FROM MARY McCLUNG QUAM
PERSEVERING IN FAITH, TOGETHER
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on, toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 23-25.
On Saturday, February 25, our presbytery will gather at Carroll University because, together, we are the Presbytery of Milwaukee. But what does it mean to say that "we" are the presbytery? ...( READ MORE ). Mary is available here: [email protected].

PRAYERS, CONCERNS AND JOYS
PRAYER BASKET
Please continue to keep Scott Hauser, Lara and their four children, and their extended family in your thoughts and prayers. Scott was recently diagnosed with cancer, and continues to receive treatment at Froedtert Hospital. Cards and notes may be sent to Scott's home address. If you'd like updates about Scott and the ability to write personal messages to him, please check out... (READ MORE ). If you have a prayer request to share, please contact Susi Stoll at [email protected] .
FEATURED CONGREGATION
FOREST PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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 Forest Park, New Berlin.
 PRESBYTERY PULSE
A SUNDAY IN THE LIFE OF THE PRESBYTERY
Sunday, February 5, was an eventful day for the Presbytery of Milwaukee. Kudos to all of you who contributed to the dynamic life of the presbytery! And to those of you who were there to support them! For specifics on the events, with photos, please click here.
TAIZE PRAYER SERVICES AT CALVARY CHURCH
Calvary Church will be hosting Taize prayer services are February 15, March 22, and April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Taize prayers incorporate singing, chanting, prayers of intercession, and a brief scripture reading punctuated with moments of silence. If you are looking for a way to re-center and re-focus your life, you might give Taize prayers a try. And, if you are interested in singing or playing an instrument for the either or both services, please contact the church office. http://www.bigredchurch.com.
CENTERING PRAYER
The Center for Christian Contemplation will be hosting Centering Prayer on February 27th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The Centering Prayer method was derived from ancient Christian monastic practices such as Lectio Divina as well as those of Christian mystics throughout the ages, including John Cassian, John of the Cross, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, and Thomas Merton. The method came to be known as Centering Prayer based on Merton's own characterization of contemplative prayer. http://www.thecentermke.org.
FROM THE STATED CLERK, CHRISTIAN BOYD
In June of 2015 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gathered in Portland, Oregon. The General Assembly consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be ruling elders, half will be teaching elders/Ministers of Word and Sacrament. In addition to the commissioners are Advisory Delegates from the Church's Youth, Seminaries, and Mission Co-Workers, as well as Mid-Council body leaders (moderators, stated clerks, and mid-council executives).
 
Few will ever have been commissioners to the General Assembly before, but most will have served in one of the other...(READ MORE). Analysis of Amendments; Proposed Amendments; Proposed Constitutional Amendments.
PRESBYTERY GATHERING AT CARROLL UNIVERSITY
Who do you say that I am?
NEXT Church fosters vibrant theological discussion, spiritual growth and evangelistic courage to renew the Presbyterian Church and its congregations.
 
The Rev. Jessica Tate directs NEXT Church and will be the featured speaker at Carroll University, on February 25, 2017, for our upcoming Presbytery Gathering. Her topic is "Who do you say that I am?: following Jesus in the 21st Century."
 
Jessica leads church retreats to great acclaim. National NEXT Church conferences also send people home invigorated about the church's future and their place in it. Her message always is that Jesus' teaching and identity provide a compelling basis for daily life and meaningful engagement in the world.
 
Jessica Tate knows how that can happen in  your congregation. Join us for ideas and inspiration!

February 25th Presbytery Meeting Registration is now open!  REGISTER NOW
MONTREAT REGISTRATION CONTINUES
We are announcing the Presbytery of Milwaukee's  Montreat Youth Conference: Week V
July 22, 2017 - July 29, 2017
 
We will travel by coach bus from Milwaukee, departing on the evening of  SaturdayJuly 22nd (around 9:00 PM) and will return on the afternoon of Saturday, July 29 th.  The Montreat Youth Conference is for youth entering high school as freshmen through graduated seniors.

Montreat videos are available here   and  here.
 
Total cost: $550 per young person which includes transportation, registration, housing and meals.  On Wednesday Afternoon-we will visit downtown Asheville, NC.  For more information Contact  Dee Anderson   [email protected]
 
Registration online continues until the end of February. 
Click below

4PM REGISTRATION LINK
The four-presbytery gathering is coming soon! Please mark your calendar for April 30 to May 1 at the Kalahari Resort. Registration is now open! (REGISTER NOW).
INVITATIONS
WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES WINTER FORUM

Race is the "big elephant in the middle of the living room" in our beloved state. Racial disparities among all people of color, but particularly African American children, impacts virtually every aspect of our public life. While some congregations in Wisconsin have spent years in community service to address these issues, many congregations have not even talked about the reality of racial disparities, the impact on our state, or considered practical ways to be a constructive (READ MORE)

DO NOT STAND IDLY BY MEETING
When: Thursday, Feb 9, 6:30-8:00 (with a briefing at 6pm for those new to DNSIB)
Where: Invisible Reality Ministries, 2700 N. 54 th St. (corner of 54 th and Center)
 
The year 2017 has started off very well for our local DNSIB efforts - come by to hear the details! Also - we've got an action to discuss and get participation on.
 
DNSIB Leadership Team
Common Ground of SE Wisconsin
INTERIM MINISTRY WORKSHOP
Bring your skills and experience to "the lab" to examine various selected case studies about churches in transition
  • explore "best practices" as interim pastors
  • hone your skills in analysis
  • understand congregations as systems
  • develop leadership skills
  • identify and utilize reachable and teachable moments (READ MORE)
TRINITY IRISH DANCERS AT WAUWATOSA PRESBYTERIAN
Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church's senior fellowship ministry, Encore: Over 55's, invites you to a performance by the Trinity Irish Dancers on Friday, March 10, 2017 at Tosa Pres. The event begins at 1:00 pm in Fellowship Hall (lower level) with homemade dessert, followed by the program of Irish soft shoe dances in the sanctuary of the church. Tosa Pres is fully accessible. Tickets available at the door for $7 per person. All ages are welcome! More information at 414-774-5005 or [email protected].  
SHARING RESOURCES
FREE TO A GOOD HOME
FREE  - Do you need a lectern, baptismal font or chairs?  We would love to give away ours!  Please contact Linn Church at 262-248-1588 or [email protected]
HOT LINKS
McCormick Theological Seminary news regarding President Frank Yamata.
Ashley Goff featured in article about passive to participatory church service. Ashley spoke at our November 2015 Presbytery Gathering.
Do Not Stand Idly By petition. If you'd like, please sign, then forward to others.
Wisconsin Council of Churches statement from the National Council of Churches.
Ruach Words  - Teaching Elder Kathryn Craven's website offering worship liturgy. 
Parish Papers website here, email contacts here. Be inspired!
Leadership Development Facebook Page   Click to see the page and the many links to available resources in the Presbytery of Milwaukee.