FROM NICOLE FARLEY
A NEW CREATION
As Mary is in meetings this week, I get to sneak into her spot to tell you about something into which God, with the help of this presbytery, has breathed life. Two years ago I went to my first NEXT Church Gathering and my time there reawakened a part of me I had tucked away when I found my "big girl" work in a church. In fact, I had actually put away my arts background right after receiving my BFA .... ( READ MORE ). 
4PM RECAP
4PM GATHERING HIGHLIGHTS
The 4PM Gathering brought many people together and it was a great opportunity to get to know one another and share in constructive conversations about racial justice. We welcomed Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow and Rev. Christina Hong as our special guests. Bruce is working on a book called In Defense of Kindness. More info about the book and the slides used in the 4PM presentation here. Christine will be leading closing worship on July 8 at...(READ MORE).
PRAYERS, CONCERNS AND JOYS
PRAYER BASKET
The more informed we are of our varied ministries and needs,
the more opportunities we'll have to uphold one another in prayer,
and the more connected we'll
...(READ MORE).
 If you have a prayer request to share, please contact Susi Stoll at [email protected] .
FEATURED CONGREGATION
WAUWATOSA 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 Wauwatosa, Wauwatosa.
 SHARE YOUR NEWS
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].
BE IN THE PRESBYTERY'S WEBSITE
We have a page in our website dedicated to finding a congregation. And we'd like to feature yours! Some of the church photos are there, some are not. Please send a photo of your church if you'd like to be included. Send to  [email protected]. The Presbytery's website.
PRESBYTERY PULSE
UPDATE ON THE MOLDOVA TRIP
Jeremy Ault will be joining the group to define opportunity for partnership in Moldova. He graciously agreed to answer some questions about the coming trip. My questions are in bold. His answers follow.
Please briefly describe the purpose and parameters of the trip.
Diaconia Connections has invited a group of four individuals-Rev. Dee Anderson, Sarah Rand, Rev. Jim Rand, and Rev. Nicole Blanks-to travel with us to Ukraine and Moldova. The purpose of the trip will be to meet with our mission partners to learn about the ways in which we as an American Church can be of service and...(
READ MORE ). More info on Diaconia here.
MOLDOVA TRIP ITINERARY
On May 8 through May 21, a delegation of Presbytery of Milwaukee representatives will be traveling to Moldova to investigate the possibility of a mission there. The issues to be discussed include human trafficking and refugees. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe; most working-age adults move out of the country to find work, leaving a population of children in the care of grandparents and institutions, leading to social issues and complication... .(READ ITINERARY ).
GHANA PARTNERSHIP UPDATES
The Ghana Partnership Team is again looking for people from Milwaukee Presbytery who would be interested in being part of the Milwaukee Presbytery Delegation to visit our Dangme -Tongu Partner Presbytery in Ghana.
Following our wonderful...(READ MORE).

NELSON URGES CHURCHES TO SPEAK OUT
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II is calling on Christian denominations to stand firm on social justice issues and get involved. The Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gave the.. .( READ MORE ).
PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - The Presbyterian Foundation is accepting applications for a newly established Church Financial Leadership Grant. Grant applicants must be a pastor, commissioned lay pastor (CLP), or leader of a 1001 New Worshiping.. .( READ MORE ).
REGISTER NOW FOR SYNOD SCHOOL
Synod School is July 23-28, 2017. It is a learning and personal enrichment experience for people of all ages. Its organizers seek to create an environment of hospitality, healing, and hope. To register for Synod School, log on here. Click here to view the brochure.
INVITATIONS
JESUS SEMINAR ON THE ROAD, OCTOBER 6-7, 2017 
Jesus' vision of a divine domain subverted and transformed everyday life in the first century. It incorporated insights from the great sages of his time, but the church imprisoned the iconoclast in an iconic creed. Centuries later, creedal Christianity died in the arms of Copernicus, Newton, Darwin, and Einstein. A new scientific story about life now demands a new religion.  What are the elements...(READ MORE). 
FAITH STORYTELLING FOCUS FOR SUMMER CAMP 
Storytelling is integral to our faith: we center our faith around the biblical story, strengthen community by sharing in a communal story, and engage our personal faith by discovering our own stories. Pilgrim Center and Moon Beach's theme this year focuses on encouraging campers to tell their own faith stories while engaging with biblical stories and other stories of faith and courage. Our family and youth family camp programs start in June and run through mid-August we also have retreats all year. Visit our website at www.ucci.org to learn more about our outdoor ministry opportunities including adventure camps, sailing institute, PilgrimCon, family camp, MADD, Create Innovate and Build, as well as our and me camps. 
BE A VOLUNTEER TO BUILD A HABITAT HOME MAY 6, 13 AND 20
Habitat teams are getting ready to frame the 2017 Presbyterian House on Saturdays May 6, 13 and 20. Join with other Presbyterian members to help with this local mission. Your help is valued and needed. Sign up here.  
REGISTER FOR BIG TENT 2017 
Tell your friends and colleagues to meet you in St. Louis! Registration is now open for this year's Big Tent that will take place on the campus of Washington University, July 6-8th in St. Louis, Missouri. The theme of this year's conference is Race, Reconciliation, and the Reformation...More info here.
TIPPECANOE PRESBYTERIAN CELEBRATES 100 YEARS ON MAY 21, 9:30AM
What do you do with an idea? You change the world! One day I had an idea. At first, I didn't think much of it. I acted like it didn't belong to me. But it followed me. I worried what others would think. I kept it to myself. But there was something magical about... ( READ MORE ). RSVP here. Tippe's website.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
MUSICIAN, GATHERING FOR A CAUSE
Forest Park Presbyterian church has an annual event called Gathering for a Cause. This is one of our mission projects to give back to the community. Unfortunately, the musician we had lined up to play at this event had to cancel. We were wondering if the attached article could be placed in Fresh Impressions asking if there are any musicians or a small musical group who would be interested in performing at this event. More information here.
SUMMER STAFF
Looking for an experience like none other this summer?  Are you seeking a summer filled with memories, adventures, faith, and friends? Or do you know of an individual who is?  Pilgrim Center and Moon Beach are looking for summer staff for counseling, support roles, as well as lifeguards and program areas.  Please visit our website at  www.ucci.org or contact either site for more information. 
HOT LINKS
 Wisconsin Council of Churches employment opportunities.
Keeping in Touch, the newsletter of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies.
Ruach Words  - Teaching Elder Kathryn Craven's website offering worship liturgy. 
Parish Papers available here. Two new articles featured:  Ministry in the Midst of Tragedy and  Financing the Local Church: What Does It Cost?
Leadership Development Facebook Page   Click to see the page and the many links to available resources in the Presbytery of Milwaukee.