FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME
Lately, children have been on my mind. My grandson made his debut exactly one week ago. At 6 lbs. 4 ozs., Greyson feels tiny, but we're grateful he is healthy. Our daughter and son-in-law have natural gifts and confidence for parenting, and they're filled with love for this new family addition.
Grandbabies are on the way or have just arrived for several of our pastors. We quipped that there "must be something in the water." Others report they have recently baptized babies.
So, these are obvious reasons that I'm thinking  . ..( READ MORE ).
PRESBYTERY PULSE
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE SEEKS TWO POSITIONS
The Presbytery seeks 2 people to serve in unique roles.  We are hiring a part-time   Communications Coordinator  to be part of our Presbytery staff team.  Also, as Jessie Read plans for retirement this year, we are looking for a part-time, volunteer Treasurer  to begin working with her to transition.  Click on those links for job descriptions.  If you are interested in either position, notify  Matt Lee , Moderator of Personnel Team.
OFFICER TRAINING
Ruling Elders and Deacons are invited to a training session sponsored by the presbytery and offered through the Leadership Development Task Force. Two dates are offered at two different locations. The last officer training was attending by over 50 Presbyterian Elders and Deacons! Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Cost is $10. Click here  for more information and to register. 
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STATED CLERK
Congratulations to our Stated Clerk, Christian Boyd, who was elected at the General Assembly to serve on the denomination's Advisory Committee on the Constitution.  The ACC is a permanent committee of the PC(U.S.A.) that advises the General Assembly on matters related to interpretation and amendment of  The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) , that is, our Book of Order and Book of Confessions.  One of nine elected members, Christian will help to guide the whole denomination on some of our thorniest issues.  Thank you, Christian, for serving the church in this unique way!
PLANNING CALENDARS
The calendars have arrived! Please call first before you come by to pick them up to make sure someone is here. And remember, the office is closed on Fridays in the summer.
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.
ADOPT A BELLRINGER?
Two former handbell ringers are looking to be adopted into a bell choir in the Milwaukee area because their church no longer has a bell choir. Please contact them here if your bell choir is looking for ringers.
PRAYERS AND CONCERNS AND JOYS
PRAYER BASKET
PASTORAL WORDS FROM SUSAN STOLL:
You, O God , are our refuge in whom we put our trust.   Amidst all the places in our lives - our joys with laughter and singing, and our weariness with tears and lamenting - remind us of Your abiding, loving presence. Give us the strength to continue raising our voices and proclaiming with the living out of our life of faith, the deep assurance that . ..( READ MORE )
PRAYERS:
We pray for all those around the world who are affected by natural disasters:
  • molten lava that continues to flow from Kilauea's erupting volcano
  • record high torrential rainfall and mudslides in Japan that have taken hundreds of lives
  • the huge iceberg in Greenland that has...(READ MORE)

If you have prayer requests, please send them to sstoll@pbymilwaukee.org.
FEATURED CONGREGATION
WHICH CHURCH IS THIS?
This congregation traces its beginnings to 1847!  They are a strong missional church and highlight a different mission every week on their website. Their pastor and two of their elders currently serve on Presbytery of Milwaukee committees. One of their members was recently ordained as a Presbyterian minister and is now serving in a congregation in Illinois.   Answer is here .  
BEHIND THE SCENES
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.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTEER EMILY TEERINK
Here is a note from Emily Teerink, who is spending a year in Zambia as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) with the PC(USA). "I am so excited about this mission opportunity and everything I will get to experience over the next year. I hope that many of you will be able to follow along by subscribing to and reading my YAV blog. A link to the blog can be found here.  
NEWS FROM MISSION CO-WORKER MARTHA SOMMERS
Please read a new letter from mission co-worker Martha Sommers who is facing new health challenges and needs your prayers.
PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING WEBINARS  
Bryce Wiebe and Jon Reinink will be hosting two webinars to share about the Peace & Global Witness Offering. They will cover this year's themes, ideas for promoting it in your regions and congregations, and peacemaking activities that are happening because of the gifts made to this Offering.
Can't make it? Recordings will be  posted on the website within forty-eight hours.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE SEEKS TWO POSITIONS
The Presbytery seeks 2 people to serve in unique roles.  We are hiring a part-time   Communications Coordinator  to be part of our Presbytery staff team.  Also, as Jessie Read plans for retirement this year, we are looking for a part-time, volunteer Treasurer  to begin working with her to transition.  Click on those links for job descriptions.  If you are interested in either position, notify  Matt Lee , Moderator of Personnel Team.
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 .
WEST GRANVILLE PC SEEKING CHOIR PIANO ACCOMPANIST 
West Granville Presbyterian Church is looking for a Choir Piano Accompanist.
Contact West Granville, 414-353-8680 or  pastord@westgranville.org for more information.
CROSSROADS PRESBYTERIAN SEEKING CONGREGATIONAL CARE DIRECTOR -  Please click here for more information .
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.
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.
Contact calvarychurchmke@gmail.com for more information.
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
  • 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
HOT LINKS
Life in the Labyrinth, inspirational website by Michelle Henrichs.

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