FROM ANN GIBBS, ASSOCIATE FOR MINISTRY VITALITY
CONGREGATIONS FACE THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 TOGETHER AND HAVE FUN WHILE DOING IT
It's been a shock to our systems and church practices--discerning ways to function as the church in the midst of the COVID pandemic. It has also meant a rise in creativity, adaptability, and resiliency- all markers for what distinguishes vital congregations from those just going through the motions. But another important criterion (often overlooked) is fun. Do you find joy and excitement in your ministry? Unlike COVID-19, contagious enthusiasm for life in Christ is something the church has been longing to spread. Now two Milwaukee Presbytery pastors and their congregations are combating stress through the joy of working together.
It began at a session meeting. Kettle Moraine United Presbyterian Church (KMUPC) recalled that in the past their congregation and Delafield Presbyterian Church (DPC) had worked together in youth ministry. Was there an opportunity now to work together to face...(READ MORE)
PRESBYTERY PULSE
COVID-19 PRESBYTERY RELIEF GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Presbytery of Milwaukee Council and Commission on Congregational Vitality are working together to provide relief aid and support for our congregations in response to COVID-19.
Please see this  grant application form for details.  Grants are available to both individual ministers and congregations.
We continue to hold you and your ministries in prayer.
If you have any questions, please contact Ann Gibbs, Associate for Ministry Vitality.
LIVING STONES: A WORSHIP SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020
This service is Week Four of the worship series Become Living Stones.
As part of our worship series today, we experience a shift. The symbolic stones that have weighed us down, caused us to stumble, and offered false security are used this week to build God's house, a place with many rooms.
 
You are invited to find a stone you can hold, to be included as part of your worship.
 
Now you are coming to him as to a living stone. Even though this stone was rejected by humans, from God's perspective it is chosen, valuable. You yourselves are being built like living stones into a spiritual temple. You are being made into a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Thus it is written in scripture, Look! I am laying a cornerstone in Zion, chosen, valuable. The person who believes in him will never be shamed. 1 Peter 2:4-6, CEB
COMMON GROUND'S MILWAUKEE RISING ZOOM HAPPY HOUR
Monday, May 11, 5:00 p.m.
Last week, Milwaukee Rising LLC closed on its 91st and final property in Sherman Park. They now have the funds to pay off their remaining loan and are proposing to complete the work of the LLC.  

To recognize the many people who have made this hard, but fun work possible over the past 8 years, Milwaukee Rising is hosting a Zoom Happy Hour.  Bring your beverage of choice and log-in to catch up with friends and colleagues and view a slideshow commemorating milestones of the campaign.

Please RSVP to me at jstranzl@commongroundwi.org or 414-751-0755 if you plan to attend, and for the Zoom link!
LORD, HERE WE ARE - COVID-19 HYMN
Michelle Henrichs and Heidi Surprenant have written a new hymn (with vocal line) for this difficult time.  They are offering it to you to use.  Thank you for this musical gift! 
ANYTHING BUT COVID-19 NEWS
IRISH DONATE TO NAVAJO NATION TO PAYBACK POTATO FAMINE
The country of Ireland has donated nearly $1.5 million to a GoFundMe campaign providing relief to Navajo and Hopi families affect by the new coronavirus.  The donations are directly related to the donation the Choctaw Nation made to Ireland during the Great Potato Famine (1845-1849).  

" 173 years later to today, the favor is returned through generous donations from the Irish people to the Navajo Nation during our time of crisis," the organizers of the GoFundMe write. "A message from Irish donor, Pat Hayes, sent from Ireland across the ocean: 'From Ireland, 170 years later, the favour is returned! To our Native American brothers and sisters in your moment of hardship.'"
ALABAMA POLICE SEARCH FOR "AGGRESSIVE CHICKEN"
Police in Walker, Alabama have been contacted regarding an "aggressive chicken" that has been approaching ATM users, chasing customers, and attempting to climb into cars using the drive-thru lanes at a local bank.  Although the police arrived on the scene minutes after being dispatched, the chicken was unable to be located.  Police are advising residents who might encounter the animal not confront it, but call for help.
BARACK OBAMA TO SERVE AS 2020 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
In an academic year that ended with high school students missing many of the celebratory events that mark a rite of passage, high school seniors have another way to commemorate the occasion -- Barack Obama will deliver a televised prime-time commencement address during an hour-long event that will also feature LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai, and Ben Platt.  

On May 16th at 7:00 p.m. (CST) ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, along with other broadcast and digital streaming partners, will air " Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020."   Congratulations Class of 2020!  
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
URGENT: COVID-19 DEVASTATION ESCALATES.  YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW 
A letter from Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, President & Executive Director of PMA
Dear Friends in Christ,

You are in my prayers as we navigate the disaster of this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. I know most people are feeling the impact - health-wise, financially, emotionally. Our lives have been turned upside down in the span of just a few short weeks. Please know that the PC(USA) is with you in spirit. With God's help, we will get through this together.

Every day, I hear stories from around the Church of how people are suffering and how their lives have been devastated. Unemployment, sickness, parents who are thrust into...( READ MORE)
NEW PICTURE BOOKS ADDRESS CURRENT EVENTS QUESTIONS
The PC(USA) Store has gathered several new resources to help address the tough questions kids ask.  And, just like the children's sermon, picture books are not only for kids -- they can also help youth and adults make sense of what is going on in the world and provide comfort in difficult times. 

INVITATIONS
VIRTUAL INTERFAITH PANEL: WORLD FAITHS RESPOND TO COVID-19
Sunday, May 17, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
What is the response to COVID-19 from the various religious, spiritual and secular traditions? What are the moral and ethical obligations to respond during a pandemic? Hear perspectives from Judaism, Christianity, Native American Spirituality, Zen Buddhism, New Thought and Sukyo Mahikari during this virtual interfaith panel sponsored by The Interfaith Center at Miami University and the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council.


DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE TASK FORCE
SELF-CARE TOOLS #4
by Marilyn Stone
To assist in reducing the impact of stress on our daily lives, some simple self-care tools may be beneficial for our personal "toolbox" especially in these weeks of coping with this pandemic.  This week's simple exercise is  progressive muscle relaxation .  When practiced regularly, you may find it helpful in recognizing and relaxing tense muscles. 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation
One way your body responds to anxiety or stress is with muscle tension.  Progressive muscle relaxation is a method that helps relieve that tension.  It also may be helpful when having difficulty falling asleep...( READ MORE )
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
TOGETHER, APART
A Letter from Elmarie and Scott Parker, serving in Iraq, Lebanon, & Syria
Dear Friends,
In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic and its many domino effects, Scott and I remain so very grateful for your steadfast partnership with us and with your sisters and brothers in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. This pandemic is severely impacting the entire global community. Every time I speak with our partners in the Middle East, in addition to sharing about their situation, they are always asking about all of you-knowing that communities across the United States are also suffering in a multitude of ways. Truly this is a time where ...( READ MORE )
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
The Sower - February 2020 Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Iowa Tri-Presbyteries Leadership Team seeks THREE EXECUTIVE S
The Search Committee for the Iowa Tri-Presbyteries Leadership Team is actively seeking candidates who might consider a call to serve the presbyteries of Des Moines, North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill as one of their three executives. If you or someone you know may be interested in such a position or interested in learning more, please connect them with the search website: https://engagingleaders.org/iowa-tri-presbytery-leadership-team/ 
Letters of interest are being received until May 22.
University Christian Ministries (UCM) seeks   COOK FOR 2020
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES

2020 Presbytery Gathering Posters and Bulletin Inserts are available for download and distribution!

  • SATURDAY, May 16, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Carroll University, Waukesha - POSTPONED
  • TUESDAY, September 29, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - Apostle Presbyterian Church, West Allis
  • THURSDAY, November 12, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - Covenant Presbyterian Church, Racine 

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