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FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
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THE CHALLENGE OF COMMUNITY
It's good to build relationships with people. In the office building of the Presbytery, a woman works every evening to clean our space, the bathrooms, and other offices on our floor. Usually she is cleaning in the hallway outside the Presbytery office about the time I'm leaving for the day. With my limited Spanish, I try to exchange a few pleasantries, including thanks for how nicely everything smells as she's cleaning.
Not long ago, I went through my routine to leave office and lock up. I had a big box to carry to my car, so I left that in the office while I used the bathroom before the drive home. I came back, grabbed my box and purse, turned out the lights and locked the door. My office companion wasn't in the hallway, but our paths don't always cross. As I opened the back stairwell door
.
..(
READ MORE
).
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RECAP OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2018
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223RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PC(USA)
For a recap of the major issues decided at GA, take a look at this two-page summary More information specific to congregations and the presbytery will be shared at our September Presbytery Gathering.
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Each of our congregations is part of a larger, connected family in the Synod of Lakes & Prairies. This
report
offers a nice summary of the support we receive from the Synod, due to your generous per capita and shared mission support giving.
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Church Trends
is the re-envisioned website combining congregational data, regional, and national PC(USA) data. Using the data from the clerks' Annual Statistical Report, this website replaces both Comparative Statistics and Ten Year Trends. Reports are available by congregation, size, state, presbytery, synod, and PC(USA). Check it out now to search by your own church's name, by state, by presbytery, or otherwise. The data is now at your fingertips!
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Unfortunately the planning calendars are still delayed. We hope to receive them by the end of the month. We will notify all churches and individuals when they have arrived and are available for pick up. Thanks for your patience.
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CHURCH ADMINISTRATORS' APPRECIATION LUNCH -
Deadline to register is July 3rd
On July 10, the Presbytery and the Board of Pensions will be hosting an appreciation lunch for both volunteer and paid administrators of our congregations (church secretaries, administrative staff, payroll admins) to thank you for your ministries and to have a bit of learning on topics tailored to you. Faith Presbyterian Church in Franklin has offered its space for our gathering from 10 am to 1 pm.
C
lick the link below for detailed information and to register.
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PRESBYTERIANS WANTED -
COM expands liaison ministry
The presbytery's Commission on Ministry is working to increase both our connection to our congregations and our resource of people by expanding our liaison ministry. While members of COM will still be liaisons for congregations in times of transition or particular need, we are recruiting non-COM pastors and elders to serve on teams as a witness of pastoral care and congregational support from the greater church. Basic training will be provided. This initiative is new, so I am estimating that the time commitment will be roughly 18-20 hours
a year connecting with congregations. Skills desired for volunteers are: good listening skills, a positive attitude (cheer leader background a plus), and a desire to strengthen the body of Christ through authentic and supportive relationships. It's a big plus if you don't have all the answers or a desire to fix or save others. If interested, please contact Ann Gibbs, Associate for Ministry Vitality 414-292-2740 or
agibbs@pbymilwaukee.org.
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COLORING SHEET FOR CHILDREN
One way to teach our children about God's love for immigrants is with this
coloring sheet
. The image and Bible quote create space for conversation on this important issue. Thanks to Illustrated Children's Ministry for this resource!
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PRAYERS AND CONCERNS AND JOYS
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PASTORAL WORDS FROM SUSAN STOLL:
A friend of mine once described how she, in the context of her Christian ministry, was in a "clunky" spot. A certain ministry was coming together, but not without its bumps. I think it's safe to say that we've all had our own bumps, in the context of being disciples of Jesus. As Christians who seek to grow up into the fullness of Jesus Christ, we've experienced some.
..(
READ MORE
)
PRAYERS:
God of heaven and earth
- of all that is good and just, whose love and mercy is from everlasting to everlasting -
we are grateful for the wide-open opportunity to praise You, and offer prayers for ourselves and the needs and concerns of others. We come from different places with busy schedules, pending deadlines, unfinished check lists, unfulfilled hopes, or perhaps...
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This congregation is a combined Presbyterian and UCC church family, having united in 2010. They have a
"Loads of Love" laundry ministry, providing free laundry once a month at a local
laundromat
: "
Two loads per person or until our quarters run out". They share their church home with
Iglesia La Hermosa, the first Spanish-language congregation in
their community.
Answer is
here
.
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BOARD OF PENSIONS WORKSHOP AND INFORMATION SESSION
Ken Green, our Board of Pensions representative, will be here at the Presbytery office for a workshop and information session
on
Tuesday, July 17th from 10-11:30am addressing the BOP 2019 changes that will be affecting churches and pastors . This is open to pastors, Personnel teams, church administrators, and anyone who wants to learn more. More details to follow next week.
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PC(USA) GRANT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Thanks to a grant from the PCUSA, the Commission on Ministry is able to recruit the experts of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center to lead a series of workshops for the Presbytery of Milwaukee. These workshops are designed to help sessions, pastors, and leadership teams develop the skills necessary to address the ongoing concerns and issues that arise as we seek to live out our faith, recognizing that we live and work and "do church" with people with whom we don't always agree.
The first opportunity is Saturday, July 28, from 9-4:30 at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Waukesha. This workshop,
Facilitating Healthy Pastor-Congregation Relations, speaks to the importance of the relationship between the pastor and the congregation. It's a great opportunity for congregations who are in the search process and any congregation that needs help developing or enhancing their personnel team. It's also great for pastors who would like to learn more about how to negotiate expectations and share the task of ministry.
Click
HERE for an informational flyer.
Click
HERE
to register.
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AFTERNOON OF INSPIRING MUSIC
Several Milwaukee church choirs are joining together for a concert on July 1st. Click for more information.
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WAUWATOSA PRESBYTERIAN SEEKS HANDBELL CHOIR DIRECTOR
The "Chancel Ringers" currently rehearse one night a week and play for church service one Sunday per month (September - May) and special events. Director is responsible for selecting music to be played in coordination with Music Director and Co-Pastors, and managing rehearsals. Two or more years of directing experience required. Contact the WPC Office at 414-774-5005 for more information, or send resume to
officemgr@tosapres.com
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WEST GRANVILLE PC SEEKING CHOIR PIANO ACCOMPANIST
West Granville Presbyterian Church is looking for a Choir Piano Accompanist.
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CROSSROADS PRESBYTERIAN SEEKING CONGREGATIONAL CARE DIRECTOR -
Please click here for
more information
.
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SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN SEEKING THREE POSITIONS
Southminster Presbyterian Church in Waukesha is seeking to fill three positions:
Pastoral Intern or Associate Pastor for Christian Formation. Job description
here.
Director
for Christian Formation. Job description here.
Director of Children's Choir (K-5). Job description here.
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DELAFIELD PRESBYTERIAN SEEKS MUSIC DIRECTOR
Delafield Presbyterian Church is currently searching for a part-time music director to begin sometime before the end of August. General position responsibilities are as follows: d
evelop and lead the music ministry program for Delafield Presbyterian Church in a way that is creative, spirit-led, and in line with the mission, values, and theology of the church. Job description here.
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CALVARY SEEKS TO FILL TWO POSITIONS
Calvary Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee is seeking to fill two open positions:
Church Manager: job description
here.
Sunday School Educator: job description
here.
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FIRST IN WAUKESHA SEEKS FULL-TIME SUPPLY PASTOR
First Presbyterian Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is seeking a full-time stated supply pastor effective immediately. We are a small but warm and caring congregation seeking to share Christ in word and deed. Our church has been a fixture in downtown Waukesha for more than 170 years.
We are seeking a pastor who can guide us through a time of transition and lead us into a sustainable future, in whatever form that may take. We envision this as a full-time, 40-hour per week position. Benefits meet and compensation exceeds the Presbytery minimum requisites. Interested candidates should submit a resume to
presby1@sbcglobal.net
(
READ MORE).
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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 your local "news"!
chalverson@pbymilwaukee.org
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FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
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- TUESDAY, September 11 - Kettle Moraine Presbyterian in Hartland, 4pm
- TUESDAY, November 27 - Linn Presbyterian in Lake Geneva, 4pm
- TUESDAY, February 19 - Living Hope Presbyterian in Menomonee Falls, 4pm
- WEDNESDAY, May 22 - TBD
- WEDNESDAY, September 25 - TBD
- THURSDAY, November 21 - TBD
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