FROM THE OGA
NEW INTERACTIVE RESOURCE EXPLORES ROOT CAUSES OF IMMIGRATION
By Eva Stimson, Office of the General Assembly. 
Why would a family leave home in Central America and embark on a harrowing 2,500-mile journey with the uncertain outcome of finding asylum in the United States? The Genesis of Exodus , a new interactive online resource, seeks answers to this question. It offers a wealth of background and tools to help Presbyterians and others understand and respond to immigration issues.

Subtitled, Violence, Poverty, and Social Disintegration: The Root Causes of Central American Migration, the resource is being released just before World Refugee Day, June 20. It is the result of a two-week information-gathering trip-with stops in El Salvador, Guatemala, and southern Mexico-by staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Office of the General Assembly (OGA) and World...(READ MORE).
PRAYERS, CONCERNS AND JOYS
PRAYER BASKET
We ask that you pray for all those who are on sabbatical. May the Lord bless their recreational renewal, and also bless those who are ministering at their congregations while they....(READ MORE).  If you have a prayer request to share, please contact Susan Stoll at sstoll@pbymilwaukee.org .
FEATURED CONGREGATION
VERNON 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 Vernon, Big Bend.
 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! dholmes@pbymilwaukee.org.
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  dholmes@pbymilwaukee.org. The Presbytery's website.
PRESBYTERY PULSE
SAFE SUMMER KICK OFF BLOCK PARTY A COLLABORATIVE SUCCESS
By Rev. Dee Anderson, West Granville Presbyterian Church
On Saturday, June 17, we held our neighborhood Safe Summer Kick Off block party.  Hosted by our neighborhood Congregations, Milwaukee Police District 4, Milwaukee Fire Department, Maple Tree School (MPS), Boys & Girls Club, Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, Havenwoods State Forest, the National Guard, Milwaukee Flyers and Alderman Chevy Johnson. The neighborhood at Mill Road and 107th Street has over a 1,000 children and young people under the age of 18. Families and children joined for a day of community building, neighborhood out reach and fun to set a positive message for the beginning of summer.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE
Presbytery Moderator Ann Gibbs, at the request of the Commission on Ministry and in accordance with the Presbytery Administrative Manual, calls for a  Special Meeting of the Presbytery at Waukesha,  Southminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 22, at 5:00PM  for the purpose of  forming an Administrative Commission for New Berlin, Forest Park Presbyterian Church.
WISCONSIN FAITH VOICES FOR JUSTICE ANNUAL MEETING
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice's Annual Meeting: Immigrant Justice and the Dairy Industry, June 22 from 4:00-6:00PM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1600 North Genesee Street, Delafield, WI. (READ MORE).
MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING INSTITUTE AUGUST 7-11
We would like to make you aware of an interdenominational seminar, coming to the western suburbs of Chicago this summer, that has proven to be a blessing over the years to many clergy members as well as laypersons in position of church leadership.  
What: Mediation Skills Training Institute;  When: August 7-11, 2017;  Where: Glen Ellyn, IL
Whether or not you are able to attend, we would appreciate any help you can provide in spreading the word about this exceptional training event, which is worth...(READ MORE). (BROCHURE).
PRESBYTERY GATHERING FEATURES REV. DENISE ANDERSON
Mark your calendar for some inspiration! The Co-Moderator of the 222nd General Assembly, the Rev. Denise Anderson, will speak at our September 26, 2017, Presbytery Gathering. This Gathering will be at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Waukesha. You are invited to attend. More info to come via Fresh Impressions.
INTERIM MINISTRY TRAINING INSTITUTE OFFERS TRAINING IN OCTOBER
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  linda@sandburconsulting.com.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR APOSTLE'S VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Apostle Presbyterian Church - 1509 S. 76th St, West Allis, WI 53214
Vacation Bible School: July 17-21, 2017  9 am - 12 noon. Register now!
Apostle Presbyterian Church invites children to soar with us at VBS Hero Central! Through story, song and play the children will learn how they can discover their super strength through God. We welcome children from three years old through 6th grade. Older kids and adults are encouraged to volunteer.
VBS is great fun no matter what your age! 
Registration forms available from the church office: 414-476-2043
For questions contact Judy Puschnig at:   pusch1@att.net.
ARTS AND SCIENCE LITERACY CAMP
All summer at Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church. Don't miss it!  Need more info? Short promo on YouTube here.
A message from Rev. Karen Hagen, Pastor, Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church:
Well, last week we shared the success of our mission in reaching low income kids in need. We had estimated 40% of our population in the lowest income bracket but it is living more like 60%! Today we created a...(READ MORE). 
SUPPORT FOR ARTS AND SCIENCE LITERACY CAMP
Go Fun-D Me!  HELP SEND A CHILD TO LITERACY CAMP!
Arts and Science Literacy Camp needs your support!  With over 60% of those enrolled at or below poverty...( READ MORE ). 
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED FOR SUMMER CAMPS
The Partnerships Team is again offering Camp Scholarships to those attending summer camp! Please find the application form on our website, www.pbymilwaukee.org under "Work of the Presbytery/Partnerships" or click here to print out the form and fill out manually. 
GLOBAL NEWS
SUMMERTIME READING FROM ALBAN INSTITUTE
The Turnaround Church is the story of Wollaston Congregational Church United Church of Christ, a 130-year-old congregation that once was thriving in ministry, membership, mission, music, and money. For half a century, however, the church had slowly declined and was considering closing its doors. The two dozen remaining members knew they had to change, but did not know how. They had very little money left, but they were willing to risk it all. With few resources, members hired Mary Louise Gifford, a new...( READ MORE ).
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TOOLKIT NOW AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE - Today marks the third annual observance of  National Gun Violence Awareness Day. As advocates remember the 138 mass shootings and 6,303 people who have been killed as a result of gun violence  so far in 2017, the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship has released its  Gun Violence Prevention Congregational Toolkit"This new toolkit updates ...( READ MORE ).
PC(USA) SEMINARY NEWS
LOUISVILLE - A compilation of news from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminaries including Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Johnson C. Smith Seminary, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, McCormick Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh ...( READ MORE ).
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES CELEBRATED FOR HUNGER WORK
LOUISVILLE - For nearly 50 years, the  Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) has worked with Presbyterians and global partners towards the common goal of ending hunger and poverty. Now PHP is expanding that to recognize congregations involved in hunger work through a covenant called Hunger Action Congregations.  PHP wants to hear from congregations that are ...( READ MORE ).
NEW INCENTIVE LOAN OFFERED
LOUISVILLE - Congregations wishing to make their facilities more accessible and inclusive of people living with disabilities have a new option for funding related enhancements to their...(READ MORE).
PRINCIPLES OF INVESTING
LOUISVILLE - If you're fortunate to have a 401(k) or IRA but know little about investments, chances are you spend a minimal amount of time reviewing your quarterly statement - a quick glance at the numbers to see if they're up or down. But do you really know where your hard...(READ MORE).
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR STUDY OF REFORMATION 
LOUISVILLE - Congregational Ministries Publishing (CMP) of the Presbyterian Mission Agency is highlighting three resources in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation this year. The publications are intended for use in study by children, youth, young adults and adults. The children's resource is a special edition to the popular Growing in Grace & Gratitude series called "Luther Learns from Paul." The study is available as a free...(READ MORE).
INVITATIONS
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.
HOT LINKS
Wisconsin Council of Churches Employment Opportunities.
Ruach Words  - Teaching Elder Kathryn Craven's website offering worship liturgy. 
Parish Papers article for July, 2017. How Can We Help Immigrants? 
Parish Papers article for August, 2017. What Promotes Hope? 
Leadership Development Facebook Page   Click to see the page and the many links to available resources in the Presbytery of Milwaukee.