FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
 HANDS
I've been thinking a lot about hands, especially the hands that I long to hold.  Because of the pandemic, hands are for one primary action:  washing.  We sing Happy Birthday or say the Lord's Prayer to help us know when we've thoroughly washed our hands.  If they're not raw and cracked, we're not doing our job.
With this focus on cleanliness, our hands have been forced to give up human touch.  We don't pass the peace in person; we don't shake hands with neighbors we meet when we're out and about...because we're not supposed to be out and about...and even if we are, we cross the sidewalk to avoid our neighbors.  We keep our hands clean and away from our faces to slow the spread of the virus. 
One of our church members shared with me how much she ... ( READ MORE )
PRESBYTERY PULSE
SCAM ALERT!
Just so you know, Rachel Yates, your Presbytery Executive, will never ask you to go out - particularly during a pandemic - to buy gift cards for cancer patients. She doesn't go by "Rev. Rachel Yates," and she rarely writes, "Have a blessed day!" Hackers and scammers are at work, especially in these times of need. When in doubt, double check the email addresses (the Presbytery does not use gmail), call us, or email a safe, known address to confirm whether we sent the email.  Never click on any links embedded in emails unless you are confident they come from trusted sources.  Stay safe, and have a blessed day!
MAY PRESBYTERY GATHERING POSTPONED
Given the current conditions and climate we find ourselves in, and the recommendations regarding gatherings of groups, the Presbytery Planning Commission has decided to postpone the May Presbytery Gathering. The Gathering will be rescheduled on a day to be determined later. Please continue to take care of yourselves and stay healthy.
LIVING STONES: A WORSHIP SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2020
This worship service is Week One of a six week series in which the readings link us to the same 
emotions and questions that the early church had in the time after Jesus' resurrection. The foundational text for the series is I Peter 2: 4-6:  "See, I am laying in Zion a stone,  a cornerstone chosen and precious;  and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." Based on the theme of Become Living Stones and the journey that it entails for each of us, this worship series also includes a symbolic ritual using a stone/stones, providing a tangible reminder that we are called to be the church in the world and to be living stones built into a spiritual house.
FREE DIGITAL & PRINT WORSHIP PACKAGE FOR APRIL 19-MAY 24
Much has changed since Rev. Beth Patton, Rev. Nicole Farley, and Ruling Elder Rachel Yates began designing a creative worship package for the Easter season (April 19 through May 24). We recognize how challenging these recent weeks have been in providing worship (and care) for communities.

In hopes you might find it helpful as your church leadership tries to catch their collective breath after Easter, we are offering, at no cost, to anyone who wishes to use some or all of the included resources, the following worship package:
  •  six digital worship services, including embedded links to hymns
  •  six weekly bulletins for congregations (editable in Word) six full liturgy scripts, except sermon,
  • for worship leaders (editable in Word)
  • a brief guide on the resources
The series moves through confronting our fears, the things that cause us to trip in our walk with Jesus, and our longing to stay safely away from the world, to a recognition that God is not contained inside walls, but instead God's house is much larger than just us. We are called to be the church in the world and to be living stones built into a spiritual house. We hope you will find the Spirit's moving in these themes that spoke to us long before our worship moved out of our sanctuaries.

STEPPING STONES: SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR TODAY
In the recent Carroll University Alumni Newsletter, the Rev. Elizabeth McCord offered several spiritual practices that draw upon the movements of Christian worship.  Rev. McCord offers practices for the morning, for the day, and for the evening; any or all of which can help one re-center and find calm in a crisis or chaotic situation.  You can read more about the spiritual disciplines Rev. McCord suggests in @Carrollu, the Alumni Newsletter.
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! 
NEW EDITION OF GRAPEVINE AVAILABLE
The April 2020 edition of the Grapevine, the newsletter for Presbyterian Women of the Milwaukee Presbytery, is now available.  As always, the most current edition of the Grapevine will be available in the "Hot Links" section of Fresh Impressions.
DAILY PRAYER OFFERING
We have enjoyed sharing the daily prayers that have been submitted for our  Presbytery COVID-19/Coronavirus Resource Page.  These prayers have not only found people who have visited the resource page, but who also follow the Presbytery on Facebook page.  We offer great thanks to individuals who have provided prayers and extend an invitation to anyone who would like to submit a prayer to be published.  If you would like your prayer included in our daily website and Facebook prayer offering, please send your prayer with name and church or location to Chris Halverson.  
ANYTHING BUT COVID-19 NEWS
AVALON SQUARE SPREADS MESSAGE OF HOPE
Avalon Square, a Presbyterian Homes of Wisconsin independent living residence in Waukesha, is spreading a message of hope to all who pass by the facility.  Residents have created window art that allowed them to flex creative muscles while creating inspiring, colorful messages for passerbyers to enjoy.
THE QUEEN OF GREEN SCREEN
Earlier this month the Queen of England made a rare televised speech wearing a dress in a lovely shade of turquoise green.  With everything from school to church to business meetings happening online, green screens across the world are getting a work out -- the Queen's lovely green frock was not lost on digital geniuses who are truly shining during this time.  Checkout Queen Elisabeth's digitally updated wardrobe here.
INVITE A LLAMA OR GOAT TO YOUR NEXT ZOOM MEETING
For under $100 Sweet Farm, an animal sanctuary in Silicon Valley, is offering to have llamas, goats, and other farm animals tune into video calls.  In addition to having a new, awesome coworker join your call, Sweet Farm is able to recoup some of the revenue it has lost over the past month.  Sweet Farm is a non-profit sanctuary that addresses the global impact of factory farming across animals, the plants, and the planet.  Learn more about Sweet Farm and book a new face for your next meeting here.
A WISCONSIN GUIDE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING
Let's face it, 6 feet isn't the easiest distance to judge.  We're used to interpersonal relationships that draw us closer together.  Sidewalks, paths, and trails were not designed to be 6+ feet wide, so even if you are on opposite edges of a sidewalk, chances are you are not 6 feet away from the person you are passing.  Chelsey Lewis from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel put together this handy (and humorous) guide to maintaining your social distance.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
COVID-19 LEGISLATION GUIDE FOR PC(USA) 
Mike Kirk and colleagues from other agencies, Jean Hemphill and Angela Curry, have provided a table of information on the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
 
It covers what they believe are all parts of the two new Acts that Presbyterians might be interested in and puts it in an easy-to-read format.
PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE OFFERS BUILDING RESILIENCE WEBINARS 
These one- hour programs for both faith leaders and general audience are designed to increase participants' understanding of their own signs of stress and to teach in-the-moment tools to engage the relaxation response in body and mind. These webinars are designed for faith leaders and anyone responding to the COVID-19 situation and will engage participants in responding to questions and prompts to help create a personalized self- care and resilience-building plan. Those attending will build on their experience while practicing new tools that have been shown to be effective in sustaining our capacity to serve in the midst of challenging circumstances. These webinars have been pre-recorded and are available to view at your convenience. Visit https://pda.pcusa.org/page/esc-webinar/ for more information.
INVITATIONS
JOIN CARROLL UNIVERSITY'S DIGITAL COMMENCEMENT
Dr. Barbara Horner-Ibler, Presbytery of Milwaukee Minister Member and a 1980 Carroll graduate, will be the keynote speaker for the Carroll University virtual Commencement on Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m.
 
Dr. Horner-Ibler is a well-known physician and one of the founders of Bread of Healing Clinic, which provides free, high-quality medical, dental and behavioral health care to approximately 2,000 low-income patients a year. Started in 2000, it now has three locations in Milwaukee. 
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FOR CHURCH STAFF
Jean Dow has graciously offered to provide Spiritual Direction at no cost during this difficult time for clergy and church staff.  If you are interested in speaking with Jean, please contact her via email: jeandow@immanuelwi.org
A note about spiritual direction from Jean Dow
 Some of you may be asking, what IS Spiritual Direction?

 Spiritual Direction is a ministry of accompaniment and listening, in which one person - a trained "director" (or companion) - meets with another person to explore their spiritual life and journey.  This might include listening together for the movement of the Spirit, exploring various forms of prayer or other spiritual practices, or discerning God's call at a particular time of life. These conversations generally take place once a month for about an hour.  

This is a time when it is important to have companions for the journey.  If you have any questions, I would be happy to talk with you.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE TASK FORCE
SELF-CARE TOOLS
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".  Each week, for the next few weeks, a simple exercise will be highlighted.  When practiced regularly, you may find one or more that is helpful for you. 
 
4-7-8 Breathing
This tool was recently highlighted by PDA's Emotional & Spiritual Care coordinator.  It is suggested to practice at least...( 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
  • 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