Today is a special day for Presbyterian Women -- it is the anniversary date of the reorganization of Presbyterian Women.  In honor of this special day, PW has designated today as "PW Gives" Day, a day to specifically reflect on all that PW provides and all that it supports, a day to pray for PW, and a day to prayerfully consider making a donation to an organization that does so much across the U.S. and around the world for women, children, and families...and that you support with your time and talents!

"PW Gives" Day is a day to celebrate and support all that Presbyterian Women make possible.  July 31 was selected  to commemorate the July 1988 formation of today's Presbyterian Women, from the 

merger of its two predecessor organizations.  Thirty-one years  (and innumerable ministries  supported) later, Presbyterian Women continues to address the world's needs and build loving community.  

Give now to Presbyterian Women

The PCUSA Parent Loan program was designed to serve PC(USA) members seeking assistance with the expenses of dependents attending college in the United States.  To be eligible, a parent must be an active member of a PC(USA) church, a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident and the full-time parent or guardian of a dependent who is enrolled at least half-time and making satisfactory academic progress at an accredited US college or university; s/he must demonstrate educational cost in excess of awarded monies and give satisfactory evidence of financial reliability.  Loans are for $10,000/year up to a $75,000 lifetime cap; there is a 6 percent interest rate with repayment 60 days after final loan disbursement.  The application deadline is September 1.

The Office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is launching a new online training resource that planners hope will take ministry and leadership preparation to the next level.  Equip.pcusa.org  is officially open now, offering resources for ruling elders, upcoming ministers, and mid-council leaders.  It is part of a long-range plan set in motion by the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA).

You can read more about the launch of E-quip here.

Please join First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha for Songs We Love to Sing!!, a Benefit Concert for the Caring Place, Waukesha County's oldest non-profit adult daycare -- and a mission of the church.  FPC, Waukesha will present a musical recital on Sunday August 4th at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Suggested minimum donation: $5.  All proceeds will go to help The Caring Place.

First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha, 810 N East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186

Sunday, August 11, 2019, all are invited to attend First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa's Sweet Sweet Music Festival and Craft Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Join Ottawa Church for fantastic music, food, and fun for all ages.  A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with family and friends!  

This event is free and open to everyone.

First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa, S37 W35415 Highway D, Dousman, WI 53118

The Welsh North American Association (WNAA) is hosting its annual Festival of Wales in Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend.  A comprehensive schedule of events will culminate in Welsh music and singing at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening.  For more information and ticket options, please visit the WNAA webpage.  You can also find more information about the 88th National Gymanfa Ganu here.

Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N Astor Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

After a critically acclaimed run in Los Angeles, RAG HEAD makes its Milwaukee debut at the Broadway Theatre Center on August 3^rd & 4^th to benefit the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and to honor the seven-year remembrance of the victims and families affected by Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooting. The show explores Sikhs and xenophobia in a post 9/11 America. Inspired by actual events, Sundeep Morrison's one woman show, RAG HEAD, addresses hate, hope and American identity.

Read the full press release for Rag Head's Milwaukee debut and/or  purchase tickets now

The International Staff Band, the Salvation Army's finest instrumental ensemble, is comprised of brass and percussion players from the London, England area.  The band performs a wide variety of music from marches to movie scores and arrangements of simple hymn tunes of the church to scintillating concert items written especially for the band.

While the band has performed for Queen Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace numerous times, they are frequent performers to the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London and have toured the capital of the world, this is the bands first ever visit to Milwaukee!

This is a free event, however a ticket is required for admission.  To reserve your tickets call the Marcus Center Box Office at 414-273-7206.

Are you a Christian pastor in the greater Milwaukee area seeking to improve your spiritual and professional well-being?  Marquette's Companion in Ministry is an ecumenical support program designed for you!  Over four two-year cohorts, the program will engage pastors from diverse denominations in prayer, retreats, spiritual companionship and group discussions.  180 pastors who serve in congregations will build supportive peer relationships and accompany each other in ministry.  Companions in Ministry is taking applications for Cohort One in September of 2019 and Cohort Two in February of 2020.  Expenses are fully funded, thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., and pastors receive a stipend upon completing the program.

Participants are asked to apply by August 1, 2019 at marquette.edu/companions-ministry/

Mil waukee Presbytery's own, Rev. Nicole Melara, has recently accepted a call through Presbyterian World Mission to serve as a Mission Co-Worker in Moscow, Russia.  She will be serving with the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy as both Pastor and Director of Social Ministry.  This ministry of presence and service seeks to walk with God's people, especially those who find themselves vulnerable, either as victims of trafficking, migrancy, or neglect in this international setting.  Before she leaves, Pastor Nicole is available for speaking engagements, education opportunities, and pulpit supply with all proceeds going to support the sending costs of her new mission call.  To arrange a visit, please email nicole.melara@pcusa.org .  Independent gifts of support can be shared at http://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/E200542/# .  Prayers of love, joy, hope, and support are always appreciated!

The Milwaukee Presbytery Disaster Preparedness and Response Task Force (DPRTF) has been preparing a series articles regarding important resources that congregations can use to better prepare and respond to a variety of emergency situations. Listed below are two references on natural disaster preparedness which will educate, inform and advise congregational leadership on preparing for unexpected natural disasters. Future planned monthly references include Medical Emergencies in August and Usher/Greeter Training in September.

General Information on Preparing for Natural Disasters and Power Outages