FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
GOING DEEPER
The tour started pleasant enough.  We admired the culture and amassed wealth, generously given away as alms, of African leaders.  We heard stories of significant contributions to architecture and science from Africans - stories that are regularly omitted from our history books.  Yes, the tour started pleasant enough.

Following the head "griot" for the museum, we were invited to go deeper into the exhibit space and deeper into our history.  "Not slave ships," our griot corrected us, "Cargo ships."  Like food and building materials, slaves were cargo, the labor force needed to build the New World.  Going deeper we saw displays about... ( READ MORE ) .
PRESBYTERY PULSE
INSTALLATION SERVICE FOR REV. SUSAN SYTSMA BRATT
October 27, 4:00 p.m.
Please join us for the installation of the Rev. Susan Sytsma Bratt on Sunday, October 27th, at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon at 4:00 p.m.

The new Head of Staff for Crossroads, Susan is a native Midwesterner from Holland, Michigan who most recently served a congregation in Dallas, Texas.  Preaching and teaching to equip folks to go out into God's world in peace are her passions.  She loves strong coffee as it keeps her going in her dual vocation as minister and mama to a pre-school daughter, Emma, and now six month old son, John.  Susan is married to Peter who is an urban planner.  

We welcomed Susan at our September Presbytery gathering; now we have the opportunity to celebrate her installation.

Clergy are invited to robe and wear red vestments.

Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 6031 W. Chapel Hill Road, Mequon, WI
CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY WEEK
October 28 - November 1
Congregational Vitality Week is just around the corner and we are excited about the opportunities that will be presented throughout the week!  We will welcome the Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill and Dr. Marcia McFee to the presbytery for workshops on Monday and Wednesday, and tap into our own resources for additional workshops, gatherings, and a fun scavenger hunt!  We hope that there is an offering for everyone to participate in during Congregational Vitality Week -- we'll see you there!
MONTHLY PRAYER MEETING TOMORROW, OCTOBER 17TH
Join the staff at the Presbytery Office for the monthly prayer meeting held every 3rd  Thursday of the month from 1:00-1:30 p.m.  Can't make it to the Presbytery Office?  We  invite you to join us by "Praying in Place" at that same time.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT - A MESSAGE FROM PMA
There are more than 240 congregations and mid councils that have accepted the Matthew 25 invitation to date, including our own Heritage Presbyterian Church!  The Presbyterian Mission Agency aims to multiply this loving commitment to radical and fearless discipleship by partnering on one of more of the three focus areas -- building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, or eradicating poverty.  The Matthew 25 website offers a variety of resources to help you on this journey, regardless of which area(s) of focus you are embracing.  Check it out yourself and see where God might be leading your congregation.
ANNUAL ENROLLMENT FOR 2020 BENEFITS STARTS SOON
Annual enrollment for 2020 benefits will run from October 28 through November 15.  During this time, employees can log on to Benefits Connect to view choices and costs, and elect benefits for 2020.  
Learn more about annual enrollment as well as important things to think about when electing 2020 benefits.  Be sure to visit Benefits Connect during annual enrollment and make your elections for coverage effective January 1, 2020.
REGARDING RULING ELDERS: 
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS
 
Gina Yeager-Buckley has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.
REFORMATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019
Presbyterians celebrate the tradition that grounds their faith on Reformation Sunday.  It is always the last Sunday in October, marking the occasion in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  For bulletin inserts and other resources for the upcoming Reformation Sunday, visit this page from the Presbyterian Historical Society.
INVITATIONS
DRUMMING WITHOUT BORDERS
Sunday, October 20TH, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Heritage Presbyterian Chruch invites you to an evening of Mission and Drumming featuring Michael Paddock, Chief Engineer of Engineers Without Borders, and Will Ulrich, talented drumming instructor.  Mr. Paddock will share information about the many unique and eye-opening experiences he has had leading over 70 international service projects across 5 continents.  Mr. Ulrich will lead an, interactive drumming presentation, exploring a global language that unites all cultures and ages.
Heritage Presbyterian Church, Olive Wood Theater at Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community, S77 W12929 McShane Drive, Muskego, WI
HELPING CHURCHES TALK ABOUT RACISM
Immanuel Presbyterian Church is participating in the upcoming Helping Churches Talk About Racism webinar and welcomes all colleagues and friends from the Presbytery who would like to  participate.  Please email ipc@immanuelwi.org to register.
On Tuesday, October 29th at 1:00 p.m. (CST) Presbyterian Outlook will host   Helping Churches Talk About Racism,  a 90-minute webinar designed to help congregations start having meaningful conversations about race.   Find out more about the webinar and purchasing details  here .  
Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee, WI
TRICKLEBEE CAFE FUNDRAISER
October 20th, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tricklebee Cafe, the pay-what-you-can community cafe offering healthy meals, food-service training, and spiritual nourishment, is hosting its second annual Tricklebee Cafe Fundraiser.  This fun evening held at the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee will include live music, food, video, beer & wine, and a silent auction.  Tickets can be purchased at Tricklebee for $40.
First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, 1342 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee, WI
KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION
November 10th, 3:00 p.m.
The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center presents Kristallnacht: Who Will Tell What Happened? on Sunday, November 10, at 3:00 p.m.
The November 9th and 10th pogrom is commemorated so that the world may never forget the magnitude of violence the Third Reich unleashed against the Jews and to recognize the devastating consequences of hatred and intolerance.
Individuals of all religious backgrounds are invited.
Ovation Jewish Home - Rubenstein Pavilion, 1414 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
THANK YOU FOR HOSTING REV. LYDIA NESHANGWE
Thank you to the many people and groups who hosted Rev. Lydia Neshangwe on her International Peacemaking tour.  Despite a dire economic and political situation in Zimbabwe, she has shown us how a committed and faith-filled church can offer innovative and much-needed ministry.  If you feel moved to support Lydia's Presbyterian ministry in Zimbabwe, the Presbyterian Mission Agency has set up a way for you to make a donation by check or online.  To donate by check, please include on the memo line "PG200000-Zimbabwe." Send your gift to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 or to the Presbytery Office on a standard remittance form.  To give online, visit presbyterianmission.org/donate/peace-global.  Your gifts this month to the Peace and Global Witness Special Offering make  these visits possible.  Thank you!
HOT LINKS
A Year in Zambia  - YAV Emily Teerink's Blog - Relief and Development
Grapevine - Presbyterian Women's Newsletter
Keeping In Touch  - Newsletter from the Synod of Lakes and Prairies 
Life in the Labyrinth - Inspirational Website by Michelle Henrichs
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Current Information
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Good Shepherd Trinity is a combined ELCA/PCUSA congregation.  Please see their Ministry Site Profile and direct all inquiries and interest in the position to Ann Gibbs, Associate for Ministry Vitality, Presbytery of Milwaukee.
University Christian Ministries (UCM) seeks   COOK FOR 2019
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
  • THURSDAY, November 21 - Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, Wales

Share this information with your congregation -- bulletin inserts & bulletin board flyers available!

Presbytery of Milwaukee
414-292-2740
khopta@pbymilwaukee.org
http://www.pbymilwaukee.org