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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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A FAREWELL INTERVIEW WITH SARAH RAND
I can't imagine anyone in the Presbytery not knowing Sarah, but for those of you who don't, she is our Congregational Care Coordinator, and has been for the past four years. Sarah will be retiring at the end of September.
Sarah's work involves shepherding and healing congregations by identifying their needs and working towards resolving their challenges. She has proven to be quite
...(READ MORE).
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PRAYERS, CONCERNS AND JOYS
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Hurricane Harvey + tropical storm devastation in Texas:
Please keep all the people who have suffered loss from this horrific natural disaster - and who are now facing...(READ MORE).
If you have a prayer request to share, please contact Susan Stoll at
[email protected]
.
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CALVARY 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 Calvary, 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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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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DO NOT STAND IDLY BY NEWSLETTER
A date has not been set for the next DNSIB campaign meeting. Although it might appear that things are quiet, there has been a lot going on this...(READ MORE).
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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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2017-2019 BOOK OF ORDER AVAILABLE NOW
September 8 order deadline! "If you would like to order the new 2017-19 Book of Order through the presbytery office and take advantage of the quantity break, please send your order form with payment to the presbytery office by...(READ MORE).
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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
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
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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OUTREACH FOUNDATION SMALL CHURCH SCHOLARSHIPS
The Outreach Foundation Small Church Initiative is offering a limited number of scholarships to the Connecting Mission Leaders Conference in October. These scholarships are available to all congregations, regardless of size, but especially to smaller congregations with limited budgets. (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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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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ALL AGENCY REVIEW SETS PLAN TO COMPLETE WORK
LOUISVILLE - During its final day of meetings, the All Agency Review Committee began to formulate the work ahead that will be the basis for its final report and..
.(
READ MORE
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STATEMENT ON CHARLOTTESVILLE FROM PC(USA)
We write to you as former Moderators of the General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor churches, as disciples of Jesus Christ committed to the Gospel's witness and promise of reconciliation, and as agents of God's transformative...(
READ MORE
).
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OFFERING INVITES SUPPORT FOR FREEDOM RISING
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RESOURCES TO CELEBRATE REFORMATION ANNIVERSARY
LOUISVILLE - With Reformation Sunday approaching Oct. 29, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is providing a wide range of resources for churches commemorating the...(
READ MORE
).
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FAITH IN GOD MOTIVATES HER EVERY SECOND
GENEVA - During World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 21, Dr. Rebecca Samuel Dali received the 2017 Humanitarian Award from the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation at the United...(
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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