8:0AM
-
Noon
(doors open at 7:30 AM). Registration due by Monday, September 18
. It is two fold. Thursday night is free for the public and is focused on those who are grieving and those who are supporting those grieving. Friday morning is for those professionals who work with those who are grieving. The cost is minimal and includes continuing ed credits.
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INTERIM MINISTRY TRAINING INSTITUTE
Registration deadline September 16! October 2017 to May 2018. The Interim Ministry Training Institute is an intensive program offered over an eight-month period with monthly gatherings in central WI. Preparatory readings, presentation, small group discussion, case study analysis, and practicum assignments teach both theory and practice and allow for individual coaching. Both fully-supported and part-time models of doing interim ministry are valued. Offered inter-denominationally. This course can also be beneficial to pastors in settled positions guiding their congregation through an intentional time of transition and change. Information and registration at www.sandburconsulting.com or contact [email protected].
Brochure available
here
.
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COM ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN PULPIT SUPPLY HONORARIA
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EMPLOYER AGREEMENTS DUE OCTOBER 13
Clerks of Sessions, Treasurers and Pastors,
2018 Board of Pensions Employer Agreements are due October 13. Use this helpful Guide for selecting benefits for your pastors and other employees.
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"MILWAUKEE 53206" SCREENING AT CARROLL UNIVERSITY
"MILWAUKEE 53206" a
documentary by Keith McQuirter, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.
September 20 at 6:30 p.m.,
Carroll University, Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom,
100 North East Avenue, Waukesha
"MILWAUKEE 53206" chronicles the lives of those affected by incarceration in America's most incarcerated ZIP code. Through the intimate stories of three
...(
READ MORE
).
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INTERFAITH AMAZING FAITHS DINNER DIALOGUES
People of all faiths and no faith, all spiritualities and philosophies gather in small groups to share a meal and participate in a moderated discussion using a proven model, evoking deep exchanges about lived experiences and the role of...(
READ MORE
).
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LOVE WELCOME PC(USA) CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY
You and your congregations are invited to a conference October 20-21 in NYC titled "Love Welcome: A Faith-Based Forum on Supporting LGBTQ Refugees." This is a national PC(USA) conference - open to anyone interested in attending - co-sponsored by...(
READ MORE
).
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SCREENING AND DISCUSSION WITH DIRECTOR DANIEL BREA
"Escape from Room 18," a film by Daniel Brea, is being shown on November 8, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
at Carroll University, Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom,
100 North East Avenue, Waukesha.
John Daly, an ex-Neo Nazi, fled to Israel when
...(
READ MORE
).
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN FALL GATHERING COMING SOON
The
Presbyterian Women Presbytery Fall Gathering
is just a month away - Saturday, October 14, with registration beginning at 9:00AM, at Sun Valley Presbyterian Church, 1650 Sun Valley Drive in Beloit. The theme for this special event is "Help with Love: Empowering Church and Neighbor". The registration fee is $12 which includes morning refreshments and lunch! This event is open to all women in the presbytery!
Attached is a
flyer that contains all the details and registration information. You won't want to miss out on this educational opportunity that includes fellowship, food and the Serv Table!
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JESUS SEMINAR ON THE ROAD
October 6-7, Fond du Lac.
Changing Perceptions: Earth, Self, God, featuring
Clayton Crockett and Susan (Elli) Elliott, who will present the
Changing Perceptions of Earth:
Features of the natural world--like the sun--were once seen as deities or emanations of a deity. With the birth of a mathematical universe in the...(READ MORE).
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SYMPOSIUM RE: LGBTQ REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
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STATED CLERK CONDEMNS PRESIDENT'S DECISION TO END DACA
LOUISVILLE - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, today condemned the Trump administration's decision to end the...(
READ MORE
).
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STATED CLERK REAFFIRMS CHURCH'S COMMITMENT TO DACA
LOUISVILLE - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, has pledged the church's support to Deferred Action for Childhood...(READ MORE)
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THEOLOGY/WORSHIP RESPONDS TO THE NASHVILLE STATEMENT
LOUISVILLE - On Aug. 30, a number of Evangelical Christian voices released The Nashville Statement. Because of the amount of news coverage this statement has...(
READ MORE
).
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AT ODDS WITH YET LOVING THE CHURCH
LOUISVILLE - The chapel of the Presbyterian Center was filled with voices singing the hymn of praise "God the Creator" in observance of Native American Day at the...(
READ MORE
).
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Parish Papers article for September, 2017. Equipping Volunteers Builds a Strong Church Community.
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Parish Papers article for October, 2017. Short-Term Mission Trips That Yield Long-Term Success.
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