FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
BLESSINGS
The New Year is already ushering in changes. As a new slate of people is installed or hired in the Presbytery, I've been thinking about the blessings we've received from people with unique talents. It reminds me we are a priesthood of all believers - a group given all gifts necessary for the building up of the Church. In 2019, we say goodbye with our gratitude to two treasurers: Jessie Read (Presbytery Treasurer) and Detlef Pavlovich (Presbytery of Milwaukee Foundation Treasurer and former Presbytery Treasurer). Both have served the Church with their gifts of accounting and finance skills. In Detlef's case, he first began his volunteer service as Treasurer in 1998. For more than 20 years, he . ..( READ MORE ) .
PRESBYTERY PULSE
VOLINA CROSS DUKES -BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER
Congratulations to the Rev. Volina Cross Dukes, Honorably Retired member of our presbytery, who is a  Milwaukee Times 2019 Black Excellence Award honoree in the religion category.  The Black Excellence Awards started 34 years ago, in conjunction with Black History Month as a way of "Saluting the Best of the Community," to highlight and honor individuals who exemplify the best qualities of leadership. The ceremony will be held on February 15th at the Italian Community Center. We rejoice with Vi as she receives this well deserved award!
re:RE AN INVITATION TO RULING ELDERS ON A 30 DAY PRAYER PRACTICE  
PRESBYTERY MEMBERS PUBLISHING BOOKS!
Some of our distinguished Presbytery members have published books, and we want you to know about them! 
There may be others...please let the office know so we can promote them!
GET TO KNOW OUR PASTORS
WH O WAS THIS?

This pastor is an avid fat bike rider.
This is Chris Davis, pastor at Grace in Beaver Dam.
"Riding a fat tire bike allows me time to think - process - unwind. Riding also encourages me to get off the sofa and exercise." 

As of Dec. 21st no one had guessed correctly but thanks for playing! 
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WHO IS THIS?  
This pastor 
was conferred the dignity of Chevalier by the Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani (Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, or SMOTJ) under the Royal Patron, Her Highness Princess Elisabeth of Ysenburg and Büdingen, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. 


 
 
 
Send your guess to  Chris Halverson  and the first person to guess correctly will be recognized next week and receive a free dinner at the next presbytery meeting!
YOUTH HAPPENINGS
YOUTH TRIENNIUM 
Calling all high school youth to join the Milwaukee Presbytery delegation for the Youth Triennium this summer from July 16-20, 2019 at Purdue University. Check out this video to see what it's all about.
 
Contact Fiona Nicolaisen for more information and to register. Click for  registration application: Word or  PDF. Application deadline is January 31st. 
YOUTH SUMMIT ON FAITH AND GUN VIOLENCE
Youth who have personally experienced gun violence or who are passionate about the issue are invited to a statewide, ecumenical youth summit on Faith and Gun Violence, on Saturday, January 26, at Pilgrim Center, near Ripon, WI.  In this all-day event, youth will unfold their stories, hopes, and fears around gun violence.  The Presbytery has a limited number of delegates that we can send.  Please let us know if you are interested in being part of this summit by contacting Chris Halverson.
YOUTH PERSPECTIVES ON FAITH AND  GUN VIOLENCE
Middle and High School Youth!  The Wisconsin Council of Churches is looking for short videos, prayers, songs, poetry, and stories for youth around the state, sharing YOUR perspective on gun violence.  What is your story?  What is the role of faith in your story?  How can faith transform the status quo?  Reach us at pjc@wichurches.org, or @wichurches or #faithandgunviolence. 
PEACE PHOTO COLLAGE
 JOY PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY YOU!

INVITATIONS
HEALING THE WOUNDS OF PRIVILEGE (WEBINAR)
This webinar from the Presbyterian Outlook will offer congregations and pastors a way to address the challenging topic of privilege and social divisions with generosity, humility and hope. This webinar will be particularly useful in the context of predominantly white congregations with members who want to explore the concept of privilege and consider whether a loving response is possible.
90-minute Outlook webinar
Tuesday, January 15 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
Presented by Amy Julia Becker
Click for more information.
2019 WINTER FORUM - WI COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Saturday, March 9, Madison  
Austin Channing Brown is a leading new voice on racial justice, and the author of the compelling autobiographical book, I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. Austin is committed to exploring the intersections of racial justice, faith and black womanhood. Her talks are one of a kind, infused with justice, pop culture, humor, and truth-telling. Click here  for more information.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
YAV PROGRAM SEEKS APPLICANTS; INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS STILL ACCEPTED
From greetings from the Young Adult Volunteers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to a video about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s YAV program, and then to application information, the latest newsletter from the YAV program offers up information for those who might be interested in becoming YAV volunteers. There's more information about the YAV program at " Possibilities," and application information at " Application Dates" -- now is a good time to apply. The complete newsletter is at " Greetings."
CARRYING OUT THE GREAT COMMISSION
A Letter from Alan and Ellen Smith, serving in Russia, Germany and Belarus | December 2018
HOT LINKS
Writing Contest: A writing contest for first call pastors
A Year in Zambia - YAV Emily Teerink's Blog - a new Thanksgiving reflection!
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Current Information
Grapevine, Presbyterian Women's Newsletter
Life in the Labyrinth, inspirational website by Michelle Henrichs.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CHAPLAIN - EASTCASTLE PLACE
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE SEEKS PASTOR TO PASTORS  
FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSOCIATE - SYNOD OF LAKES AND PRAIRIES  
We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified applicants with strong technical and interpersonal skills to provide administrative and financial operating support under the leadership of the Director of Financial Services for business operations, bookkeeping and accounting procedures, and records management.   The Synod of Lakes and Prairies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and recruits, hires, calls and equips persons without discrimination by race, color, creed, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, or marital  status.  Details and job description
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN IN WAUKESHA SEEKS STATED SUPPLY PASTOR
First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha, WI, is seeking a pastor starting Feb. 1, 2019.  This is a stated supply position for a limited term with the possibility of renewal. We envision a full-time (40 hours per week) position, although we will consider candidates interested in a part-time position. Effective salary $55,000 plus benefits. Download a job description Please e-mail your résumé or PIF to:  presby1@sbcglobal.net
THE LISBON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUSSEX AND THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RICHFIELD, WI ARE SEEKING A STATED SUPPLY PASTOR TO SERVE BOTH CONGREGATIONS
Click  here  for job description and compensation.  
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN IN JANESVILLE SEEKS PART TIME SOLO PASTOR
CROSSROADS SEEKS TWO POSITIONS
GOOD SHEPHERD TRINITY SEEKS PART TIME BOOKKEEPER
CALVARY SEEKS SUNDAY SCHOOL EDUCATOR
Sunday School Educator: job description here .
Contact calvarychurchmke@gmail.com for more information.
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
  • TUESDAY, February 19 - Living Hope Presbyterian in Menomonee Falls, 4pm
  • WEDNESDAY, May 22 - TBD
  • WEDNESDAY, September 25 - TBD
  • THURSDAY, November 21 - TBD