Fresh Impressions September 20, 2017

YOUR CONTRIBUTION AT WORK

PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING UNDERWAY

Blessed are the peacemakers. The Peace & Global Witness Offering is happing now: September 3 to October 1. It is accompanied by the Season of Peace, ending on World Communion Sunday. A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this Offering to connect with the global witness of Christ's peace. Mid councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness...(READ MORE).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

INTERIM CONGREGATIONAL CARE COORDINATOR JOB OPENING

The Presbytery of Milwaukee seeks a full-time Interim Congregational Care Coordinator to succeed its retiring coordinator. The Congregational Care Coordinator's primary function is to provide staff oversight for and coordinate the work of the Commission on Ministry (COM), and Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM). The successful candidate will operate from a spiritual foundation, be a strong team player with a creative collaborative working style and honor confidentiality. A complete position description can be found here.

Interested parties should send a resume or PIF along with a cover letter by Friday, October 6, to the Personnel Work Group led by Jenny Gleichauf at [email protected] .

WAUWATOSA PRESBYTERIAN SEEKS OFFICE ASSISTANT

Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church is seeking an Office Assistant whose primary responsibility is managing and producing all communications related to the congregation as well as the outside community at large. In addition, the Office Assistant helps with general office tasks. The position reports to the Office Manager and works closely with other staff to achieve a consistent and positive message reflective of the church's mission. The staff and environment at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church is...(READ MORE).

PRAYERS, CONCERNS AND JOYS

PRAYER BASKET

Please keep all those in the Caribbean who are at risk (and the many who are once again at risk) from the devastating winds and waves from Hurricane Maria. May our prayers be ongoing for their...(READ MORE). If you have a prayer request to share, please contact Susan Stoll at [email protected] .

FEATURED CONGREGATION

IMMANUEL 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 Immanuel, Milwaukee.

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].

PRESBYTERY PULSE


	Rev. Denise Anderson

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.

COVENANT, RACINE, TO DISCUSS WAKING UP WHITE

A sub-group of Covenant's elders on the Session have been meeting to discern how our congregation might act to add more light than heat to our nation's racial tensions. While the entire Session will discuss and develop plans for this church year at their September meeting, the sub-group wanted to get us started with conversations around another book they're reading called...(READ MORE).

COMMUNITY GARDEN IMAGES NEEDED

The Presbytery office is seeking images of community gardens at Presbytery churches. Please send images to [email protected], with identification regarding location and contact info. We hope to use the slides for the next Presbytery Gathering. Thank you!

RETIREMENT CARDS FOR SARAH RAND

Sarah Rand will retire at the end of the month. If you would like to share a card with her, there are two options. The first is to send the card to the Presbytery office: 6767 W. Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53214. The second option is to bring the card to the Presbytery Gathering on September 26. There will also be stationery at the Presbytery Gathering if you would like to make a card there.

HYMNALS AVAILABLE FROM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN KENOSHA

From Pastor Lance Loveall: First Presbyterian Church of Kenosha recently switched to the new hymnal and we have many "Blue Presbyterian Hymnals" that are in great shape that we are looking to donate. If your church or a church/ministry that you know of could us those hymnals please contact Lance Loveall at 262-652-6838 or [email protected] .

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE SERIES AT OTTAWA IN DOUSMAN

First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa, Dousman. October Inspirational Happenings on Sundays, October 15, 22, 29, 10:30AM. Why not take a beautiful autumn drive in the Kettle Moraine Forest and be inspired! At the corners of C and D outside of Dousman . ..( READ MORE ).

OCTOBER 19 MEETING SCHEDULED FOR DNSIB

Do Not Stand Idly By has scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, October 19, from 6:30PM until 8:00PM. You are invited and welcome! It will be at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee. Newcomer's briefing at 6:00PM. ...( READ MORE ).

SUGGESTED READING FROM ALBAN INSTITUTE

Church today isn't the same as it was fifty years ago-or even ten years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations facing this reality-what if membership growth isn't the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining ...( READ MORE ).

CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE WITH THE UKRAINE: CURRENTLY RECRUITING HOST FAMILIES

Visit the new website for more information. The Presbytery of Milwaukee is working together with both Diaconia Connections and Father's House to bring residents of Otchiy Dim Orphanage to visit Milwaukee during the Christmas...(READ MORE).

WAUWATOSA PRESBYTERIAN TO HOST ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church will host an Alternative Christmas Market on Sunday, November 19, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Mark your calendar!

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.

Rev'd Dr. Christian D. Boyd
Pastor + Southminster PC(USA), Waukesha, WI
Stated Clerk + Presbytery of Milwaukee PC(USA)

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 ).

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 ).

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).

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.

INVITATIONS

A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT A COMMUNITY DOING TIME

Tonight! Screening of "MILWAUKEE 53206", a documentary by Keith McQuirter, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. September 20 at 6:30 p.m., Carroll University, Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom, 100 N. East Avenue, Waukesha ...( READ MORE ).

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 ).

LOVE WELCOME PC(USA) CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY

You and your congregations are invited to a conference October 20-21 in NYC titled "Love Welcome: A Faith-Based Forum on Supporting LGBTQ Refugees." This is a national PC(USA) conference - open to anyone interested in attending - co-sponsored by...( READ MORE ).

SCREENING AND DISCUSSION WITH DIRECTOR DANIEL BREA

"Escape from Room 18," a film by Daniel Brea, is being shown on November 8, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

at Carroll University, Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom, 100 North East Avenue, Waukesha.

John Daly, an ex-Neo Nazi, fled to Israel when ...( READ MORE ).

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN FALL GATHERING COMING SOON

The Presbyterian Women Presbytery Fall Gathering is just a month away - Saturday, October 14, with registration beginning at 9:00AM, at Sun Valley Presbyterian Church, 1650 Sun Valley Drive in Beloit. The theme for this special event is "Help with Love: Empowering Church and Neighbor". The registration fee is $12 which includes morning refreshments and lunch! This event is open to all women in the presbytery!

Attached is a flyer that contains all the details and registration information. You won't want to miss out on this educational opportunity that includes fellowship, food and the Serv Table!

PC(USA) AND BEYOND

PRESBYTERIAN JUSTICE AND PEACE

The Season of Peace is upon us and it couldn't have come at a more needed time. The past weeks and months have been difficult ones for our nation and for the world. We've witnessed rallies of white supremacists and a disturbing escalation of.. .( READ MORE ). Website.

WHAT PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN DO

Presbyterian Women understands that scripture asks us to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. As such, Presbyterian Women provides information about justice and peace and ministry to inform mission and community-building...( READ MORE ).

HOW THE REFORMATION SHAPED THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

Many of us have heard that the United States' form of government was influenced by the practices and beliefs of Presbyterians who crossed the ocean to find...(READ MORE) .

FLORIDA PRESBYTERIES MOBILIZE AFTER HURRICANE IRMA

LOUISVILLE - Hurricane Irma may be gone, but the aftermath of its path across Florida is still being felt by residents, businesses and...( READ MORE ).

REGARDING RULING ELDERS: A SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS

I dread meetings. As a lifelong Presbyterian, I am embarrassed to admit this. Meetings can feel tedious, frustrating, confusing, and so unspiritual. Meetings are a significant ...( READ MORE ).