FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
SEASON OF TRANSITIONS
June has been a month for transitions. Students are graduating, babies are being born, and people are marrying. As happens every June, Ann Gibbs and I celebrate birthdays - thank you, Maureen Wise (Forest Park Presbyterian) for the delicious cupcakes!

The Presbytery celebrated two other big transitions this month. On June 9, Jean Dow retired from ministry at Immanuel Presbyterian Church after 17 years, and the following Sunday, Kevin Tarvid retired after 27 years of ministry, including 20 years at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church. I was blessed to listen to the expressions of love and admiration for these two pastors from their congregations. Tissue boxes were kept at the ready for those moments of tears, but laughter rippled through the pews just as often, as their ministries were remembered and celebrated. Kev and Jean served their churches and their communities well and will be missed.

On Sunday, I was struck by ... ( READ MORE ) .
PRESBYTERY PULSE
PRESBYTERY STAFF ON THE ROAD
To make ourselves more accessible, your Presbytery staff (Chris, Ann & Rachel) have scheduled some remote office days.  Next Tuesday, June 25th, your staff will be at Wilson's Coffee & Tea, 3306 Washington Avenue, Racine, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Stop by for some conversation and a beverage or snack - our treat!  We hope to see you!
FROM THE HOLOCAUST TO CIVIL RIGHTS
In keeping  with our theme of reconciliation, the Presbytery of Milwaukee invites you to First Presbyterian Church, Kenosha to hear three of Alice Simon's granddaughters (including our own Presbytery Office Manager and Associate State Clerk, Chris Halverson) present the story of their pilgrimage to Germany and France to retrace their grandmothers recently discovered, tragic and shocking murder during the Holocaust.

Wednesday, June 26th at 6:30 p.m.  Please RSVP if possible: 262-652-6838 or k1stpres@yahoo.com

Share this information with your congregation and community --  download flyers  and  bulletin inserts
MONTHLY PRAYER MEETING TOMORROW, JUNE 20TH
Join the staff at the Presbytery Office for the monthly prayer meeting held every 3rd  Thursday of the month from 1:00-1:30 p.m.  Can't make it to the Presbytery Office?  We  invite you to join us by "Praying in Place" at that same time.
PLANNING CALENDARS
The Presbytery office is now taking orders for the 2019-20 planning calendars.  The updated calendars begin with the month of September instead of June.  We order in bulk, making the calendars a considerably cheaper price.  Place your order before August 2nd to be included in this price break.
SUMMER READING LIST
Looking for a way to continue the conversation about anti-racism started with Dr. DiAngelo at the last Presbyterian Gathering?  Look no further!  The Presbytery Office has copies of Dr. Betina Love's book We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom for $14.00 -- that's 43% off the list price!  Dr. Love is the presenter at our September Presbytery Gathering and her book offers insight into our educational system through personal reflection, cultural criticism, and relevant theory.  

Contact the Presbytery Office to get your copy today!
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
REGARDING RULING ELDERS: 
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS
 
Laurie Griffith has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.

NEW CURRICULUM AIDS IN NURTURING CHILDREN'S HELPFUL INSTINCTS
When children hear about people in need, they want to do something.  The new Jerry Can curriculum from the PC(USA) engages young worshippers in understanding the needs of others, especially in times of disaster, and showing what they can do to help.

Created by Christian educators, this curriculum centers on Jerry Can, a fun, energetic character that connects our response to disaster with one common denominator: the need for access to clean water.  The Jerry Can curriculum can be presented in a single lesson or across five sessions.

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING STOLE
This article was recommended to us by the Rev. Beth Patton, Associate Pastor at North Shore Presbyterian Church, as an important piece for PNCs, APNCs, COMs, Heads of Staff, Session members, Personnel Committees, among others, to read about being female clergy.

CREDO attendees feel connected, empowered by a shared stole
"We're all looking for bread for the journey," said the Rev. Keatan King, associate pastor at St. Philips Presbyterian Church in Huston.  "CREDO gives you that."

King was among 16 women at the CREDO conference for recently ordained pastors in Canton, NC, September 11-17, 2018.

The conferences "are intended to be relational, and this conference certainly was," said the Rev. Dr. Jose Irizarry, Vice President of Education for the Board of Pensions, CREDO's sponsor.

Presbyterian CREDO conferences are know throughout the Church for...( READ MORE).
2018 PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGRAM IMPACT REPORT 
The Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) works to alleviate hunger and eliminate root causes.
The PHP addresses hunger by working for:
-More and better food
-Solidarity
-A more livable environment

INVITATIONS
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MATERIALS OFFER
Vernon Presbyterian Church will be holding their Vacation Bible School the week of July 29th through August 2nd.  They are using the Cokesbury curriculum To Mars and Beyond.  The church has purchased the Starter Kit that includes the Digital Kit as well as the robot puppet.  They are also creating a puppet theater for the opening assembly skits and have bought or created other wall decorations.  The church is willing to share their materials with any other church that might be anticipating running their VBS in August.  If your church has any interest in using some of these materials, please contact Linda Thompson.
UNLEARNING RACISM: TOOLS FOR ACTION© FALL 2019
Eliminating racism is an ongoing process that involves a willingness to learn about, and begin, undoing, the adverse impact of racism on individuals, organizations, and communities.  The YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin will be offering a six-week  series entitled Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action that will utilize facilitated dialogue, activities, documentaries, and listening pairs to move us all forward in addressing racism where and when we can.  Topics include the roots of racism, institutional racism, your role in addressing racism, and taking action.

Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action is offered at both the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin in Milwaukee and the Sienna Center in Racine.  This series fills up fast; registration opens July 3rd.

UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE CLP/CRE FALL COURSE REGISTRATION
The overall goal of the Christian Leadership Program at UDTS is to strengthen the church through quality theological education for lay persons.  While the courses offered are particularly designed for lay pastor candidates, they will serve the needs of all lay persons who are contributing their gifts to the ministry of their local church.  Church officers, Christian education leaders and teachers, and persons who wish to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith will discover a rich opportunity through this program.  

CLP/CRE courses are offered online with no residential component.  Registration for Fall 2019 is now open.  Nine courses will be offered this fall.  Information, including course descriptions, can be found by following the Registration link.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
GHANA PARTNERSHIP INFORMATION AND UPDATE
Rev. Samuel Odjelua and Rev. Seth Adzokatse will be visiting the Milwaukee Presbytery June 20-25, 2019, on their way to attend the Ghana Mission Network meeting in Erie, PA.  We are planning opportunities for them to experience church life in our presbytery, see what our mission ministries are doing locally, nationally and internationally, as well as share stories from congregations within their Presbytery.

We have activities planned for their time within our Presbytery ( please find the schedule for our Ghana visitors here), and they are also preaching at Calvary and Grace (Beaver Dam).  If your church is having an activity you would like our guests to attend, or if you would like to plan a meal, let Judy or Kathy know.  We would welcome any and all of you to join us.


Thank you for your willingness to help us make this partnership truly a Presbytery wide effort.  Should you need any more information, contact Judy Jaggard, phone 608-752-5760, or   Katherine Dummer , phone 414-232-8419.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY IS JUNE 20TH
World refugee day is a time for remembrance, prayer, celebration, and commitment.

Currently, there are nearly 68.5 million people around the world who have been forced from their homes.  These vulnerable children of God have fled due to war, natural catastrophe, persecution or fear of persecution.  On this World Refugee Day, the church lifts up the needs of those who are displaced, even as it celebrates the former refugees who have become part of our communities and our churches.

Learn more about World Refugee Day and find a myriad of resources to support your work this day.
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
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee seeks  DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRY
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
  • WEDNESDAY, September 25 - Good Shepherd Trinity Church
  • THURSDAY, November 21 - Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, Wales

Share this information with your congregation -- bulletin inserts & bulletin board flyers available!