FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
CONNECTED
I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Although we give thanks on a regular basis throughout the year, this holiday can be a nice pause in our busyness.  It offers an opportunity for everyone to be thankful at the same time - imagine the power in that!

And, there's the food.  If you're like me, one traditional, signature dish will make or break the Thanksgiving meal.  For some, it might be the turkey and whether it is perfectly moist or seasoned.  Others will remember Grandma Jo's stuffing or Uncle Bob's green bean casserole.  In my family the dis that drew our attention and excitement was... ( READ MORE ) .
PRESBYTERY PULSE
NOVEMBER 21ST PRESBYTERY GATHERING RECAP
Thank you Jerusalem Presbyterian Church for hosting the November 21st Presbytery Gathering.  We had an excellent time learning about and discussing restorative justice with Hon. Janine Geske and being in communion with one another.
NOVEMBER 21 PRESBYTERY GATHERING SURVEY
If you attended the November 21st Presbytery Gathering at Jerusalem Presbyterian Church and would like to complete a survey, please click here.  Your feedback helps us as we plan future events.
PRESBYTERY HIGHLIGHTS
Weren't able to make it to the last Presbytery Gathering, but interested in the good work happening in the Presbytery?  Checkout the Presbytery Highlights, a one-page synopsis of the November 21, 2019 Presbytery Gathering.
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
The 2019 Annual Report for the Presbytery of Milwaukee is now available online.  You can view this interactive document here and watch videos and follow links embedded in the document for more information about the work that has happened in your Presbytery this year.  
Creating this document allows us to stop and reflect on all our Presbytery has accomplished.  We are grateful for the opportune pause.
CONGRATULATIONS CARL RATHMANN
Carl Rathmann, Ruling Elder at Linn Presbyterian Church, has been elected to serve on the board of the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology, and the Christian Faith ( PASTCF).  Congratulations Carl!
ROOM AT THE TABLE
The Presbytery has purchased a table for the December 5 Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony for the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee.  If you would like to join us as we celebrate the 
work of this ministry partner, please let Chris Halverson know as soon as possible.  Seats will be given out on a first come - first served basis.  T he event begins with registration at 11:00 am and lunch at noon, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee.  The program features keynote speakers Pardeep Singh Kaleka & Arno Michaelis IV and their powerful story of a friendship between two men - one Sikh and one skinhead - that resulted in an outpouring of love. Following the Sikh Temple tragedy, they co-founded the Serve 2 Unite mission. In defiance of one of the deadliest hate crimes committed in a place of worship, Arno and Pardeep force us to reexamine our own personal relationship to healing the wounds of the past and moving beyond coexistence. Pardeep is expanding that work as the Interfaith Conference's new executive director. Retired Executive Director Tom Heinen will moderate their conversation.
CEMETERY PLOTS
If a church member dies and it is hardship for their family to afford a gravesite, the Presbytery of Milwaukee owns three plots at Wisconsin Memorial Park.  Please contact Chris Halverson at the presbytery office if there is a need.
CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY WEEK RECAP
Congregational Vitality Week saw signs of vitality (energy and excitement around worship, community engagement, discipleship, and more) as members throughout our presbytery (and one from Winnebago!) participated in the week's events.  And this week, we announce the winners of the Vitality Scavenger Hunt at the Presbytery Gathering.  If you haven't already signed up to attend, please register online.  Also, it's not too late to benefit from one of the vitality offerings.  Dr. Marcia McFee has extended a discount to all churches in our presbytery for the resource Worship Design Studio.  The year's subscription includes ideas and plans for engaging and interactive worship services, seasonal worship planning, and complete liturgies with ideas for music and more for both RCL and Narrative Lectionary.  All for $249 (churches who attended the seminar receive an additional $100 off).  To receive the discount code please contact Ann Gibbs.  You can also visit http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com/landingpage.cfm to learn more about Worship Design Studio.  You have until December 20th to receive the discount.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
ADVENT LECTIONARY REFLECTIONS
Mission workers were asked to reflect on New Testament readings as they relate to their ministries and those of the global partners with whom they serve.  Here you will find stories that illustrate the special days of the Advent season.
WILL NEW OVERTIME RULES AFFECT YOUR STAFF?
On January 1, 2020, new rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act will affect which employees are entitled to overtime pay.  Acting General Counsel Mike Kirk has explained how this change may affect mid councils and congregations.  Bottom line:  "All employers should immediately evaluate those changes with their local legal counsel and determine if the changes will impact their staff and their council."
RESOURCES FOR #GIVINGTUESDAY 
Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving that follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is coming up next Tuesday.  It serves as an invitation to shift our focus to the central reason for Christmas: the birth of Christ and God's love for the world.
The Presbyterian Foundation has compiled resources for churches to use in planning and implementing a successful Giving Tuesday. 
#GIVINGTUESDAY 
The Presbyterian Church (USA) is inviting everyone to participate in the PC(USA) #Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2019.  A global giving movement, Giving Tuesday is a wonderful way to begin the Advent Season and celebrate the coming of Christ by moving our focus from materialism to a deeper commitment to making a difference for God's family.  This year, the emphases of the PC(USA) will be Shared Mission (directing your gift to where it's needed most), Special Offerings, and General Support of the Office of General Assembly.  A gift on Giving Tuesday will make a difference in our efforts to be a church of action, so please give generously.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Encourage your congregation to consider supporting the PC(USA)'s special offerings by purchasing Christmas cards here.  Sets are available as twenty of one card design, or five of each of the four card designs; if you click on a card and the to page 2, you can see the inside wording.
REGARDING RULING ELDERS: 
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS
Jihyun Oh has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.
GA NOMINATING COMMITTEE SEEKING CANDIDATES
The General Assembly Nominating Committee will bring to the 224th General Assembly nominations for nearly 30 entities -- boards, committees, and commission.  The Committee's process of discernment and nomination is dependent upon a diverse and deep pool of people who are willing to share their gifts, talents, expertise, and time in service to the larger church.  Please consider whether God may be calling you to service on a General Assembly level entity.  Find more information thorough the nominations portalApplications will be accepted through December 6, 2019.
INVITATIONS
ADVENT WORSHIPFUL SUNG MEDITATION CIRCLE
O Come... Away To The Manger!
Friday, December 6th, 6:30-8:00 p.m. join the Tippe Faithing Community's Meditative Song Circle.
Join in leaning into simple sung prayers by candlelight.  Surrounded by Holy Hush, we open to the Divine.  A time of support for you as you heal your way toward a new Christmas!
For singers and non-singers alike!  Open to all persons!  Afterwards, linger longer to enjoy hot wassail and cookies and share our stories!  An open heart offering of $5 is appreciated.
Tippe Faithing Community, 125 W. Saveland Avenue, Milwaukee
NEW EDITION OF GRAPEVINE NOW AVAILABLE
The November 2019 edition of the  Grapevine, the quarterly newsletter for Presbyterian Women of the Milwaukee Presbytery, is now available.  The most current edition of the  Grapevine will always be available in the "Hot Links" section of Fresh Impressions.

THE SOWER
Please find the latest edition of The Sower, the newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, here.  A link to The Sower will also be available in the "Hot Links" section of Fresh Impressions.
THE CRIES OF KASHMIR
An Info-Session on the Kashmiri Lockdown
Masjid Al-Quran will host an information session on the lockdown in Kashmir on Tuesday, December 3rd, at 7:00 p.m.  The Cries of Kashmir is sponsored by Masjid Al-Quran and Hafiz Shafique, partners in our Milwaukee Police-District Four-Faith Based Community.  This event is free and open to the public.
Masjid Al- Quran, 11723 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee
CENSUS 2020 TRAINING
The City of Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee Complete Count Committee will be holding Census Training Sessions about things you can to do help support the 2020 census in Milwaukee.  Stop by one of the three upcoming training workshops (December 10 and 12 and January 9) to learn more about how to spread the word about the 2020 census and help Milwaukee achieve a complete count.
#TogetherWeCount
Greater Milwaukee Foundation, 101 W. Pleasant Street, Suite 210, Milwaukee
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 - Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Good Shepherd Trinity Church in Milwaukee seeks PART TIME DESIGNATED PASTOR
Good Shepherd Trinity is a combined ELCA/PCUSA congregation.  Please 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, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, Wales
  • TUESDAY, February 4, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church, Janesville
  • 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