FROM MARY MCCLUNG
DISRUPTING
The Presbytery of Milwaukee has a unique opportunity at our September 26 Presbytery Gathering to come together and hear from one of the co-moderators of the 222nd General Assembly, Rev. T. Denise Anderson. Denise was one of four denominational leaders to sign a statement regarding the violence in Charlottesville condemning white supremacy and racism. I encourage you to read it in full by clicking on this link.

If, however, you read nothing else, please read the first and last sentences:
"In the aftermath of the events of August 11 and 12 in Charlottesville, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reaffirms its condemnation of white supremacy and racism, names them as sin, and renews its commitment to disrupting them and working for justice and equity."
"May that commitment lead us to stand against, speak against and work against racism and white supremacy, this day and every day."

My favorite word from this statement is the verb disrupt. A definition follows: 
Interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem.  Synonyms: throw into confusion, throw into disorder, throw into disarray, cause confusion/turmoil in, play havoc with.
Drastically alter or destroy the structure of (something).  Synonyms: distort, damage, buckle, warp.

In a guest commentary published in Presbyterian Outlook in July, 2016, Denise wrote, "We literally cannot extract white supremacy from the foundations of American identity. Even after we've rid ourselves of separate water fountains, we still have de facto segregation in the form of housing/lending discrimination, gentrification and 'white flight' from neighborhoods and school districts that begin to attract people of color. Think of it this way: 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."

Denise's presentation with us is timely and I invite you to attend our Tuesday, September 26 Presbytery Gathering at Southminister Presbyterian Church in Waukesha beginning at 4:00PM. Online registration begins this week. All are welcome!

My prayer for us is that we persevere in disrupting.

In service to Christ and the Presbytery,
Mary  McClung
Transitional Presbytery Leader 
PRAYERS, CONCERNS AND JOYS
PRAYER BASKET
Gracious God, lead us forward with courage to be bearers of Your love and grace, working for peace and justice, and equal opportunity for all people. Forgive us for being complicit or...(READ MORE).  If you have a prayer request to share, please contact Susan Stoll at sstoll@pbymilwaukee.org .
FEATURED CONGREGATION
LINN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, LAKE GENEVA
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 Linn, Lake Geneva.
 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
Rev. Denise Anderson
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE PRESBYTERY GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 26
The 222nd General Assembly adopted a revision of the PC(USA)'s anti-racism policy. A quote from it follows: "Racism is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others. It is also a lie about God, for it falsely claims that God favors parts of creation over the entirety of creation."
The Rev. Denise 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.
2017-2019 BOOK OF ORDER AVAILABLE NOW
"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 September 8th."...(READ MORE). 
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). 
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). 
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO 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. (READ MORE). 
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. 
Questions: Nichole Schwerman, SEWGN Chair, 414-266-2995, nschwerman@chw.org Brochure available here .
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 linda@sandburconsulting.com.  Brochure available here .
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN, INC., ISSUES STATEMENT
PW, Inc., issues statement condemning racially-motivated violence in Charlottesville.
Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA) condemns the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and supports all efforts to end racism and promote justice and peace.  James 2:9 tells us...(READ MORE).
PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS MATERIALS AVAILABLE
Crossroads Presbyterian has extra material for the Special Offering - Peace & Global Witness for this September 2017:
  • 25 Peace & Global Witness Brochure/Mailer #1242117287
  • 100 Offering envelopes #1214217275
  • 600 bulletin inserts #1 (#1214217282)
  • 600 bulletin inserts #2 (#1214217283) 
If you know of any PCUSA church that would like this material, please let us know.  It was shipped in error and all of it is free to whomever would like it.
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.
OFFICER TRAINING SCHEDULED
Ruling elders and deacons are invited to a training session sponsored by the presbytery and offered through the Leadership Development Task Force. Saturday, September 16, in Mequon; Saturday, September 30, Beaver Dam.  Training will include:...(READ MORE).
INVITATIONS
MILWAUKEE'S 50-YEAR JOURNEY TOWARDS OPEN HOUSING
If you feel this is the time when God is calling you to bear witness to Christ's love for all people, here are some suggestions for things you can do in the Milwaukee area: ...( READ MORE ).
An addendum:  The Rev. Dr. William Barber event on Monday, August 28,  is a great opportunity for several reasons. He gives a powerful, truthful testimony about God and social justice. Additionally, significant for our Presbytery, is that he'll be joined by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, who grew up at North Shore Presbyterian Church in Shorewood. She is a leading contemporary figure in Christian social justice. Liz's mother, Nancy Theoharis, was a long-time member of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee.
Letter of support from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to the Faith Leaders in Milwaukee.
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).
JOIN THE CROP HUNGER WALK TO SUPPORT SOCIAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS
The Presbyterian Church and Church World Service have been strong partners for many years through CROP Hunger Walks, Immigration and Refugee Program, Disaster Response and more.    
Each year, CROP Hunger Walks raise over $10 million across the country. Of that amount, $2.5 million come back to local hunger and feeding ministries and agencies. crophungerwalk.org for more information .
PC(USA) AND BEYOND
WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES' STATEMENT ON RACISM
Institutional racism (also known as systemic racism) is measured not by personal attitudes, but by effects. By definition, institutional racism in the U.S. is the sum of...(READ MORE).
SEMINARIES RESPOND TO RECENT ACTS OF VIOLENCE
Jesus' reminder in our lectionary Gospel lesson (Matt. 14:22-33) Sunday for disciples not to be afraid, followed by his invitation to Peter to get out of the boat and come to him on the water, speaks directly to the...( READ MORE ).
PCUSA LEADERS CONDEMN WHITE SUPREMACY
LOUISVILLE -  In the wake of a weekend of violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, fomented by the "alt-right," four top leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) today issued a statement condemning white ...(READ MORE) .
STATED CLERK SPEAKS OUT ON RACISM OF ALT-RIGHT
White supremacy raised its head and occupied a weekend of the news. We are reeling as a nation from President Trump's cursory statement that failed to aggressively condemn the existence of the alt-right and their promotion of vitriolic...( READ MORE ).
PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS MATERIALS NOW AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE - Congregational resources to promote the 2017 Peace & Global Witness Offering are now available for download, or they can be ordered through the...( READ MORE ).
HOT LINKS
Justice and Peace newsletter, from the Presbyterian Mission. 
Keeping Faith newsletter, from Tony de la Rosa of the Presbyterian Mission. 
Presbyterian Mission newsletter, Grace and Gratitude. 
Keeping in Touch, the newsletter of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. 
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.