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FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
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STANDING IN THE GAP
On the third day of the "Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations" workshop in the remote town of Pochalla, South Sudan, the confessions began. Kristi Rice, a PC(USA) mission co-worker knelt on a mat facing the gathering of men and women of the Anywaa people. "I spoke, confessing and acknowledging ways that my ancestors, my people, had hurt the Anywaa tribe. 'My ancestors are Europeans, and they decided boundaries without regard for the boundaries of tribes and kingdoms that already existed; your tribe was divided between Ethiopia and Sudan.' I continued with confessions on behalf of Americans and missionaries, including our country's purchase of slaves that perpetuated the prejudice against Africans and disrespect for their personhood and societies. I could feel
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READ MORE
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RECONCILIATION GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE!
With "Reconciliation" as our 2019 Presbytery theme, we have imagined some meaningful ways for congregations to engage this theme between Presbytery Gatherings. Here's a
beginning list
of ideas - you'll undoubtedly come up with many more! Because of generous congregational financial support, the Presbytery is now able to offer grants up to $300 to reimburse the expense of these or similar activities on the theme of reconciliation. When two or more congregations in the Presbytery join together on a reconciliation activity, you are encouraged to submit your request to the Presbytery for reimbursement of expenses, up to $300, to
office@pbymilwaukee.org
.
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The Presbytery extends its condolences to Rev. Tom Woehrle, honorably retired member of the Presbytery, on the recent passing of his wife, Donna Woehrle. We give thanks to God for her life and that she has received the promise of new life.
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PRESBYTERY OFFICE CLOSURE
Due to staff vacations and schedules, the office will be closed tomorrow, March 28
th
. Friday we will re-open at normal business hours.
If you need to reach someone on Thursday, please contact Rachel Yates at 303-809-2626.
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PRESBYTERY GATHERING SPEAKERS
The Presbytery of Milwaukee is pleased to announce the speakers for its remaining three Presbytery Gatherings in 2019. Each will guide us in our learning about this year's theme of Reconciliation. We hope you will invite everyone in your congregation to attend.
speakers are now available! Please share these with your congregation and community. We look forward to hosting three excellent speakers.
Dr. DiAngelo's book, White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People to Talk About Racism is available for purchase through the Presbytery Office for $9.00 -- 45% off the list price. We encourage groups to read this together to prepare for our May 21 Gathering.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TWO CERTIFIED ECC CHURCHES
We are pleased to announce that Faith Springs Presbyterian Church in Pewaukee and Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church in Wauwatosa are included on the list of congregations certified as an Earth Care Congregation by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2020. This honor speaks to the great commitment that these churches have to caring for God's earth.
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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TASK FORCE (DPRTF)
The Disaster Preparedness and Response Task Force (DPRTF) formed with five members of the presbytery to provide the presbytery with planning and coordination in preparation for and response to natural or human-caused disasters within the bounds of Milwaukee Presbytery, and response to such disasters outside of the presbytery.
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PROPOSED MANUAL OF OPERATION AMENDMENT #2
At the February Presbytery meeting, we had a first reading of two amendments to the Manual of Operation. Below, we show the intended language for the second one: codification of the "Personnel Committee," which is an informal work group under the Presbytery Council's control. As with the proposed Presbytery Planning Commission, moving this work group into the Presbytery's organizational structure better defines and streamlines its work and provides greater accountability in the selection of members through the Nominating Committee and Committee on Representation to ensure these leaders conform to the spirit of F-1.0403, F-3.0106, and G-3.0103.
Insert at line 592
Personnel Committee
. The committee is responsible for providing oversight of the Presbytery staff. Specifically, the Personnel Committee shall:
- Maintain and implement the Presbytery Personnel Policies;
- Provide for Annual Reviews of all Presbytery staff;
- Make salary recommendations to the Council;
- Be available to Presbytery staff members for consultation;
- Working with the designated administrative staff, interview and recommend to Council hiring and dismissal of Presbytery staff, as well as creation and dissolution of positions; and
- Working with the designated administrative staff, interview and recommend to the Nominating Committee the nomination of the Presbytery Treasurer, Presbytery Foundation Treasurer, Stated Clerk and Associate Stated Clerk.
The Committee is accountable to the Presbytery through the Presbytery Council.
Members. The Personnel Committee shall be composed of seven members. Six members shall be divided into three equal classes. Members shall be nominated to the Presbytery through Council and elected by the Presbytery Assembly. Term of service shall be for three (3) years with an individual eligible to serve up to six (6) consecutive years. One member shall be appointed to the Committee by the Presbytery Council and shall serve at the pleasure of the Council while they are members of the Council. Designated administrative staff shall serve ex-officio with voice and vote.
Meetings. The Committee meets as needed.
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IFGM STATEMENT AGAINST HATRED AND VIOLENCE
The Presbytery of Milwaukee supports the Stand Against Hatred and Violence statement issued Friday, March 15, 2019, by the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee. The statement condemns the horrific shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand and reaffirms our common commitment to the inherent dignity of every human being.
The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee strongly condemns the horrific attack on two mosques in New Zealand.
Although this atrocity has not taken place in our geographic area, we are aware of the effect such acts of terror can have on our local community. The rising tide of hatred across the globe affects us all...
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IMAGING LENT
Lent calls us to examine how we spend our time and energy, particularly on things that don't deeply satisfy our soul, but rather deplete us or diminish others.
Last week we asked you to picture forgiveness and send us images and symbols that speak to you of forgiveness. Here are the images we received:
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A regular practice during Lent is abstinence - abstaining from any number of things or activities or temptations. By abstaining, we create room in our lives to reprioritize God. What in your life should you be giving up in order to reprioritize God? Send us an image or symbol of where you should abstain.
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NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP
The Presbyterian Mission Agency has created a scholarship to honor the name and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneer and legend in the PC(U.S.A.). The Women's Ministry Fund supports Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, college women, and other women with opportunities for leadership and spiritual development as well as mission opportunities in the PC(U.S.A.). Applications will be accepted beginning April 1.
Learn more about this scholarship opportunity and find the application here.
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LECTIONARY MISSION STORIES FOR LENT
Reflections from PC(USA) staff, mission workers and Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) that illustrate lectionary New Testament readings for Lent are available. The writers were asked to reflect on these Scripture readings as they relate to their ministries and those of the global partners with whom they serve. Find links to the weekly devotions here.
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2018 PROPOSED BOOK OF ORDER AMENDMENTS
The Bills and Overtures Committee recommended that the amendments referred to the Presbytery of Milwaukee by the General Assembly be approved or disapproved as listed in their report, and at the Presbytery Gathering on November 27, 2018, their recommendations were confirmed. After presbyteries submitted their votes,
here are the final results of the PC(USA) amendment voting.
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REGARDING RULING ELDERS:
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS
The God-Powered Church
Rev. Joan Gray has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.
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HOUSING ALLOWANCE RULED CONSTITUTIONAL
The housing allowance, created 65 years ago, is the most valuable tax benefit a minister can receive today. However, when a federal judge ruled it to be an unconstitutional preference for religion in 2017, its future for clergy in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin became uncertain. Many believed that uncertainty potentially extended nationwide, too, pending the outcome of an appeal.
But that uncertainty dissipated-at least for now-when the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circ
uit (the court involved with the appeal) issued its opinion on Friday. Its conclusion: the clergy housing allowance is a constitutionally permissible tax benefit. This
free article
includes highlights from the opinion, as well as comments about what we should expect to see next in this continuing legal saga.
Church Law & Tax
is offering a free webinar
at 11am (Central) on Friday, March 22, featuring attorney and senior editor Richard Hammar. The Seventh Circuit's decision will be reviewed and questions regarding what churches and clergy should anticipate next will be addressed.
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Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church invites you to hear the President's String Quartet from Carthage College
on
Sunday, April 7th at 3:00 pm
. This talented quartet will play classical chamber music including works of Mozart, Beethoven and Dvorak. 2366 N. 80th Street, Wauwatosa. For more information, call the WPC office: 414-774-5005.
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30TH ANNUAL GREAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST
All are invited to attend the 30
th
Annual Great Pancake Breakfast at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church , 1455 S. 97t
h
Street, West Allis, on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 7:30 - 11:00 AM. It's All-U-Can-Eat Pancakes, with many toppings; juice, sausages, applesauce, plus coffee, tea, or milk. Price is SOOOOO reasonable, just $7.00 for adults, & $3.00 for kids under age 12. Everybody loves pancakes, right? Take a day off from fixing breakfast at home, & enjoy the cozy atmosphere & tantalizing taste of hot pancakes!
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SOUTHMINSTER'S YOUTH MUSICAL HOMECOMING
The Presbytery of Milwaukee members and Carroll University friends are all invited to the annual Southminster Presbyterian Church's Youth Musical Homecoming on
Sunday, April 7th at 9:30am.
This year the production is "Are We There Yet", composed by Allen Pote and words by Tom S. Long (2007). In this 45 minute retelling of the Exodus story, they capture the humor and humanity of Moses, Miriam, Aaron, Joshua, and the Pharaoh, as well as communicating the eternal truths within the story. A perfect musical as we prepare to celebrate the Christian Pascal Mystery.
Southminster Presbyterian Church,
200 Richard Street,
Waukesha, WI 53189
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UNDERSTANDING RACISM:
TOOLS FOR ACTION
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THE GIFT OF OUR WOUNDS
As part of the
Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series, First United Methodist Church in Whitewater is excited to welcome Pardeep Singh Kaleka and Arno Michaelis on
Sunday, April 7. In these divisive times, two men, one Sikh and one skinhead, have come together on a mission to stop hate and share the power of forgiveness. Together Pardeep and Arno will share the remarkable story of how their friendship grew out of a horrific hate crime, the Sikh Temple shooting in Oak Creek. Pardeep and Arno are authors of the acclaimed and moving book,
The Gift of Our Wounds.
The First United Methodist Church (145 South Prairie St, Whitewater, WI 53190)
From 1:00-2:30 p.m. adults and youth are invited to hear from these powerful speakers in the church sanctuary. From 3:00-5:00 p.m.
8th through 12th grade students are invited to attend an active listening workshop.
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LOVING OUR INTERFAITH NEIGHBORS
A STUDY-ACTION RESOURCE FOR CONGREGATIONS
The Wisconsin Council of Churches is pleased to share with you this groundbreaking resource for Wisconsin congregations, "Loving our Interfaith Neighbors: A Study-Action Guide." We pray that it will be an instrument of healing and hope for you and your congregation.
The "Loving our Interfaith Neighbors" study-action resource for Wisconsin congregations is written with the goals of the WCC "Invitation to Action" policy statement in mind, but our
first step on the journey is to actually get to know those of other faith traditions
, which is what this resource will help you do.
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MISSION CO-WORKERS FROM MIDDLE EAST TO SPEAK AT COVENANT
The Covenant Mission Committee invites you on
Thursday, March 28, at 6:30pm
, to come and hear the following presentation by two PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers: "Healing
Medicine: Christ at Work through His Church in the Middle East."
Rev. Elmarie Parker serves as a Presbyterian Church (USA) Associate for Ecumenical Partnerships in the role of Regional Liaison to Church Partners in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon. Rev. Scott Parker serves also as an Associate for Ecumenical Partnerships working with the Middle East Council of Churches based in
Beirut, Lebanon.
They will lead a discussion regarding current conditions in the region where they work and live, along with how these conditions (including ISIS) are impacting PCUSA Partners and their continuing work of worship and ministry. Though there is much over which to be deeply concerned, there are also stories of hope to be heard and shared. Bring your questions and come ready to hear the witness received first hand from local church leaders on the ground in these areas of conflict and chaos."
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GOOD SHEPHERD TRINITY CHURCH IN MILWAUKEE SEEKS PIANIST
Good Shepherd Trinity Church is searching for a pianist for Sunday mornings. Interested candidates should email Jeannette Bell or call 414-771-7170.
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IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN MILWAUKEE SEEKS INTERIM FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Interim (Bridge) for Christian Education and Congregational Life; ordained or non-ordained
Please click here for MIF
Position available: June 15, 2019
A healthy, growing, and inclusive community of faith on Milwaukee's historic Lower East Side, Immanuel Presbyterian Church seeks a transitional leader to provide continuity of programming in the areas of Christian Education for Children and Youth and Congregational Life. This is a temporary position, open to both clergy and non-clergy, while the congregation engages a process to consider and develop a new staffing model for continued health and vitality. Follow this link for a full job description and link to the Ministry Information Form (MIF). Learn more about Immanuel's mission and ministry at: www.immanuelwi.org Resumes or MIFs can be sent to:
hr@immanuelwi.org
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VERNON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN BIG BEND SEEKS PART-TIME SECRETARY
This position would require 14-16 hours of work per week, preferably Tuesday and Thursday. Job requirements include good computer skills; ability to learn new software; knowledge of basic bookkeeping and record keeping; excellent written and spoken communication/phone skills. Confidentiality and tact are important. This person will work directly with the Pastor and church officers. Pay is commensurate with skill level. Child care is available in the Vernon Child Development Center. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and a resume to
church@vernonpres.org
with "Church Secretary" in subject line.
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SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN IN WAUKESHA SEEKS INTERIM DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Interim Director of Christian Formation oversees the formation and discipleship opportunities of Christians through means like Sunday School and Children's Church Program, Youth Ministry, and classes for parents; assists in bringing Christian formation back into each home, particularly by relating to our children and youth and equipping their parents or guardians; and works with the Pastor, Christian Formation consultant, and the Christian Formation Ministry Team in its understanding and execution of Christian Formation. Candidate should have knowledge of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its history, traditions and liturgies; familiarity with developmental stages related to learning and spirituality; excellent written and oral skills, especially ability to use social media effectively. The successful candidate will also have the ability to recruit train, lead and support volunteers in ministry and leadership positions, experience leading children or youth to Christian discipleship (This could be volunteer experience - in either a church or mission setting, and passion for Christian Formation and the ability to articulate how they live out that passion in everyday life. Position is 10-15 hours a week, contracted for one year. Start date is June 1, 2019. Please send cover letter and resume to the Rev'd Dr. Christian Boyd,
pastor@southminsterchurch.org.
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SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN IN WAUKESHA SEEKS CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR
Church Administrator manages the day-to-day business operations of the church. Duties include office management, communicating with members, managing volunteers, financial management of the church, church event organizing and scheduling, and property rental management. Provides some office assistance for pastor and staff. Must be self-directed, have enhanced computer skills, personable on the phone and with those who come by the office, good skills in making phone calls for the staff and in recruiting, and able to maintain confidentiality always. Experience with Microsoft Office, Church Windows, and QuickBooks desired, as well as basic IT knowledge. Position is for 25-30 hours per week. Start Date: May 1, 2019. Please send cover letter and resume to the Rev'd Dr. Christian Boyd,
pastor@southminsterchurch.org.
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INTERFAITH CONFERENCE OF GREATER MILWAUKEE SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IFCGM is in the final stages of recruitment for an Executive Director. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a litter of application and resume to
IFCMilwaukeeChair@gmail.com as soon as possible.
You can find more information about the position
here.
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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.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN IN JANESVILLE SEEKS PART TIME SOLO PASTOR
First Presbyterian Church, Janesville seeks part time solo pastor. Click for
MIF
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CROSSROADS SEEKS TWO POSITIONS
Pastor/Head of Staff: Please click here for MIF
Associate Bridge Pastor:
Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon WI is currently looking for a Bridge Associate Pastor to provide continuity with our Deacons, Adult Ed and Mission/Outreach ministries. This is a temporary role for the purpose of bridging the time until our PNC finds a new Sr. Pastor and we begin a search for a full-time Associate Pastor. It is not required that this Pastor be specifically trained in transitional work. Please see the attached job description or visit our website:
www.crossroadspres.org
Resumes or MIFs can be sent to:
careers@crossroadspres.org
. Please include any links or clips of relevant sermons or other recordings. Please click for JOB DESCRIPTION
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PRESBYTERIAN HOMES & SERVICES
Certified Nursing Assistants (C.N.A.) or CBRF Certified Caregivers
If you have a passion and desire to enrich the lives and touch the hearts of older adults, consider joining our team in providing compassionate and high quality care and services within a caring Christian culture.
We have Full Time & Part Time Caregiving Openings on all Shifts!
Culinary Servers
If you have a passion and desire to serve older adults in our dining rooms, consider joining our team in providing high quality meals and restaurant style dining at any of our locations.
Check out our website for other available positions too!
Apply online at
www.preshomes.org;
click on 'Careers'; s
earch by Location (Waukesha, Pewaukee, Menomonee Falls, Germantown, and soon - Dec 2019 -Oconomowoc WI) and apply!
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FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
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- TUESDAY, May 21 - Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church
- WEDNESDAY, September 25 - Good Shepherd Trinity Church
- THURSDAY, November 21 - Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, Wales
Share this information with your congregation! NEW Bulletin inserts & bulletin board flyers available!
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